Belasco De Baquedano Llama Series from Argentina- these two wines could be the very definition of ‘over-deliver’

Belasco De Baquedano Llama Cabernet Franc 2021

This is 100% Cabernet Franc made from 35-Year-old vines and aged for 6 months in French Oak Barrels. The Consulting Winemaker is none other than Michael Rolland, who is a Bordeaux-based oenologist, with hundreds of clients spread over 13 countries as well as several wineries he owns or co-owns. If you do not know him and want to read more about him, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michel_Rolland

The nose is a potpourri of black and blue fruits with a hint of vanilla and an earthy note.

The palate is soft and approachable with fine grain tannins and impressive balance of acidity and fruit. Bold but with some nice restraint showcasing layers of blackberries, blueberries, and black current, with a nice mix of plums, cherries, dark chocolate, and vanilla underpinning this wine.

I allowed a much needed decant for a few hours but it is still young and will show improvements over the next 6 – 8 years- out to 2030 with confidence.

Do not pack your grill away just yet, pairing should include any red meat from the grill, but light enough to handle Pork or Chicken dished with herbs. Lebanese vegetarian dished would also work well. 

Belasco De Baquedano Llama Malbec 2021

This is sourced from 110-year-old vines grown at an altitude of 3,456 ft in Medoza, Argentina, and spends 6 months in French Oak and a further 6 months aging in the bottle before release. The age of the vines and the attention to detail becomes obvious after the first sip. Wonderful depth and complexity for such a reasonably priced wine.

The enticing nose revels notes of ripe red cherries, blackberries, and a hint of dark chocolate.

This is a great example of an old vine Malbec without the bell pepper. Great structure and balance with a pleasant soft, inviting mouthfeel that greets you before delving into layers of blackberries, cherries, red plums with softer layers of blueberries, vanilla, and dark chocolate.

Cellar this out to 2030 without a problem

This is a great example of an old vine Malbec without the bell pepper. Great structure and balance with a pleasant soft, inviting mouthfeel that greets you before delving into layers of blackberries, cherries, red plums with softer layers of blueberries, vanilla, and dark chocolate.

Cellar this out to 2030 without a problem

Food Pairings are like the Cab Franc, anything from the grill would work, especially with black pepper and herbs.

Avennia ‘La Perle’ White Blend 2022. Roussanne & Marsanne blend- Exceptional drinking.

All my favorite Roussanne and Marsanne wines have always be French, all that changed today when I tasted Avennia’s La Perle from Columbia Valley.

This is a blend of 78% Roussanne and 22% Marsanne and is everything you could possibly want from these varietals.

The man behind this exceptional wine is Chris Peterson, former winemaker with DeLille Cellars who, as history has seen, is known for making rich, elegant, and balanced wines.

Enticing aromas of ripe pear, Mayer lemons, Beeswax, and a potpourri of tropical fruits lead by bananas- almost like a tropical breeze. There is a perceived richness on the nose that I am hoping is on the palate.

The palate has the same richness that is underpinned by a subtle note of saline, and mouthwatering acidity that is persuasive, if not downright seductive. Intertwined layers of beeswax, bananas, guava skin, and mangos with subtle hints of pear. There is impressive texture, depth, and complexity with this wine. Wonderful length that gives you enough time to pour yourself another glass.

I am thinking this will cellar out another 6 – 8 years but I would not be at all surprised if it goes 10 plus years with improvements.

Re pairings, treat it like a Chardonnay: shellfish, seafood, and chicken dishes.

OK, that is the good news, the ‘bad’ news is, they only made 153 cases in total and most go to cellar door and club sales, and only a handful of cases made it into Indiana.

Scored 95 Pt from Owen Bargreen.

Domaine Bousquet Winery- Part 2

The Winery was established in 1997 by Jean Bousquet in barren, almost desert-like conditions in Tupungato, Uco Valley (Mendoza). An area written off by locals- an area without water, electricity, or roads and only 6 inches of rainfall per annum. Today, this picturesque winery covers 240 acres and sits at an altitude of 4,000 feet above sea level with the Andes mountains as a stunning backdrop.

The Winery is certified Organic, Biodynamic, Ecocert, and Vegan with a total sustainability commitment, and produces 35% of all organic wines exported from Argentina.

They are also the #1 Organic and Regenerative Winery in Argentina.

The Reserve wines are the next tier range of wines sourced from estate-grown grapes, with low yields and greater depth and complexity. The 4,000-foot elevation ensures the production of elegant wines with an old-world leaning.

Malbec Reserve 2022  

This is a blend of 85% Malbec 5% Merlot 5% Syrah 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and is aged in French Oak for 10 months.

The nose is all red fruits dominated by cherries with just a hint of violets, mushrooms, and spices.

The palate is elegant and restrained (I did decant it for about an hour or so) with fine-grain tannins with a silky-smooth mouthfeel. Cherries, red currants, blueberries, and prunes, with hints of blackberries, tobacco, leather, and spices. Interesting combination of flavors but it does make it appealing and a delight to drink.

This will cellar out till at least 2030, if not 2035 with the correct storage conditions.

Food pairings should include rib-eye steak, Roasted Lamb and Pork, BBQ Chicken, and pretty much any red meat from the grill.

Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2022

This is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon 15% Malbec, and aged in French Oak for 10 months.

Enticing aromas of red fruits dominated by cherries, plums, and strawberries with an interesting mint/eucalyptus going on.

The palate has more depth and complexity with a soft inviting mouthfeel. Loads of

blackberries, black currant, and plums dominate with secondary notes of smoke and red fruits- cherries, red currant, and cranberry. Some fine-grain tannins, impressive balance, and good length on the finish make this a must-try Cabernet.

Like the Malbec, this will cellar out till at least 2030, if not 2035 with the correct storage conditions.

Like the Malbec, pairings should include rib-eye steak, Roasted Lamb and Pork, BBQ Chicken, and pretty much any red meat from the grill.

Domaine Bousquet Winery- the leaders in organic wines in Argentina.

The Winery was established in 1997 by Jean Bousquet on barren, almost desert like conditions in Tupungato, Uco Valley (Mendoza). An area written off by locals- an area without water, electricity, or roads and only 6 inches of rainfall per annum. Today, this picturesque winery covers 240 acres and sits at an altitude of 4,000 feet above sea level with the Andes mountains as a stunning backdrop.

Malbec 2022

Made from 100% organic grapes this medium bodied wine is light on tannins and acidity which drops it into the easy to drink, patio pounder group. It also was voted Best Value from Wine Spectator with a 90 pt rating, and it is unoaked.  

The nose is presided by blackberries, cherries, and plums.

The palate is light and easy to drink with a soft fruit driven mouthfeel. Nice balance and enough appeal to make this a staple at your next BBQ. Intertwined layers of Blackberries, dark plums red cherries, black currants, cocoa powder and just a hint of spices.

This will see improvements over the next 3 – 4 years- out to 2028.

Anything from the grill will pair well with this wine- particularly red meats, meat pasta dishes and Chicken Cacciatore and of course Pepperoni Pizza.

Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Made from 100% organic grapes this is like the Malbec, medium bodied, although a little darker in color and body, and voted Best Value from Wine Spectator, and it is unoaked.  

The nose is fresh and inviting with a potpourri of red and black fruits with fresh ground spices.

The palate is packed with ripe red and black fruits with blackberries, blueberries and raspberries standing out. Nice balance and structure with just a hint of black pepper and spices to round things out.

This will see improvements over the next 3 – 4 years- out to 2028.  

Similar pairings to the Malbec: Anything from the grill will pair well with this wine- particularly red meats, meat pasta dishes and Chicken Cacciatore and of course Pepperoni Pizza.

Two Italian Sparkling’s you will want to invite to your next party.

Altemasi Trentodoc Brut

This is produced from 100% Chardonnay and sourced from the best vineyards on the hilltops around Trento DOC- located between 450 and 600 meters above sea level. This area is known for producing some of the best sparkling outside of Champagne. It is also second in the world, to Champagne, as an established appellation to ensure both quality and distinction in ‘sparkling’ production.

A lovely straw yellow color sparkles from the glass drawing you in.

The nose exudes aromas of apples, and crusty bread entice you to take a sip.

The palate consists of fine bubbles, and a crisp refreshing mouthfeel that is both pleasing and focused. Lovely notes of Brioche and crusty bread give way to apples, pear, and a hint of honey melon and Meyer lemon rind. Depth and complexity you would not expect at this price point. Quality at a budget price point.

Altemasi Trentodoc Rosé

This is produced from a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, again from the best vineyards on the hilltops. The Chardonnay and Pinot work hand in hand blending to create a Rosé that is both totally enjoyable that will not break the bank.

The color sits somewhere between pink and orange with fruity aromas of cherries and strawberries.

The palate, like the brut, consists of fine bubbles, and a crisp refreshing mouthfeel that will make you smile from the first sip. Enticing notes of cherries and strawberries with hints of dark fruits, citrus and yeasty fresh bread displaying impressive balance with a richness you would not expect to find at this price point. Same depth and complexity as the Brut with excellent length on the finish.

A Loire Valley Treasure: the 2022 Sauvignon Blanc.

Roc de l’Abbaye Sauvignon Blanc 2022- An absolute delight to drink.

If anybody has purchased wine from the Loire Valley in the last 2 years, the first thing you will notice is how much they have gone up- this wine runs against that trend.

The grapes are sourced from the Oisly vineyards situated close to the Cher River ensuring a vibrancy in the mouthfeel and the fruit.

Enticing aromas of pears, white peach, and green apple are more than enough for you to take a sip.

The palate is fresh, clean, and mouthwatering with lively acidity and all the minerality you come to expect from Loire Valley Sav Blanc. Pleasing layers of white peach, apple, and nectarine dominate with secondary notes of lime zest, pears, apricot and a vegetal note that lingers on the lengthy finish.

Impressive balance and integration with some restraint and a side serving of elegance. 

This will cellar out 2-3 years but it really is made to be enjoyed young.

Pairings should include Risotto with Asparagus, Salads with spinach, lighter seafoods with herbs, and Lemon Chicken with capers. You might want to consider basil pesto pasta, lemongrass chicken, Vietnamese spring rolls, or Peruvian cilantro chicken soup.

Herbs being the central catalyst, and of course asparagus.

Brancatelli Valle Delle Stelle 2020- great Italian red but needs decanting!

This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon- 89% with just a splash of Cabernet Franc- 11%. from Tuscany that is dominated by cherries with little room for a hint of floral and spices.

The palate is silky smooth (I must point out that I allowed 2-3 hours decanting) with tannins evident but not obtrusive. This is a puppy and will develop and improve over the next 10 years- out to 2035 without a problem.

Delightful layers of dark cherries, dark raspberries, and plums with secondary notes of blackberries, chocolate, and spices to round things out. Nice length on the finish with great balance, elegance, and depth.

Did I mention all the grapes are Estate grown and organic? Maybe, another reason to try this Tuscan offering. It will not disappoint, and neither will the price- around $28.

Pairings should include beef, baked or grilled lamb, game, braised meats, and mature cheeses. Meat pasta and Pepperoni Pizza should not be excluded.

Frankland Estate Isolation Ridge Riesling 2022 – exceptional drinking!

This is unlike any other Riesling you have tasted, certainly different from its cousins in Eden and Clare Valley but just as exciting and seductive. 

This walks a fine line between crisp acidity and a rich plush mouthfeel, but I am getting ahead of myself.

The nose presents immediate appeal with enticing aromas of honeysuckle, lime, and white peach, with just a hint of apple and mandarin. So much going on.

The palate is an elegant buffet with lime, pink grapefruit, apple, and white peach being served with side dishes of guava, herbs, a flintiness, and Parmesan rind. The mouthfeel is creamy with some size and personality- from 9 months on the lees no doubt.

There is an indefinable quality about this wine that makes it both a mystery and desirable.

Great balance and acidity with exceptional depth and complexity will ensure aging potential- 2035, and excellent length that draws you back in for another sip.

Pairings should include seafood, shellfish, chicken, and pork.

If any Oz Riesling is worthy of a 98 Pt rating (from Stuart Pigott- jamessuckling.com) it is this. I am becoming more and more convinced that Frankland River AVA is the place to look for quality Riesling in the future- watch out Clare and Eden Valley, the River is coming for you.

Two Great Italians I got to Hang out with this week.

Angelo Negro Onorata Lange Favorita 2022

This wine is sourced from the Langhe region in Piedmont, known as the Favorita del Roero- we know it as Vermentino.

Vibrant shimmering greenish-yellow hues with aromas of peach, citrus, honeysuckle, and pear issue an invitation to taste.

The palate is tight and focused with crisp mouthwatering acidity wrapped around delicate layers of citrus, peach, pear, and apricot with just a hint of green apple and orange peel.  

I would drink this in the next 2 – 3 years. It is meant to be drunk young and fresh.

Pairings should include seafood, scallops, shellfish, Vegetarian pasta, and pizza.  

Angelo Negro Angelin Lange Nebbiolo 2021

There are so many things I love about Nebbiolo: it is fun, it is versatile with food, and it is really easy to drink. Did I mention an amazing ruby red color in the glass? It kind of reminds me of wine you would drink in any local restaurant in Langhe, late in the afternoon.

The nose exudes delightful aromas of rose petals, raspberries, cherries, and blackberries.

The palate features loads of cherries and raspberries with hints of strawberries, earthy notes, leather, tobacco, and spices. Great balance with tannins evident but not obtrusive.

Cellar out to 2032 without a problem.

Pairings should include beef and lamb but definitely light enough for Chicken Cacciatore, Peking Duck, and Pork Tenderloins or Shanks, especially with a raspberry chipotle puree.   

Clos de Fafall Red Blend- Priorat 2021. A must try wine for early week drinking.

Located on gently rolling hills in the northeast of Spain, not far from the coast, this family-owned winery consists of only 7 hectares of old vines and focuses on estate-grown wines that are worthy of carrying the Priorat name. There is pride and commitment to making the best wines possible here.

The winery is located above old manganese mines, abandoned since the civil war, that they have brought back to life and used to store all their barrels for optimum aging conditions. You get a sense that tradition has been living here for a very long time.

This is a blend of Carignan, Grenache Noir, Syrah, and Cabernet with enticing aromas of plums, black currant, blackberries, and olives.

The first thing you notice is the depth and complexity with great balance and a smooth silky mouthfeel- tannins are evident but kept in check.

The palate rolls out layers of plums, rich fruit cake, raisins, blackberries, and chocolate stand in complete harmony with secondary notes of dark cherries, olives, balsamic, black pepper, and fresh herbs. The rich mouthfeel and long finish only add to its overall appeal.

It is still young, only 5 years old so I would recommend a few hours in a decanter.

Cellar time should extend up to 2035 to get the best from this wine. It is very reasonable in price so I would buy a case and drink a bottle a year until you run out. That will also give you excellent insight into the age-ability of this wine for future vintages. This is a wine to keep an eye on. 

Food pairings should include Beef, Lamb, Game, and Chicken. Upon saying that, eat what is grown and served locally. I can see sitting down to several Tapas dishes with a bottle or two of this and a few friends.