Introductie Graham’s Ne Oublie Port uit 1882 in NL

Introductie Graham’s Ne Oublie Port uit 1882 in NL

‘I have tasted from a small sample in Portugal. It is a very strong Port, but still fresh. An aged Tawny’. Zo wordt een stormachtige donderdag in december toch nog een bijzondere dag. Pedro Ferreira Leite was over uit Portugal om de eerste fles van de ‘Ne Oublie Port’ uit 1882 op Nederlandse bodem te presenteren. ‘Ne Oublie ’is het motto van Graham’s en betekent ‘don’t forget’.. In 1920 kocht Andrew James Symington vier vaten Port uit 1882, het jaar waarin hij een nieuw leven in Portugal was begonnen.

De vier vaten zijn door verdamping verminderd tot drie vaten. Vorig jaar besloot de familie Symington één van de vaten te bottelen, ter nagedachtenis aan de Schotse Andrew en zijn Engels-Portugese vrouw. De andere twee vaten worden toevertrouwd aan de volgende generatie, die zelf mag bepalen wat ermee gedaan wordt, maar dit mag niet eerder dan 2025. De karaf is van kristal uit Engeland, zilver uit Schotland en de Port komt uiteraard uit Portugal. De karaf symboliseert de historie van de familie Symington en brengt zo het vakmanschap uit Portugal, Engeland en Schotland samen. Er zijn 656 individueel genummerde flessen gebotteld. Acht daarvan zijn voor Nederland. Eén daarvan is voor de World of Drinks in de Markthal in Rotterdam, waar Leite vandaag de presentatie deed. De helft van het NL aantal is inmiddels verkocht. Proeven was vandaag niet mogelijk, het alternatief – een 20 en 30 jaar oude Tawny – was ook aantrekkelijk. 

Waar het allemaal begon

Toen hij 18 werd, besloot de Schot Andrew James Symingon zijn geluk in Portugal te zoeken. Hij ging aan de slag in de textieltak van W & J Graham’s, maar hij raakte al snel besmet met het portvirus. In 1905, op 42-jarige leeftijd, werd hij eigenaar van Warre’s Port en in 1912 van Dow’s. In 1970 kochten de kleinzonen van Andrew Graham’s, het bedrijf waar hij zijn carrière was begonnen.

Graham’s Port in Nederland

Graham’s is een prestigieus Portmerk dat wereldwijd de hoogste beoordelingen krijgt en door kenners als de ultieme Port wordt beschouwd. Graham’s Port wordt in Nederland via Verbunt Wijnkopers verkocht aan de horeca en wijnspeciaalzaken, Meer dan 100 van deze winkels zijn aangesloten zijn bij de Wijnkring, wijnkring.nl. Ook is er een webshop voor Graham's Port:www.grahamsshop.nl

Ne Oublie is uitsluitend op inschrijving verkrijgbaar met een consumentenprijs vanaf 5.500 euro.

Voor meer verkoopinformatie kunt u terecht bij Marjolein van Meir - van der Brinkm.van.meir@verbunt.nl 

Bron: http://www.winebusiness.nl/index.php/actualiteiten/970-introductie-ne-oublie-port-uit-1882-in-nl

Piepkuiken, Ottolenghi’s bietensalade en Salentein’s barrel selection pinot noir

Piepkuiken, Ottolenghi’s bietensalade en Salentein’s barrel selected pinot noir

Posted on 19 oktober 2014

Dat was lekker gisteren.
Piepkuiken uit de oven gevuld met citroen, knoflook, rozemarijn en tijm. En een bijzondere salade van Ottolenghi: rode biet, rode ui, radicchiosla (in plaats van roodlof die niet verkrijgbaar was), olijfjes, sinaasappelpartjes, platte peterselie en een simpele dressing van olijfolie en azijn (ik gebruikte voor de verandering vincotto met framboos).

Erbij een mooie Barrel selected pinot noir 2011 van Salentein.
Het Argentijnse wijnbedrijf Bodegas Salentein werd in 1992 opgericht door de Nederlandse zakenman Mijndert Pon (o.a. Volkswagen-importeur).
De wijngaarden voor deze pinot noir liggen aan de voet van het Andesgebergte in het bekende wijngebied Mendoza, in het hart van de Valle de Uco op een hoogte tussen 1050 en 1700 meter. De nachten zijn er koel, de dagen zonnig en warm. Ideaal voor wijnbouw en een mooie aroma-ontwikkeling ban de druiven.
Het markante gebouw is ontworpen in de vorm van een kruis. Dat moet de logistiek ten goede komen. De wijn ligt 8 meter diep te rijpen.
De barrel selected pinot noir rijpt 10 maanden op nieuwe vaten van Frans eikenhout en een jaar op fles. Het resultaat is een mooie volle complexe pinot noir met wat meer zwoelheid dan rode Bourgognes.

Volgend jaar mag ik Salentein zelf bezoeken! Verslag volgt… 

Bron: http://vinissima.wordpress.com/

Rámon Bilbao: 2 X bekroond door IWSC

Wijnmaker en manger-director Rodolfo Bastida van Rámon Bilbao kon bij het galadiner twee keer naar het podium lopen. Eerst ontving Bastida uit handen van Laura Catena de trofee behorende bij de International Wine & Spirit Competition's titel ‘Beste Spaanse producer van het jaar‘. Eerder al, in oktober, was Rámon Bilbao door het IWSC al bekroond met de titel ‘Beste Rioja Wijn’. De trofee die hierbij hoort ontving Bastida bij dezelfde dis.

Persbericht

BEST SPANISH PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Bodegas Ramón Bilbao´s international recognition continues, having achieved the title of “Best Spanish Producer of the Year” and becoming one of the stars of the IWSC annual awards banquet ceremony.

Last October Ramón Bilbao Gran Reserva 2006 was crowned as the “Best Rioja Wine” at this competition, and the Bodega was announced as one of the finalists for the category of “Best Spanish Producer of the year”, competing with Hijos Antonio Barcelo, Codorníu Raventós, Nubori and Bodegas de Familia Burgo Viejo.

At the awards Rodolfo Bastida, Ramón Bilbao Managing Director, was called to the stage twice to collect both awards – Best Rioja and Best Spanish Producer - and in doing so became one of the stars of the evening.

A large international crowd gathered at the Guildhall in London for the IWSC annual awards banquet which was also celebrating its 45th year as the world´s premier wine and spirits competition where only the top producers of the industry participate.
This achievement is just recognition for the team’s hard work and investment at Ramon Bilbao, its history and the full dedication of our partners.

Rodolfo Bastida wants to thank all who believe in the brand and looks forward to celebrating future successes together.
Now it´s time to celebrate and spread the good news.
Cheers!


About IWSC
The International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC), now in its 45th year, is the premier competition of its kind in the world.
The unique combination of detailed technical analysis and specialist judging panels means that gaining an IWSC ‘Competition Award’ is an exceptional achievement. IWSC proclaim wines with the highest mark in their respective category as "Outstanding" those wines are re-tasted for national trophies.
Laura Catena, IWSC President hands the Best Producer of the Year Trophy to Rodolfo Bastida, Managing Director and Winemaker of Ramón Bilbao

Bron: www.winebusiness.nl en facebook @Ramonbilbao_wijn.

In Nederland worden de wijnen van Ramon Bilbao geimpiorteerd door Verbunt Wijnkopers.

Expert's choice: Very Dry Champagne

Pol Roger, Pure, Brut NV

A bone-dry Champagne with not a gram of sugar. Quite different from Pol Roger’s outstanding White Foil. Very fruity primary scents, pure, super-clean yet round. 16pts/20
Price: £37–£40 Slurp, Villeneuve, Waitrose, Wine Direct, WoodWinters
Drink: 2011–2013. 
Alc: 12%
Read more at http://www.decanter.com/wine/labels/33968/slideshow/0/experts-choice-very-dry-champagne#FWpY6FysZ2CsouKz.99

Salentein Single Vineyard Chardonnay

misschien wel de mooiste chardonnay van Latijns Amerika volgens Pieter Nijdam in de Telegraaf van 08-11-2014

De wijnen van Bodega's Salentein worden verkocht via www.wijnkring.nl of www.salenteinshop.nl

CHURCHILL DRANK ‘42,000 BOTTLES’ OF FIZZ

26th September, 2014 by Tom Bruce Gardyne

Britain’s famous wartime leader drank 42,000 bottles of Champagne in his lifetime, according to a new book.

Winston Churchill

Sir Winston Churchill’s fondness for fizz made headline news after it was reported by Mail Online that the British prime minister drank a staggering 42,000 bottles of Champagne.

Along with other “dotty but true” facts, it was taken from 1,411 QI Facts to Knock You Sideways by John Lloyd, John Mitchinson and James Harken, the team behind the British TV show QI, set to be published by Faber on 2 October.

The consumption between 1908 and Churchill’s death in 1965 works out at two bottles a day – some five times the government’s recommended daily limit on alcohol.

Add in the occasional hock for breakfast, the dilute Scotch and water every morning, the dry Martinis, highballs and port in the evening, and it begins to look a little unlikely.

The historian Michael Richards, suggests alcohol was partly a prop like the endless cigars “rarely smoked beyond a third, and usually discarded after being well-chewed.”

Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill

Churchill claimed the four essentials of life were: “Hot baths, cold champagne, new peas and old brandy.” For Pol Roger he was the ultimate brand ambassador, and when he died the champagne house famously put a black border around the labels of its Brut NV. Pol Roger released the first ‘Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill’ in 1984.

Earlier this week Gerard Depardieu claimed he puts away 14 bottles of wine a day, a worthy adversary to Churchill perhaps.

Grahams in @RTL7 Business Class

Afgelopen zondag was Peter van Houtert, Commercial Director van Verbunt Wijnkopers, te gast in het programma Business Class van RTL7. Daarin werden de Graham’s Six Grapes Reserve Port en The Tawny uit het Wijnkring Magazine besproken. Daarnaast werd ook de 20 Year Old Tawny uitgelicht, die speciaal hiervoor ook in de aanbieding is! werd ook de 20 Year Old Tawny uitgelicht, die eveneens in de aanbieding is. Het interview is terug te kijken via onderstaande link:

http://www.business-class.nl/nl/uitzendingen/video/q/onderwerp/wijnkring_/id/939

Ne Oublie

Grahams Port wordt in Nederland geimporteerd door Verbunt Wijnkopers. Een fles Ne Oublie kost  € 5500,- incl BTW. Voor verkrijgbaarheid mail: info@verbunt.nl 

Er zijn slechts enkele flessen beschikbaar voor de Nederlandse markt.

Kendall-Jackson: opulent en voloptueus

Gelezen op: www.winebusiness.nl

Kendall-Jackson: opulent en voloptueus

Kendall-Jackson is een jong Californisch huis dat een razendsnelle carrière heeft doorgemaakt. De Kendall-Jackson chardonnay is naar verluidt de meest gedronken chardonnay in de USA. Het hoeft dan ook niet te verbazen dat de eerste wijn onder het label Kendall-Jackson een Chardonnay uit 1982 was. Dat deze wijn al een jaar erna de Platinum Award van American Wine Competition zou winnen, kwam als een enorme verrassing. Dit succes leidde tot meer expansie en investeringen.

In 1995 werd Kendall-Jackson door het gezaghebbende Wine & Spirits Magazine uitgeroepen tot Winery of the Year. Kendall-Jackson heeft zijn wijngaarden niet voor niets goed uitgezocht. De druiven zijn grotendeels afkomstig uit de koelere kuststreken van Californie zoals Monterey, Santa Barbera en Mendocino, perfecte streken voor de ontwikkeling van frisse aroma’s.

De inmiddels overleden eigenaar Jesse Jackson, verwoordde de ambities als volgt: 'Our family has been making wine for nearly three decades - and we are still completely fascinated with all that it entails. Watching the grapes mature in the vineyard, experiencing the nonstop activity at harvest time, the rich, earthy smell of the barrel room. And, of course, enjoying the fruits of our labor with family and friends after the final blend is layered together for bottling.' Naast hun eigen wijnen van Kendall Jackson Estate worden ook wijnen van een aantal andere Estates en Cellars door Jackson op de markt gebracht, zoals Talon, Hartford, Lokoya en de topserie Verite.

Vintner’s Reserve

Kendall-Jackson produceert wijn met respect voor de natuur. Dit wordt erkend met het Californië duurzaamheid certificaat. De Vintner’s Reserve serie is toonaangevend op de Amerikaanse wijnmarkt maar in Nederland zijn ze gelukkig ook te krijgen. Verbunt Wijnkopers is de trotse importeur. Wat opvalt aan deze lijn is de verfijndheid, waar Amerikaanse cabernets nog weleens overweldigend zijn, is de Vintner’s Reserve 2009 soepel en zijdezacht, echt een cabernet om cabernethaters mee te verrassen. Dat geldt ook voor de pinot noir, die met 13,5% een bescheiden alcoholpercentage heeft met echte pinottonen zoals geslepen tannines in een ingebed rood fruitmandje.

De zinfandel 2011 is opulent en voluptueus, precies zoals hij moet zijn. Voor deze wijn mag je de liefhebber ’s-nachts wakker maken. De Vintner’s Reserve sauvignon blanc is met 5% aangevuld met semillon, muscat canelli en viognier. Een subtiele, zwoele sauvignon. Een klein gedeelte heeft enige maanden houtopvoeding gekregen. Mineralig, crispy, rokerig met een lange afdronk. Een verrassende sauvignon blanc. De vintners reserve chardonnay 2013 is de best gedronken chardonnay in Amerika, rijk en vol van smaak met mooie hazelnoottonen. Niet te vol, zoals te doen gebruikelijk aldaar. Genoeg frisse tonen om zeer,zéér boeiend te zijn.

Voor de actieprijsprijs – van 18 september tot 30 oktober kosten de wijnen tussen de 12 en 17 Euro – haal je een topper in huis.

Charlotte van Zummeren



www.verbunt.nl

www.wijnkring.nl

Bodegas Callia naar Verbunt Wijnkopers

Vanaf 1 oktober 2014 zijn wijnen uit de Callia Alta serie exclusief verkrijgbaar bij PLUS supermarkten. 

Callia, dat onlangs bij importeur Verbunt Wijnkopers is ondergebracht, heeft daarmee een belangrijke stap gezet in de retail markt. Callia is onderdeel van M.P. Wines van de familie Pon.

Peter van Houtert, commercieel directeur Verbunt Wijnkopers: "PLUS supermarkten past goed bij dit Argentijnse wijnhuis met een Nederlandse eigenaar.
Verbunt is dit najaar aanwezig bij wijnproeverijen van PLUS ondernemers. Ook vindt er begin 2015 een consumentenactie plaats. Alle ontwikkelingen van Callia bij PLUS supermarkten kunnen worden gevolgd via Facebook Callia NL en @CalliaNL op Twitter.

 

We waren bovendien op zoek naar kwalitatieve distributie in het supermarktkanaal. Uit een onderzoek door marktonderzoeksbureau Nielsen blijkt dat PLUS voor het tiende jaar op rij de beste wijnafdeling van alle supermarkten in Nederland heeft, dus dat sluit perfect aan. We zijn blij met PLUS als eerste en vooralsnog enige supermarkt die Callia Alta aanbiedt. We zien de verkoop van Callia Alta als een partnership en gaan er vanuit dat Callia bij PLUS supermarkten een groot succes zal worden."

De hogere series van Bodegas Callia zoals de Grand Callia en Callia Magna zullen via de wijnvakhandel, slijterijen en horeac in Nederland worden gedistribueerd. Daarnaast zal Bodegas Callia in 2015 met diverse aantrekkelijke nieuwe wijnen op de markt komen.

Ook in buiten Europa en Argentinië wint Callia diverse awards:

Wilt u meer informatie: info@verbunt.nl.

Yalumba Australia News

“Yalumba is a premium winemaker and our intention is to become increasingly vocal about the highest expressions of our craft through our varied and magnificent fine wine portfolio.” 

Robert Hill Smith

Barossa Eden Collection is now Samuel's Garden 

For the love of wine: new Yalumba campaign is starting

Good to Know

Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2009: panel tasting results

Ogier, Expression de Terroir, Safres 

Rich, spicy forest fruit, jammy strawberry, earth, mineral outcrops and blackcurrant nose. Elegant style with round, soft tannins, generous weight and a long, fruity, rich finish. Quite complex, integrated and delicious. 19pts/20

Ogier, Expression de Terroir, Galets Roulés 

Oak, spice, tarry, jammy strawberry, creamy vanilla oak and earthy complexity on the nose. True Grenache with a floral and calm expression. Really silky and smooth tannins – it has a beautiful structure and balance. Delicious. 17.75pts/20

Ogier, Chorégies du Clos de l’Oratoire des Papes 

Perfumed and vivacious, smoke, burnt toast, rose petal, cherry, berry, orange peel and spice bouquet. Ripe and harmonious structure with black fruit flavours converted pleasingly to a satisfying dénouement. Dangerously drinkable. 16.83pts/20

The Chateauneuf du pape 2009 tasters include: (from left to right) Nick Adams MW runs his consultancy company First Glass Wine Services. Andrea Bricarello is head Sommelier at the Michelin-starred Galvin La Chapelle in London. Margaret Rand is a regular contributor to Decanter and general editor of Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book. Philippe Messy is co-patron of Chabrot Bistrot d’Amis in Knightsbridge, London. Beverley Blanning MW is a regular Decanter taster, author and international competition judge. Annette Scarfe consults for a number of restaurants in London, Hong Kong and Singapore. John Livingstone- Learmonth has published four books on the Rhône; The Wines of the Northern Rhône won the 2006 Louis Roederer International Wine Book of the Year. He is an honorary citizen of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Susan Hulme MW is an international competition judge, and runs education company Vintuition Tom Forrest is an author and resident wine expert at Vinopolis, the wine attraction in London Dirceu Vianna Junior MW is buying director for UK merchant Coe Vintners. he is also a writer, technical consultant and international wine competition judge. Simon Field MW joined Berry Bros & Rudd in 1998. The Rhône is among his favourite areas of buying responsibility  Marcel Orford- Williams joined The Wine Society as a buyer in 1986 and his specialties include the Rhône Also tasting: Stephen Brook is a Decanter contributing editor. He has written about wine for almost 30 years.
Read more at http://www.decanter.com/wine/labels/34003/slideshow/0/ch-teauneuf-du-pape-2009-panel-tasting-results#O3I5BBx1iQw90DJ4.99

Netherlands: Ogier is imported by Verbunt Wijnkopers and sold by www.wijnkring.nl (see website for the nearest shop) 

Yalumba's best white by Decanter

Yalumba

Eden Valley, South Australia

With chief winemaker Louisa Rose (pictured) and director of winemaking Brian Walsh setting the style, Yalumba is arguably the greatest white producer in Australia, with a wide range of varieties at the top level and an unusual level of pioneering exploration. In that area, Yalumba has made Viognier its own, producing about seven each year (including an organic bottling and a stunning Wrattonbully Botrytis Viognier). The flagship wine is Virgilius (the regular Eden Valley Viognier is less worked and almost as good) and other new varieties include Running With Bulls Vermentino. But it’s Riesling that is this family company’s great strength, all grown in the Eden Valley. Pewsey Vale (and its five-year-old reserve release, The Contours) has been extended to an off-dry version, Prima. Heggies and the cellar-aged Heggies Reserve are outstanding in a more austere style, and Mesh is a justly celebrated joint venture with Grosset. Yalumba Chardonnay is less fêted but recent strides have been made with FDW Adelaide Hills (made with Dijon clones), Heggies and Heggies Reserve. Heggies also yields stunning botrytised Noble Riesling.

Yalumba, Virgilius Viognier 2009 

Discreet, subtle aromas, a lick of restrained toasty oak, and spicy fruit which is complex and a far cry from one-dimensional, apricotty Viogniers. A sneaky hint of honey adds complexity. Smooth and very long finishing. Beautiful balance. Could easily take more age.18.5pts/20
Price: £24.99 AC Gallie, Harrods, Majestic, Nidderdale Fine Wine, Planet of the Grapes, Selfridges, Slurp, Taurus Wines, The Wine Society
Drink: 2012–2017
Alc: 13.5%

In the Netherlands @Yalumba is imported by +Verbunt Wijnkopers  and sold +Wijnkring 














Read more at http://www.decanter.com/wine/reports/530406/yalumba#djPk44FYbdhV101w.99

Vintage Champagne latest releases:

Pol Roger 2004 

Decanter average score: 18pts/20 (93/100pts)Individual judges’ scores: Michael Edwards 18 Nancy Gilchrist MW 18.5 Ronan Sayburn MS 17.5 

Round, ripe peach and lemon with some rich autolytic aromas and suggestions of other exciting ingredients including fresh ginger. It has the fullness, balance, poise, focus and length that I would wish to find in a top-drawer Champagne.

Price £55–£59.50


Drink 2016–2024 
Alc 12.5%
Read more at http://www.decanter.com/wine/labels/34407/slideshow/1/vintage-champagne-latest-releases-panel-tasting-results#o1U7tr7c3byyy15m.99


In the Netherlands Pol Roger Champagne is represented by Verbunt Wijnkopers. www.verbunt.nl

Australia's best: Yalumba chief winemaker, Louisa Rose.

Australia's 10 best winemakers

We asked 100 wine experts to decide the country's top 10 wine producers - and found a male domain has been invaded.

In 2003 we dared to ask the question: who are Australia's best winemakers?

Who got the pulse racing, the lips smacking in anticipation of not just a wine but something magical and truly uplifting in a glass?

The results showed a mix of old-school, technological brilliance and new wave, with riesling winemaker extraordinaire John Vickery of Leo Buring fame in first place followed by Petaluma founder Brian Croser and chardonnay master Rick Kinzbrunner of Giaconda.

Number two: Jeffrey Grosset, of Jeffrey Grosset Wines.

Today, we revisit the question.

Who are the best living/working winemakers in Australia? We have asked 100 winemakers, wine buyers and sommeliers across the nation and here are the results.

As you will see, a lot has changed in 11 years.

Number three: Vanya Cullen, of Cullen Wines.

In 2003, there were no women in the top three. There were two in the Top 10 with the highest placing going to Vanya Cullen at number four.

In 2014, three women are now considered among the best winemakers in Australia. Is this a step towards greater recognition in what has been a traditionally male domain? It seems that way.

Eight winemakers (including both ''equal'' fourth-place getters) in the 2014 Top 10 represent small wineries where some of the most idiosyncratic and exciting winemaking developments are taking place in Australia.

Number four: Stephen Pannell, of S.C, Pannell Wines, McLaren Vale.

But it also appears that the role models many winemakers hold dear today are long-time industry stalwarts. Five winemakers in 2014 also appeared in the Top 10 back in 2003.

Gold, Silver and Bronze winners are:

1. LOUISA ROSE Yalumba

Number five: Rick Kinzbrunner of Giaconda Wines, Beechworth.

To her Barossa Valley winery colleagues she is Lou but to her admirers - and she has legions among her colleagues - she is a "rockstar", a "leader" and a "great communicator".

Louisa Rose's correct title is head of winemaking at Yalumba and the Hill-Smith Family Vineyards but in simpler terms, she is the custodian of both Yalumba tradition and innovation at the 165-year-old winery. It's a big task but one she has been groomed for since her first vintage at Yalumba in 1992 straight from her wine studies and her parents' vineyard in the Yarra Valley.

Her gifts as a taster and winemaker have been on display ever since.

Number six: Tim Kirk, of Clonakilla Wines, Canberra.

She is acknowledged as one of the country's top riesling makers, the voice of Eden Valley riesling under Yalumba's Pewsey Vale label. And then there's viognier. It's her baby, the wine she is now most closely associated with, simply because Yalumba dared to believe the Rhone Valley white grape had a future in this country.

"She took on the winemaking challenge with gusto," recalls her mentor, former Yalumba chief winemaker, Brian Walsh. He considers Yalumba is the most influential producer of viognier in the world today due in large part to her work.

The great viognier project turned into an often frustrating search for flavour.

Number 10: Larry Cherubino of Larry Cherubino Wines, WA.

"Of all the grape varieties I deal with, viognier as relatively no flavour until it is ripe," she explains. "You've got to be patient and then one day you'll taste apricots and honeysuckle (in the grapes). Gorgeous!"

Walsh recruited Rose for her "intelligence" and "practicality" but soon found, he says, a person with a profound work ethic and ability to multi-task. She is not only chief winemaker but farmer, senior wine judge and wine industry representative on many boards and councils. As the chair of the board at the Australian Wine Research Institute, co-chair of the South Australian Wine Industry Council and member of the South Australian Agribusiness Council (among other out-of-hours pursuits) she is one of the most influential winemakers in the country.

● Signature wine? Yalumba The Virgilius Eden Valley viognier $50.

● Louisa Rose's top winemakers: Iain Riggs (Brokenwood), Sue Hodder (Wynn's), John Duval (John Duval Wines).

Read more at: http://www.goodfood.com.au/good-food/drink/australias-10-best-winemakers-20140802-3d0ag.html

In the Netherlands Yalumba wines are imported by Verbunt Wijnkopers www.verbunt.nl

Bodegas Salentein in James Suckling Tasting Report 2014

JAMES SUCKLING TASTING REPORT 2014: ARGENTINA'S BREATHTAKING ATTRACTION

James Suckling is an internationally acclaimed wine critic and journalist (he was Senior Editor and European Bureau Chief of Wine Spectator) who posts daily wine ratings, wine reviews, HD wine videos, blogs, wine tasting notes, and comments from around world.

  93 Points - SALENTEIN NUMINA SPIRIT VINEYARD GRAN CORTE 2011

TASTING NOTES

Lots of mineral, licorice and dark berry character aromas follow through to a full body, integrated

tannins and a long, spicy, dried fruit and dried herb character. Beautiful finish. A blend of 61%

malbec, 21% cabernet sauvignon, 8% merlot, 7% petit verdot and 3% cabernet franc. Drink now.

92 Points - SALENTEIN PRIMUS MALBEC 2010

TASTING NOTES

A dense malbec with minerals, dark chocolate and spices on the nose and palate. It is full and tight

with firm tannins and a long finish. Delicious now. Why wait? But it will age beautifully.

 90 Points - SALENTEIN SINGLE VINEYARD MALBEC 2011 - PLOT NO. 21

TASTING NOTES

I love the attractive aromas of crushed berry and plums with hints of flowers. Medium body, fine

tannins and a refined and elegant finish. This is so drinkable now. Refined single vineyard malbec.

ABOUT JAMES SUCKLING RATING SYSTEM:

I rate wines using the 100-point scale. I have used this point system for close to 25 years. I still believe it is the simplest way to rate a wine, with its origins from grade school in the United States. A wine that I rate 90 points or more is outstanding (A), and an outstanding purchase. It is a wine that I want to drink! If I rate a wine 95 points or more (A+), it is a must buy. If I rate it 89 to 85, it's still worth buying. I wouldn't recommend spending your money on a wine rated lower.

Killka by Bodegas Salentein

Today i tasted the Killka wines of Bodegas Salentein.
In the Netherlands sold at Makro (Metro Group)

Tasting notes:

Killka Malbec 2012

Purplish red colour. In the nose, it displays aromas reminiscent of plums and blackberries with a hint of vanilla. In the mouth, it is a fruity wine with very good structure and silky tannins.

Killka Chardonnay 2011

Greenish yellow colour. In the nose, it displays aromas of apples and pears with a hint of vanilla and honey granted by its oak ageing.

In the mouth, it is a mild and fruity wine with very good acidity, highlighting its mineral citric character. It is an ideal wine to match grilled and smoked fish (salmon), white meat, sushi and vegetarian dishes.

Killka Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Bright ruby red colour. In the nose, it displays aromas of red fruits with roast peppers and spices as well as a hint of vanilla granted by its oak ageing.

In the mouth, it is a fruity wine with very good structure and silky tannins. It is an ideal wine to match grilled/BBQ red meat, game, stew and hard cheeses.

Montes Outer Limits Sauvignon blanc news

More Montes News

Wine Advocate #213June 2014 IssueReviewer/taster: Luis Gutierrez

94 points

2011 Montes Alpha M

The 2011 Montes Alpha M is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with some Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. 2011 was a bit cooler than 2010, and the wine might have more edges, and a little higher acidity. I find better balance in this 2011 compared with the 2010, with nerve and acidity, volume and great balance. The nose is still closed, less expressive and benefits from air, but there is a greater sense of harmony and integration, and I think in the long run it will be a better wine. This is a classic. Drink 2015-2027.

93 points

Montes Taita 2007

The 2007 Taita 2007 is the new super-mega wine from Montes. I tasted it once with Aurelio and was impressed by its sheer power. It’s a dark and brooding, concentrated example of a Cabernet-based wine from a special soil on an old glacier which was first produced in 2007. The wine is dense and powerful, with aromas and flavors of aromatic herbs, lactic touches and aromas of blackberries, dark spices and good underlying acidity. It’s full-bodied and intense, and should live a long life in bottle. If you’re into big, concentrated, powerful wines, this one is for you. I wouldn’t touch it for at least a couple of years. Drink 2016-2022.

93 points

2011 Montes Folly

The 2011 Folly Syrah is pure Syrah from the upper slopes of the Montes vineyard in the Apalta Valley. It has a serious, somehow closed, backward nose, and it takes time to show the aromas of ripe plums, olives and raspberries as they are also covered by the notes of the wood, but the palate seems to have the stuffing to balance the wood tannins and improve in bottle. It’s quite full-bodied, with good freshness and focused varietal flavors. Give it some more time; this is a very good Syrah that requires some patience. Drink 2015-2020.

92 points

2010 Montes Alpha M

The 2010 Montes Alpha M is a typical Medoc blend of a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon with 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% of both Merlot and Petit Verdot from their vineyards in Apalta next to the winery in the Colchagua Valley. It is aged in the best French oak barrels in a magnificent cellar with Gregorian chants continuously playing through the PA system. It’s a serious, meaty Bordeaux blend with a Mediterranean accent, aromas of red and black fruit, earth and some floral undertones, a medium-bodied palate with slightly dusty tannins, good freshness and balance, and it should get polished with some more time in bottle. I tasted 1999 and 2004 and they are still young and vibrant, but obviously there are (huge) differences in oenology and viticulture, especially since 2009. Drink 2015-2025.

91 points

2011 Montes Purple Angel

The 2011 Purple Angel is Carmenere with some 8% Petit Verdot to try to balance the low acidity of the Carmenere: the Petit Verdot acting like the bones and the Carmenere would be the meat. It has abundant black fruit aromas. There is a mix from two different plots of Carmenere from Apalta (riper, more black fruit) and Marchigue (cooler, adding more peppery flavors and aromas) within Colchagua. It aged for 18 months in French oak barrels. This 2011 is still very young with roasted coffee aromas from the barrels, notes of mint, chocolate and fine-grained tannins, moderate acidity and a powerful profile. For a cool vintage like 2011, there is a remarkable absence of green aromas and flavors, achieved by low yields and managing irrigation. This is still very young and shows a primary, fruit-driven personality. It should age well and develop more complexity, as I saw in the 2003 and 2007 vintages. Drink 2015-2020.

91 points

2013 Montes Outer Limits Sauvignon Blanc

The 2013 Outer Limits Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from Aconcagua Valley from the coastal and northern zone of Zapallar, seven kilometers from the sea, which provides freshness. It’s a powerful wine, with pungent aromas extracted from the skin for some seven months contact, with a mineral feeling, akin to a Sancerre, serious and austere, with gooseberries, tomato leaves, ending again mineral and saline. This is a superb Sauvignon Blanc. The vines were planted in 2006 and the first harvest bottled was 2011. Experiment with iodine-rich seafood, like sea urchin. Uhhhmmm! Drink now-2017.