December 2013 Wine Club Selections
December Wine Club 2013
Lapostolle Canto de Apalta 2010 $ 21.99 90 Rating Wine Spectator!
A 2010 winter with a cold July delayed the bud break by approximately 10 days, and that delay was maintained during spring. Summer was colder than normal with limited sunlight and December and January brought some rainfall, which was unusual but beneficial for the vineyard after the dry winter and spring conditions. The cloudy summer affected by decreasing lightening, so maturity came at regular but slow pace and we didn’t have the excess of sun that can occur sometimes. February was on the contrary hot and sunny as usual. Fall brought threatening clouds so it was very important to harvest fast, considering the risk of rain. The 2011 vintage gave excellent conditions to produce elegant, complex and fruity wines.
Lapostolle winemaking philosophy remains very natural with minimal intervention through the winemaking process of Canto de Apalta 2011. Key points are 100% hand harvesting, strict fruit selection by 79% optical state of the art grape selection and 21% hand de-stemming of the grapes at our Clos Apalta Winery. All fermentations were made with wild yeast.
Canto de Apalta is a red blend that enhances the main characteristics of each grape into a symphony of the components; from Carmenère, its roundness and spicy expression; from Merlot, its red fruit and acidity; from Cabernet Sauvignon, its complexity and elegant structure; and from Syrah, its exuberant and attractive aromas. There is no clarification and a very light filtration, in our quest of creating natural wines and not disturb the natural balance.
A rich, smoky red, sporting dark cassis, grilled fig and macerated cherry notes to the iron, smoke and dark spice flavors that linger through the mocha-tinged finish. Carmenère, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Drink now through 2015. 8,500 cases made. 90 Rating Wine Spectator!
Lapostolle Casa Sauvignon Blanc 2012 $ 14.99
This Sauvignon Blanc comes from a very special area in Cachapoal, directly beneath the foothills of the Andes. The vines grow with the cold influence of the mountains and express all the minerality of the vineyards unique stony soil: “Las Kuras” means “Stones” in our native language.
The area of Cachapoal, where we source our Sauvignon Blanc has soil coming from an old river bed sourced from the river Cachapoal. It is a shallow soil with many big round pebbles, poor fertility and very good drainage. The expression of this terroir results in a beautiful mineral component to the wine.
2012 had the driest winter in the last 10 years, so we had to start an early irrigation season and carefully irrigate in order to preserve this precious resource. The drought continued during spring under the influence of La Niña phenomenon. September was exceptionally hot with average temperatures 2° C above the normal. October and November were good enough and permitted a nice flowering of the grapevines.
Summer started very warm and stayed like that, however, the nights remained fresh, increasing this way the average thermal amplitude. Ripening was very fast and harvest came earlier than usual.
100% of our Sauvignon Blanc from Las Kuras was hand-harvested at night. At this point of the process, we do all we can to preserve the fruit and acidity. 8% of the grapes had a 3 hours maceration in the press, then natural decantation in tanks followed, with slow and low temperature fermentation in stainless steel tanks and 2 month of ageing in lees. We produce a very charming wine with crisp acidity and intense flavors.
Connoisseurs Club
MacRostie Chardonnay 2012 $ 23.99
Pale straw gold in color, with honey-suckle and jasmine aromas. Citrus flavors; kefir lime and tangerine, dominate the taste profile while the mouth feel is elegant and full, with a ripe pear and a touch of vanilla caramel from the oak. The finish is soft and smooth, very dry, but leaves lingering lush primary fruit flavors.
The grapes came from several excellent vineyards in southern Sonoma, including the Sangiacomo, Champlin Creek and Hi Vista vineyards. Making their debut this season were some prime Russian River properties, including Saralee’s and the famous Dutton Ranch. The Wildcat Mountain Vineyard played a significant role as well.
Fresh and zesty, with green apple, spice, pear and citrus flavors. A straightforward and easy-drinking style. Drink now. 18,600 cases made.
Two Hands Gnarly Dudes 2012 Borassa Valley Shiraz $ 29.99 91 Rating Wine Spectator!
The Barossa Valley is renowned for Shiraz; robust wines with plenty of fruit intensity and concentration, endowed with firm, ripe tannins and the ability to age. Warm to hot summers with little rain or subterranean water for irrigation and many old, dry-grown vineyards. The higher altitude Eden Valley and, to a lesser extent, the Barossa Ranges provide cooler conditions which are reflected in the resultant wine styles.
Dark and brooding, with blackberry, cherry and gentle spice flavors unfolding on the smooth, meaty frame. The finish persists against velvety tannins. Drink now through 2020. 15,000 cases made. 91 Rating Wine Spectator!
The color is deep dark red. A mélange of fruits explode on the nose; bright red berries, spiced plums and chocolate coupled with subtle hints of fresh flowers and cedary oak. Pure and focused with lively black berries, black pepper and bitter chocolate. Lovely bright acids and fine yet tight tannins provide the ideal framework to a palate that is both long and pure. This wine has the intensity and power without ever feeling rich or heavy. A great Gnarly Dudes from an equally great 2012 Barossa vintage.
