Author: Wesley Castellanos

September Tasting – Experimental Meritage

Post author By Wesley Castellanos
Post date September 10, 2013

Wines are always left to the wine maker. Some are experienced as others take a chance. There are so many ways of making the special juice. Have you ever felt you could make a wine that would taste great? Making wine takes years and years of harvests and attention.

The club took the easy way. We decided to blend three varietals and attempt to concoct a great wine. This experiment was interesting because most of us have never tried this.

The meritage was led by Jeff Tenin. In his recent trip to where blending is a true art, Bordeaux. He learned the craft and selected three varietals from Napa Valley. We tasted them in the order below.

Merlot by Martin Ray – Diamond Mountain District 2009. 14.6% Alc.

Cabernet Franc by World’s End – Against the Wind 2009.

Cabernet Sauvignon by Martin Ray – Diamond Mountain District 2009. 14.6% Alc.

Merlot: Dark red with hints of new leather. Some dried cranberries with a light structured body. The alcohol opened our palates and it had a lasting tart finish.

Cabernet Franc: Dark ruby red. On the nose it expressed hints of vanilla and ripeness. Great depth and full bodied – not bold! The finish was soft and tannic.

Cabernet Sauvignon: Ruby red. French oak nose. The taste and texture was a bit astringent and lasted through the long finish.

Now the blends:

70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 10 Cabernet Franc: Great layers and complexity on the nose. A full body and good finish. (This was the teams favorite)
60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc: The merlot provided a great bouquet, however on the palate it was soft and tart. The finish was long.
40% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20 Cabernet Franc: Ripe Cherry Nose but the astringent of the Sauvignon was powerful. Tart finish.
70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10 Cabernet Franc: Ripe cherry but tart.

We paired the wines with the cuisine prepared by Tuyo. They menu was based on the music from Memphis. Master Chef Norman Van Aken based his dishes from Carl Perkins, Booker T. and the M.G.’s, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Elvis Presley, and B.B. King.

Tags Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Meritage, Merlot, Napa

Tastings

July / August (Summer) Tasting – White French

Post author By Wesley Castellanos
Post date August 7, 2013

August 7, 2013

Here in Miami, we rarely complain about the heat. It’s inevitable and we learn to counterbalance it with light clothing, air conditioned spaces, Miami Spice dinners and French White Wine.

We decided to combine the months of July and August into one tasting. Since we were saving time and fees due to one less tasting, we made the tasting of the highest quality.

The goal for the team was to purchase a white bottle of wine over the $100 threshold from France. We all know that it was an easy shopping spree. This made the tastings not worth missing. We also decided to take advantage of the Miami Spice Menu at Tuyo Restaurant as they paid homage to New Orleans.

If you add all the details above and envision a steamy night in Miami, we all agreed it was one of the most exceptional food & wine experiences of our lives.

The bottles presented are as follows:

1. Domaine de la Vougeraie – Vougeot-Clos Du Prieure 2010
13% Alc. $96: A funky, musty, oak, and apple nose. Sharp tart taste with lingering bitter finish. This wine was not corked or spoiled, but did not have French white qualities.

2. Patrick Javillier – Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2010
100% Chardonnay 13.5% Alc.(2 bottles @ $144 each); Light smoked and cindered ashes on the nose. Buttery taste and finish. It had soft hints of ripe butternut. A gorgeous classic French White. Exudes excellence.

3. Domaine Raymond Usseglio & Fils – Chateauneuf Du Pape 2011
100% Roussanne. $73.14% Alc.; Amazing sour apples on the nose; some tart stone fruit layers (white peach, melon & apples). A subtle mineral finish. An amazing wine to experience because of the layers.

As the wine complimented the food flavors, we all were extremely intrigued with the whites.

The best quality was the Patrick Javillier.

Sincerely,

Wesley

Tags Chateauneuf Du Pape 2011, Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2010, Domaine de la Vougeraie, Domaine Raymond Usseglio & Fils, ougeot-Clos Du Prieure 2010, Patrick Javillier

Tastings

June Tasting: Peter Piper Picked a Peck of Powerful Pinots…

Post author By Wesley Castellanos
Post date June 26, 2013

First and foremost, I must state, I enjoy being the President of the club. It’s not an easy task leading nine grown men into the woods, but as they entrust me with the tastings, we ultimately make time to drink wine and compare notes. This tasting will go down in the history books as I broke the rules, and boy did I catch heat for it.

Now back to the Pinot! This fickle grape grows all over the world, but is it versatile? I made this experiment for my personal experience. I admit my inexperienced with Pinot Noirs, but it’s time for me and others to learn. I had the member team up to “comb the desert”. Their goal was to find a wine from a region that would be distinct enough that you would be able to spot it out of a line up.

This tasting wasn’t creative or unique. It was simply sampling five Pinot Noirs around the world and being able to pick out the region. We drank these amazing bottles blind, not side by side, we required our memories back track and start deciphering the regions. I provided a score card for notes and comparisons.

They were expressed the following notes, try guessing where they were from:

1^st. Our first wine was the platform… the color was crimson like a “typical” Pinot. Earthy and concentrated fruits on the nose. A nice bouquet of sweet apple, strong and powerful. A tight, long finish. This wine was great to start off the night.

2^nd. Again the crimson color, but more depth and earth notes on the nose. Cherry and floral palates. Soft body with Excellent character. Light finish.

3^rd. Bold and powerful nose!! Powerful palate and structure. A solid Pinot.. from….

4^th. Full-bodied with soft tanning. The alcohol lingers for a few seconds, but isn’t sharp. Swirls well on the palate. Ripe cherries with hints of cocoa..

5^th. A tight tannic flavor. Rich and earthy. Ripe berries and raspberries. Had depth and complexity with a long finish. Amazing!!

On the table we had Pinots from Oregon, Argentina, France, California and New Zealand. While the Pinots were bagged we all order our food from the best pizzeria in the world, Fratelli La Bufala.

1. Argentina – Patagonia. Chacra, Cincuenta y Cinco 2010. 11.5% Alc.

2. France – Côtes du Jura. Les Chais de Vieux Bourg 2009. 12.7% Alc.

3. Oregon – Willamette. Cristom, Eola-Maity Hills Jessie Vineyard 2010. 13.5% Alc.

4. New Zealand- Martinborough. Cobblestone, Te Muna. 2009. 14.9% Alc.

5. California – Sta. Rita Hills. Sea Smoke Southing 2010. 14.5% Alc.

New Zealand was the overall preferred wine of the group. I suggest you hit these Pinots hard as they are making exceptional quality wine.

Tags Pinot Noir

Tastings

The Fog Never Hides the Always Bright Nebbiolo

Post author By Wesley Castellanos
Post date May 16, 2013
2 Comments on The Fog Never Hides the Always Bright Nebbiolo

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May 13, 2013

The Nebbiolo grape dates back to the 1^st Century AD. It grows beautifully in the mountains of Piedmont where there’s a fog that illuminates the sky. The word Nebbia in Italian means Fog. Some say the word Nobile, meaning noble is the origin. Instead of boring you with my fascination of history, allow me to provide you with what to expect when you add time, proper conditions and top producers to your collection. Overall, no matter how you look at the word, the grape is one of beauty.

Wine Club Miami decided two months before they wanted to try “Old World”. As I looked at the options, I kept drawing myself back to Piedmont.

We selected the Gaja Barbaresco 1995 and the Gianfranco Alessandria – Barolo San Giovanni 2007. In 1995 “they” stated Piedmont produced “Very good quality, but some hail damage; stick to top producers” giving an average score of 88 points. As 2007 was exemplified with 95 points, “A warm, dry year; wines offer flesh and immediate appeal”.

On delivery, I had the bottles tack a nap in my cooler from the Collector we acquired them from. I opened them two hours before our tasting. I did not want to decant them because I felt the process was too rough an action on the delicate wines.

As the club all stated they were at the perfect temperature, I replied, “I’m not the President for nothing.”

The first tasting was the Gianfranco Alessandria – Barolo. The color was typical to the young Barolo, ruby, light in color with no sediment. The nose was of a ripe cherry, strong alcohol and tobacco. The taste was complex but lacked depth. We discovered hints of chocolate, pepper, some strong tannins with a medium to long finish. We gave this young eagle a 7.9 out of 10. It can sit for another 10-20 years, but was a great bottle.

Following was the Gaja Barbaresco. The age was apparent in the crimson color. The nose had a chocolate, soft fruit, earthy with supple blackberries. On the palate it was silky and smooth. It would form a soft film over the teeth. This bottle was a beautiful wine with finesse. We rated it an 8.3. It can hold for another 5-10 years easily.

We wish to welcome aboard the team, Mr. David Yarus. He is the Chief Operating Officers at International Wine Storage. He inspects and samples our bottles with a keen knowledge and shows to be a powerful impact to the club. Did we remind you he is consistent with attendance??

Sincerely,

W.C.

Tags Barolo San Giovanni, Gaja Barbaresco, Gianfranco Alessandria, Nebbiolo

Tastings

April 2013 – Napa Cab Vertical Tasting

Post author By Wesley Castellanos
Post date April 3, 2013
1 Comment on April 2013 – Napa Cab Vertical Tasting

April 2, 2013
Napa Valley – Cabernet Sauvignon Five Bottle Vertical Tasting ’02-‘06

A Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon speaks for itself. If you ask any West Coast local about the wines from Napa, they will adamantly state it’s the best wine in the world.

Wine Club Miami was able to get a hold of an exceptional five bottle vertical. We explored this vertical to understand how a skillful winemaker can harness their yields and create quality wines sequentially. As some know, five years of harvests can produce a variety of flavors and textures from the same vines. Sampling them side-by-side is the best way you can take a sensually ride that the land had.

We decided to start with the youngest following through to the aged. This allowed the young flavors of 2006 to be true in flavor as the eldest would not become overpowered. The team encountered amazing flavors and one that was rare… Can you explain the taste of Cassis?? Well, these experiences are the unique tastes that improves our palates for concise tastings and great times.

NOTES:

2006 – Plum color, floral and soft body. No tannins, with a soft finish. The average points for a 2006 are 95 pts. Suggest to hold.

2005 – Same Plum color, a riper nose. Soft spices spicy. It has a smooth texture and soft body. The average points for a 2005 are 92 pts. Suggest to hold.

2004 – Here the classic Napa Cabernet is expressed. Ripe fruits, a bit earthy and soft oaky nose. You could smell the harvest was ripe. The body was full with soft tannins. It expressed a few layers on the palate. Drink now or hold. The average points for a 2004 are 95 pts.

2003 – The transition from 2004 to this vintage was subtle compared to the history. It was holding together well. A soft ripe nose, softer tannins. It was a great wine. Soft finish. The average points for a 2003 are 85 pts.

2002 – A powerful nose of fruits. Full bodied and stronger tannins. A great wine. The average points for a 2002 are 93 pts.

So what were the wines we experienced? They were from the manufacturer, Sempre Vive from Calistoga, California. www.romeovineyards.com These bottles were obtained through an exclusive purchased at $20 per bottle in the vertical only. We also complemented the wines with the Italian cuisine from Cara Mia Trattoria. The powerful flavors of the food and the cabernet was a perfect match.

I have received interest in enrollment into the club. At the moment we have full capacity of tasters. When a seat becomes available we shall advise you. The Club has two basic rules. Rule #1: Commitment to attendance for the tastings are mandatory. Rule #2: Obey rule #1.

Sincerely,

Wesley A Castellanos, President

Wine Club Miami April 2013

Tags Cabernet Sauvigno, Napa Valley

Tastings

February 2013 Tasting “Knock your socks off”

Post author By Wesley Castellanos
Post date February 27, 2013

Tuesday, February 26^th

As the club raises their sail, the group is asked a simple question.

“Which bottle will knock a taster’s socks off?” Meaning, which wine has the most intensity, full body and power to overwhelm all other wines?

Members were paired to start the search. Two bottles came from Napa Valley. We can all agree that the characteristics of a Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley were right for the tasting, but you’ll be surprised where they ended up in our list. However the successor was the generous Joseph Phelps, Insignia 2001. In comparison to the rest, it shined brightly beside the others from the beginning and transformed in to a graceful giant as the winner. The award was given to Jeff Tennen and Andrew Cohen, something tells us that this duo is prepared for a challenge and know how to impress a sophisticated wine group. We paired the exotic flavors of Mandolin’s Aegean Bistro to compliment the favors of Food & Wine pairing.

Each bottle was placed in specially crafted silk cover and general notes were collected. Find which bottles matched the colors further below.

Gold – Ripe Cherry, Robust and tannic. Crisp finish (5.7pts.)
Green – Vanilla Bean, light body and crisp finish (6.5pts.)
Red – Earthy Nose, light body soft tannins and long acidic finish (5.4pts.)
Copper – Earthy and cherry. Full bodied and strong long finish. (8.2pts.)

FEATURED WINES

Chateau Longoa Batron – Saint-Julien 2005- Bordeaux, France $65.
Two Hands – Max’s Garden Heathcote 2006 – Shiraz – Victoria, Australia $67.
Chateau Montelena – Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 – Napa Valley, California $60.
Joseph Phelps – Insignia 2001 – Napa Valley, California $175.

With two guests, they provided wines for sampling, Roger Sabon, Chateauneuf Du Pape 2003, France & Villa Di Cecciano, Chianti Classico 2006, Italy. The Roger Sabon was a classic Du Pape of the ’03 vintage having excellent balance and a soft nose. The Villa Di Cecciano tasted impeccably. The powerful nose and robust flavor was a solid Chianti. This Chianti was so unique that it will be regarded as an outstanding buy. We suggest to try it as it is one of a kind. This wine raises the bar and is why Chianti is a leader of Old World Wines. Thank you Mr. David. Yaris and Mr. Chris Caplan.

Tags Bordeau, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chateau Longoa Batron, Chateau Montelena, Insignia 2001, Joseph Phelps, Max’s Garden Heathcote 2006, Saint-Julien 2005, Shiraz, Two Hands

Tastings

January 2013 Tasting

Collectables at Our Fingertips

Ladies and gentlemen,

As Wine Club Miami embarks into their 2013 tastings, they have become inspired to find the highest quality wines money can offer. As the new President, Wesley Castellanos guides the way, his course of direction is to experience “once-in-a-lifetime” bottles. Through the collaborative efforts of the club, our contributions have leveraged us to obtain hard to find wines.

Dryness is the last thing you normally have to worry about in Miami’s humid climate, but five out of six corks broke because of dryness. I blame myself! The level of my excitement rushed. I recommend to gently open under extreme patience. Play some classical music and open with the most delicate of hands. — Wesley

Wine Club Miami new and past presidents, Wesley Castellanos and Matt Hege

FEATURED WINES

2000 Matriarch, Bond Estates, Napa Valley

WINE NOTES: Deep ruby color, sugars apparent in the direct light with some slight sediment. Spicy nose, freshly cracked black pepper, vanilla bean, ripe cherries, high alcohol on the palate, with the most delicate tannins. A long silky finish. This gem can age another 5-10 years. One of the most impressive wines I had. W.C.

2000 The Maiden, Harlan Estates, Napa Valley, Red Bordeaux Blend

WINE NOTES: Dark plum red, no sugars or sediment in the light. Hints of fresh tobacco leaves and ripe cherries on the nose. A slightly velvety texture that swirled over the palate. A soft and delicate body. The finish lasted quite some time as it passed the throat. This bottle has aged to perfection and is ready to drink right now. W.C.

Wine Club Miami has agreed that this Collection is one that will be an impression to last decades. Great job wine makers! We commend you on your talents.
Wine Club Miami - January 2013 Tasting
January’s tastings were again hosted by the spectacular Tuyo restaurant in downtown Miami.

Tags 2000 Matriarch, 2000 The Maiden, Bond Estates, Harlan Estates, Napa Valley, Red Bordeaux Blend, Tuyo