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The Right Side of the Andes- Almavin Wine Tasting with Wine Maker

www.tripsavvy.com
Wine Maker Marcelo Victoria and Club Member Andrew Cohen

When you find a special wine you become excited that you have discovered a new wine that you were never aware of. When you find several wines from the same winemaker, well you become a fan.  A selection of small production wines with classic European wine making and Argentina terroir made for exciting and lasting wine tasting. Headlined as “wines the were made from a miracle” and along with from “no man’s land” these unique small production wines were worthy to savor not just to taste. Marcelo Victoria, winemaker presented four wines for our group tasting along with a his chef abilities.

Nice color and finish Notable were the taste of the Chardonnay resembling European traits of slight French Oak and a subtle and dry finish. No Cali considerations here.

Marejada Chardonnay 2015-60 cases-Mendoza is under an extreme semi-dessert kind of weather which could be compared to Arizona but laying at high altitude. Rainfall level measured in a yearly basis rarely exceeds 6 in. but in 2 years in a row, 2015 and 2016, we had an unusual rainfall level that produced Botrytis Cinerea giving us the chance to get such and extraordinary and rare wine. Fermentation process took months in a 600 liters French barrique,  using native yeast. The wine didn’t go through malolactic fermentation.-Notes from the Winemakers: Marcelo Victoria andnd Giuseppe Franceschini.  “Most memorable Chardonnay in many years for us. Hints of Sauturnes in style as to dried and exposed apricots with mellowness, while slowly reinforcing   the Chardonnay taste” Miami Wine Club tasting notes.

MDV Malbec 2016 / MDV Syrah 2016 –166/50 cases-Pedernal Valley is among Argentina’s New Discovery. Sorrounded by mountains lays on the slopes of the Pre-Andes range. Complexity that comes from pure limestone soils diversity. The quality of the light and TLC farming produces not only original nuances but balance and elegance- notes from the Winemakers: Marcelo Victoria    Region: Pedernal Valley, San Juan. Altitude:4,950 feet above sea level DV Malbec: 100% Malbec / MDV Syrah:100% Syrah

Marejada Cabernet Blend 2015-112 cases-We found a extremely old vineyard, planted back in 1918, that for some reason the owner decided to sell it to a developer. We immediately fall in love with this chance so we bought the grapes and made 2 vintages with them during 2015 and 2016. The result this extraordinary complex Cab, that comes from these old vines that only produced a ton per acre so we needed 2 plant to make one bottle of wine. We used French new oak without filtering or fining. Vines are dead but these are the late witnesses of its Glory-Notes from the Winemakers: Marcelo Victoria andnd Giuseppe Franceschini. “The Cab blend came from vines planted in, get this 1918. They are located in the rain shadow of the Andes. The winemakers of old world heritage sought out to make a wine best described as New Old World. I believe they nailed it”. @jesus_drinks_wine

Cinco Sentidos Late Harvest Malbec-83 cases-Hand picked at 34.2 Brix with a residual sugar of 128 gr / lt, deep colors aromas of ripe figs prunes and raisins. 18 Months in new and second used French and American barriques. Region Luján de Cuyo Valley, Mendoza. Altitude:2,640feet above sea levelVariety:100% Malbec

 

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Summer Wine Review- The Often Overlooked Beaujolais Cru

South Beach Victory Garden located at 226 Collins Avenue

Beaujolais is a French Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée wine generally made of the Gamay grape which has a thin skin and is low in tannins. Like most AOC wines they are not labeled varietally. Wikipedia. A wine tasting that had all the members guessing as we enjoyed a wonderful organic and vegan menus sourced by wine club member David Yarus. “I remembered some unbelievable Beaujolais Cru’s I had had a few years back and being so shocked as to how they drank.  I thought this would be perfect as they are packed with flavor and complexity yet have an easy thin and light quality about them.  In addition, I felt like this region and the Gamay grape are often overlooked and certainly in the United States can be associated with the cheaper Beaujolais Nouveau. There are three quality levels within Beaujolais:  Beaujolais, Beaujolais-Villages, and Beaujolais Cru.  Within the Cru, there are ten villages:  Brouilly, Chenas, Chiroubles, Cote De Brouilly, Fleurie, Julienas, Morgon, Moulin-A-Vent, Regnie, and Saint-Amour.

David locally sourcing our wine dinner

Over a year ago I started gardening at the South Beach Victory Garden located at 226 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach.  The garden is a little oasis that is also overlooked hosting 60 plots where we grow all our own organic veggies!  I thought what could be a better summer evening spot than surrounded by all this lovely fresh produce (almost vineyard like), butterfly farm, and fresh air.  Check out the garden here:  https://southbeachvictorygarden.org

*Homemade loaded baby curl leaf spinach salad with fresh veggies all from garden!Nobl Veggie Burgers (Delicous Raw ):

*Vegan Burger topped with Scratch-made Pickles, Smoked Aioli, Truffle Infused Garlic Dijon, Baby Spinach, Roasted Tomato, Roasted Portobello and Bermuda Onion. Served on a House-made Vegan Brioche Bun and accompanied by a Root Salad dressed in Roasted Garlic and Lemon.Vegan Pad Thai (Delicous Raw):

*Black Bean Noodles, Signature Vegan Pad Thai Sauce, Bean Sprouts, Crispy Nappa Cabbage, Crunchy Peanuts, Fresh Chopped Cilantro, Red Chilis (https://delraw.com)

Served as a blind tasting these wines had us guessing

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Clos du Val- Wine Tasting

www.closduval.com
836 1st St, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 672-0011
wines tasted
2012 Clos du Val Estate Cabernet Sauvignon -Stags Leap 2012 Clos du Val Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon  -2012 Clos du Val Joie du Vin-2014 Clos du Val Three Graces- 2015 Clos du Val Hirondelle Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

 Wine Club Miami met at the world renown Fogo de Chao in South Beach for its May 2019 event. The event was hosted in its private wine room and the wines of Clos du Val were presented and sourced by member Andrew S. Cohen.  The predominantly cabernet-based wines were a great compliment to the food. Unlike most California big reds, these wines were not overly fruit-forward and jammy, and were more in an old-world style that the group appreciated.

 

 

 

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Enter, the Champagne Cave

Ariete 3540 Main Hwy, Coconut Grove, FL 33133
(305) 640-5862


2002 Dom Perignon
I am starting my series of Champagne reviews with Dom, because simply put Dom DOMinates.  This 2002 vintage is very heralded and is comprised of even split between Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.  
Pale to medium lemon in color with a nose that starts with nuts and toast, hints of light petrol which then distinctly goes to gun flint.  I should be careful with these tasting notes because something may blow up. Elegant stone fruit and citrus on the palate with an underlying mineral streak. Delicate lingering mousse with a medium plus acidity.  These bubbles remind me of Charlize Theron.  A beautiful lady that still can still show here racy side.  Like Charlize, these bubbles will age gracefully.

David L’Eclapart L’Amateur
An amateur, is a word derived from the French word amateur “lover of”, is generally considered a person who pursues a particular activity independently from renumeration. This champagne entitled L’ Amateur is solely from Chardonnay hailing from the rolling hills of the Premier Cru village Trépail. This is a real Blanc de Blanc with no added dosage.  The French have an analogy for this level of purity, they say these champagnes are like a woman without any form of make up, it all about the natural beauty.  I suggest these bubbles just could be like Jessica Biel. This Lover of  is unrecompensed and unencumbered.  It is a bare and transparent champagne that solely reflects the varietal and the chalky soils. I can only imagine if this is the introductory offering by David L’ Eclapart, what the rest of his selections has for us.QuickNotes:Pale lemon hue with a core of acidity combined with bracing crisp citrus and green apple fruit with subtle pleasing hints of oxidation.

J Lassalle’s Preference is a very balanced and full-bodied NV champagne. It is one of their Premier Cru offering that is Pinot Meunier dominate. There is a pleasing roundness to this wine that only can come from a PN/PM based champagnes. Pale lemon in color, lovely chalky vibe, good tension and yellow apples interplay going on here. Touch of tannins from the PN/PM make there presence felt on the tongue. If this champagne was a lady, this would be Scarlett Johansson.

Philippe Gonet Grand Reserve Champagne NV
My value play of my recent Champagne Tasting that goes toe to toe with the heavyweight names everybody knows at a fraction of the price. Retails stateside for 50-60 USD.
This Champagne is composed of 30% Chardonnay, 60% Pinot Noir and 10% Meunier. The grapes are all from the Gonet family’s estate, spread from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger in the valley of the Marne. Pale lemon hue, marzipan nose with lemon cake and toast.  Red delicious apple for fruit with spot on acidity that counters the sweetness of the apples.  The mousse starts forceful then gently lingers without wanting to leaving you palate.  Lovely minerality to boot.  This is wonderful caliber Champagne that just became my new best friend.

Selosse is a Grower Champagne that needs no introduction for wine lover, who have placed it in a cult status.  Their Champagne are quite distinct in that they have an oxidative style. 
The V.O. Version Originale is a Grand Cur Blanc de Blancs from three vintages as well as three villages; Avize, Oger and Cramant.
(Notes from April 2019)Light golden color. Burgundian, new oak, sherry-like oxidation, butter, yeast, croissant, round, tiniest bubbles, candied citrus, with a tangy acidity that big but never over the top. A tour de force Champagne!

Wine reviews by member Jesus Cabarcos Only IG jesus_drinks_wines 
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A Night in Port at Tuyo Miami Culinary Institute

Opening image from A year in Port, documentary

1983 vintage for the Douro: This year was marked by a growing season which, during mid-summer, nobody would have predicted would be a declared vintage. The winter and spring were both cold, inhibiting flowering and retarding development, so that even as things heated up during the summer the vines were three weeks behind schedule, heralding a late harvest.(excerpt from www.thewinedoctor. com)

Tasked with a tasting for a range of Ports we took the course of : Warre’s 1983 Vintage, Grahams 30 Tawny and Quinta do Noval Vintage 2003(sourced direct from it’s vineyard). An approach that would allow to have a full range of with traditional characteristics and from notable Port houses. It is also interesting to taste wines that were reviewed many years ago with the understanding that these ports clearly upheld or even better than the rave reviews as below.

www.vintageportsite.com

The Warre’s 1983 Vintage Port “The 83 is richly perfumed and fragrant, which is so typical of ports from this vintage, and it is seemingly more forward than normal” -Robert Parker, 1989

“Slightly simple and sweet, but still very good. Deep purple with fresh violet and berry aromas. Full bodied, with very sweet fruit flavors, full tannins and medium finish”.-JS, WS 1989

Grahams 30 year tawny “The intensity and luxuriousness of this Port is a real treat. With an average age of 30 years, there has been plenty of time for the component wines to concentrate down and develop incredible complexity. Rich, syrupy and immediately nutty on the palate, sweet spices follow with a wave of cleansing acidity. Notes of dried orange peel, dried fruits, cinnamon and caramel flood the long finish. Very well balanced and surprisingly fresh”. -Decanter, 2016

Broad in feel and dark in profile, with walnut and hazelnut notes followed by flavors of brown bread, dried fig, bitter orange, singed almond and juniper. A lovely flash of green tea adds sparkle and detail on the finish, but this stays reliant on its bass line throughout. Drink now”. 1,200 cases made. – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

Quinta do Noval Vintage 2003 has a gorgeous raisin, fig and clove-scented bouquet with more freshness than the whole of Pomerol combined. -Robert Parker 2014

For a relatively young tawny, this shows fine concentration and grip with a youthful and lively finish. Burly and powerful, this opened up over several days proving that is has some elegance too. – Wine Advocate

Tuyo Restaurant
Miami Culinary Institute – 8th floor
Miami Dade College
415 N.E. 2nd Avenue
Miami, FL 33132


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One Hundred Acre Ancient Way Vertical 2009, 2007, 2006, 2005

WineClubMiami kicked off the new year strong with Hundred Acre Vertical tasting from some of the oldest vineyard sites in the whole of Australia. The result is some of the country’s boldest Shiraz that unapologetically coats your mouth! In aspect all wines (05, 06, 07 and 09 each had rim variation, but at the core was some of the darkest garnet hues I have ever come across. Nose was equally powerful with notes of bruised black cherry, black licorice, blackberry, with a balsamic baseline. Occasionally there were whiffs camphor, acetone, and eucalyptus. A persistent core of acidity reins in the black fruit on the palate that borders on overripeness. Structure of these wines follow thru with the BIG theme. Appreciated very much that this wine was dry and had a balanced tannic backbone with notes of taught leather on the finish. WOTN was the 2007 (4/2/5.0), followed closely by the 2006(4.1/5.0) Cheers to wine club member David Yarus arranging this memorable tasting and raising the bar for our 0’19 tasting calendar. Notes by wine club member Jesus Cabarcos.

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November Italian Tasting at Mira 5 Stars South Beach

photo: www.miamiandthebeaches.com

A five star night for four exception Italian reds hand picked for our perfectly paired tasting at Mira 5 Stars. These Italian wines represent the uniqueness of Italy while breaking away from the usual varietals that are typically selected for Italian wine tastings.

Petra Toscana Suvereto- 2012-is produced from two classic and international grape varieties, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Two varieties that have proven to the soil types at Petra.  www.liberusa.com

Galatrona Petrolo-2014-The polish and fine texture to this 2014 is impressive with blueberry, dark chocolate and light walnut aromas and flavors. Medium body, integrated tannins and a long, refined finish. www. jamessuckling.com

The Flaccianello della Pieve- 2012- represents a selection of the best fruit from the best vineyards (excluding, of course, Vigna del Sorbo that is dedicated to its own wine). The five parcels span various soils types and exposures, and the youngest vines are 20 years old. Because the fruit selection process is so detailed, the darkest and smallest clusters are carefully chosen. As a result, the fruit is rich in polyphenols, thick extract and extra aromatic intensity. The 2012 vintage saw yields reduced by as much as 20%, meaning that fruit selection was even more severe in this vintage. This beautiful wine shows abundant richness and generosity with toned mineral nuances that are wrapped within bold flavors of dark fruit and spice. The wine is rich and velvety in texture. – Monica Larner, Robert Parkers Wine Advocate.

The Rosso “Ca’ del Merlo”- 2010- is a complex and robust red wine produced according to the Ripasso method from different grapes. After 7 years of maturation in oak barrels it expresses rich and smooth scents and a powerful and velvety taste. It continues the maturation in bottle for many years and decades. www.callmewine.com

We are going to miss you Paul! Jeff??

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Bernard Magrez- 4 Grands Crus Classes of Bordeaux

Bernard Magrez LA GRANDE MAISON BORDEAUX

Bernard Magrez- 4 Grands Crus Classes of Bordeaux-A leader and visionary in Bordeaux for the last 40 years, Bernard Magrez has never strayed from his quest for perfection in every bottle of wine. The sole owner of four grand cru classes properties in Bordeaux: Chateau Pape Clement, Fombrauge, La Tour Carnet, Clos Haut-Peyraguey. Bernard Magrez’s vision of excellence guarantees connoisseurs of grand cru Bordeaux  a selection of wines of utmost quality. (except taken from www.millesima-usa.com/bernard-magrez.html)

Chateau Fombrauge- Saint Emilion- 2016– A terrific well rounded wine with a nice essence of dark red fruits. Expressive nose and nice complexity with hints of black cherry.  Very low and almost unoticed tannis that allow for the body of the wine to linger thru the tasting.  89% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec, 1 % Cabernet Sauvignon. Aging for 18 months in 45% new oak barrels. (http://www.bernard-magrez.com/en/wines)

Chateau La Tour Carnet- Haut Medoc- 2016-Hints of dark fruit and plum are evident with a subtle spice hints of cinnamon.  Nicely well balanced with essence of tannins are included in the finish.  56% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, 1 % Cabernet Franc. Fermentation in wooden vats and small capacity concrete tanks. Aging in oak barrels for 16 months 30 % new. (http://www.bernard-magrez.com/en/wines)

Chateau Les Grands Chines- Medoc- 2016– red in color with heavier fruit forward taste represents a younger taste. Medium bodied with a younger finish to a noticeable tannin as a aftertaste. 70 % Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1 % Cabernet Franc. Transfer into thermo- regulated and small stainless steel tanks. Maceration for 28-30 days. Aging for 16 months. (http://www.bernard-magrez.com/en/wines)

Chateau Pape Clement- Graves- 2009:  Rich and ruby red with nice hints of tobacco and coffee. Spice with essence of herbal and fruits are soft in the taste.  A supple and well rounded body with a lingering finish that seems complex.  50 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot, 2 % Petit Verdot, 1 % Cabernet Franc.  The wine is run off into French oak barrels by gravity flow. Aging for 18 months in oak barrels. (http://www.bernard-magrez.com/en/wines)

Clos Haut Peyraguey- Bommes- 2010–  Intense, complexe noes. Taste of honey and candied orange with lingering tastes of almonds, apricot and vanilla. 95 % de Semillon, 5 % de Sauvignon. Fermentation in oak barrels new or 1 year old. (http://www.bernard-magrez.com/en/wines)

 

 

 

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Summer Wine Review- Notorious Pink

NotoriousPink.com

Stephen Gamson Artist and Wine Club Miami member

As an artist and member of Wine Club Miami, I’m always on the look out for that special wine.  This summer, I introduced Notorious Pink Rose to my wine club.  I first experienced their wine at my art opening during Art Basel Miami Beach. At our tasting we featured Notorious Pink and paired it with Chilean Sea Bass, pasta and coq au vin. Our club fell in love with this well balanced rose and we started recommending it to our friends

Noteworthy details: Award winning rose. South of France estate made from 100% Grenach. Blush pink in color. Aromatic with citrus and red fruit. Crisp and refreshing mineral character. Delicious with seafood, vegetables, pastas, and poultry. Winemaker notes: Pink is a special blush cute made from 100% Grenach    the
leading grape varietal at Domaine La Colombette in the South of France. At this estate, the technique used have been tried and tested. The grapes from the oldest vines are bled using the signee method, while those from younger vines are pressed. After settling, the musts are fermented at low temperatures (14-18 degrees).  Pink in color, Notorious Pink is inviting with a pleasant under-ripe strawberry, mango, and citrus zest scent with a crisp and refreshing mineral character. Can be enjoyed with seafood vegetables and pasta and poultry dishes, but easily stand on its own. Perfect for every day in every season.

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The stuff that makes legends: Joseph Drouhin Wine Tasting: A perspective of four Burgundy Wines

Recent trip to Burgundy began our latest wine journey into one of  France’s most important and distinctive wineries. Visiting the cellar of Joseph Drouhin in Beaune was a tour of exceptional wines and along with the fascinating history of this legendary wine maker. A tale for the ages as the winery faced adversity during WW II – hiding it’s vintages from the Nazis and surviving. Well, that persistence has truly paid off as the winery lives on to be considered one of Brugundys signature appellations.   Once back in the US, arrangements were made for our club to taste four wines that are now available in most markets.

Joseph Drouhin Chablis AC, Drouhin-Vaudon 2015 (100% Chardonnay). Wine Maker notes:  The Moulin de Vaudon, the property of Joseph Drouhin, is an 18th Century watermill straddling the Serein River, close to the GrandCru vineyards of Chablis.  Tasting note by Veronique Boss-Drouhin – “A dry and fruity wine, easy to drink. Its colour is pale gold with greenish hues. Very fresh aromas reminiscent of citrus (lemon or grapefruit); On the palate, dry and fruity, with mineral notes. Pleasant and long aftertaste”.  WCM- The Chablis AC is a dry, fruit-forward wine with citrus aromas and slight hints of spices with and subtle hints of fruit with a lingering mineral finish. Overall very good chablis that pairs easily for a host of menu choices as it paired well with fried snapper that accompanied it.

Joseph Drouhin Pouilly-Vinzelles, Mâconnais 2015 (100% Chardonnay) Wine maker notes: The wine area stretches south of Burgundy in the Mâconnais region, within 10km south-west of Mâcon. Less famous than its neighbour “Fuissé”, it has been known since the Roman times; “Vincella.  Tasting note by Véronique Boss-Drouhin”A wine for mere pleasure! Pale yellow colour with numerous bright green reflections. Intense persistant flavours of peach and white flowers harmoniously meshed together. On the palate, the wine is ample, fresh, intense, with reminiscent notes of ripe grapes, almond, fresh hazelnut and cinnamon. The mouth reveals an elegant wine endowered with a good structure”. WCM- A truly enjoyable wine with a nice sense of taste and balance. On the palate, this wine  has flavors of tropical and citrus fruits and slight oak making it a memorable wine for our tasting

Joseph Drouhin Brouilly Cru Beaujolais, Hospices de Belleville 2014 (100% Gamay) Wine Maker notes; Depending on the plot and the quality of the grapes, part of the harvest isde-stemmed for a ‘Burgundy style’ vinifi  cation with punch downs and pump overs, whilst the rest is vinified as whole cluster with carbonic maceration. Slow fermentation lasts between 10 to 15 days. TASTING NOTES: Th is Brouilly displays a deep red purple robe, a fleshy body with supple, caressing tannins, perfectly balanced, fruitiness is present with a delicately peppery note to finish. WCM-Served Chilled Note: The Brouilly has come together as a fuller wine with more complexities. Nice low tannin and full flavor give this wine easy drinkability and we are sure a wine to keep for many many years.

Joseph Drouhin Gevrey-Chambertin Pinot Noir 2015 (100% Pinot Noir) Wine Maker Notes: History & tradition: Gevrey is of course the village where the Grand Cru vineyard Chambertin is located. Vines have been cultivated here since 630AD, when a certain Bertin decided to emulate the monks, his neighbors. The wine he made turned out to be spectacular – and the rest is history! Soil: lean and chalky, with a red-brown cover layer of clayey marl. WCM: Wow, black cherry,  blackberry and spice on the nose, with earthy styled nose. The Tannins blend harmoniously and a velvety texture of the wine. Overall a terrific wine with a wonderful finish and brings out the best of Burgundy.