Red Flashcards
Pinot Noir 1
Cantina Andrian, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy, 2020 $78
100% Pinot Noir
Talking points: Formed the first wine-making cooperative in Alto Adige in 1893. In 2008 teamed up with Cantina Terlano on the other side of the valley/river. Forward thinking and evolving winemakers.
Tasting notes: Dry and medium bodied, lively acidity with subtle tannins. Black cherry, currant, and a hint of clove.
Pinot Noir 2
Illahe, ‘Bon Sauvage’, Estate Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2019 $113
100% Pinot Noir
Talking points: Focused on sustainability; using minimal intervention, and traditional methods. Macerates for 24 days before being pressed in a wooden basket press, then spends 16 months barrel aging (25% new oak).
Tasting notes: Earthy and sultry. Rich berries and violet on the palate, finishing with notes of tobacco, clove, and fir, with mellow tannins.
Pinot Noir 3
Domaine Dujac, Chambolle-Musigny, burgundy, France 2017 $405
Talking points: clay and limestone, organic, sustainably farmed
Tasting Notes: red berries, floral, spice, medium-bodied, juicy, elegant, light tannins
Sangiovese
Felsina, ‘Berardenga’ Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy, 2019 $80
Talking points: vineyards date back to the middle ages, southwestern exposure, mixed terrain of rock quartz, calcareous alberese, alluvial pebbles, sandstone and loam, harvest is staggered over three weeks due to altitude variation, stainless steel fermentation, 12 mo. Slavonian oak
Tasting notes: ruby red with deep intensity and hue, fruity, fine and elegant dominated by wild berry, spice; fruity palate, good tannin, lingering finish
Syrah
Ferraton Père & Fils, ‘La Matiniere’, Crozes-Hermitage, Vin de France, 2017 $80
100% Syrah
Talking points: Matured in oak, certified organic in 1998, and now biodynamic. Father, son and close family friend all work together.
Tasting notes: Very aromatic, with notes of ripe cherries and raspberries. Round body with smooth tannins on the finish.
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Rhonea, ‘Roque Colombe’, Rhone, France, 2019 $130
Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre (conflicting information on the exact breakdown)
Talking points: Hand-harvested at peak ripeness, made using traditional techniques, and aged in oak barrels for 18 months.
Tasting notes: Notes of dark chocolate, plum, fig, and a hint of mushroom. Medium-plus body with an elegant and dry finish.
Tempranillo
R. Lopez de Heredia, ‘Vina Bosconia’ Reserva, Rioja, Spain 2010 $149
Mostly Tempranillo, with a little Mazuelo and Graciano
Talking points: Family run vineyard for nearly 150 years.
Tasting notes: Earthy and oaky, with a rich full body. Dried cherry, plum, leather, vanilla, and cedar. Firm tannins.
Cabernet Pfeffer
Vocal Vineyards, ‘Sabroso’ Lime Kiln Valley, California, 2019 $107
Talking points: unknown bordeaux variety, only planting of cabernet pfeffer in lime kiln valley, dry farmed, whole cluster fermentation, 5 days carbonic maceration, 8 mo. in barrel, translates to ‘tasty’
Tasting notes: bright, fruity, crowd pleasing red, wild fis, lavender, juicy plums, black pepper
Cabernet Sauvignon 1
Alexander Valley Vineyards, Sonoma, California, 2019 $87
Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot, Cab Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot
Talking points: Family run, dedicated to sustainable farming practices.
Tasting notes: Medium body and smooth structured tannins. Cherry, cassis, blackberry, and chocolate.
Cabernet Sauvignon 2
Silverado Vineyards, Napa Valley, California,
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Talking points: Sustainably farmed by the estate founder’s grandchildren. 18 months in barrel, both new and used French and American oak.
Tasting notes: Full bodied and juicy, with a dry tannic finish. Robust nose, floral, baking spices, and dark red fruits. Flavors of black cherry, blackberry, black plum, and chocolate.
Amarone
Remo Farina, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, Veneto, Italy, 2017 $130
70% Corvina, 20% Rondinella and 10% Molinara
Talking points: The Farina family has been making wine since the 16th century. The 2012 vintage of this wine was ranked 29th out of the world’s best 50 wines.
Tasting notes: Robust, full bodied, velvety, and dry. Plum, blackberry, and tobacco.
Super Tuscan
Poggio al Tesoro, ‘Il Seggio’, Bolgheri Rosso, Tuscany, Italy, 2018 $110
50% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot
Talking points: Bolgheri is known as the home of Super Tuscans, and this wine is named after the Seggio river which is the largest watercourse in the municipality of Castagneto Carducci.
Tasting notes: Fresh on the nose, with hints of spice. High acid and mineral driven, evolving into an elegant full body, and tannic finish. Smoke, leather, black fruits, and oaky notes of vanilla and chocolate.
Brunello di Montalcino
Le Ragnaie, Tuscany, Italy, 2016 $205
100% Sangiovese
Talking points: Organic. Regarded as one of the best appellations in Italy. Brunello di Montalcino must be aged for a minimum of 4 years before release.
Tasting notes: Complex with velvety tannins and a long finish. Red fruits, chocolate, smoke, and dried herbs. A little tight, so definitely benefits from decanting.
Barolo
Giacomo Fenocchio, Piedmont, Italy, 2018 $160
100% Nebbiolo
Talking points: The Fenocchio family has been producing wine in the same area since 1894. Spends 40 days in stainless steel, followed by oak casks for 30 months before refinement in the bottle.
Tasting notes: Bright notes of cherry and raspberry, followed by leather, earth, and tobacco. Slight smokiness, but overall a bright, fresh representation of Barolo.
