On Friday we will taste five Italian wines. In Italy, grapevines grow everywhere; they are Italy’s version of the American lawn. There is simply no region, no district, virtually no cranny of the country that does not produce wine. In short there are over 900,000 vineyards scattered all over the country, producing wine made from over 1000 different varietals. This Friday all four red wines we will taste received 91 Points from Robert Parker’s wine advocate.
The preeminent classic red grape variety is Cabernet. More than any other, Cabernet has vast ranges of quality, of structure, and of maturity. It is astounding how a tight, young, introverted wine can metamorphose into a satiny, rich, complex wine with a few years of aging. Cabernet can range from relatively soft and easy drinking to wines with great structure, intense concentration, and depth.
This Saturday we will be having our international battle of the Cabernet’s. We will pit a Cabernet based wine from Argentina, France, Italy, and the United States against one another.
Jonathan’s Market La Jolla Wine Tasting:
Friday, May 31st, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm
Saturday, June 1st, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm
7611 Fay Avenue
(between Kline St & Pearl St)
La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: 858.459.2677
View Map
Friday, May 31st, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm
Friday’s Selections: $20.00 per person
2010 Pineto Brachetto D’Acqui ($24.99)
- This Brachetto shows the typical smooth scent of rose, with sweet flavor of crushed strawberry. It can be enjoyed any time of the day, and matches well with desserts, strawberries. It is also an excellent aperitif.
2006 Basilisco Aglianico($39.99)
- The 2006 Aglianico del Vulture Basilisco is a fabulous wine loaded with varietal character. Juicy dark cherries, plums, spices, leather, earthiness and game come together in this unusually supple, refined wine from Basilisco. The finish is equally composed, with superb integration of aromatics, fruit and structure. This is a highly enjoyable red from Basilicata’s Vulture district. Needless to say, it is highly recommended. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2016.” Antonio Galloni – Wine Advocate 91 Points!
2003 Gualdo del Rennero Merlot ($39.99)
- Gualdo del Re’s 2003 Il Rennero (100% Merlot aged in barrique) performed very well when tasted blind alongside some of the region’s more famous bottlings. A deep, dark ruby, it presents a compelling mix of blueberry jam, cassis, chocolate and sweet toasted oak, with an engaging, plump personality, notable length on the palate and outstanding freshness considering the vintage. Though not the most complex Italian Merlot, it is sure to please many with its generous, up-front qualities. Antonio Galloni – Wine Advocate 91 Points!
2006 Fontodi Chianti Classico ($39.99)
- “The Chianti Classico is typically one of the last Chiantis to be bottled, but the 2006 shows all the qualities I encountered when I tasted various lots earlier, prior to final assembly and bottling. It is a big, super-ripe Chianti that captures all of the best qualities of the vintage in its rich fruit and beautifully defined aromatics. This is a serious, structured Chianti that can be enjoyed now, but that also has the stuffing to age gracefully for years. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2016.” Antonio Galloni – Wine Advocate 91 Points!
2004 Cascina Morassino Barbaresco ($59.99)
- “The estate’s 2004 Barbaresco Ovello presents a much darker color as well as a heavier dose of oak than the Morassino. Ovello is one of the region’s most distinctive sites, so it is a shame to see much of its detail covered by the oak, which also contributes to the harder tannins on the finish. Still, this is beautifully made wine with a dark, spiced personality and plenty of style. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019.” Antonio Galloni – Wine Advocate 91 Points
Saturday, June 1st, 2013 – 4pm – 7pm
Saturday’s Selections: $20.00 per person
John Robert Eppler 2010 Chardonnay ($19.99)
- Aromas of exotic tropical fruit custard tart and toasty lemon cake with a soft, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a pineapple, kiwi, melon, and earth accented finish. Excellent Burgundian complexity and depth. Will shine with grilled lobster.
Zolo 2010 Reserve {Argentina} ($29.99)
- “The 2010 Zolo Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a worthy follow-up to the 2009. It has a sedate, well-defined bouquet of kirsch, cranberry, raspberry and that gravel note. The palate is full-bodied and well-balanced with earthy ripe black fruit. It is a little broody, but draws you in, and the finish is powerful but wonderfully focused. This is a classy Cabernet. Drink 2013-2020+” Neil Martin – Wine Advocate 93 Points!
Chateau Mongravey 2007 {France} ($36.99)
- Château Mongravey “amongst the most elegant Margaux wines”… It is not surprising that the “Alliance des Crus Bourgeois” has awarded this exceptional cru the title of “Cru Bourgeois” as of the 2003 vintage. Since 1980, Château Mongravey’s destiny lies in the hands of Régis Bernaleau who, thought and built the remarkable cellar, both aesthetically and technically. Mongravey is a magic wine which matches with nobility the most subtle cuisine. It is a wine which will offer you pure instants of happiness and emotion.
2004 San Leonardo {Italy} ($59.99)
- Well-focused and fresh, just starting to show some age, with fine-grain tannins and layered flavors of ripe and dried currant, violet, creamy black licorice, dried mint, fragrant tobacco and lots of aromatic ground spices. Lightly chewy on the smoke- and espresso-laced finish. Primarily a Cabernet Sauvignon, with a little Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Drink now through 2019. 5,300 cases made. –AN Wine Spectator 93 Points!
Hayfork 2008 {USA} ($69.99)
- “Some investment in patience will be warranted with this wine, which is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot from the Llewelling Ranch at the base of St. Helena’s western hills. Aged in 100% new French oak, the wine is tight and restrained, but bursting with potential. Oodles of minerality, black currants, graphite, tobacco leaf, and spice box are all present in this deep, full-bodied, concentrated and powerful wine. However, the tannins are still present and the wine in need of 4-5 years of cellaring. It should keep for 20-30 years.” Robert Parker Wine Advocate 94 Points!
ALL WINES ON SATURDAY ARE 15% OFF!
Hope to see you all at the tasting!
Jason Perry
