November 23, 2011

What I’m thankful for…

It’s been a little more than two years since I first started writing about wine. I look back at this time fondly as I wasn’t only able to recount and share my experiences, but also develop my own knowledge and expertise further in the attempt to provide you all with the most educated content possible. Because of this trust, many of you allowed me to be your guide to a sometimes confusing world of wine. For this I thank you, for reading my articles, accepting my advice and encouraging my development.

I’d like to thank all of the wine personalities I met along the way. I will always remember the evening when winemaker Luca Currado of Vietti came into Stonehedge Inn and spent a couple hours sharing his stories and wines in an indelible experience that I’ll never forget. During this time I also had the opportunity to meet and foster relationships with other great personalities: Joe Donelan, Tyler Thomas, Sean Foster, Damian Parker, Anthony Bell, Brook Williams and Hope Moore just to name a few. These are the names that are responsible for the wonderful juice that elicits these great experiences and fond memories. For this I thank you and all winemakers/winery owners who take loving pride in what you do.

I’ve also made some great industry professionals that I’d now count amongst my friends. Michael Meagher, Jon Troutman and Erica Nonni, thank you for your support and friendship.

Most importantly, I’ve spent numerous hours creating content and in some cases putting SenelWine.com and SmartTastes.com in front of time with my family. They’ve made many sacrifices for me during these past couple years and a good amount of it was to allow me to pursue my wine-related ambitions and this most recent NYC excursion. For this I thank them, especially my wonderful wife and son.

It’s because of this last point that I feel it’s a good time to call it a day on my wine writing.  I encourage you to continue to enjoy and pursue wonderful wine experiences, as they ultimately lead to great life experiences. I for one will certainly be partaking in them; however it’s time for me to reward my family for their patience with me, they deserve the best of me and deserve to be the sole focus of my attention. I look forward to a 2012 that’s all about them.

To quote the late Robert Mondavi, “Wine to me is passion.  It’s family and friends. It’s warmth of heart and generosity of spirit.”  

All the best,

Erol

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November 21, 2011

Senel Wine’s Top 10 of 2011 (the Full List)

Thank you all for following me through another bountiful year of wine experiences. I hope 2011 has treated you well, regardless of how “into” wine you are. Remember, it’s just wine. You don’t just jump into knowing everything or having a trained palate, but wanting to develop it is essential to appreciating the artestry of the winemakers involved.

When push comes to shove, every educated wine lover started out as an uneducated beer drinker, they just decided they wanted to class it up a bit. Let your knowledge develop over time, attend wine tastings, read the occasional book about wine or a book that covers a unique period in wine’s history (for me, it all started with “Wine & War”), or put on a dinner with a couple wines that you’ve enjoyed and want to share with your friends. Regardless, enjoy the ride, because in the end, life is about the experiences. And if there’s one thing that wine is good at, it’s providing experiences (and a good buzz)! 

Now for your pleasure, here are the wines that I’ve selected for this years list. I hope you have the opportunity to enjoy a couple of them, if so, let me know what you thought of them.

Top 10 of 2011

  1. 2007 Montes, Purple Angel
  2. 2008 Schild Estate
  3. 2009 Chateau de Saint-Cosme, Côte-Rôtie
  4. 2008 Januik
  5. 2006 Frescobaldi, Lamaione
  6. 2009 Tenuta San Guido, Le Difese
  7. 2009 Emmerich Knoll, Rosé
  8. 2006 Penfolds, St.Henri
  9. 2009 Donelan, Venus
  10. 2009 Maison Nicolas Perrin, Crozes-Hermitage 

Cheers!

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November 18, 2011

Senel Wine’s 2011 Wine of the Year!

2011 Wine of the Year!

2007 Montes, Purple Angel, Carmenère, Rapel (Colchagua Valley, Chile) $55

Ranking point total 8.5 (1/2.5/5)

And now, for your adoration, my favorite wine of 2011!

Chilean wines on the high-end are something to behold. Last year, one of the best wines I had was from Casa Lapostolle (in fact it was the Clos Apalta that was last years #6 wine). That wine came from their Clos Apalta vineyards, so it should be of no surprise that that same area of Apalta has produced another prodigious gem. Montes have only been making wines since 1987; however since the beginning, they’ve been wowing critics and consumers alike, especially those who have been lucky enough to enjoy their Alpha M. This year, it wasn’t their Bordeaux blend that captivated me, but rather a 92% Carmenère 8% Petit Verdot virtuoso. 

The ’07 Purple Angel had me at hello. Literally the deepest violet I’ve experienced in a wine, it sent a message that it was going to put on a show. Aromas of dark fruit, chocolate, cinnamon, cigar box and mellow black pepper seductively lured you in for that first sip. Flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, vanilla and spice make sure that there’s no let down in taste after the aroma’s promise. Fabulous structure, round tannin and well-proportioned fruit acid provide seamless grace that lingers in a long finish. Sexy…simply put. 

Senel Wine – 96 pts

For more on how the Top 10 was selected, read Senel Wine’s Top 10 of 2011. Cheers!

To purchase a bottle of this wine, click on the image of the bottle above, or visit the winery website for more details.

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November 17, 2011

Senel Wine’s Top 10 Wines of 2011: #2

Even controversy cannot stop #2

2008 Schild Estate, Shiraz, Barossa (Australia) $25

Ranking point total 7.25 (2/1.25/4.5)

I’m not one to piggyback on Wine Spectator; however I couldn’t agree more with one of their selections from last year that is still readily available this year. There is a little controversy regarding the inventory of this tremendous wine. With that in mind, I still recommend it highly as it’s sensational.

The only way to describe the ’08 Schild in one word or less is…wow! I’ve sought this wine out on three separate occasions over the past 8 months and my initial score of 94 was trumped the last two times I’ve enjoyed it.

Super ripe, perfumed black cherry, candied orange zest, grape Big League Chew and spice leap from the glass and you give you an indication that this wine is out to impress. Flavors of black cherry and spice (Allspice) carry over and are joined by blackberry, white pepper and a subtle sweetness from the oak introduce a wonderfully long and bold finish.

The fact that this came from a $25 bottle blows me away. The complexity and length of this wine is impressive to say the least. It’s no wonder Wine Spectator ranked it #7 in their Top 100 of 2010. The most enjoyable sipper I can remember and will age wonderfully for quite some time, especially since it’s protected by a screw cap. One recommendation, pour a glass and then decant for an hour or so, it will greatly reward you!

Senel Wine – 95 pts

For more on how the Top 10 was selected, read Senel Wine’s Top 10 of 2011. Cheers!

To purchase a bottle of this wine, click on the image of the bottle above, or visit the winery website for more details.

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November 16, 2011

Senel Wine’s Top 10 of 2011: #3

#3 A Rhone Stunner!

2009 Chateau de Saint Cosme, Côte-Rôtie, Rhône (France) $55

Ranking point total 7.25 (1/2.25/4)

The Côte-Rôtie is the source of some of my favorite Syrahs and also serves as inspiration to New World winemakers, some of which have been able to replicate the characteristics with a bit a flair. Outside of the hoch-wine circles, I feel as if the wines from this region don’t garner nearly enough exposure here in the States. Most Rhone-lovers look to California or Australia for their bottles; however the Rhone itself should be more than deserving of a share of their wallet. Why drop $300+ on a bottle of Sine Qua Non or $200+ for Saxum when you can ascertain wines of tremendous quality and pedigree for a fraction of the cost?

The reason I’m such a fan of Côte-Rôtie AOC is the aromatics. These wines, due to the cooler climate and longer growing season, tend to be some of the most perfumed and sensual reds out there. Almost always when reviewing these wines does the words perfume, creamy, velvety and caressing come to mind. The ’09 St Cosme is just another example of why I love this region.

In my opinion, this is a terrific expression of Côte-Rôtie. Bright cassis, blackberry and spice notes permeate the aromas and into the palate along with notes of cream which are held together by subtly firm tannins that allow for a velvety mouthfeel. Although very sensual, it has a masculine edge to it, most notably in the structure. This quality makes this wine special as it’s seamlessly balanced and soft, yet strong enough to age wonderfully for the next 15 or so years.

Senel Wine – 95 pts

For more on how the Top 10 was selected, read Senel Wine’s Top 10 of 2011. Cheers!

To purchase a bottle of this wine, click on the image of the bottle above, or visit the winery website for more details.

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November 15, 2011

Senel Wine’s Top 10 of 2011: #4

#4 What a Cab!

2008 Januik, Cabernet Sauvignon, ColumbiaValley (Washington) $30

Ranking point total 6.75 (1.5/2.25/3)

Prior to reading about Januik in Wine Spectator, all I knew was that Michael Januik was at one point the winemaker at Stimson Lane, which is now Ste. Michelle. Now, I’m aware of what this man is capable of. Granted, 2008 was a sensational year for Washington reds, but a $30 wine that may go down as one of the greatest value ever?!  That speaks to the winemaker, not just the vintage.

Januik’s gem is bright and vibrant from the onset and sets the stage for wonderful complexity. Bright red fruit is joined by deeper blue fruit and plum skin, as well as an accent of green pepper. Slight secondary notes of sage are present and then you begin to notice the mouthfeel. This is a big wine without feeling laborious. The tannins are firm but sweet and will lend themselves nicely to aging. If you give this wine a few more years it will open up the secondary notes further and make it even more complex; however as it stands now, it’s fabulous!  This just goes to show you that a truly great Cabernet Sauvignon doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg.

I’d like to make a call here, as I feel this wine will end up in the Top 10 of Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2011 as well!

Senel Wine – 95 pts

For more on how the Top 10 was selected, read Senel Wine’s Top 10 of 2011. Cheers!

To purchase a bottle of this wine, click on the image of the bottle above, or visit the winery website for more details.

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November 14, 2011

Senel Wine’s Top 10 of 2011: #5

#5

2006 Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi, Lamaione, Tuscany (Italy) $64

Ranking point total 6.5 (.5/2.5/3.5) 

With #5, we’re getting into elitie territory! The next 5 wines are all capible of delivering impactful experiences that will show you why wine lovers speak so highly about great wines. Frescobaldi Lamaione superbly unique single-vineyard Super Tuscan made of 100% opulent merlot certainly fits this mold. One might ask, “what’s so unique about a merlot?” For one, it’s the first of its kind to be produced in Montalcino (which produces amazing Sangiovese-based wines) and secondly, is one of only two that I can recall that rivals the very best merlots of the Right Bank (Bordeaux) and at fraction of the cost.

Frescobaldi continually amazes me, as they have such a varied and robust line-up, yet maintains such a high level of quality, which is exemplified in their ’06 Luce and the #5 wine of 2011, Lamaione. If you ever are on the fence as to which Italian wine to select from a restaurant wine list, look to a Frescobaldi. 

The ’06 Lamaione is a gorgeous example of what Italian Merlot can be, with tremendous body, refreshing minerality and structure that allows the ripe blackberry, cocoa, spice and herbs playfully interact with one another on your palate. In short, it’s a very complex, polished and beautiful wine that will imprint an indelible memory.

Senel Wine – 96 pts

For more on how the Top 10 was selected, read Senel Wine’s Top 10 of 2011. Cheers!

To purchase a bottle of this wine, click on the image of the bottle above, or visit the winery website for more details.

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November 11, 2011

Senel Wine’s Top 10 Wine of 2011: #6

#6

2009 Tenuta San Guido, Le Difese, Tuscany (Italy) $22

Ranking point total 5.25 (2.5/1.25/1.5)

The first of back-to-back Italians in countdown is from the legendary producer of Sassicaia, Tenuta San Guido. It’s amazing how winemaker Sebastiano Rosa melded 70% Cabernet and 30% Sangiovese with the end result being reminiscent of Pauillac. This is the cleanest, most clearly delineated wine I’ve had this year. The layers are perfectly discernible with black fruit, then molasses, and then pencil shavings on the nose. Evenly ripened cassis and blackberry, cola and underbrush characterize the seamless flavors that are held together by super-soft tannins and uplifting acid.

Personally, I find the structure of this wine to be impeccable, quite the experience. I know it’s not trying to be a Bordeaux blend with the 30% Sango; however it really reminded me of Pichon-Lalande, it was that good. The only knock, it won’t have as long life, but then again, it’s not supposed to as this is their “entry-level wine”. It overdelivers immensely, I wish all entry-level wines were like this.

Senel Wine – 94 pts

For more on how the Top 10 was selected, read Senel Wine’s Top 10 of 2011. Cheers!

To purchase a bottle of this wine, click on the image of the bottle above, or visit the winery website for more details.

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November 10, 2011

Senel Wine’s Top 10 Wine of 2011: #7

#7: Not only the wine but the label draws your attention.

2009 Emmerich Knoll, Rosé, Wachau (Austria) $28

Ranking point total: 5 (1.75/.75/2.5)

The Knoll estate is located in the town of Unterloibenin the Wachau, Austria. It has been run by an Emmerich Knoll for several generations and currently makes roughly 30 different wines. The sheer breadth of the line-up would make one wonder how enough attention could be paid to a lowly rosé to justify its inclusion on this amazing list of stars. The answer is simple, terrior.

To say this ’09 Rosé of Blauer Burgunder (Pinot Noir) is terrior-driven is somewhat of an understatement. From the boysenberry and strawberry fields present in the glass, to the zincky, wet limestone that evokes images a recent rain on the hills of where these grapes were grown, I’ve never experienced such character and finesse in a rosé before. I’m befuddled. This is an artisan wine; whereas most roses are afterthoughts. $28 may seem like a lot for a rosé, but luckily your not buying a rosé (and all the prejudice it carries), your buying a terrific wine.

Senel Wine – 93 pts

For more on how the Top 10 was selected, read Senel Wine’s Top 10 of 2011. Cheers!

Since completing the list, it looks as if this offering has SOLD OUT. Click here for a wonderfully, crisp and harmonious Rosé alternative from Ampelos!

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November 9, 2011

Senel Wine’s Top 10 Wine of 2011: #8

#8

2006 Penfolds, St. Henri, South Australia (Australia) – $72

Ranking point total 4.5 (.25/2.25/2)

Penfolds has the most renowned history of all Australian wine firms. I covered this history in a piece written back in February after the mind-blowing ‘Heritage Tasting’ put on by Treasury Wine Estates.

Outside of their rich history, Penfolds has maintained continuity through staying steadfast in the development of their labels. Of course there’s the noteworthy Grange (which is now sans “Hermitage”, thank you France), St. Henri and Bin 707; however the winemakers at Penfolds have always been aware that they don’t wish to be solely a high-end shop, but rather create a line-up that’s appealing to different audiences and for different occasions. The selection for the #8 wine is one of their higher-end wines that will never leave you with buyer’s remorse!

The ’06 St. Henri at first sniff and taste, is amazingly consistent with the ’05. Ripe red fruit and wild flowers start things off beautifully with hints of green pepper. Flavors of red and black fruit followed by leather, herbal notes and an underpinning of spice carry through to a long finish. This is a complex, thoughtful and well-balanced St. Henri, not quite as bold as the ’05, but slightly more elegant.

Senel Wine – 95 pts

For more on how the Top 10 was selected, read Senel Wine’s Top 10 of 2011. Cheers!

To purchase a bottle of this wine, click on the image of the bottle above, or visit the winery website for more details. (Currently AWESOME deals on this wine!)

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