Zeppoli's Tasting: Part 2

Name: Allamand
Variety: Malbec
Region: Uco Valley
Country: Argentina
Year: 2010
Price: $11.99

Winery review: It is a 100% Malbec that comes from 15-20 year old vines planted in the Uco Valley region. Located at the foot of the Andes reange, more than 3,150 ft above sea level, this region produces some of the most refined and elegant Malbecs from Argentina. Deep purple color, lots of violets in the nose, and natural great acidity, are the typical characteristics of this typical Uco Valley "appellation" Malbec.

My review: I thought this was an acceptable wine. The nose was earthy and spicy.  I thought there was a tart taste which brought to mind the flavor of black olives. There was definite heat coming through this wine, however it mixed well with the pasta dish I was eating.  








Name: Crucero
Variety: Carmenere
Region: Colchagua
Country: Chile
Year: 2010
Price: $7.99

Winery review: Alcohol 13.5% "Herbal, powerful and varietally on the money, with common, but well executed aromas of earth, blackberry and olives. The palate offers proper weight and intensity, while the flavors of black plum, raspberry and tea are just herbal enough to scream out "Carmenere." Tasty and consistent from nose to finish. -M.S."
-Wine Enthusiast (December 1st 2010), 88 pts +BEST BUY "Top 10 under 10"
My review: I really enjoyed this wine. Like the previous wine I smelled definite earthy aroma sprinkled with spices. It was dry on the palatte with a prominent pepper taste.  I thought it paired well with the crab-tart appetizer which off-set the pepper very well.









Name: Maipe
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2010
Price: $8.99

Winery review: Alcohol 13.5% This Cabernet Sauvignon has an intense ruby red color with aromas and flavors of ripe blackcurrant, rep pepper, mint, chocolate and vanilla hints. The fruits and tannins are perfectly balanced to give a wine of excellent structure making it ideal for grilled meats, game, pasta or pizza.

My review: This wine was full of flavor. A full bodied wine, no doubt. The nose was filled with that blackcurrant aroma described above. The palette was filled with potent black berry flavors and some earthy hints.  I drank this wine without any food.











Name: Gen 5
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Lodi, California
Country: USA
Year: 2009
Price: $11.25

Winery review: Alcohol 13.9% - We strive for a friendly Cabernet Sauvignon, with juicy red and black fruit flavors that are well-balanced and textured and soft on the palatte.
Review: 92 points ('09), Wilfred Wong: "Taking Lodi into a whole new level, the finely-tuned '09 Gen 5 Cabernet shows intricate and complex flavors; ripe for sure, yet classy and refined; long finish."
My review: I thought this was an interesting Cabernet. I could smell the heat on the nose mixed with a smoky aroma.  Although the alcohol content is fairly high, the well balanced tannic structure made it easy to drink.  Definite smoky flavors on the palette with a mushroom taste coming through as well.  The wine paired nicely with the pasta dish I was eating.