2011 Mercer Canyons Chardonnay

Taste: 5/5
Value: 5/5
Price: $13

Another home run from The Wine Merchant wine club - this Columbia Valley Chardonnay is true to varietal without being heavily oaked.  Winemaker notes: "A blend of stainless steel and barrel-fermented lots give this wine great complexity while remaining bright and fresh. The wine begins with fresh lemon lime, vanilla cream, apples and pears. The bursting fruit continues on the palate with richness and complexity, elegance and minerality. Bright acidity gives way to a lingering finish with notes of honey and orange blossom." 88 points Wine Enthusiast (Best Buy), 86 points Wine Spectator
Will be interesting to compare to future vintages, as 2011 was a notably cool growing season producing wines with ample acidity.

2012 La Crema Pinot Noir

Taste: 5/5
Value: 5/5
Price: $20

La Crema Pinot Noir is exactly how I want my Pinot's to taste - like I've just been smacked by a Bing cherry in the kisser!  Also nicely balanced by an earthy minerality.  Reinforcing, yet again, that I prefer cool climate Pinot's (Monterey, Carneros - I must remember this!).  Notes from the winemaker: "We source our Monterey Pinot Noir from the northernmost tip of the region, where the fruit develops remarkable aromatic and textural complexity with crisp, firm structural elements. The 2012 vintage has been described by both winemakers and growers as ideal. The relatively mild conditions allowed the fruit to ripen slowly, developing the concentration and lush fruit character that can only come from extended hang time on the vine. Monterey Pinot Noir developed beautifully with this additional time to mature, while retaining its natural juicy acidity and freshness. This release offers up both savory and sweet tones, with pomegranate and blackberry taking the lead on the palate."  If I find this on sale, I would definitely buy a few bottles!

2010 Xplorador Merlot

Taste: 5/5
Value: 5/5
Price: <$10

From the Xplorador website: Chilean Merlots are friendly, fruity and light bodied, meant to be drunk young.  Well-ripened red and black fruits lend a bit of sweetness.  This merlot is soft and round, with flavors of black cherry, cassis and dark chocolate.   Liked it a lot!

2010 Klinker Brick Old Vine Zinfandel

Taste: 5/5
Value: 4/5
Price: $19


This Old Vine Zinfandel comes from vines with an average age of 85 years.  Black raspberry, cedar shavings, pepper and spice on the nose.  Medium-bodied, with berries and dark cherry flavors, balanced with firm structure and a silky texture on the palate. This wine has a smooth and lingering finish.  I found it the absolute best tasting on day three! 

2010 Saurus Select Pinot Noir

Taste: 5/5

Value: 5/5

Price: $17

 

Another great Wine Club find from Patagonia, Argentina, by The Wine Merchant, Cincinnati OH!  “The 2010 Saurus Select Pinot Noir has light red currant and strawberry notes on the nose. The palate is fresh and pointed on the entry with tart cherry fruit and touches of strawberry jam and cranberry on the focused finish. This is commendable, if missing the persistency of a great Pinot Noir. Drink now.” Wine Advocate, 87 points.  I think this could make a wonderful Thanksgiving wine given the balance and cranberry finish.  Interested to try their Malbec...Leonardo Puppato - Winemaker.

2010 Amado Sur Malbec

Taste: 5/5
Value: 5/5
Price $15

 The 2010 Amado Sur is a meticulous blend of Malbec, Syrah and, the recently rediscoverd, Bonarda (Genuine Bonadra Piemontese is, as the name suggests, a red Piedmont grape which is now somewhat rare in its native Italy.) Dark red with violet hues and crimson reflections. Generous aromas of fresh red fruit combine with notes of clove, smoke, vanilla and toast. "This floral red exhibits juicy blackberry, raspberry and plum notes supported by medium tannins. The grippy finish unfolds with hints of mulled spice and licorice. Malbec, Bonarda and Syrah. Drink now." Wine Spectator, 90 points.  Even better on day two, with intensified spice and berry flavors.

2006 La Puerta Reserva Syrah

Taste: 5/5
Value: 5/5
Price: $11 (on sale from $16)

At $16, this would be a steal.  At $11, I went back for two more bottles!  This is probably one of the best QPR wines I have ever had.  I immediatlely got layers of cocoa, followed by dense berry and some earthy tones.  This is an intense wine that benefits from decanting.  Stood up to grilled steak very well.