Tasting 10/25: Cozy Reds

Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2004
Mietz Cellars
Mietz Cellars is a small, family-owned winery in Sonoma's Dry Creek Valley. They are particularly known for their outstanding Merlots, but this gem from winemaker Keith Mietz features the Dry Creek Valley's star grape, Zinfandel. The grapes for this wine were picked at moderate sugar levels compared to other Zinfandels on the market, producing a wine that is balanced and not excessive in ripeness and showcases typical berry fruit of a classic Dry Creek Zin. It was aged 16 months in 70 gallon American Oak barrels, and is comprised of 90% Zinfandel and 10% Syrah.

"Le Mas" Coteaux du Languedoc 2005
Domaine Clavel
The Clavel family has been quite influential in Coteaux du Languedoc wine circles for many years, however the family never owned any vineyards until young Pierre Clavel established himself at the former Mas Calage, now Domaine Clavel. The estate is located in Méjanelle, one of the five communes surrounding Montpellier that make up the subregional zone of the Coteaux du Languedoc called Grès de Montpellier.

This lovely wine is made of a blend of Grenache, Syrah & Cinsault. A hugely attractive wine with supple, slightly earthy red fruits spiced with cinnamon and a good dry, lightly tannic finish. You may recognize this label as we have carried the Domaine's rosé wine, 'Mescladis', made with the same blend of grapes, but much less skin contact (and therefore lighter in color and body.) Both are wonderful wines and great values!

Saurus Patagonia Select Malbec 2006
Bodegas Familia Schroeder
The Schroeder family happened upon quite a discovery when they were building their Patagonian winery- the remains of a 40 foot long Titanosaur! Hence the name 'Saurus' - paying homage to their 75 million year old friend. The ideal climate in this area allows for proper development of a wide range of grapes, and the bodega makes still & sparkling wines from Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay & Sauvignon Blanc grapes.

This 100% Malbec is made with the utmost care - including handpicking all the grapes, and the use of gravity in the winemaking process in lieu of pumps. After crush & fermentation, 40% of the juice spent 12 months in French oak before blending in with the rest, and it certainly paid off in terms of complexity and body. That said, it's still a very new world style wine, intensely colored, with aromas of currants, plums and sour berries, with just a touch of spiciness to balance it all out.