Saturday, December 13, 2008

Louis Latour

Yesterday, I was generously given a bottle of Louis Latour Corton Charlemagne 2002 by a relative. Although a white wine, it went wonderfully with a dinner of sirloin steak, baked sweet potato and green beans. It has a beautiful golden color and smooth finish. I knew from experience that this was not inexpensive wine. I decided to look it up on Wine Spectator this morning. Here is the lowdown:

"Refined, with a dense core of apple surrounded by pear and apple pie spice aromas and flavors. Bright and impeccably balanced, this is harmonious and well-defined, yet dense, and has not revealed all its charms. Fine length with a creamy texture. Best from 2008 through 2020. –BS"

Score: 95
Release Price: $115
Current Auction Price: $169
Country: France Region: Burgundy
Issue: Jun 30, 2005


Rarely have I been able to enjoy a 95 point wine with a weeknight dinner :) Not to worry. I was actually given two bottles. The second one I'm saving for Christmas.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

My personal Xmas Wish List from Wine Spectator's Top 100

In spite of the economy, I have some very lovely wines on my wish list from Wine Spectator's top 100 wines. Santa, please take note!

#6 Pio Cesare Barolo 2004. 94 points, $62 A "big juicy chewy wine" from a reliable Piedmont producer of Barolos.

#9 Mollydooker Shiraz McLaren Vale Carnival of Love 2007. 95 points, $90 "One of the few great Australian Shirazes priced less than $100. "

#10 Seghesio Zinfandel Sonoma County 2007. 93 points, $24 "Aged 11 months in 75 % American Oak, it's a complex, seductive, pepper and berry laced Zinfandel with a supple texture and a spicy finish."

#12 Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon Puente Alto Don Melchior 2005. 96 points, $69 I had a Don Melchior at Christmas last year and it was excellent. "Aged 15 months in French Oak to create a red with a big core of roasted chestnut, warm fig and tar flavors."

#37 Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley 2006 93 points, $27 "Emphasizes the intensity juicy acidity and sleekness this grape is capable of.

As you can see, this is diverse list. Italian, Australian, California, and Chilean wines are all here. One white, and four reds.