RECENT CLUB SELECTS
Roc Blanco, Tinto Crianza
Our three recent club selections are just in time for warm weather and dinners grilled on the barbeque. The first two from Castillo Perelada, Spain, Roc Blanco and Tinto Crianza are wonderful complements to dining alfresco. Try marinated chicken, grilled to perfection with a finishing touch of lemon juice and serve with summer vegetables. Blended of Xarel-lo (65%) and Muscat (35%). Roc Blanco is from the northeast area of Spain, bordering France to the north, Aragon to the west and the Pais Valenciano region to the south. These coastal areas generally enjoy a Mediterranean climate.
The Tinto Crianza is a blend of Garnatxa (38%), Carinyena (26%), Cabernet Sauvignon (14%), Tempranillo (10%), Merlot (9%), and Syrah (3%). It is also grown in the northeast corner of Spain. The vineyard fans out from the coastal town of Figueres to the French Border and to the east, the vineyards run to the sea. The climate is also Mediterranean, but with strong winds, particularly the Tramontana wind, reaching speeds of 75 miles per hour. The average temperature is a cool 60 degrees with ample rainfall in the winter months.
Spain has more acreage in vines than any other country but comes in third behind Italy and France in terms of volume of wine produced. The arid nature of much of the vineyard land limits how densely vines can be planted because there isn’t enough moisture
Tasting notes
Roc Blanco 2007
Pale yellow in color with a greenish tint. It has intense aromas, floral with fruity flavors. In the mouth, it is viscous, with fresh, persistent flavors and is perfectly balanced. The Roc Blanco is a very complex wine with a marked Mediterranean style.
Tinto Crianza 2005
Medium intensity with cherry red color. Its aroma reminds one of ripe fruits and is slightly toasted, due to oak ageing. Spicy and expressive. In the mouth it is round, tasty, well structured and balsamic. Fresh acidity. Very ripe tannins. This is a well balanced wine.
Chateau Laronde Desormes - Bordeaux SupÉRIEUR
Varietals: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon 45% Merlot 5% Petit Verdot
Our third wine, the fabulous 2005 vintage Bordeaux Supérieur caused a dramatic increase in Bordeaux prices. This made it imperative to spend extra time and effort finding high-quality, good value Bordeaux. During this search, we found a selection of Bordeaux Supérieur wines from “petits châteaux” that are unlike any other we have ever encountered.
Winemaker Claude Gaudin has fashioned some exceptional wines from petits châteaux located along the Gironde River, adjacent to the Haut-Médoc appellation. In addition to Château Laronde Desormes, he also oversees the winemaking at Château Plaisance and Château Lescalle. His philosophy is simple: the wine is made in the vineyard. Dense planatation naturally reduces the yield per vine, resulting in a more concentrated wine. Traditional vinification and just the right touch of new oak give added structure and extra dimensions of flavor and complexity.
Chateau Laronde Desormes is harvested at extremely low yields and aged in only a small percentage (25%) of new oak. The resulting wine is full of finesse and elegance, with well-balanced bright fruit and an easy finish. With Cabernet Sauvignon as its primary grape, it is built to taste more like one of its Médoc neighbors than like a simple Bordeaux rouge, and will pair well with grilled red meats, roasted game, woodland mushrooms and strong cheeses.
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Summer 2009