2006 Errazuriz Carmenere Don Maximano Estate (Chile) $15.99

“I typically like Carmenere but I love this one for its distinct bouquet of plum, wild berry and spice. The 2006 Carmenere Don Maximo Estate spent 12 months in French and American oak and grapes hand picked from Chile’s finest premier vineyard in Aconcagua Valley. Its complex and enticing aromatics of fresh black fruit complemented by sweet spice and black pepper are intertwined with cassis, dry figs and plum. On the palate, layered spice, full bodied and plenty of lush ripe fruit. Smooth tannins, great depth and a lengthy finish to boot. I would enjoy in the next several years with any roasted meat or tomato-based dish.”

91 Points, Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

92 Points, Shannon Sprentall
Staff Selection, May 2010

Shannon Sprentall and Laura Catena, Proprietor of Luca Vineyards and daughter of Nicolas Catena.

Argentina was quite an adventure thanks to a fearless tour guide who led the way to meaty meals, scrumptious wine and quality company.  One of the best “work” trips I have ever been on!  Here are the highlights of my Argentina trip 2010:

Jan. 30th – Leave USA for ARG
Jan. 31st – Buenos Aires, lunch, sightseeing, dinner
Feb. 1st – Leave for Mendoza (2 hour flight) – check in, visit Mendel, dinner at 9 with Mapema
Feb. 2nd – Mendoza – Paulucci, Pizzella, Laborde & Tikal vineyards –  1884 (world acclaimed restaurant in Mendoza, at Catena winery)
Feb. 4th – Mendoza/Agrelo – Dominio del Plata (Crios, Ben Marco, etc…), dinner with Susana Balbo
Feb. 5th – Tikal day 

Click here to see more pictures from my trip!

2007 Susana Balbo Signature Malbec (Mendoza) 19.99

You know malbec, the black presence in Bordeaux blends, the grape of Bergerac, Cahors, and most notably Argentina.

But you don’t know how noble this wine is until you’ve had Susana Balbo’s Signature Malbec.

Balbo is best known for her hand-made Crios varietals, which are exceptionally crisp and classy for $12.99, which is all the more reason to taste what another $8 buys.

The 2007 Signature Malbec ($19.99) shows the grape at its best, juicy earthy flavors in a an elegant package. There are lots of blackberries and whiffs of vanilla, dark chocolate and smoke. It’s a plumy and rich drink but more civilized than a fruit bomb.

Balbo used 10% cabernet sauvignon to add structure, but the malbec is the polished star. You must try it if you want to understand the variety, Bordeaux blends or Argentina. Or if you want to meet a great pioneer among women winemakers.

B-21′s very own Andes Adventurer, Shannon Sprentall had the chance to visit and taste with Susana Balbo on her trip to Argentina in February.  Click here to see pictures from her trip.

- Chris Sherman, The Blogging Nibbler

2007 Colome Malbec Mendoza (Argentina) - A Top 100 Wine from Wine Spectator too! - $24.99

“The estate’s 250 acres of vines from old French cuttings hold the claim of being some of the highest altitude vineyards in the world, with the highest being a staggering 9891 feet above sea level. Bodegas Colomé farms some of the oldest vines in Argentina estimated about 150-year old pre-phylloxera. As if ancient vines and near alpine conditions weren’t enough to distinguish their grapes, Bodegas Colomé also farms their vineyards biodynamically. As for the wine itself, I love its sophisticated nose of black fruit, lavender, violets and spice. French oak is beautifully integrated extracting amazing toasty flavors as well. The balance is very well done.” 

93 Points, Shannon Sprentall
Staff Selection, April 2010

2005 Bodegas Poesia Clos des Andes Reserva - 19.99

“2005 Clos des Andes is the latest addition to the prestigious Bodega Poesia collection. This 100% Malbec is sourced from 80 year old vines from the Lujan de Cuyo region of Mendoza and aged to perfection in French oak for one year. Vibrant red in color, musky aromas of baked plum, cedar, violets and black cherry. Extremely elegant in depth and balance lengthened with subtle sweet flavors of berries and herbs. For the perfect Clos des Andes experience decant and serve at 64 degrees. A great representation of Malbec at an affordable price!”

91 Points, Shannon Sprentall
Staff Selection, March 2010

2008 Festivo Malbec - 12.99 (11.69 btc)

“2008 Festivo is by far the best valued malbec on the shelf! This distinctive and emblematic variety of Argentina, which falls somewhere between Cabernet and Merlot, has successfully exploded in popularity. It is dark crimson in color with a fragrant nose of blueberries and spice. Medium bodied, hints of dark chocolate, a touch of smoke and minerality with delicious spice and plum characters steering to a lengthy finish. 2008 Festivo malbec is a true expression of this variety at an everyday price.”

90 Points, Shannon Sprentall
February 2010

2009 Crios Torrontes ($11.99)

Winemaker Susana Balbo has done it again! If you have been a Crios Torrontes fan since the 2007 vintage as I have you will not be disappointed with this new arrival. 2009 Crios Torrontes is simply a superb representation of Salta’s Torrontes production. Aromatically similar to Viognier, you’ll find hints of magnolia, peach and citrus on the nose. On the palate, tons of lime, acidity, and concentration. This torrontes is dry but obtains such a voluptuous body for a wine so delicate, fruity and floral. The acidity and mineral components are quite impressive. This 2009 Torrontes is best enjoyed in its vibrant youth, paired with smoked meats, seafood and cheeses or with no partner at all. It is an excellent everyday wine at a refreshingly affordable price.

92 Points, Shannon Sprentall
January 2010

BOB SPRENTALL - “I will be at Momofuku Ko for dinner tomorrow night in NYC. Will report from there!”

• Our sources tell us that Mr. B-21 himself was enjoying a bottle of 2005 Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny on Christmas night.

SHANNON SPRENTALL - “Van winkle bourbons!!!”
Shannon and fam will be sampling a variety of Van winkle bourbons, and a good time is sure to be had by all!

• Old Rip Van Winkle 12 Year Old Special Reserve 90.4° $68.99
• Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13yr 95.4° $68.99
• Pappy Van Winkle 15 years old 107° Bourbon  $78.99
• Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year Old Reserve 90.4°  $135.99

RHETT BEILETTI - Its all Bubbles and Bordeaux for Rhett

• 2002 Agrapart Mineral ($59.99)
• 2002 Guy Charlemagne Mesnillisime  ($69.99)
• 2003 Domaine de Chevalier Rouge

STEVE RAYMAN - Steve has picked out a variety of wine including a Top 100 fav for his family festivities.

•  Agrapart Terroirs Champagne from Magnum – ($89.99 – 1.5L)
• Roederer Estate Brut ($17.99)
• 1999 Luneau Papin Muscadet L d’or ($19.99)
• 2008 Paul Pernot Bourgogne Blanc ($17.99)
• 2008 Mas Carlot Clairette ($9.99)
• 2007 Giraud Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition ($34.99)
• 2006 Viticcio Chianti Classico Riserva (Top 100 Wine) ($24.99)

SHAWN REYNOLDS - Our Cali Correspondent is keepin’ it classy.

• Flowers Pinot Noir ($39.99)

SUMMER MARTIN - Yo me quedo en España y Chile.  I’m staying in Spain and Chile this Christmas (at least for my wine selections) ¡Feliz Navidad!

• 2005 Muga Reserva ($24.99)
• 2005 Sierra Salinas Mira ($16.99)
• 2008 Montes Late Harvest Gewurztraminer 375ml ($19.99)
• (Oh, and my husband is sure to spike our eggnog with some Courvoisier or Remy Martin)

2003 Viña Sideral from Chile ($17.99)

“Altair is a Chilean winery founded by the owners of Bordeaux’ Château Dassault.  Their 2003 Sideral is a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 4% Syrah, and 2% Sangiovese.  It reveals full body, marvelous extraction and richness, terrific equilibrium, and a layered, textured, expansively flavored personality.  At this unbeatable price, the stars are aligned for this perfectly drinking Bordeaux styled blend.  In the era of turn n’ burn wines, this 6 year old Sideral is truly a treasure.”

- 91+ Points, Shannon Sprentall, Email: shannon@b-21.com, Direct #: (727) 722-9105