i-wine: 12 April i-1-wine journey 15 (I WANT WINE!)

A great afternoon with excellent learning experience. The Wine Journey started by visiting the private kept wine cellar, and continue with a theory session. We discuss varietals and regions, going through many questions. Most importantly, we express our burgeoning interest in all things vinous and have a thoroughly good time.

Our wine flight for the day:

Abanico Renaixença Brut Cava NV
Bodegas Abanico, Catalunya, Spain

Main Varietal: Macabeo, Perellada, Xarel.lo
Ratings: 3.0 stars; 87pts

Pleasant and fruity. Not unbalanced

Delheim Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc 2011

Delheim Cellar, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Main Varietal: Chenin Blanc
Ratings: 3.0 stars; 88pts

After a brief assault by excessive sulfites, a lovely bouquet of tropical fruit, much like a can of mixed fruit. Good length


Hill & Dale Chardonnay 2012
Hill And Dale, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Main Varietal: Chardonnay
Ratings: 3.0 stars; 87pts

Simple, round quaffer

MontGras Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Central Valley, Chile
Main varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Ratings: 3.5 stars; 90pts

Capsicum and grass notes. Some sweetish floral notes and complexity. Mid-weighted and well-balanced. Not aggressive on the palate and quite pleasurable.

Fesles Rosé d'Anjou 2011
Château de Fesles, Saumur, France
Main Varietal: Grolleau, Gamay
Ratings: 3.5 stars; 89pts

Strawberry jam and grape juice on the nose lead nicely into a almost sweet palate that finishes nicely dry.

Santa Rita 120 Resava Especial Colleccion Independencia 2011

Santa Rita,Valle Del Maipo, Chile

Main Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon

Carmen Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

Carmen, Valle De Colchagua, Chile

Main Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Ratings: 3.5 stars; 90pts

Good balance for a Chilean cab. 5 years and good maturity. Simple yes attractive.

Delheim Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2011
Delheim Cellar, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Main Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Ruby Cabernet, Cabernet Franc
Ratings: 4.0 stars; 90pts

Moderately dense yet balanced. Mint cassis and leather. Some sulphur notes.

Bernadotte Haut-Médoc Grand Vin 2002
Château Bernadotte, Bordeaux, France
Main Varietal: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot
Ratings: 3.5 stars; 90pts

11 year old magnum offering an alluring and mature expression of uncomplicated bordeaux at it best (in my humble opinion).

Brown Brothers Victoria Orange Muscat & Flora 2012
Brown Brothers, Victoria, Australia
Main Varietal: Orange Muscat, Flora
Ratings: 4.0 stars; 91pts

Complex notes of preserved lemon and apricot with a side of litchi. Delightful at this price point.

Some other photos to share: