Sommeliers Australia - South American Tasting

Sommeliers Australia - South American Tasting

  20:50    Stu.

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As part of my continued palate education, I attended a Sommeliers Australia event on South American wines.  Hosted by leading importers Jim Mcilwain (Southern Cross Wines) and David Castro-Stevens (Wines of Chile), the tasting showcased classic wines from Chile and Argentina. 

Underagga T.H. Sauvignon Blanc 2009

From 4.36 hectares, 14 kilometres from the ocean and planted on coastal crack clay comes this pungent Sauvignon Blanc.  Pronounced lemon character; minerality dissolving across the back palate and a high acid backbone. 

Casas Del Bosque Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2010

More in the New Zealand style with herbaceous notes, again the pungency quite prominent.  Acid showing on entry into the palate and quite an astringent finish. 

Rutini Wines Trumpeter Torrontes Mendoza 2010

Torrontes is native to Argentina.  This, my first example, is apparently atypical of the varietal.  Showing bright florals and apricot aromas, redolent of a worked Viognier.  Clean and fresh on the palate with a drying finish. 

De Martino Reserva 347 Vineyards Chadonnay 2010

Faint hints of green apple on the palate, but it is very closed.  Natural creaminess and a slight briny character on the palate.  Almond, nutty finish. 

Morande Reserva Chardonnay 2006

Slight hint of struck match, a worked style exhibiting buttered toasty notes.  Rich and buttery through the palate, there is a line of acid with over-riding toasty notes from generous oak. 

Santa Rita '120' Carmenere 2008

The 'Chilean Merlot'.  Primary fruit character of plum, light of body.  Showing some good chalky tannin with savoury spicy notes.  Good entry level Carmenere deserving of some food. 

Santa Rita Reserva Carmenere 2008

Plum and tobacco notes flow through to a medium bodied palate.  Tannins are less pronounced than the entry level 120 exhibiting themselves in a savoury drying, twiggy manner.  Final notes of chocolate on conclusion. 

William Fevre Gran Cuvee Carmenere 2004

Slightly aged style, showing more in the way of some leaf, dried herb notes.  Primacy of fruit making way for more savoury notes; drying tannins. 

Perez Cruz Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

Leafy woody aromas segue into a smooth, silken cassis body.  Structure abounds: firm, persistent tannin that fills and coats the mouth. 

Conclusion

Some outstanding value represented here.  I shall endeavour to add RRPs against the wines and some alcohol % figures.  Sadly missed some Malbec and Carignan.

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