https://www.saltshaker.net/20051013/salon-del-vino-part-iii Casting a little flavor (and a few aspersions) on the world of food, drink, and life Tue, 28 Feb 2006 13:17:03 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1 https://www.saltshaker.net/20051013/salon-del-vino-part-iii#comment-205 Tue, 28 Feb 2006 13:17:03 +0000 https://www.saltshaker.net/20051014/salon-del-vino-part-iii#comment-205 […] Viña Constancia Ariano Merlot 2005 – sweet, juicy berry fruit, tobacco, cocoa, a touch smoky on the finish, the flavors slightly green – common for Merlot in Uruguay, but a good wine. Don Adelio Ariano Tannat-Cabernet Franc Reserva 2004 – barrique aged, this 50:50 blend is dominated, in a good way, by the Cabernet Franc – tobacco, dry grass and weeds, and red fruit flavors are the hallmarks of this parent of the more well-known Cabernet Sauvignon, and it’s one of my favorite grapes – this wine has great structure, and the Tannat adds more depth and complexity to the Cabernet – quite good. As a note, I’d also tasted their pure Cabernet Franc back during the Salon del Vino in October and liked it quite a bit. Don Adelio Ariano Tannat Reserva 2004 – also barrique aged, this wine showcases the Tannat with blackberry, black plum, and cinnamon flavors, it’s got soft tannins and good length, though I found it to be a trifle high in acidity, a good wine. […]

]]> https://www.saltshaker.net/20051013/salon-del-vino-part-iii#comment-84 Fri, 02 Dec 2005 12:19:30 +0000 https://www.saltshaker.net/20051014/salon-del-vino-part-iii#comment-84 […] Trapiche Ciento Veinte Años 2002 – The only blend of the evening, taking the classic Bordeaux blend, but instead of the Cabernets and Merlot being the usual 80-90% of the blend, Malbec takes a stronger stance here – 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Malbec, 20% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, and 7% Petit Verdot – from the Maipú Valley in Mendoza. Bright red currant fruit, very “juicy,” black pepper, and a hint of chalky soil. Well integrated structure with good acidity, soft tannins, and noticeable but not overpowering oak. Drink on its own or with a steak. Highly recommended. (I liked this wine quite a bit during the Salon del Vino back in October as well.) […]

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