Winery - Guelbenzu
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
The blend is 50-50 Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère, and the end result seems a touch dull and reserved. There’s coconut and blackberry on the nose, but the aromas are quiet. The palate, however, is loud, with grape, vanilla and coconut flavors. Seems to be not in the best harmony. Imported by Classical Wines.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Lots of bell pepper at first, so the first take is that it’s green and underripe. But swirling brings it around, revealing dried plum, smoked meat and tomato. Thickens up as it goes along; early on it seems thin and vegetal. Imported by Classical Wines.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Not easy at first, because initial and secondary sniffs deliver blasts of wet dog and cranberry. Patience will be rewarded with peppy red-fruit flavors and a lot of terroir-driven mineral and raspberry notes. This is not a cookie-cutter wine, and some folks may not find it to their liking. Imported by Classical Wines.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This Navarran winery is making wines in Chile that taste a lot like what they are making in Spain. The nose has some herbal character along with solid berry aromas. Chewy and full in the mouth, with cherry and medicinal flavors. Good mouthfeel. It’s 90% Cab and 10% Carmenère. Imported by Classical Wines.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A smoky, cedar nose starts this wine off, followed by plum and black-olive flavors. Finishes with great depth and richness. A well-structured wine that is a blend of Tempranillo (50%), Merlot (30%), Garnacha (10%), and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), Lautus is the Latin word for “magnificent,” and is made only in years the winery considers exceptional. —C.S.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This Spanish producer’s Chilean label relies on Cabernet and Carmenère for this blend, and it’s a little vegetal and murky at first. Airing frees oak and creamy red-fruit flavors, while the chocolaty finish is of medium length.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Pretty aromas of cherry, leather and baking spices lead into a sturdy, structured palate featuring dark plum and bitter chocolate flavors. The finish is hard and a bit tannic, but in a way that indicates there’s a good foundation for aging. Cherry and cola are the lasting flavor impressions. Drink now or hold for a year or two.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Broad-shouldered and bold, but like all Guelbenzu wines, it applies the brakes where necessary. Herbal, terroir-driven characteristics pop up in between the red berry, plum and oak flavors, giving it some boost and nuance. And it gets better with airing, as it delivers coffee and buttery oak at the end.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
The excellent 2005 Azul is stout and secure, with a ripe, clean and modern bouquet that’s backed up by a chewy, toasty flavor profile that pours on the black fruit and character. With roundness, tannic grip and good acidity, this wine is in perfect balance and is delivering the most it can. Tempranillo, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
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