WineLifePuerto Rico

85 - 8985 - 89La frontera entre

los clásicos yla copa de todos los días

En esta edición

Sistemas de “ratings”Selecciones de nuestros sumilleres

Guía de compras: Especiales de “Smart Buys”Próximas actividades | Galería de fotos

www.winelifepr.com | www.plazacellars.com

Vino, añada y prensa P. Regular P. Especial Orden

smart buys abril 2011guia de compras

espumosos

Canella Prosecco di Conegliano DOCG Veneto NV $20.00 $16.25 __________88 | Robert Parker

Domaine St Michelle Blanc de Noir NV $19.00 $15.50 __________ 87 | Wine Spectator

Domaine Ste Michelle Brut NV $19.00 $15.50 __________87 | Wine Spectator

Blancos

Trimbach Gewurztraminer Alsace 2007 $29.00 $23.50 __________88 | Robert Parker

Joseph Drouhin Vaudon Chablis, France 2006 $32.00 $26.00 __________ 88 | Wine & Spirits

Ponzi Pinot Gris Willamette Valley 2009 $22.00 $18.25 __________89 | Wine Spectator

Doña Paula Estate Chardonnay Mendoza Argentina 2007 $17.00 $14.00 __________86 | International Wine Review

Rose

Whispering Angel Rose, Cotes de Provence France 2009 $23.75 $19.25 __________89 | International Wine Cellar

Tintos

Chateau Greysac Medoc Bordeaux 2006 $26.00 $21.25 __________87 | Wine Spectator

Chateau Patache D’Aux Medoc 2006 $26.75 $21.75 __________87 | Wine Enthusiast

Isole e Olena Chianti Classico Toscana 2006 $25.75 $21.00 __________89 | Robert Parker

Castello Banfi Rosso di Montalcino Toscana 2008 $28.50 $23.00 __________ 88 | Wine Spectator

Especiales válidos del martes, 12 de abril al jueves, 28 de abril del 2011.

Vino, añada y prensa P. Regular P. Especial Orden

smart buys abril 2011guia de compras

Vale Do Bomfim Tinto Douro Portugal 2007 $18.50 $15.00 __________86 | Robert Parker

Camins del Priorat Alvaro Palacios Priorat 2008 $26.50 $21.50 __________89 | Wine Spectator

Palacios Remondo La Montesa Rioja 2007 $26.50 $21.50 __________87 | Wine Spectator

Chateau St Jean Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley 2006 $27.75 $22.50 __________88 | Wine Enthusiast

Murphy Goode Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 $20.50 $16.50 __________89 | Wine & Spirits

Robert Mondavi Carneros Pinot Noir 2008 $33.00 $26.75 __________88 | Wine Spectator

Columbia Crest Two Vines Cabernet Sauvignon $16.00 $13.00 __________Columbia Valley Washington 200687 | Wine Spectator

Grand Estates Merlot Columbia Crest $19.00 $15.50 __________Columbia Valley Washington 200688 | Wine Spectator

Hill of Content Grenache Shiraz South Australia 2004 $21.75 $17.75 __________88 | Stephen Tanzer

Broquel Malbec Trapiche Mendoza Argentina 2008 $19.50 $15.75 __________88 | Wine Spectator

Arboleda Carmenere Acongagua Valley Chile 2007 $20.50 $16.50 __________87 | International Wine Cellar

Melipal Ikella Malbec Mendoza Argentina 2008 $18.00 $14.75 __________86 | Wine Enthusiast

Colonia Las Liebres Bonarda Mendoza Argentina 2007 $16.00 $13.00 __________87 | Wine Spectator

Graham Port Six Grapes Reserve NV $26.00 $21.06 __________87 | Wine Spectator

Sommeliers’ Selection | Página 9

Caja de seis botellas surtidas | Selección A $142.00 $115.50 __________

Caja de seis botellas surtidas | Selección B $160.00 $130.25 __________

Caja de 12 botellas surtidas | Selecciones A y B $302.00 $245.75 __________

Espumosos

Canella Prosecco di Conegliano DOCG Veneto NV88 | Robert ParkerThe Non-vintage Prosecco di Conegliano is a creamy, perfumed wine with good definition in its aromas and flavors, and excellent overall balance.

Cellar NotesBrilliant straw yellow with fine, persistent perlage, fruity aromas of peach, apple, pear and citrus fruit, the palate gracefully balances zingy acidity and a subtle hint of sweetness, richness and silky-smooth texture.

Domaine St Michelle Blanc de Noir87 | Wine SpectatorRosé sparkling wines are unique not only because of their color, but also their vinous character. Blanc de Noirs is a beautiful, salmon pink wine with a persistent column of small bubbles. A delicate sparkler, with strawberry impres-sions coming through in the nose, and on the palate. The initial impression is dry, with a soft and fruity aftertaste.

Domaine Ste Michelle Brut87 | Wine SpectatorBright and lively, featuring delicate apple and floral aromas and flavors that echo nicely against fine bubbles.

Blancos

Trimbach Gewurztraminer Alsace 200788 | Robert ParkerThe “classic” bottling of Trimbach’s 2007 Gewurztraminer is scented with sweet pea, cinnamon, nutmeg, litchi, celery seed, Thai basil, and rose petal, its floral and herbal characteristics emerging to especially lovely inner-mouth prominence. In keeping with the entire vintage at this address, we have here refreshment that is uncom-mon in Gewurztraminer, especially in one that tastes dry.

Cellar NotesThe Trimbach Gewurztraminer is dry and shows classic restraint, without any loss of the Gewurztraminer’s exotic and spicy feature. The match is perfect with spicy styles of Cuisine such as asiatic or thai food, or it goes wonderfully with strong cheeses such as Munster, Roquefort, etc. It will please all lovers of aromatic and dry wines amateur!

85 - 89NOTAS DE CATA Y PRENSA

Joseph Drouhin Vaudon Chablis, France 200688 | Wine & SpiritsA creamy, leesy Chablis, this is clean and light in its youth, the flavors lasting with scents of cider apple and limestone. the finish is a little warm, and the wine will likely be at its best four or five years from the vintage.

Cellar NotesA dry and fruity wine, easy to drink. Its color is pale gold with greenish hues. Very fresh aromas reminiscent of citrus (lemon or grapefruit); small pleasant touches of fern or coriander are found as well. On the palate, dry and fruity, with mineral notes. Pleasant and long aftertaste.

Ponzi Pinot Gris Willamette Valley 200989 | Wine SpectatorBright and lively, brimming with grapefruit-scented pear and floral flavors, lingering easily on the slightly sappy finish.

Cellar NotesPonzi Vineyards’ pioneering plantings of Pinot Gris began in 1978, when this varietal was virtually unknown in the United States. The Ponzi Pinot Gris is fermented entirely in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to create this crisp, lively wine. The 2009 offers a floral nose with lime zest and green apple, the mouth is ripe melon, clove and citrus finishing with a perfect play between sweetness and acidity.

Doña Paula Estate Chardonnay Mendoza Argentina 200786 | International Wine ReviewLemon gold. Ripe banana and leesy aromas. Very soft attack. Aromas carry over to the palate. Very ripe fruit flavors of banana and tropical fruits.

Rose

Whispering Angel Rose, Cotes de Provence France 200989 | International Wine CellarPale peach skin color. Reticent aromas of orange zest, herbs and honeysuckle are energized by white pepper. Dry and nervy, offering dusty citrus and berry skin flavors but not the round, velvety texture of its more flam-boyant sisters. This grown-up wine’s uncompromisingly dry, steely character will strike some as austere; oth-ers will prefer its restraint to the richness and power of the Clans and Garrus. This is made from a kitchen sink blend of southern French varieties.

Tintos

Europa

Chateau Greysac Medoc Bordeaux 200687 | Wine Spectator“Aromas of currant and gun metal. Medium-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and silky tannins. Slightly one-dimensional now, but will turn out very well for the vintage. Best after 2010.”

Chateau Patache D’Aux Medoc 200687 | Wine EnthusiastFirm, tense and dryly tannic, this is a solid wine, foursquare, its edges a little rough at present. The berry fruits are black, spicy from wood, creating a rich feel. In the end, black currant acidity and freshness finish the wine with a lift.

Cellar NotesBrilliant dark robe. Spicy nose. The mouth is rich, complex and fleshy. Beautiful black fruits aromas. Tannins are generous. Beautiful persistence in mouth. “Aromas of currant and gun metal. Medium-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and silky tannins. Slightly one-dimensional now, but will turn out very well for the vintage. Best after 2010. ”

Isole e Olena Chianti Classico Toscana 200689 | Robert ParkerThe 2006 Chianti Classico is especially round in this vintage. The wine shows gorgeous transparency in its perfumed fruit, sweet herbs and flowers, with excellent persistence and a long, refined finish. As always, this is a fresh Chianti with plenty of verve, and it will offer its most enjoyable drinking at the dinner table. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2014. Proprietor Paolo De Marchi is one of Tuscany’s most inspired growers. As is often the case, the wines are very strong across the board.

Cellar NotesThe grapes are grown on the Isole o Olena estate which covers 290 hectares in the heart of the Chianti Classico hills between Florence and Siena. It’s an elegant and balanced Chianti Classico that is medium bodied, with ripe cherry fruits and spice. Cedar notes are present on the nose and pallet. It is very focused and pretty with fresh acidity and firm tannins.

Castello Banfi Rosso di Montalcino Toscana 200888 | Wine SpectatorMedium-bodied, with blackberry and floral flavors galore and a good amount of jammy fruit. Fresh with a me-dium fruity finish.

88 | Wine EnthusiastCastello Banfi’s bright and fruit-forward Rosso di Montalcino would make a perfect match to grilled lamb chops or roast pork. The wine is simple and genuine yet the freshness of the fruit—with cherry, blackberry and raspberry overtones—makes it easy and fun to drink.

Cellar NotesIntense ruby red color. On the nose this wine is complex with hints of liquorice and plum jam, as well as a deli-cate final of vanilla. The structure is full, soft and powerful; excellent aftertaste, particularly persistent.

Vale Do Bomfim Tinto Douro Portugal 200786 | Robert ParkerThe 2007 Tinto Vale Do Bomfim (DOW) is a bit different this year than last-14.5% alcohol and heavy on Tinta Barroca (58%). It also blends in Tinta Roriz (15%), Touriga Nacional (14%), Tinta Amarela (5%) and Tinto Cao (8%). This bottling has always been a good source for easy drinking value, and it is again this year. Fruity but bright, tasty but elegant, with some dark chocolate notes, this has little mid-palate concentration, but tons of charm and just a little grip on the finish. Drink it on the younger and fresher side for best results. The finish does fade fast, although it is respectable in its modest price range. Drink now-2012.

Palacios Remondo La Montesa Rioja 200787 | Wine SpectatorThis supple red offers cherry, herbal and tobacco flavors, fresh and focused, with light tannins and a spicy finish. This is lively and well-balanced. Drink now through 2015.

Camins del Priorat Alvaro Palacios Priorat 200889 | Wine SpectatorThis crisp red is bursting with red cherry and berry flavors, sweetened with a bit of vanilla, but balanced with notes of mountain herbs and lead pencil. Not muscular, but has backbone. Drink now through 2014

Estados Unidos

Chateau St Jean Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley 200688 | Wine EnthusiastA supple, polished Cabernet that shows real style and class at a price consistent with its quality. Soft and dry, it has rich flavors of blackberries, chocolate, green olives, herbs and cedar.

Cellar NotesInviting aromas of blackberry, black tea and hints of leather begin the nose of this Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is concentrated and structured with a ripe fruit core of dark berry fruit. The palate is round and full and leads to a lingering finish.

Murphy Goode Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 200789 Wine & SpiritsThe 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon is a wonderful expression of the many appellations from which it is derived. Aro-mas and flavors of blackberry and cherry with hints of thyme are expressed. Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc were folded into the blend to give the rich mouthfeel added depth and complexity.

Robert Mondavi Carneros Pinot Noir 200888 | Wine SpectatorA medium-weight style, displaying simple, delicate strawberry, plum and cherry flavors that are pure and fo-cused. Successful in presenting the grape in a delicate and persistent manner. Drink now through 2014.

Cellar NotesLos Carneros is known for its nutrient-lean soils, strong afternoon winds and cool evening fog that rolls in off the San Francisco Bay to blanket the vineyards. These conditions contribute to the development of richly tex-tured, vibrantly flavored Pinot Noir fruit. This exceptional wine displays ripe, jammy flavors with subtle notes of spice, herbs and toasted oak.

Columbia Crest Two Vines Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley Washington 200686 | Wine SpectatorBright and silky, with pretty raspberry and rhubarb flavors that linger against lively acidity on the fine-textured finish.

Grand Estates Merlot Columbia Crest Columbia Valley Washington 200688 | Wine SpectatorSupple and generous and appealing for its ripe cherry and herb flavors, persisting well. Hints at dill as the finish lingers.

Hemisferio Sur

Hill of Content Grenache Shiraz South Australia 200488 | Stephen TanzerRuby red. Vibrant aromas of raspberry, blackberry and cracked pepper. Fresh, juicy red berry flavors complicat-ed by spicy, peppery nuances and a bright mineral tone. Crisp and lively on the long, sweet finish, which shows impressive purity.

88 | Wine SpectatorBright and racy, with a succulent core of blackberry layered with lime and spice as the finish sails on.

Cellar NotesA big jammy wine – so big it seems to be jumping out of the glass. The aromas are open, with ripe fruit of blackberry, black raspberry, menthol, alcohol, with hints of earth and spice. Take a taste and you are rewarded with a mouthful of rich, ripe blackberry, black raspberry, and mild touches of earth, vanilla spice, tar, dark chocolate, and tobacco. Ripe, medium-high tannins and medium acidity balance things out nicely, and become apparent in the finish which is fairly long and pleasant. Though there seemed to be a good dose of alcohol on the nose, it blew off after a few minutes in the glass and wasn’t overbearing in the mouth. It’s a touch hot at the very end of the finish, but nothing out of the ordinary for a wine packing so much punch. Drink this with a ham-burger, sirloin steak, runny cheese, or well-grilled veggies. If you’re really into big, jammy reds, you will also enjoy drinking this by itself. The fruit is sourced from Clare Valley, McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, & Morning-ton Peninsula.

Broquel Malbec Trapiche Mendoza Argentina 200888 | Wine SpectatorHeavily toasted but alluring, with warm cocoa and plum sauce notes followed by dark fig paste, currant preserve and black tea notes. Muscular but velvety on the toasty finish.

Arboleda Carmenere Acongagua Valley Chile 200787 | International Wine CellarInky ruby. Deep, smoky aromas of cherry pit, cassis and dark chocolate. Broad and fleshy on the palate, offer-ing sweet dark fruit and mocha flavors, with chewy tannins adding grip. Becomes spicier on the finish, which repeats the cassis note. This needs a big grilled steak.

87 | Wine SpectatorToasty, with vanilla and coffee notes up front, backed by medium-weight plum, spice and tobacco notes. There’s a good fleshy finish.

Melipal Ikella Malbec Mendoza Argentina 200886 | Wine EnthusiastOpens with standard cherry/berry aromas, although with airing cheese notes and dill enter the picture. The pal-ate is meaty in feel, with firm, tough, slightly roasted plum and berry flavors. Finishes hot, with a bold plum and berry character.

Colonia Las Liebres Bonarda Mendoza Argentina 200787 | Wine SpectatorA thoroughly delicious red, with mouthfilling plum and sweet spice flavors backed by a long, juicy, well-round-ed finish. The good dash of grip should help it this stand up to summer’s grilled foods.

PortoGraham Port Six Grapes Reserve NV 87 | Wine SpectatorLots of sweet dark plum and sweet cherry flavors dominate, with plenty of milk chocolate. Clean and balanced on the straightforward finish. Drink now. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.

En www.winelifepr ... ¡Estamos a tus órdenes!Envíanos tus preguntas¿Tienes que seleccionar un vinos para una fiesta, un regalo, una cena?¿Quieres saber cuántas botellas necesitas, o cómo distribuir mejor el presupuesto?¿Quieres hacer tu primera degustación privada en tu casa o en algún restaurante?¿Te gustaría saber con qué vinos combinan tus recetas favoritas?Te podemos asistir para que todo te salga perfecto.Envíanos un correo electrónico a winelifepr@plazacellars.com, o llámanos al 787 781 2070 X1339.

Selecciones de nuestros sumilleres

Alvaro Palacios “Camins del Priorat”, Priorato 2008 “...difícil conseguir un Priorato a ese precio que sea tan balanceado tanino-fruta-alcohol y de un bodegero de esa reputación...”

Domaine Jean Bousquet Chardonnay, Mendoza 2009 “... tremenda combinanción de estilo clásico francés con madurez de fruta argentina...”

Chateau Bellegrave, St Emilion 2007 “...AOC St Emilion...muy buena expresión del terroir y su apelación a un precio estupendo...”

Musella Ripasso, Valpolicella 2006 “...estilo diferente, tremendo precio considerando su categoría y arduo proceso de producción...”

Schramsberg Mirabelle Brut Rose, NV “...un sparkling rosado súper elegante comparable con algunas champañas a la mitad del precio...”

Miguel Torres “Cordillera” Chardonnay-Viognier, Curico 2008 “...diferente y limpio a excelente precio...”

Maytte Rivera nos sugiere los vinos de la Selección A:

Selección A

Mario Rodríguez nos propone para la Selección B:

Maytte Rivera

Mario Rodríguez

En la línea de la categoría de vinos que abordamos este mes, hemos solicitados a dos de nuestros profesionales del vino un es-cogido variado para proponerles una cata para disfrutar en casa.

Selección B

P. Regular $160.00 |Especial $130.25

P. Regular $142.00 |Especial $115.50

Paco y Lola Albariño Rias Baixas 2009 “...vino fresco, con abundante fruta en la gama de cítricos...”

Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs Napa Valley 2007“... cremoso y excelente acidez; refrescante... ideal para cóctel y en la mesa se luce con pescados fritos...”

Angeline Reserve Pinot Noir Reserve Sonoma 2009“...mucha fruta roja, berries, especias como canela, excelente con pescados en salsa criolla o guisos livianos...”

Marchiori & Barraud Malbec Mendoza 2007“... malbec con potencia a excelente precio...”

Pulenta Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 2007“...hay pocos cabernets argentina con este perfil de potencia y finesse...”

Francis Ford Coppola Claret California 2008“... excelente blend californiano con tremenda presentación al alcance de todos...”

Encuentra las fotos de nuestras más recientes degustaciones enwww.winelifepr.com | Un espacio para amantes del vino creado por Plaza Cellars

El sistema de calificar la experiencia y calidad de un vino sobre la base de cien puntos lo ideó Robert Parker utilizando el modelo de notas del sistema escolar utilizado en Estados Unidos y aquí en Puerto Rico. Este sistema ha sido adoptado por los críticos norteamericanos de las publicaciones más relevantes, entre las que se encuentran las populares Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, The Wine Advocate, International Wine Cellar y Wine & Spirits, sistema que también ha sido adoptado por la Guía Peñín de España y el crítico Andrés Proensa. El círculo europeo, ha establecido sistemas paralelos utilizando su modelo escolar que se basa en 20 como puntuación máxima, sistema que también utiliza la afamada facultad de enología del campus Davis de la Universidad de California. La revista inglesa Decanter, al igual que el columnista local José Luis Díaz de Villegas (Paco Villón), utiliza un sistema de estrellas con un tope máximo de cinco estrellas, que se permite el lujo de dar medias estrellas. El sistema de las estrellas ofrece una guía que se podría interpretar con mayor flexibilidad, sin embargo tiene la ventaja en los ejemplos citados de invitar con cierta amabilidad a la cata personal. Sean números, estrellas o copas, como en el caso de la guía más importante de Italia, Gambero Rosso, la nota de cata es la que verdaderamente refleja las sensaciones experimentadas al momento de la cata, puesto que la calificación luego se otorga en función de un sistema que en algunos casos tiene en cuenta la jerarquía del vino en su categoría o dentro del portfolio de una bodega, o el precio y ciertamente el gusto particular del escritor que cata.

Definiciones caso a caso Sin duda alguna, al considerar “la nota” que se ha ganado un vino en una publicación o en otra, tenemos que tener en cuenta la definición de la calificación. Wine Enthusiast, International Wine Cellar y Wine Spectator tienen parámetros diferentes, por lo que un 87 de una no es igual a un 87 de la otra. Esta edición que hemos dedicado al rango de vinos que diferentes publicaciones han calificado con notas de entre 85 y 89 puntos, tiene el propósito de inspirar un poco de confianza en su paladar, para que usted pueda disfrutar de las características genuinas que tiene un vino y sobre todo deshacerse de la idea de sólo vale la pena comprar vinos de 90 puntos. Por supuesto que los vinos de 90 puntos y más tienen su lugar y cada vez más son los vinos que obtienen esa puntuación.El propósito para el que usted compra una botella tiene

mucho que ver con la selección y los “ratings” son una guía para cuando se está buscando algo que pueda evolucionar unos añitos, así como hacer más fácil el escoger vinos para la mesa diario; vinos con encanto que podemos disfrutar el día que lo compramos. Incluso Robert Parker asegura que los vinos que más disfruta son los que él ha calificado entre 87 y 89. Tome nota. Ahí están las buenas experiencias a buen precio.

Entre 89 y 90 He tenido la oportunidad de preguntar a bastantes periodistas y críticos serios cuál sería la razón principal al otorgar a un vino un 89 en lugar de un 90. Se sorprenderían con las contestaciones. Desde 'pura emoción', ‘conozco esta bodega y sé que pueden hacerlo mejor’, a ‘ese día no estaba como para darle un 90 a nadie’. Habría que poner un asterisco a cada puntuación. De modo que, puntos o no puntos, y lejos de justificar éso de que el mejor vino es el que está en la copa, se trata de no perderse una buena copa porque no tiene 90 puntos. ¡Disfrute a sus anchas que para éso es el vino!

Las definiciones A continuación citamos las definiciones que dan los editores de varias publicaciones a sus vinos de 85 a 89:

Wine Spectator85-89 Very good: a wine with special qualities

The Wine Advocate | Robert ParkerLa categoría es mucho más amplia, de modo que mientras más cerca del tope de los 89 más cerca de la mejor parte de la definición:“80 - 89: A barely above average to very good wine displaying various degrees of finesse and flavor as well as character with no noticeable flaws.”

Wine EnthusiastDivide y define la categoría de la siguiente forma:87–89: Very Good. Often good value; well recommended.83–86: Good. Suitable for everyday consumption; often good value.

Wine & SpiritsDivide y define la categoría de la siguiente forma:80 to 85 are recommended as good examples of their variety or region. 86 to 89 are highly recommended.

International Wine Cellar85-89 Very Good to Excellent

Sistemas de ‘ratings’: Mensajes con asterísticos -Amarylis Dávila | WineLife

Cata a ciegas de 6 Syrah de distintas partes del mundo y diferentes añadas.

Comenzaremos la cata a las 6:30pm. Al finalizar disfrutaremos de unas exquisitas tapasdel Chef Ariel Rodríguez, de Brasserie y Augusto’s

La cata estará limitada a las primeras 30 personas que confirmen su asistencia.

Reservaciones y más información: 787 781 2070 X 1339 | 787 619 1412 | winelifepr@plazacellars.com

¡Les esperamos!

6:00pm - 8:00pm | $26.00

Compra 12 botellas de Cava Torre Oria a precio especialy te regalamos dos bellas copas grabadas con la insignia de la bodega*

Selección P Regular P Especial X6 X12 Torre Oria Cava Brut Rosado $15.00 $12.25 $73.50 $147.00 Cava Brut Black Label $14.50 $11.75 $70.50 $141.00Cava Brut Reserva $15.50 $12.50 $75.00 $150.00Cava brut Pre Tempiz $14.00 $11.50 $69.00 $138.00

* Condiciones La promoción de las copas está limitada a la disponibilidad de las copas al poner la orden. Sólo dos copas por cada doce botellas.Precio especial de los Cava Torre Oria es válido del martes, 12 de abril al jueves, 28 de abril del 2011.Precio especial, ni extensiones por 6 ni por 12, incluyen impuestos.

Para ordenar por teléfono: 787 781 2070 X1339 | por web: www.plazacellars.com