Ken Wright Cellars’ Post

Chilean Wines Boundaries Agapes By Garces Silva Sometimes, you stumble upon hidden gems right in front of you. In my case, this wine was a true lucky find. It’s a special wine, produced in small batches of just 1,100 bottles (70cl). The grape variety is 100% Sauvignon blanc from Leyda and San Antonio. But what really sets this wine apart is how it’s made. They barrel-age it and use the Solera system to add complexity and character. Give this wine a rich, intense gold color with notes of oxidation and oak. It’s smooth and well-structured, the wine remind to a “Jerez” but it’s made right here in Chile, at a unique vineyard that’s always pushing the boundaries of cool-climate wines.

Colore by BIBI GRAETZ is one of the new Italian wines that is trying to jump into fine wine category. For sure it’s a very challenging aim to go for it using little known Ansonica grape. How many good wines do we know from Ansonica aka Insolia? 🤔The small, 80-year-old vineyard on the small island of Giglio. The vines stand on a bed of rocks and granite sand less than 50 metres from the sea. The wine is very delicate and even boring in the nose, with complexity on the palate. Oranges, lemon zest. sea salinity, dried herbs. Interesting to observe how this wine will perform on the market.

Wine labels: A foreign language or a treasure map? 🗺️ Here’s a quick breakdown of common label terms: ⏱️ Vintage: The year the grapes were harvested. Older doesn't always mean better! 🍇 Varietal: The type of grape. Cabernet, Merlot, Chardonnay... ring any bells? 📍 Appellation: Where the grapes were grown. Think Bordeaux, Napa Valley, or Judean Hills. 🍾 ABV: Alcohol By Volume. Higher doesn't always mean higher quality! 🏞️ Estate Bottled: Means the winery grew the grapes and made the wine on their property. 🤷♂️ Reserve: Can mean... well, almost anything. It's not a regulated term! Did you know what all these meant? What's the most confusing term you've seen on a wine label?

Discover the rich history and modern revival of Armenia’s Areni wine, one of the world’s oldest grape varieties, with W. Blake Gray. Despite centuries of challenges, Armenia has nurtured Areni into a unique, elegant wine. Tasting like a smooth, fruit-forward Pinot Noir, Areni shines in the Vayots Dzor region, where the cooler climate enables the crafting of exceptional, high-quality wines. Learn about dedicated winemakers like Zorik Gharibian and Paul Hobbs, who produce stunning wines, from rich, velvety smooth reds to spicy, complex varieties aged in amphorae. Read the article from Wine-Searcher: https://lnkd.in/eAxJNaWS

Late last Fall, I came across a new Vintage wine at my favorite winery. It was however not new at all. I their cellar they came across a number of cases if 2013 Merlot. l have mentioned this winery countless times to those that ask where in Lake Erie Southshore can they find the best wines. My answer never wavers simply because it is the truth and far from just my opinion. More on this reasoning at a later time. The 2013 Muscedere Merlot is a stunner. It is deep, dense Black Cherry on the nose and exudes a serious depth and hint of what is to follow. There is complexity here to the point that one recognizes immediately that this is no ordinary wine. There are still serious tannins demanding that this wine needs and requires airing out (you can bring your own Decanter if you lack patience or appreciation to witness a great wine open up before your eyes). At last the fruit arrives and there is plenty to enjoy as the glass dwindle down in content. The show is still not over as the finish overwhelms as if it is still in your mouth. Absolutely you are treated to a serious finish. This is a class act that could easily be a product of Bordeaux's Right Bank. A must for any serious wine drinkers or a fan of Bordeaux/Merlot.

In the old-school Barossa mould, this Strawbridge Shiraz from Auld Family wines is layered on thick. https://buff.ly/3D67ZI2

Interesting article about terroir and the relation that humans/winemakers have in the equation for producing wine. It’s fascinating to think about the perspective the winemaker from the article has about the impact of terroir on wine compared to the impact from a winemaker. From studying wine I feel that terroir is the foundation of the production of wine. Humans play a large role in the vineyard in ways of management that help balance the forces of nature that humans can’t control. When the grapes are harvested for wine production the natural factors of terroir have a different level of impact. I think from there, the terroir is then experienced in the aroma and taste of a wine. The aroma and taste of a wine is shaped in different ways by winemakers and their winemaking styles. Would definitely love to hear more on this and different perspectives from colleagues and people in the wine industry.

Ever wondered how to build a Wine Collection? 🤔 To create a thoughtful wine collection, consider the following approach: Grapes or Blends You Love Start with wines made from your favorite grape varieties or blends, whether it’s a classic Pinot Noir or an intriguing Bordeaux blend. Regions You Prefer Focus on wines from regions that resonate with you—whether it’s the elegance of Burgundy, the richness of Napa Valley, or the vibrancy of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Production Philosophy You Appreciate Decide if you prefer organic, biodynamic, or conventionally produced wines. Supporting wineries that align with your values can add meaning to your collection. Producers You Admire Highlight the work of producers whose wines consistently impress you or who have a style you enjoy exploring. Vintages You Treasure Collect wines from standout years or vintages that hold personal significance. Vintage diversity also showcases how wine evolves with time. While these guidelines aren’t set in stone, they provide a solid framework to structure your collection and understand your preferences. By David Nagy, DipWSET