February 2010
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Linne Calodo and Saxum in Wine Spectator March issue


Big Reds, Bold Flavors - Syrah & Grenache Star in California

Syrah and Grenache are rising stars in California. Given the bounty of great wines available, it should be only a matter of time before the popularity of the state’s Rhône-style reds catches up with their quality. Anchored by the excellent 2007 and 2006 vintages, and bolstered by the spurt in the ranks of wineries, appellations and styles, this class of wines ranks among the finest and highest-rated produced in California.  Linne Calodo and Saxum both featured in this article.

Saxum James Berry Vineyard Paso Robles 2007 - 98 points (not released yet)
Saxum Broken Stones Paso Robles 2007 - 96 points (not released yet)


La Posta Starts New Year with New Wines

Argentina’s first grower-designated wines have added to their highly rated portfolio. Starting this month, La Posta wines adds three new offerings that include the Glorieta Vineyard Pinot Noir and two blended wines sourced from some of the best vineyards in Argentina.

“For years, we’ve worked with some of the most dedicated growers in Argentina to create great wines that consistently over deliver on value,” said winemaker Luis Reginato. “Together with our partner and importer Vine Connections, we’ve identified these vineyards and created a wine to honor them. These new bottlings continue our belief of spotlighting these great sites.”

Second-generation farmer Isaias Prieto has tended many high-elevation vineyards for more than two decades throughout Mendoza, but Glorieta is his favorite. The 20 acres of Pinot Noir is planted with five different Burgundy clones 3,700 feet above Tupungato. This pocket of high desert vines produces a medium-bodied Pinot Noir that has the fruit profile of a California Pinot with the structure of a French wine.

The 2008 Glorieta Vineyard Pinot Noir ($17) joins the line up of Armando Vineyard Bonarda ($17), Paulucci Vineyard Malbec ($18) and Pizzella Family Vineyard Malbec ($18).

“There are few vineyard designated wines from Argentina,” said Ed Lehrman, Vine Connections co-founder. “Due to inherent challenges during the growing season, such as frequent hail, it’s far more common to blend grapes from multiple sites. Thus, we’ve created what we call the Cocina wines."

Cocina means “kitchen” in Spanish and these everyday wines from La Posta are blended like a cook would make a delicious sauce. The original La Posta Cocina Blend of Bonarda, Malbec and Syrah is joined by the 2009 Cocina Blanco de Blancos, a blend of Torrontes, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, and the 2008 Cocina Malbec, a blend of Malbec grapes from several of La Posta’s favorite growers. The three La Posta Cocina wines are $15.

With a keen palate for authentic Argentine wines and more than a decade of experience working with its winemakers and vineyards, Lehrman and Nick Ramkowsky, Vine Connections’ founders, worked closely with winemaker Reginato to identify the sources for La Posta. Reginato is one of the most sought-after vineyard consultants and fast becoming a recognized leading winemaker. He is part of the famous Reginato winemaking family of Argentina.

La Posta wines are imported to the United States exclusively by Vine Connections. Founded in 1999 by Lehrman and Ramkowsky, Vine Connections represents the largest portfolio of boutique Argentine wineries in the United States with 42 wines and 12 brands produced by some of Argentina’s most highly regarded winemakers and viticulturists. www.vineconnections.com.

Article from Pitchengine

The new La Posta wines will be available mid-February. Please ask your Cream sales representative about more information.