Las Rocas Garnacha from San Alejandro Calatayud, is a decent Spanish wine. At 14.5% alcohol content, this spicy vino is sweet, has light tannins and a long finish. Although it is spicy, it is not peppery like some Oak aged wines tend to be. A nice blackberry flavor. 30% of the blend is aged in American and French oak barrels for six months, and in stainless steel tanks for four months. Final word: not bad. RP rated 90 points. $12.99
Chamard Vineyards
On 11/25 I decided to visit Chamard Vineyards, located at 115 Cow Hill Road in Clinton. I was in the market for a wine that would stand up to the rich thanksgiving meal and also have an interesting local wine to talk about. Although some of Chamard’s bottles are available around the state, I wanted to see the vines and taste a few varietals before selecting one. I was immediately impressed by the architecture of the building, which was completed in 1988. The wine tasting is a modest $5 and you get to try five wines.
The first one was their 2004 Chardonnay ($12.99), aged 40% in oak/60% steel barrels. I found it to be very light and almost watery. I was told that even though it is older, it is still pleasant and drinkable but then again so is water.
Next was the 2005 Chardonnay ($19.99), aged 60% in oak/40% steel. The flavor was lightly fruity, and a ripe melon flavor with an undeniably rich finish (attributed to the greater time spent in the oak barrels). I enjoyed this one and it is my pick if you are considering a bottle from Chamard.
The 2006 Cabernet Franc ($19.99)- I found this one to be smooth and creamy, a rich finish that was very grapey and berry-like and unique flavor, although not for everyone. This is the bottle that found it’s way to the thanksgiving table this year.
Chamard’s 2006 Merlot ($16.99) is a classic Merlot they describe as, “Light, bright and clean sour cherry flavor with good acidity”. On the dry side, I found the sour cherry flavor to be bitter and not as nice as the Cab Franc.
Lastly, their 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.99) had a black berry aroma, and I could really taste the alcohol in this one. I found it to be alcoholic and generally unbalanced.
Chamard blends it’s grapes with grapes imported from growers on Long Island, standard practice in Connecticut wine-making. If you want to brag about a 100% Connecticut grown product, pick up any estate reserve which is made using only grapes from their vines. I was impressed by the operation and friendly staff, and at $5 for a tasting and a “complimentary tour” you can’t beat it, it’s worth a visit! For more information visit www.chamard.com
