Last year we had the opportunity to purchase “Futures” at Cosentino. Basically buying “futures’ of wine is getting it for a set price before it is bottled and most of the times it is still in the barrel when you sample and reserve it. At the time, we had participated in a Grand Cru tasting at Cosentino Winery. During the tasting we were able to sample wines out of five different barrels. We had a Chardonnay from Russian River, a Merlot from Carneros, a Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, and a couple more delicious varieties of wine. At the end of the 90 minute tasting, Chris decided to purchase a couple bottles. She chose some of the Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I mentioned earlier, the Chardonnay fruit was sourced from the Russian River. During the tasting we were told the fruit came from the Bacigalupi Vineyard. This is the same fruit Chateau Montelena used in the 1970’s that won the famous French and American wine tasting in 1976. Back in Paris, on May 24, 1976, a panel of some of the most respected names in the French wine industry convenes to participate in Steven Spurrier’s tasting event. In the end, America emerged triumphant as the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay took top honors, putting California at the forefront of the wine world and changing the future of the wine industry forever.
If you have not see the movie Bottle Shock. It’s a great movie and worth watching.
Sight
The Chardonnay had an amber hue. The color depth was pale and I did not notice any sediment in the glass.
Smell
The Chardonnay was very aromatic, young and fruity. Besides fruit it smelled buttery and I noted lemon, cantaloupe, nut along with other citrus aromas.
Taste
It was slightly dry and full-bodied. The Chardonnay was very “yummy” (my technical word for really good). It was a full-bodied Chardonnay with lively acidity. Even though the wine was fermented in oak I did not notice any tannins. It was very flavorful and was buttery, but crisp. A very well-balanced wine with complex flavors and a long finish.
abv: 14.5%
How much: $100. I have to admit this is the most expensive Chardonnay I had bought thus far. Since, we’ve managed to spend a bit more, but is this one really worth its price?
Chris and I rated the 2009 Cosentino Barrel Select Chardonnay four glasses!
In Vino Veritas!
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