Spanish & Portuguese Wine News 2/16/2011: Spring Cleaning (AKA Closeouts), Alfredo Maestro, and Rioja Tasting Next Friday

By: Joe Manekin

K&L Spanish, Portuguese & South American Wine Buyer

Greetings all,

 Alright, I'm back from last week's stay-cation and am ready to serve.  In keeping with today's wildly popular, twice a year closeout email you just received from us, I have several closeout values in the section which I think are especially worthy of your attention.  They happen to be right in line with what is often my personal preference for wines at table:  light to medium-bodied, higher acid, lower alcohol, a bit esoteric but full of personality and charm.  A few other delicious items on the horizon, read on a bit further down.

1.) Spring Cleaning (AKA CLOSEOUTS) 

2009 Viña Tobia Joven Rioja - $7.99 

http://www.klwines.com/content.asp?&N=0&Nr=OR%28OutofStock%3AN%2CInventory+Location%3ASpecial+Order%29&Ns=QtySoldLast30%7C1||QtySoldLifetime%7C1

2010 Gurrutxaga Bizkaiko Txakolina Rosé (previously $20)- $15.99

http://www.klwines.com/detail.asp?sku=1067534

2010 Gurrutxaga Bizkaiko Txakolina - $15.99

http://www.klwines.com/detail.asp?sku=1067533

2009 Juan Matias Torres Vid Sur Negramoll La Palma - $15.99

http://www.klwines.com/detail.asp?sku=1071826

2.) ALFREDO MAESTRO - Very cool wines, soon to be back in stock

Remember those wonderful wines from Alfredo Maestro?  New releases of these wines will soon be back in stock, in limited supply.  More to come later.  For now, though, we do have just a little bit of inventory left in Hollywood.

http://www.klwines.com/content.asp?&N=0&Nr=OR%28OutofStock%3AN%2CInventory+Location%3ASpecial+Order%29&Ns=QtySoldLast30%7C1||QtySoldLifetime%7C1 

3.) ISLAS CANARIAS - Canary Islands

For those of you who read up on these in Chiara's newsletter column, only to find us a bit short in stock, we do plan on picking up a few new wines for you to try within the next week.  I encourage you to try 'em out, scour your cookbooks and the internet for some Canary Island recipes (delicious food, very different from mainland Spain) and go to town.  Perhaps the subject of a future email?

4.) Bodegas Y Vinedos Tasting Friday 2/24 at K&L Redwood City

Join us on Friday 2/24 from 5pm-6:30pm in Redwood CIty to taste the wines of Bodegas y Vinedos. These are some of truly distinctive and fascinating wines. Check K&L Local Events for updates:

http://www.klwines.com/local_events.asp#4

5.)  SOUTH AMERICAN EMAIL LIST

I will be starting one up shortly.  I am starting to find some more interesting wine from here, well made wines often of very good balance and with lots to say (more than just overextracted fruit, additives and oak).  Value cabs and pinot noirs that more than give California a run for their money, a wide variety of Malbecs, even those wacky, but seriously structured and tasty tannat based wines from Uruguay.  If you're a fan of Argentine, Chilean and Uruguayan wines, then let me know and you'll be on the list.  If not, I encourage you to sign up and explore these wines.  I think we will continue to see ever increasing amounts of interesting wines from these parts.

Please email me at joemanekin@klwines.com if you would like to be added to the South American list.

Cheers, y salud,

Joe

---

Joe Manekin

Spanish, Portuguese, Latin American Wine Buyer

K&L Wine Merchants

Ph: 877.559.4637 ext. 2748

joemanekin@klwines.com

Got Malbec? Taste Achával Ferrer including 98-point "Finca Bella Vista" Friday 1/13 at K&L Redwood City!

Whether you've been a long-time fan of the high-altitude Malbecs from this exceptional Argentine producer or are eager to try the wines for the first time, now's your chance! Join us at K&L Redwood City tomorrow, Friday January 13th at 5pm for a special tasting of current releases, including the 98-point "Finca Bella Vista" Malbec, which is currently only available at K&L as a pre-sale.

From the December 2011 issue of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:"Achaval-Ferrer, under the direction of CEO Santiago Achaval and winemaker Roberto Cipresso, stands at the summit of Argentina wine producers. The benchmark Finca bottlings are limited (under 1000 cases produced of each) so the best way to discover the pleasures of Achaval-Ferrer are through the entry-level Malbec of which there are 12,000 cases."

The "Finca Bella Vista" will be ready for pickup or shipment in the next 2-3 weeks. 

What: Achaval Ferrer Tasting

When: Friday January 13th, 5pm-6:30pm

Where: K&L Redwood City - Map

 Cost to Taste: $10

Featured wines: 

2010 Achával Ferrer Malbec Mendoza ($18.99)  

91 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2010 Malbec was sourced from three vineyards, two of which are 66 and 86 years of age, with the wine aged for 9 months in French oak. It is a super-fragrant offering featuring racy red fruits, spice box, incense, and floral notes. Pure, sweetly-fruited, and elegant in the glass, this intense, lengthy Malbec can be approached now and over the next 6-8 years." (Dec 11) According to the Wine Spectator: "This lovely red displays aromas of violet and crushed raspberry, following through to a medium-bodied palate, which lingers with a pleasant aftertaste of licorice and mint. Drink now. 9,000 cases imported." (10/11)

Achaval Ferrer is one of Argentina's top Malbec producers. Produced from Malbec sourced from vineyards located in Mayor Drummond, La Consulta and Medrano sub-zones of the huge Mendoza region, this blend of distinctive terroirs is just one element of detail that distinguishes Achaval Ferrer's Malbec from others. -Joe Manekin, K&L South American Wine Buyer

2009 Achával Ferrer "Quimera" Malbec/Cab/Merlot Mendoza ($34.99)

93 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2009 Quimera is a blend of 40% Malbec, 22% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot with yields averaging a minuscule 1.3 tons per acre. The wine was aged in 40% new French oak. Pain grille, pencil lead, Asian spices, incense, violets, and assorted black fruits inform the nose of a complex, intense, layered, spicy, succulent wine with impeccable balance and length. Although it can be approached now, it will benefit from another 2-3 years of cellaring." (12/11)

This blend seems softer, less brash, more elegant this vintage than it has been in the past couple. Tangy mixed berry fruits show loads of freshness and the usually elegant Achaval Ferrer texture in the mouth. -Joe Manekin, K&L South American Wine Buyer

2009 Achaval Ferrer "Finca Mirador" Malbec Mendoza ($89.99)

96 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2009 Finca Mirador was sourced from vines planted in 1921 and yields of 0.9 tons per acre. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it sports a captivating nose of sandalwood, exotic spices, espresso, lavender, black cherry, and black raspberry. Layered on the palate with a velvety texture, it conceals enough structure to evolve for at least 3-4 years. This nicely proportioned effort will deliver prime drinking from 2015 to 2029." (12/11) 90 points Wine Spectator: "Aromas and flavors of fresh crushed raspberry, blackberry, violet and graphite expand on the palate, which remains fresh and focused as medium tannins add support to the finish. Malbec. Drink now through 2016. 300 cases imported." (10/11)

Intense purple fruited aromas, show a hint of the exotic, with some dusty cumin notes adding interest. Intense, tight fruit on the palate shows the usual hallmarks of this vineyard site: purple fruit, loads of acidity and minerality. As ever, this particular Malbec shows an elegance and structure reminiscent of Burgundy - particularly the Cotes de Nuits. A must have Malbec for fans of the variety and admirers of wine from Argentina. -Joe Manekin, K&L Latin Wine Buyer

2009 Achával Ferrer "Finca Bella Vista" Malbec Mendoza ($89.99)

98 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2009 Finca Bella Vista was sourced from a vineyard planted in 1910 giving a miserly yield of 0.75 tons per acre. It displays slightly blacker fruit, a bit more depth and opulence, and a finish that seems endless. Give it 5-6 years of cellaring and enjoy it from 2016 to 2029+." (12/11)

Aromas of spicy, pure red fruits, with a dried fruit leather quality, lead to a similarly spicy palate. This is a special vineyard site, featuring very old vines and yields that are less than a ton per acre. Of all Achaval Ferrer's wines, this one will often age the best, capable of improving in bottle for a decade or more. - Joe Manekin, K&L Latin Wine Buyer

This tasting is walk-in only. Final lineup and pricing subject to change.

To view all upcoming K&L events and tastings, go to KLWines.com/Local Events

Brick on Beer: Newness Abounds and Another Craft Beer Tasting

By: Bryan Brick | K&L Beer Buyer

Hey All,

Coming off the success of last week’s beer tasting, and the last minute cancellation from a producer, we decided to schedule another Friday Night Beer Tasting. It will be held in the Redwood City location from 5-6:30 on Friday, November 11^th. Cost and line up TBD, but you can bet that some of the new Holiday beers that are rolling in quickly will certainly be featured!

Speaking of which here is the list of new gems that are rapidly disappearing from our shelves:

Aecht Schlenkerla "Oak Smoke" Rauchbier, Germany 500 ml $5.99

AEppelTreow Winery "Barn Swallow" Draft Cider, Wisconsin 750ml $9.99

AEppelTreow Winery "Sparrow" Spiced Cider, Wisconsin 750ml $9.99

2011 Alaskan Brewing Company Smoked Porter Alaska 22oz $7.99

AleSmith "YuleSmith" Holiday Ale, California 22oz $7.99

Anchor Brewing Co. "Brekle's Brown" Single Hop Brown Ale 22oz $3.49

Birrificio Montegioco "Dolii Raptor-The Barrel Theif" Ale Aged in Wine Barrels, Italy 11.2oz $13.99

Brasserie de Blaugies "La Moneuse Spéciale Noël" Holiday Saison Ale 750ml $10.99

Brasserie De La Senne/Allagash "Very Special Belge" Pale Ale, Belgium 330ml $5.99

Brasserie des Géants "Noël Des Géants" Spiced Ale, Beligum 750ml $10.99

Brasserie Fantome "Noel" Saison, Belgium 750ml $14.99

Brouwerij De Ranke "Cuvee de Ranke," Belgium 750ml $15.99

Brouwerij De Ranke "Kriek De Ranke," Belgium 750ml $15.99

2005 De Struise Brouwers "Pannepot Grand Reserva" Old Fishermans Ale Aged in Oak Casks, Belgium 11.2 oz (6 bottle limit) $9.49

2008 De Struise Brouwers "Pannepot Reserva" Old Fishermans Ale Aged in Oak Casks, Belgium 11.2 oz (6 bottle limit) $7.99

2011De Struise Brouwers "Pannepot-Old Fisherman's Ale" Ale Brewed with Spices, Belgium 11.2 oz (6 bottle limit) $6.99

De Struise Brouwers "Tsjeeses Reserva" Belgian X-Mas Ale, Beligum 330ml $8.99

De Struise Brouwers "Tsjeeses" Belgian X-Mas Ale, Beligum 330ml $7.49

Deschutes Brewery "Hop Trip" Fresh Hop Pale Ale, Oregon 12oz $1.59

2011 Deschutes Brewery "Jubelale" Winter Warmer, Oregon 12oz $1.49

Dugges Ale & Porterbryggeriet "1/2 Idjit!" Baltic Porter, Sweden 500ml $8.49

Dugges Ale & Porterbryggeriet "Hiphiphooray!" Pale Ale, Sweden 500ml $8.49

Green Flash Brewing Company Imperial India Pale Ale, California 22oz $5.49

Hook Norton Brewery Co. "Twelve Days" English Christmas Ale, England 500ml $5.49

Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales "Noel de Calabaza" Special Ale, Michigan 750ml $14.99

LoverBeer "BeerBrunga" Sour Ale Brewed With Plums, Italy 375ml $21.99

LoverBeer "DuvaBeer" Ale Brewed With Grape Juice, Italy 330ml $17.99

Mikkeller "Barrel Aged Chipotle Porter," Denmark 375ml $13.99

Mikkeller "Bourbon Barrel Aged From Via To" Holiday Ale, Denmark 750ml $14.99

Mikkeller "From/Via To" Christmas Porter, Denmark 750ml $14.99

Mikkeller "Monk's Brew" Dark Ale, Denmark 750ml $14.99

2010 Mikkeller "Santa's Little Helper" Belgian Ale Brewed With Spices and Aged in Rum Barrels, Denmark 750ml $13.99

2011 Mikkeller "Santa's Little Helper" Belgian Ale Brewed With Spices and Cocoa Powder, Denmark 750ml $14.99

Ninkasi "Sleigh'r" Dark Doüble Alt, Oregon 22oz $3.99

Nøgne-Ø Peculiar Yule, Norway 500ml $8.99

Nøgne-Ø Winter Ale, Norway 500ml $7.99

Ridgeway Brewing "Criminally Bad Elf" English Barleywine, England 500ml $6.99

Ridgeway Brewing "Reindeer's Revolt" English Christmas Ale, England 500ml $5.99

Ridgeway Brewing "Santa's Butt" Holiday Porter, England 500ml $5.99

Ridgeway Brewing "Very Bad Elf" Special Reserve Ale, England 500ml $5.99

Scheldebrouwerij "Lamme Goedzak" Blonde Ale, Belgium 750ml $15.99

Scheldebrouwerij "Zeezuiper" Triple, Belgium 750ml $15.99

2011 Sierra Nevada "Northern Hemisphere Harvest Ale" IPA, California 24oz $4.99

Stone Brewing Company/The Bruery/Elysian "La Citrueille Celeste De Citracado," California 12oz $2.99

Teufelweizen Weizenbock, California 750ml $13.99

Thornbridge Brewery "St. Petersburg" Imperial Russian Stout, England 16.9oz $8.49

As always please let me know if you have any questions about the above beers or need any recommendations!

Cheers,

Bryan

K&L Wine Merchants

Redwood City

bryanbrick@klwines.com

(650) 556-2758