NEW HALF-DOZEN FROM THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE

Good friend Brian from Vintner Select came by Thursday with the wines of Viña Quintay:

Clava Sauvignon Blanc Casablanca Valley 2009. Grade=Outstanding. Loads of guava and grapefruit, with lemon peel and quince, showing off nice acidity and a vibrant finish.

Quintay Q Sauvignon Blanc Casablanca Valley 2009. Grade=Outstanding. Lots of mineral, lemon zest, grapefruit and gooseberry characters with well-balanced acidity.

Clava Chardonnay Casablanca Valley 2008. Grade=Outstanding. Totally tank-fermented Chard with honeydew melon, nectarine, lime zest and peach notes. Very nice.

Quintay Q Chardonnay Casablanca Valley 2008. Grade=Outstanding. Barrel-fermented with nice creamy notes of peaches, nectarines, pineapple and pear. Soft and round, with a hint of buttered brioche.

Clava Pinot Noir Casablanca Valley 2009. Grade=Outstanding. Tart, tank-fermented PN with bright cherries and plums, a bit of herbs and spices, and a bit of mineral to temper its lively acidity.

Quintay Q Pinot Noir Casablanca Valley 2008. Grade=Outstanding. Soft, supple and rich with currants, blood oranges, cherries and red plums. A bit of spice, mineral and cherry cola undertones bring it all together.