2008 Cono Sur Viognier

Colchagua is a warm, Mediterranean region in north central Chile known for growing rhone varietals such as Syrah and Viognier as well as excellent Cabernet and Carmenere. The climate is temperate all year round and the enhanced marine influence acts as a moderating factor for both hottest and coldest yearly temperatures. The vineyards stretch to the very foot of the Andes and are carefully managed to counteract the natural soil vigour.

From their website: Dressed in the beautiful medium golden colour characteristic of this variety. Sweet notes of apricots, citrics and peaches anticipate final hints of azahar flower notes. Fresh and lively in mouth, this Viognier is concentrated, tasty, full and savoury. A wine of great character, density and structure, with a good acidity level and great persistence.

Aromas: bright aromas of peach, apricot, white flowers, and citrus
Body: medium
Color: golden yellow

Eat with: Sauteed Pacific Rock Cod, asparagus, hen of the woods mushrooms, green garlic ragout, meyer lemon-herb oil

http://www.conosur.com/en/our-wines/cono-sur-single-varietal/viognier/

Artazuri 2005 Garnacha, Navarra, Spain

The Garnacha from Navarra delivers a very different character than Grenache from the Rhone Valley. Instead of the typical deep earthy aromas , the Artazuri Garnacha smells refreshingly fruity - sun-ripened fruits like cherries & berries are not only in the nose but in the forward flavors as well. The wine is medium to full bodied, peppery and a tad spicy.  This wine has some similarities to a big fruity California Zin. The finish is lingering, gentle, velvety and the sweet & sour cherry essences stay to the very end. This is a great food wine, I can see this being a complement to the red wine usual suspects - this is a wine that can be enjoyed through the meal, even a second bottle will go down nicely.

About 3000 cases of this wine is produced by famed Artadi (Rioja) Winery winemaker, Juan Carlos Lopez de Lacalle. Artazuri is made with 100% Garnacha grapes from 60 - 85 year old vines. Juan Carlos is one of the truly talented winemakers to actually receive 100 points from Robert Parker for his Artadi Wines. When he realized the possibilities of the Grenache vines in the small town of Artazu, in the south of Navarra, he knew that his work was needed. The vines in the past were only used to produce Rose and he knew that the grapes were ready to offer something special with his magic touch.  

This wine is apt to end up on winelist at the restaurants, by the bottle & the glass!  I will let you know when.