Latino leaders' cellar

Latino Leaders: The National Magazine of the Successful American Latino, August-Sept, 2004 by Jorge Ferraez

This summer will be the moment for my friend Bulmaro Montes.

He's planning to pick his fruit in the fall to bottle the first ever "Marita's Vineyard, Napa Valley" label. The vineyard is a beautiful 2.6 acre piece of land in central Napa, California, and its acquisition and production of wine from it is a long awaited dream for him, his family, and his friends. Along with his brother Manuel, he's planning to bring to the market a high quality, top notch, wine for serious connoisseurs. If this wine follows his previous efforts, Joseph Phelps's Insignia and Bacchus and the cult label Merus, which he made with Mark Herold, "Marita's Vineyard" will be a great success. Bulmaro and Manuel know two things very well: how to grow good grapes; and how to make good wine. It will be hard to wait another two years to taste "Marita's Vineyard" 2004, but I'm convinced that as one of the few Latinos actually launching his own label, he will keep setting examples to follow.

Chateau St. Jean Gewurztraminer 2002, Sonoma County.

A fresh and delicate flowery aroma is followed by exotic spices, jasmine, orange peel, and some lavender. Although it seems light, a more elaborated medium body emerges from the glass as we go through it. Rich, clean, perfumed, but still dry enough to make it a perfect match for sushi, fish, and white sauce dishes. $15.00

Chateau Souverain Winemaker's Reserve 2000, Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

It's outstanding! With up to 70% French oak and a special vinification process, this delicious wine shows the power of California wines. Black cherries, blueberries, and coffee-cocoa aromas precede molasses, mint, and dark chocolate combinations of flavors that come after every sip. Powerful and tannic, it has a long and memorable finish. Drink it with a juicy steak, herbed perfumed breast of duck or a rack of New Zealand's lamb chops in sweet and sour sauce. $ 35.00

Daniel Rion Clos Vougeot, Grand Cru 2000.

The pale rose-cherry color shines sparkly through the glass. After some mineral hints, aromas of red candy, licorice, and caramelized berries rise to lead to a beautiful, arrogant structure, revealing fruit, lots of fruit, spices, morels, and leather. Liquid velvet as it goes down with exploding roses, plums, and ripe fruit flavors. Complex and intricate, as a good Bourgogne, but it leaves a permanent impression. Delicious with a pork loin, quail, or a good BBQ. $ 75.00

Matua Valley 2003 Gisborne Chardonnay, New Zealand.

Fresh and crisp, this one has aromas of green apples and citrus. Not too oaky, but enough to bring some caramel and butterscotch to the palate. Good acidity, which makes it a perfect match for spicy food. Medium body with lots of green apple flavors. Perfect with quesadillas, shrimp Caesar salad, and salmon dishes. $11.00