Okay, I admit it. I virtually never enjoy Chilean wines. The last time I went out of my way to buy a Chilean was 14 years ago, when I picked up a couple 1992 Santa Rita Reserva cabs for $12 in Ashland, Oregon. And Malbecs? Ewww. Please save 'em for blending.
But last night changed a few things. My wine-making friend Chris Milliken, co-founder of PengWine, held a small tasting to debut his new releases. Most of the stuff didn't really float my boat, but his two top-enders were extremely impressive.
Royal, a 2004 Cab Sauvignon/Cab Franc 85/15 blend, was the one that drew me to the tasting. I love big wines, and pretty much anything with a substantial hunk of cab franc in it. This one did not disappoint.
But the wine that astonished me was the 2005 King, a 50/50 blend of Camenere and Malbec! Yeah, that's what I said. I've never heard of anybody throwing just those two together, let alone in a 50/50.
If you want the official description, here's the link:
The experience I had with the King last night was reminiscent of one I had years ago with a '95 Chateau L'Angelus at a Washington Enological Society tasting. I'll bet there were over 100 wines at the WES tasting, including a '75 Margaux. Didn't matter -- I kept returning to the Angelus. My girlfriend finally bought it for me as a birthday gift. (We eventually drank the Angelus, but the gf is still on "Hold" status, hahah.) Last night I kept going back for more pours of the King.
The girlfriend doesn't much care for Chilean wines, either, so go figure this one: Last night we went home with a 50/50 case of Royal and King. These wines should be good for at least a decade. Think I'll store them right next to the Angelus.
JJ