Here to Stay

This week marks the week that Interwined was awarded Permanent Residency status in the United Kingdom, and therefore Europe.

There is nothing to stop us now (insert fiendish laughter).

First person to hear the news was my Student Loan officer.

Hello Melodie in Indianapolis! Who's the deadbeat now?

The 2005 Saint Emilions are just now coming out and they look vibrant and fresh, if a little too ripe. Nonetheless, these 'mainly Merlot' blends show a great deal of limestone and muscle. A fact sure to be reflected in higher-than-average prices.

A recent excursion on set reminded Interwined of its own humble start about ten years ago. The launch of the wine lover began at a small restaurant in the suburbs of New Orleans. As a waiter, a good waiter, solid wine knowledge is a must. And the first bottle of wine chosen by Interwined, was Hawk Crest California Cabernet Sauvignon.

This decision was based on only one deciding factor: Interwined like the pretty bird on the label.

And did it go down well? Well, what do you think?

So imagine the surprise when this week's blog research led to Soho Wine Supply, in London. Soho Wine Supply is one of Interwined's favourite destinations for its favourite hobby: buying wine. A small space, with a decent selection at great prices. However, it is not the place to give a hyperactive cat a strong cup of coffee. Oh no, it is very quiet there.

But back to the blog. See, around the same time that first bottle of Hawk Crest passed over the scanner at the check-out of the local Winn-Dixie, a promise was beginning elsewhere.

That promise was that Chile was the next big thing. We had the Mondavis down there, they said, the Rothschilds. Arid climate, decent land, cheap labour force… and winemaker know-how. A formula sure to result in inexpensive wines that knock the socks off.

So imagine the surprise when a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile happened to be lying next to a bottle of Hawk Crest at the Soho Wine Supply. Both at around 8 pounds.

Was there ever a reason to compare two completely unrelated wines (besides the grape)? Didn't think so.

2002 Hawk Crest. The older of the two and ready-to-drink. Strongly Californian. Strong powerful nose, heavy body and a powerhouse finish, though short. A bit roasty-meaty and a bit blackberry. Not complex, but still as pleasing. Thanks for the memories Hawk Crest, but really, considering the nature of wine production, how can you remain so consistent? Curious comment, sure to have its share of detractors. 8.7 points.

2004 Cousino-Macul Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo Valley. Other names on the bottle, such as 'Estate bottled' and 'Antiguas Reservas,' are just smoke and mirrors. Don't mean it good, don't mean it bad.

The label says 14% ABV, but the legs walk a 15.5%. Strong alcohol in the aroma confirms. Opened two hours and the smell is still there. Best opened a day prior, and immediately recorked. Some caramel, and a touch of minty lamb.

The most shocking thing about this wine is likely due to critic-bias (a name Interwined just invented to explain how a wine taster cannot completely discount their own subjectivity based on their own experiences). For example, for reasons best left unexplained and unexplored, the Cousino-Macul smells, and even tastes, vaguely of Hawaiian Punch. 8.6 points.

OK, so the review didn't exactly back up the aforementioned argument. But still unconvinced Chile is pulling its price-for-value weight.

Anybody feeling the same vibe? Drink up and tell on.