2009 Casa Marin Pinot Noir and Syrah Half Case

3 x 2009 Casa Marin Litoral Vineyard Pinot Noir
3 x 2009 Casa Marin Miramar Vineyard Syrah

I vividly remember tasting these wines for the first time. I was still a restaurant wine buyer for the Waverly Inn in New York. A good friend who also happened to be in the trade had been talking for months about these amazing, cool-climate Chilean wines she had just discovered. She couldn’t wait to share them with me and finally took it upon herself to carve a few hours out of her busy schedule and swing by with an open bottle in her bag. That is just how much passion these wines can inspire. And she was right. They were stunningly complex and not quite like any other New World wines I had ever tasted: Smoky, distinctly concentrated, yet balanced and savory with layer upon layer of fruit. The wines made an indelible mark on my memory.

Yes, it is true that these wines are highly rated year in and year out, and are often touted in the press. But it is rare to have an opportunity to experience them, as they are normally found only in the finest restaurants. Sadly, I can’t come to where you work and force you to try these wines. Take advantage of this well-priced half case so you don’t miss out.

Tasting Notes
2009 Casa Marin Litoral Vineyard Pinot Noir
The Litoral Vineyard is a unique vineyard perched right alongside the Pacific Ocean. The cool, windy microclimate and the chalky soils help to give the wine bright cherry flavor and a fresh finish. Aromas of cherry and raspberry fruit linger on the nose mingling with a hint of pepper, earth and vanilla. The wine is ripe and fruity on the palate, with flavors of black cherry, chocolate and a touch of smoke. The slight earthy character of the wine would make this a delicious pairing with a mushroom risotto or a smoked salmon dish. (14% ABV)

2009 Casa Marin Miramar Vineyard Syrah
The Miramar vineyard – with its volcanic and granitic soils – maximizes the warmth of the sun, resulting in a Syrah that is elegant and balanced. Aged in 60 percent new French oak for 18 months, the wine has distinctive cherry, vanilla and white-pepper notes that linger on the palate. Restrained yet fresh, the wine has a vibrant backbone of acidity that leads to a long and delicious finish. The peppery, spicy notes of the wine make it an excellent match for roast duck or lamb. (12% ABV)

—Janine Lettieri

Janine Lettieri has worked in New York City fine dining for over a decade with sommelier roles at Fleur de Sel, the three-star Michelin restaurant Le Bernardin, and the Waverly Inn. Janine holds certificates from the Court of Master Sommeliers and the American Sommelier Association, as well as a Diploma in Wine and Spirits from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust. Janine is pursuing the Master of Wine credential, which only 30 Americans hold. Learn more about Janine here, or follow her on Twitter: @JLettieri