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:

http://www.pengwine.com/pengwine/page/characters.jsp

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