In Casablanca everyone came to Rick’s, but here in Corrales it’s Frontier Mart. Standing on the corner of Corrales Road and Meadowlark, Frontier Mart has been the go-to place in Corrales for all those last minute things. However it’s also a first minute place for wine, as many of the locals know. John and Jean Waszak always have wines on sale, wine specials, wine tasting events and more. They use their wine distributor contacts to get the best wine deals and pass them on to their customers.
And hardly a day goes by that John doesn’t ask me if I’ve tried so-and-so’s new wine. Well this time he gave me a couple of wines to try. That’s your basic disclaimer, by the way, but that only goes as far as opening a wine and trying it. Then my wine judge persona exerts itself and I have to tell the truth. Fortunately, the wines he handed me made that easy.
Angeline Vineyards 2015 Chardonnay: This is a Chablis-like wine, not relying on heavy oak to balance the flavors. This is a good food-pairing wine, 13.5% alcohol, balanced acidity and even a bit understated for some palates looking for the next OBC (Oaky Buttery Chardonnay). However this is a good-drinking wine with or without food.
Angeline sources much of their Chardonnay fruit from their home in the Russian River Valley, but also Mendocino, Monterey and Santa Barbara; all prime Chardonnay regions. Done with only 30% new French & American oak it is more fruit-driven. Aromas of baked pears, buttered toast and vanilla led to citrus notes of Meyer lemon. Added richness comes from sur lie, a French technique that is very popular on this side of the pond, but more labor intensive. As an added bonus, the bottle is attractive and the screw cap makes it easy to save the rest for later. I didn’t get a chance to try that part, it all went.
Casillero del Diablo Reserva 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon from Concha Y Toro, Chile: Gee this looks like a good wine to open on Halloween, but I couldn’t wait that long.
If this winery is new to you I’m guessing you have not tried any Chilean wines, because Concha Y Toro is the largest winery in Latin America and Chile’s biggest exporter. It is also the fifth largest wine company in the world. I’ve tried countless Concha Y Toro wines over the years and seldom been disappointed. This 2015 Cab is no exception and it’s about as easily accessible as any of their wines.
The Casillero del Diablo is one of their most recognizable labels in the world. You may even feel a bit devilish when you try a glass. This Cabernet Sauvignon is a dark, ruby red with aromas of cherries, black currant and dark plums. It is rich with a fine lingering finish and supple tannins.
After you’ve enjoyed this bottle you can stick a candle in it, put it in the window on Halloween and keep those trick or treaters at bay. What more could you ask?
Both of these wines are well-priced and multiple-bottle sales will save you even more.
Frontier Mart at 3677 Corrales Road, Corrales. 505-898-0311.
Website: http://frontiermart.com/
Hours: Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday, 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM
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