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Most Likely To Succeed GUARACHI FAMILY WINES 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($70) When Alex Guarachi, a 25-year industry veteran as founder and President of TGIC Importers, threw his hat into the winemaking ring, success was not a guarantee. But Guarachi’s commit- ment to quality, built upon his years spent importing and distributing some of the fi nest New World wines to come out of South America, has helped him prove that good things (like the wonderful inaugural release of the label’s 2007 Cab) come to those who work for them. But Guarachi knows that winemaking—doing it well, at least—is not always a snap. “You’re at the mercy of Mother Nature when dealing with a live product,” he says; “one misstep can end it all.” The fruit is defi ned and ripe, to a pleasant sweetness on the front of the tongue. Creamy vanilla is pretty but the wine is impressionably bold. TGIC IMPORTS Most Likely To Succeed HAMILTON RUSSELL VINEYARDS 2009 Chardonnay, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, South Africa ($32) Have you ever looked at a winery’s portfolio, seen that they grow grapes from A(lbariño) to Z(infandel), and wondered how, and if, they can do it all well? Taking a different, more focused approach in Walker Bay is South Africa’s Hamilton Russell Winery, which grows only Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and has recently expanded its production to include Pinotage and Chenin-based offerings. This narrowed scope, combined with the label’s dedication to a sense of place (it is one of the most southerly wineries in Africa, as well as one of the closest to the sea), has helped Hamilton Russell become one of the most interesting and in demand producers on the continent. Bright and racy with pure and searing acidity; fresh, and showing lush fruit and smooth, sweet oak; another staggeringly good Chard from this exceptional winery. VINEYARD BRANDS december 2010 / the tasting panel / 43 Most Likely To Succeed HERZOG 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Clone # Six Edition, Chalk Hill ($140) Herzog is well known-for producing outstanding wines that just so happen to be kosher (this isn’t your grandmother’s Passover wine, folks), but it’s the winery’s recently-created vineyard- designate program that’s really spotlight-grabbing. Under this agenda, winemaker Joe Hurliman has crafted a small arsenal of top- rate, small-production wines that tap grapes from some of the most famed vineyards and AVAs in California. “There’s a common thread for this conversation with these single-vine- yard wines,” explains Hurliman, “and having these smaller lots, you get this dynamic aspect.” These high-end releases of Cabernet Sauvignon are focused, balanced and among the best Herzog has ever offered. The Clone # Six showcases smaller-berried clones with highly concentrated fl avors of bright blackberry and subtle herbaceousness.