So, I created AltoVino.  AltoVino is a consulting agency that provides small, family owned/operated Colorado wineries with representation in Colorado’s Front Range markets.  Most Colorado wineries don’t have the money or the manpower to get their wines into Denver and the surrounding markets.  AltoVino is here to change that.  So head on over to http://www.AltoVinoConsulting.com to check out what I’m doing.  And of course, find AltoVino on Facebook and Twitter!

The first is Sutcliffe Vineyards.  I’ve tasted their wines in the past, but recently tasted through their new vintage.  Their offerings included the 2009 Chardonnay, 2009 Cinsault, 2008 Field Blend, and 2008 Signature Merlot.  The Chardonnay was a bit buttery for my taste, but all were well made.  They were well balanced, structured wines.  They have a new winemaker on the team, Joe Buckel.  He’s best known for his recent work at Flowers, as well as B.R. Cohen.  Nice job, Joe.

The second has been on my list since its inception, The Infinite Monkey Theorem.  Winemaker/Owner Ben Parsons has gone against the grain of Colorado’s winemaking industry by opening up a winery in the back alley of our Santa Fe Art District.  Ben is a man who makes good wine and is in touch with the pulse of the city.  He’s also in progress of opening a restaurant (or two).

Bravo.  Finally some Colorado wine that’s worth the buck.  And there’s a connection between the two- Ben’s previously served as winemaker at Sutcliffe, before starting his own project.  Some will say that Ben was fired, but just as many say he left on his own accord.  But in the end, no one gives a shit because both wineries are kicking some ass.

Unfortunately my list of “Top Colorado Wineries” ends after #2.   We have some work to do.

Ben Parsons changed that when he started The Infinite Monkey Theorem winery last year.  Located on 5th and Santa Fe Drive, in the Santa Fe Art District, Ben is paving the way for quality Colorado wines.  The concept behind the name dates back to an old mathematical theorem, dubbed “The Infinite Monkey Theorem,” that tests our understanding of infinity.  It goes something like this: if you set a monkey at a typewriter for an infinite amount of time, eventually he will type all of the great texts of William Shakespeare.  Hell, eventually the monkey will type every text written by man.  While the odds are extremely small, eventually the monkey will type the correct combination of keystrokes.  It’s simple probability, no matter how unlikely.

So Ben applied this theory to his winery.  There are an infinite number of decisions that must be made to produce the wine, from the decisions the grower makes in the vineyards, to the decisions made in the winery.  And all of this comes together in a back alley at his winery in urban Denver.  Ultimately, beauty comes from utter chaos, in the form of his wines.

Ben is amongst the modern era of young winemakers.  Now 34, he got his start making wine in Australia while studying for his oenology graduate degree.  He made wine in New Zealand, and eventually found his way to Colorado, where he spent several years producing wine on the Western slopes.  He was head winemaker at Sutcliffe Winery, where he made wine through the 2007 vintage.  Here he established his modern style of big, fruit driven wines which he produces under his own label today.

Ben is a quick witted, intelligent individual and his personality shows in his wines.  Even the packaging is extremely well thought out; from the Warhol-esque image on the label to the glass Vino-Lok enclosures.  His winery is the epitome of the “local” concept we see at many restaurants these days.  The community has shown him great support, as his wines are poured at almost 100 local restaurants and wine bars. We recently hosted a tasting with Ben, and here’s what we poured:

2008 Infinite Monkey Theorem Chardonnay– 70% of this wine spends time in new oak (for 9 months), while 30% is stainless steel.  Without the use of malolactic fermentation, this wine retains its crisp acidity as Chardonnay should.  While a little on the oaky side for me, it shows nice pear, fig and citrus notes, while delivering a smoky, toasty note.

2008 Infinite Monkey Theorem Syrah– oak aged for 12 months, this big boy shows nice blackberry and wild berry fruits, white pepper, tobacco, coffee, mocha, licorice,  and a slight hint of tar.

2008 Infinite Monkey Theorem Malbec– this monstrous wine is 90% Malbec, 10% Petite Verdot, aged in oak for 14 months.  This goliath has an intense inky purple color.  In the words of ben: “as dark as the halls of Mordor.”  Loaded with dark fruits, coffee and chocolate.

2008 Infinite Monkey Theorem Petite Sirah– another behemoth, showing intense notes of coffee, chocolate, cola, raspberry and boysenberry.

If you live in Colorado, visit your favorite wine shop to pick up Ben’s wines.  If they don’t carry IMT wines, tell them they should.  During summer, Ben participates in “First Fridays.”  In this Denver tradition, art galleries are open and have free drinks and appetizers on the first Friday of every month.  At The Infinite Monkey Theorem, Ben pours his wines and has a DJ in the courtyard.  Also stay tuned as Ben is planning on opening a professional kitchen at the winery, where he will host many local (and not-so-local) celebrity chefs.

Visit Ben’s website: TheInfiniteMonkeyTheorem.com