Rex-Goliath Chardonnay

Last weekend I poured Rex-Goliath Chardonnay ($7) from California.  It is 100% Chardonnay and aged in French oak.  In the plastic tasting cup I was not able to detect and aroma.  The flavor was tropical with a hint of vanilla and a tart granny smith apple finish.  Mild acidity.  This was a huge hit with customers.   

Winemaker's Notes:  "Rex Goliath Chardonnay is a true sun-kissed California Chardonnay with bold aromas of apple and pear, combined with the classic spices of Grandma’s apple pie. Tropical fruit, pineapple and melon flavors combine with well-integrated layers of crème brûlée and a smattering of vanilla.   

I’ve added a splash of aromatic white varietals to provide layers of delicate floral notes coupled with bright citrus character. Round fruit and vibrant acidity are harmoniously balanced with French oak. The oak used for our wines is a proprietary blend of French oak, with varying degrees of toasting. This gives the Rex Goliath oak profile a distinct flavor, like no other wine on the planet!

To me, this is the ultimate food wine…it goes with everything from ahi tuna tartare, to Asian chicken salad, to good ol’ mac and cheese!"

Stag's Leap Karia Chardonnay, 2007

Stag's Leap 2007 Karia Chardonnay ($30) is a wine that I have splurged on.  Well worth the extra money for a special meal or occasion.  The aroma of pineapple and vanilla just drew me in to a flavor that was  slightly creamy with pineapple, vanilla and hint of honey.  This is oak aged, but does not have an a distinct oakiness in the flavor.  Also, not acidic.  I know the Winemaker's Notes does not have pineapple in it, but that's what was on my palate.  Maybe it was the white peach and orange blossom combination?  In any case, the end result is that Stag's Leap Karia is very enjoyable.   

Winemaker's Notes:  The name KARIA (KAR-ee-ah) is derived from the Greek word meaning graceful, and the 2008 KARIA Chardonnay lives up to its moniker.  A cornucopia of aromas emerges from this wine, with apple, white peach and orange blossom joining subtle layers of roasted almond and vanilla cream. Similar flavors are enjoyed on the palate with additional citrus notes. A delicate honey tone is supported by bright acidity all the way through the toasty brioche finish. This versatile and food-friendly wine is easily enjoyed with butternut squash ravioli with sage brown butter, shrimp scampi, or a pecan-crusted roast loin of pork.

Rodney Strong Sonoma County Chardonnay, 2010

This weekend I tasted out Rodney Strong 2010 Sonoma County Chardonnay.  It is fermented in both barrel (60%, aged 5 months in American and French oak) and stainless steel (40%).  It does undergo 60% malolactic fermentation. No detectable aroma in the plastic tasting cup.  Flavors on my palate were spice, vanilla and a hint of oak.  It was medium-high in acidity.  Mixed reviews from customers and too acidic for my taste.  

Winemaker's Notes:  Bright lemon and apple aromas that mingle with hints of the toasty barrel complexity. On the palate, pear and green apple with refreshing acidity will lure you back for another sip. Enjoy this lively chardonnay now and over the next couple of years.

Cantina Zaccagnini Pinot Grigio, 2010

While browsing the wine isle in the grocery stores, I keep seeing a bottle of wine with a piece of grapevine tied around the neck.  I finally had to give it try. 

Cantina Zaccagnini 2010 Pinot Grigio ($12 at Costco) is from Abruzzi, Italy.  The aroma was lemon and grass.  On my palate the flavor was pear and peach with a mild tart finish grabbing the back of my tongue.  Pairing this wine with food would be easy as it does not have overpowering flavors.  I would not hesitate to recommend this to customers.  

Winemaker's Notes:  Pale yellow with green nuances. A very delicate bouquet, an extremely pleasant aroma with fine, elegant flavor, very fresh and a well-balanced finish.

Dr. Wagner Ockfenner Bockstein Kabinett Riesling, 2010

Time to switch varietals again and I went with a German Riesling.  I do enjoy Rieslings from Washington state, but I'm always up for a nice German Riesling.  Dr. Wagner was what I decided to taste.  

Dr. Wagner Ockfenner Bockstein Kabinett 2010 Riesling ($13) is from the Mosel region in Germany, in the district of Saarburg (a.k.a Saar).  This was a nice light bodied, off-dry riesling.  The aroma was lightly fruity, reminding me of peach.  The flavor was also light with fruit.  My favorite pairing with Riesling is Asian food and it was the perfect match for my stir-fry chicken.  If you enjoy German Rieslings, this is a must try.  

Winemaker's Notes:  (Not available)


Key to deciphering the label:

     Dr. Wagner - Producer
     Mosel - wine region
     Saarsburg - District
     Ockfenner - Town
     Vineyard - Bockstein
     Kabinett - classification (the driest classification for German 
                         Riesling)

Kris Heart Rosso, 2009

I must say that tasting wines that are not your "basic" varietals has been quite nice.  For a while I thought I was stuck in a rut.  So, in keeping with your non-basic varietal, the latest wine is an Italian red blend from Kris.  

Kris 2009 Heart Rosso ($9.50) is from Italy and new on  the market.  It is a blend of 50% Merlot, 25% Montepulciano, and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon.  The grapes are from Sicily, Marche, and the alpine foothills of Alto Adige (respectively).   I found the Winemaker's notes (below) for the nose to be the aroma I found -  blackberry, black currant, leather - with also a bit of earthiness and meatiness.  The fruit escaped my palate in the flavor, but I did taste, leather, spice, and a hint of earthiness.  Medium acidity.  Very low tannins. Medium-full body.  I really wasn't a fan of this wine as there was more acidity than I enjoy in a wine and it was not balanced.

Winemaker's Notes:  KRIS Heart Rosso is garnet in color with intense aromas of dense blackberries, spicy currants and leather. Ripe fruit flavors are balanced by lively acidity, making this an excellent wine to enjoy with roasted meats, rich pasta dishes, pizza, sausages, and cheeses.

Francis Coppola Shiraz, 2009

While browsing the wine section of World Market, I came across Francis Coppola Shiraz.  It is the same line/tier as Coppola Rosso and Coppola Bianco.  Both Rosso and Bianco are blends and I enjoy them both; I always recommend these to customers.  Shiraz is also a blend so I had to taste and review it.  Not to mention, I do enjoy Coppola wines.

Francis Coppola 2009 Shiraz ($9) is 97% Shiraz blended with 3% Viognier* and is aged in both French and American oak.  The grapes are sourced from Paso Robles and Lodi (two regions I enjoy wines from).  The nose was delightful - berry, tobacco, coffee, a bit earthy and smokey.  The flavor was tobacco and earthy with hints of  both spice and coffee.  Not tannic or acidic. A balanced medium-full bodied wine.

Winemaker's Notes:  Appearance: Purple red - Aromas: Raspberries, plums, vanilla and violets - Flavors: Boysenberries, cherries, and cinnamon stick.  Offers luscious flavors of juicy wild berries, a rich perfume of spices and soft, supple tannins. Well-balanced and extremely food-friendly, our Shiraz is the perfect accompaniment to a fig and prosciutto pizza, pulled pork sandwiches, or spicy mashed sweet potatoes.


*Adding Viognier is a technique that originated in France a long time ago.  It elicits delicate floral qualities in the wine.

Flash Wine Websites

In my latest issue of Market Watch there was an article on "Flash Wine" websites.  These websites offer wines at considerable discounts for a limited period of time.  This does not mean that all the wines are no-name brands or discontinued/close-outs.  There can also be overstocks, new wines (creating brand awareness), and and opportunity for one to find wines that are not sold in their area.  Below are links to several flash wine websites.  

Wineshopper.com     http://www.wineshopper.com/  (Offers six to ten wines, available for 48 to 72 hours or until sold-out.)  

Lot18.com     http://www.lot18.com/  (This website has you provide your e-mail and then they send you and invite.  The invite is immediate and they place a $10 credit in your account to start with.)  

Wine.woot.com     http://www.wine.woot.com/  (Offers one wine deal daily.)  

Thewinespies.com     http://www.thewinespies.com/  (Offers one wine deal daily.)  

Peopleswinemarket.com     http://www.peopleswinemarket.com/  (Three wines are offered every Tuesday.)  

Winestillsoldout.com   http://www.winestilsoldout.com/  (One wine deal daily.)  

Winebandwagon.com   http://www.winebandwagon.com  (One wine deal daily.)   

Lastcallwines.com     http://www.lastcallwines.com   (One wine deal daily.)   

Lastbottlewines.com  http://www.lastbottlewines.com  (One wine deal daily.)

Volver, 2009

A number of customers at Fresh Market have been asking my opinion of Volver.  Having never tasted it, I wasn't able to provide them with any information.  However, it always sold out and this peaked my curiosity.  Not to mention, I've been stuck on your "basic" varietals and needed a change of pace.  You know it - I had to taste it.  

Volver, 2009  ($15) is from  La Manca, Spain.  It is a single vineyard wine from Bodegas Volver, S.L.  Volver is 100% Tempranillo and aged in new French oak for 14 months.  The color is a deep rich purple.  It is light to medium body (thin mouthfeel).  Alcohol is 15%.  The aroma was berry, tobacco, coffee and a hint of woodiness.  The flavor was tobacco and earthy, and overpowered by acidity.  Not balanced.  I wasn't a fan.  Too many other wines out there that I prefer.   

Winemaker's Notes:  This single vineyard-designated wine has plenty of red cherries, blueberries, mulberries and red raisins, depicting grapes pushed to full ripeness without going beyond the boundary into excessive over ripeness. The oak character is relatively elegant with toasty, coffee hints only, and the balanced wine shows some lingering length as well. Drink now or in the next five or so years.

Korbel Sweet Rosé

Over the holidays I saw that  Korbel released Sweet Rosé.  I purchased a bottle and put it away until I was ready to review it.  Since I have been tasting and reviewing the "same old" varietals, plus my wine tastings are repeat wines, now was the time.   

Korbel Sweet Rosé ($11) is from California and a blend of Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.  I was bracing myself for something overly sweet, like a Moscato, but I was pleasantly surprised.  It falls between semi-sweet and sweet, with a light fruitiness.  Bubbly and refreshing.  I would enjoy this with cheese, an appetizer, or fruit and chocolate.   

Winemaker's Notes:   KORBEL Sweet Rosé is made from a complex selection of both red and white grape varieties. The blend is designed to have very bright fruit flavors and aromas. The harvesting of the red varieties such as zinfandel and sangiovese early in the ripening process helps achieve the desired style for this cuvée. Excellent with: fresh fruit or appetizers such as grilled prawns and mango salsa, or with a selection of ripe cheeses.

Columbia Crest Two Vines Chardonnay, 2009

Yesterday I met a friend for lunch at PF Changs.  I ordered a glass of Columbia Crest Two Vines Chardonnay ($6/glass).  Never having  tasted it, this was my opportunity.  It would be another wine that I could recommend (or not) to customers.  

Columbia Crest Two Vines Chardonnay is from Washington State.  This is stainless steel fermented and 20% oak aged for six months undergoing malolactic fermentation.  It had a delightful buttery aroma with a hint of fruit.  The flavor was fruit and butter with a hint of oak. A tad creamy.  VERY nice. I would not hesitate to recommend this to customers.  It was the perfect pairing for my Seared Ahi Tuna.  YUM!   

Winemaker's Notes:  This lighter style Chardonnay opens with aromas of freshly sliced apples and pears. Vibrant orchard fruit flavors are accented by hints of citrus and toasty oak ending with a juicy, crisp finish.  Intended for immediate enjoyment, this Chardonnay captures the varietal intensity indicative of wines from Washington state.

Rex-Goliath Pinot Noir

Tonight I poured Rex-Goliath Pinot Noir ($8) from California. It is aged in both French and American oak. This is a light bodied wine, with light flavors of cherry and a hint of oak.  A very versatile wine, it will pair easily with beef, pork, poultry, lamb, seafood, and veal.  Customers enjoyed this wine and it sold well.

Winemaker's Notes:  A deep red  color and pleasant aromas are offset by a dry, harmonic blend of black cherry and a touch of vanilla, which stays on the tongue—producing a pleasant finish. With true varietal flavors and an easy-drinking and fruit-forward profile, it reaches a fine balance between soft and subtle, and complex and BOLD. It’s the perfect wine for everyday drinking and can be paired with a wide variety of food: beef, veal, pork, lamb, chicken, and even fish. I imagine that you’d be hard-pressed to find a food pairing that doesn’t work with this wine.

Clos du Bois Sauvignon Blanc, 2010

At my tasting last weekend, one of the wines I poured was Clos du Bois 2010 Sauvignon Blanc ($13) from California (grapes are sourced from Alexander Valley and Lake County).  It is 100% Sauvignon Blanc, aged in stainless steel.  In the plastic tasting cup there was a faint citrus aroma.  The flavors were citrus, lemongrass and a hint of  minerality.  Crisp and balanced.  Customers enjoyed it. If you're looking for a Sauvignon Blanc that is not as bold as those from New Zealand, you may want to give this a try.

Winemaker's Notes:  Pale silver-straw in color with a slight green tint, this hugely aromatic Sauvignon Blanc opens with primary aromas of lime zest, white grapefruit, gooseberry, lemongrass and delicate florals with a hint of minerality. Crisp, palate-cleansing acidity and juicy fruit flavors mark the palate, with the finish long and refreshing.  Food Pairings:  Crisp, juicy Sauvignon Blanc is a fit for light fare from all seasons, especially shellfish, ceviche and salads.

Rodney Strong Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, 2009

One of my recent tastings was Rodney Strong Russian River Valley 2009 Pinot Noir ($28).  This is 96% Pinot Noir, blended with 4% Syrah.  It is French oak aged for 6 months.  The nose is an inviting earthiness with a hint of cherry.  The flavor is also earthy, a hint of  spice and light tannins.  After opening up the flavor changed to a lighter earthiness, spice and still with low tannins, but a bit more acidity.  Customers enjoyed this wine.   

Winemaker's Notes:  Supple in texture, with rose petal and red fruit aromas, this lively, medium bodied wine is aged entirely in small French oak barrels, which adds a subtle, toasty vanilla character and a hint of spice. Ideal for current enjoyment, this pinot noir will hold nicely over the next 2 to 4 years.

Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Chardonnay, 2010

The old saying "everything comes in threes" will hold true here.  Today is the third day that I am reviewing a Coppola wine.  Last night I tasted the Chardonnay that was in the Francis Coppola gift basket I purchased at Costco.  (Cabernet Sauvignon reviewed yesterday.)

Francis Coppola 2010 Diamond Collection Chardonnay ($14) is from Monterey, California with the grapes being sourced from two Monterey vineyards.  One near the Gabilan mountain range and the other from Arroyo Secco (a region where J Lohr Chardonnay (delicious) is from).  This is 100% Chardonnay.  50% is aged in French oak and 50% stainless steel fermented.  A tropical nose of pineapple and banana is enticing.  The flavor is also pineapple and banana with a hint of spice, a bit of creaminess, and (as stated in the Winemaker's Notes) crisp acidity.  A bit more acidity than I enjoy, but I know there are customers out there enjoy that quality in a Chardonnay.

Winemaker's Notes:  Appearance: Yellow gold, Aromas: Pears, vanilla and cloves, Flavors: Pineapple, guava, tangerine and honeysuckle.  Our Chardonnay reflects the distinctive personality of Monterey vineyards, which give rise to juicy apple, guava and melon flavors.  Whole-cluster pressing and a combination of barrel and stainless steel fermentation ensures that the creamy texture and caramelized sugar finish is balanced by a crisp acidity.

Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Cabernet Sauvignon, 2009

During the holidays Costco was selling a gift set from Francis Coppola Winery for $50.  It contained a bottle of their Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, a jar of Coppola pasta sauce, a box of pasta, a jar of basil grapeseed oil, a box of flatbread, a biscotti, and an amaretti cookie all packaged in a nice ceramic lasagna dish.  After Christmas I went to Costco and purchased this for $20!  A great deal since the wine alone was $30.  As of now I have tasted the Cabernet Sauvignon (review below), but not the Chardonnay.   

Francis Coppola 2009 Diamond Collection Cabernet Sauvignon ($16) is from the greater California growing region and 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.  It is aged for 12 months in French oak. It is a very nice, complex wine.  The aromas are black currant, cassis, tobacco, and coffee.  The flavors are more on the earthy spectrum with tobacco, coffee, chocolate, spice, and hint of oak.  Nicely balanced. Great finish.  Another added to my list of favorite wines.

Winemaker's Notes:  Appearance: Dark ruby magenta, Aromas: Plums, cherries, vanilla and nutmeg, Flavors: Currants, boysenberries, cherries and anise.  A richly textured, intensely fragrant Cabernet Sauvignon with supple tannins and sophisticated notes of spice and oak.

Francis Ford Coppola Director's Cut Zinfandel, 2009

At Saturday's tasting I had the opportunity to pour Francis Ford Coppola's Director's Cut Zinfandel.  I am a fan of Coppola's wines so I was excited to taste this.  

Francis Ford Coppola Director's Cut 2009 Zinfandel ($18) is from Dry Creek Valley in California.  This is 82% Zinfandel, blended with 18% Petite Syrah.  It is aged for 13 in French oak (50% new and 50% 1 to 2 years old).  The nose is blackberry and cherry (very fragrant) with a flavor of dark fruits, coffee and spice.  It is light/medium bodied with medium tannins.  Nicely balanced.  I truly enjoyed this wine as did the customers.   

Winemaker's Note:  Immensely fragrant and brimming with dark, rich flavors of briary blackberries, plums and cherries, this wine is dense and highly fruity but with ample points of intrigue from notes of vanilla, espresso, nutmeg and alluring wood nuances.  

Both the label and the name represent Francis Ford Coppola's film making career.  The label represents a Zeotrope.  In the 19th century this produced the illusion of a moving picture made from static pictures. The name Director's Cut is indictive of a filmmakers own creative vision.

Faith Shiraz, 2007

Customers recommend wines to me that they've enjoyed.  I will purchase them and taste them when possible.  Recently one of my customers recommended Faith Shiraz.  Since it was from Australia  I had to taste it to see how it compared to my favorite Australian Shriaz Two Hands Gnarly Dudes (reviewed June 26, 2011).  

Faith 2007 Shiraz ($15) is from St. Hallett Winery in Barossa Valley, Australia. It has a deep rich purple color.  The nose and flavor are earthy and tobacco.  The fruit (see Winemaker's Notes below) escaped me.  Tannins were low.  Nicely balanced.  Although enjoyable, it does not replace my favorite Two Hands Gnarly Dudes which is more complex and jammy.  However, this was Faith's 2007 vintage where Two Hands is 2008.  When I see Faith 2008 in the stores I will give it a try (and review it).

Winemaker's Notes: A vibrant nose with lifted red fruits of cherry and raspberry, with underlying spices and chocolate.The delicious red fruits of the nose continue onto the palate, combing with hints of milk chocolate and spice notes. It offers a fruit-driven juicy front palate, followed by an even, textural experience, with smooth and supple tannins. Pair with grilled rack of lamb or fillet steak.

Banfi San Angelo Pinot Grigio, 2009

One of my recent tastings was on Banfi San Angelo 2009 Pinot Grigio from Castello Banfi's Estate vineyards, in the southern hills of Montalcino. Italy. This is 100% Pinot Grigio.  It had a light citrus flavor, with a hint of spice, and was crisp.  It finished with grapefruit pith. Mouth feel was a bit thin.   Customers enjoyed it.  

Winemaker's Notes:  "Colour: light straw yellow. 

Bouquet: very fresh and fruity with pear, banana, peach, anise and honey notes. 

Taste: rich, full, round and very persistent.  

This 100% Pinot Grigio belongs to Castello Banfi estate-bottled single-varietals range.Thanks to the Montalcino microclimate our Tuscan Pinot Grigio adds to the typical aromas of this variety an unusual body, flavour and balance.

Food Pairings:  Excellent as aperitif. It accompanies well light dishes and fish in general."

Jade Mountain La Provençale Red Wine, 2008

When searching the wine aisles I'm like a kid in a candy store.  You never know what you'll find and you want it all.  So, while wandering the wines I saw a red blend - Jade Mountain 2008 La Provencale Red Wine.  I do enjoy a good red blend, so I had to try this.

Jade Mountain's 2008 La Provençale Red Wine is from California and a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre* and Carignane**. The aroma is dark berries and smoke.  The flavor profile is also dark berries and smoke with light tannins and mild acidity.  Quite enjoyable.

Winemaker's Notes:  Classic varietals such as Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carignane express the juicy, dark fruit character of plum and blackberry, with hints of raspberry sauce, chocolate, saffron and smoke. The Grenache also comes from ancient vines, these in San Benito County, where rich raspberry flavors dominate and unfold to dried wild strawberry and a hint of bay leaf. Bright acidity and supple tannins make this wine a chef’s delight—the perfect complement to a wide array of dishes. 

*Mourvèdre - pronounced moor-VEH-druh

**Carignane - pronounced kah-ree-nyahn
 

Montevina Terra d'Oro Zinfandel Port

The weather here in Virginia has turned cold and rainy.  This weather makes me want to be comfy-cozy at night.  I enjoy nothing more than watching TV, with the fireplace going, and to take the chill off ... a  glass of port.  My FAVORITE port is Montevina Terra d'Oro Zinfandel Port.  It is heavenly and with dark chocolate it is to die for.    

Montevina Terra d'Oro Zinfandel Port ($17) is from Amador County, California.  The nose is jammy,  raisined berry fruit (as in the Winemaker's Notes below) and caramel.  The flavor is rich and jammy with raisined berry fruit and caramel.  A creamy mouth feel, and it warms the back of your throat.  

Winemaker's Notes:  While some people say, "any port in a storm", we strongly suggest ours. Montevina Terra d'Oro Zinfandel Port displays aromas of raisined berry fruit, sugared dates, chocolate, caramel and orange peel. The wine's rich, lush, grapy flavors also evoke raisin, cocoa, coffee and toffee. This delicious, fortified wine is perfect on its own or as an accompaniment to chocolate, chocolate, chocolate...don't like chocolate? Try it with Stilton cheese and toasted walnuts.

Alexander Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, 2009

After my tasting this weekend I had the opportunity to taste one of the other wines being poured by a distributor.   If you enjoy Cabernet and an old world style wine, then this is for you.

Alexander Valley Vineyards 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($17) is from Sonoma County, California.  It is 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, blended with 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot, 1% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot, made in the old world style. The nose and flavor is earthy with a bit of the old world barnyard.  Integrated tannins and nicely balanced.  Enjoyable.  

Winemaker's Notes:  On the nose you will find aromas of black cherry, plum, cassis, cocoa and some earthy notes In the glass there are flavors of black cherry, plum, cassis, chocolate and slight eucalyptus. The 2009 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most elegant cabs I have produced in recent years.

Blackstone - Chardonnay and Red Blend

Saturday I poured two wines for tasting.  Both were from Blackstone Winery in California.  

Blackstone 2010 Chardonnay ($9) is 99% Chardonnay (Monterey County), blended with 1% Muscat Canelli (Santa Clara County).  "After going direct to press, the grapes underwent fermentation in 70% stainless steel, 30% in barrel, allowing the flavors to cleanly integrate. Then they spent six months in French and American oak barrels, 60% new."  The nose was mild and tropical.  The flavor had a hint of pineapple and vanilla with a tart lemon finish.  Medium acidity.  Crisp.  This received mixed reviews from customers.    

Winemaker's Notes:   Full of lemon and peach aromas with pleasing vanilla and floral flower blossom notes in the nose. The flavors follow suit with a heady mix of lemon zest, Meyer lemon, Pippin apple, and vanilla accompanied by an elegant level of acidity—a very food friendly wine. Try pairing it with grilled fish, seafood, or roast chicken.   

Blackstone 2009 Red Blend ($9) is a new wine in the marketplace.  It is a blend of 46% Merlot, 44% Syrah, and 10% Petite Syrah from the California growing regions of Monterey County, Paso Robles, San Benito County, and Santa Barbara County.  "After going direct to press, the grapes underwent malolactic fermentation in 100% stainless steel, allowing the flavors to cleanly integrate. It then spent 12 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels, 80% of them new."  This had an unmistakable berry nose.  The flavor was a hint of fruit with mild black pepper.  Tannins were also mild.  Customers loved this wine and it went flying off my table.  Extremely popular.   

Winemaker's Notes:   Full of ripe flavors and soft round textures with nice, mature length. The wine is a delicious blend of Merlot, which contributes pretty blackberry, cherry, and strawberry flavors. The Syrah adds dark color and black cherry with cracked black pepper aromas and flavors, and the Petite Sirah contributes inky color, deep black raspberry flavors, and a mature tannin and structure for palate weight. Oak aging contributes smoky overtones, nice rich vanilla flavors, and plenty of smooth weight to the wine.

Brancott Estate Sauvignon Blanc, 2011

Friday nights tasting included Brancott Estate's latest vintage Sauvignon Blanc.  It has the typical, bold, fruit forward nose and flavor one associates with Marlborough, New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs.   

Brancott Estate 2011 Sauvignon Blanc ($12) is 100% Sauvignon Blanc and from Marlborough, New Zealand.  This is your typical, pleasant, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with the notable grapefruit, citrus aroma.  The flavor was also grapefruit with a long finish of gooseberry tartness.  A classic.  Customers enjoyed this wine and it sold well.  Fresh Market's Cheese Specialist gave me Cambozola cheese and it was a wonderful pairing that smoothed out the wine. One customer asked me for help pairing a wine with her (non-mayonnaise, but oil and vinegar) seafood salad. This was wonderful with it.  (I went to the seafood salad bar and tasted it with the wine.  I  love my job!)    

Winemaker's Notes:   The wine is pale straw in color with green highlights. Aromas of ripe gooseberry and capsicum dominate with tropical melon and grapefruit notes apparent. This wine displays full fruit intensity. The ripe capsicum and gooseberry flavors with hints of pungency sit well with the supporting tropical fruit flavors. A well-balanced wine showing the crisp, vivacious acidity associated with this style.

Columbia Crest Grand Estates - Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon

Columbia Crest Grand Estates wines were on special ($8) so I did a tasting on three of their varietals.  These wines are all from the Columbia Valley in Washington.   

Columbia Crest Grand Estates 2009 Chardonnay.  In the plastic tasting cup I was only able to detect pineapple on the nose.  The flavor had a hint of tropical fruit and spice.  It was crisp, slightly creamy and buttery.  For my palate there was too much acidity and that killed the flavor for me.  Most customers did not enjoy.  

Winemaker's Notes:   Aromas of poached pear, caramel apple, spice and a hint of blossoms precede a mouthful of bright fruit, reminiscent of a fresh Gala apple. The refined flavors of this crisp Chardonnay end with a gracefully lingering finish of cream and butter nuances.  

Columbia Crest Grand Estates 2008 Merlot.  This was a medium body wine and had a berry nose.  The flavor - slight berry and spice.  Low to medium acidity and low tannins.  Customers enjoyed. 

Winemaker's Notes:   Aromas of vanilla bean, coffee bean, and mocha introduce this classic Merlot.  Dark chocolate covered cherries, caramel and nutmeg flavors meld with silky tannins and create a long and elegant finish.  

Columbia Crest Grand Estates 2009 Cabernet.  This had a quick burst of fruit on the palate, spice on the finish, medium tannins.  Customers enjoyed. 

Winemaker's Notes:   Exhibiting big, bold flavors, our Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon highlights these classic characteristics while softening the edges just enough to call attention to delicate aromas and fruit complexity. Aromas and flavors of black cherry, plum and spice on the mid-palate are complemented by smooth tannins on the finish.

Tinto Pesquera Crianza, 2007

Going back 20 years, when I was on the founding board of Les Amis du Vin's Newtown, CT Chapter, I enjoyed Tinto Pesquera.  Recently, while wandering the aisles of Total Wine, I spotted it on the shelf and had to give it a taste.  

Tinto Pesquera 2007 Crianza ($32) is from Pesquera Winery in the Ribera del Duero region of Spain.  It is 100% Tempranillo and aged for 18 months in oak.  The nose is a jammy berry with tobacco and an old world hint of barnyard.  The flavor was jammy fruit with tobacco.  Tannins were low and well integrated yielding a nicely balanced wine.  I enjoyed this 20 years ago and I enjoyed it now.    

Winemaker's Notes:  Bright raspberry fruit is underscored by the typically gravelly Pesquera minerality. A long finish includes integrated tannins for near-term enjoyment, well-balanced for many years of bottle evolution.

Fess Parker Santa Barbara County Chardonnay, 2009

If you're thinking "Fess Parker was Davey Crocket" you are correct.  The actor purchased land in Santa Ynez Valley and started a winery with his son.  I've tasted the 2008 Chardonnay and enjoyed it so I had to try the 2009.  

Fess Parker's Santa Barbara County 2009 Chardonnay was rather nice; a tad buttery, with melon and some oak.  Not overly acidic and I enjoy that.  Having enjoyed the last two vintages, I will taste the 2010 when it's released.

Winemaker's Notes:  Crisp, clean aromas of apple, pear and pineapple combine with a touch of oak, yellow melon and white flowers to create this refreshing Chardonnay.  On the palate lush citrus flavors followed by distinct layers of apple, honey, pear and a hint of light cream and lemon couple with great texture and balance making it a wonderfully food friendly wine.

Fleur de Lyeth, 2008

Fleur de Lyeth is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec.  It is the first red blend for Lyeth.  In the past I've enjoyed Lyeth wines and (as I've said in previous reviews) I do enjoy a good blend.  At $8.99 (on sale from $11.99) I had to buy a bottle. 

The 2008 Fleur de Lyeth was not a disappointment.  It has a deep rich purple color with aromas of tobacco and oak.  The flavors, cherry and oak.  It has a nice earthiness to it.  Tannins were smooth.

Winemaker's Notes:  Opening with luscious flavors of bing cherry and plum with a touch of strawberry and cherry cordial, the wine is perfectly balanced by a subtle oak backdrop. With a light-medium body, round tannins and a clean finish, this wine is very smooth and easy drinking and would be excellent alone or with grilled chicken or light pasta.

Starborough Sauvignon Blanc, 2010

With the 2011 Sauvignon Blancs coming on the market I thought I'd give a 2010 one last taste.

Starborough 2010 Sauvignon Blanc is from Marlborough, New Zealand.  It  has the typical aroma one comes to expect of New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs - grapefruit.  Thus leading me to believe it would have a prominent grapefruit flavor.  However, the grapefruit flavor did not come through nor did any other flavors as it was extremely tart. Possibly gooseberries. The tartness was overpowering and killed my taste buds.  Not for me. I'm glad the 2011 are coming out.  I may try the 2011 Starborough if I need a change from my favorites.    

Winemaker's Notes:  The 2010 Starborough Sauvignon Blanc’s crisp, approachable style is characterized by layers of citrus and ripe tropical fruit with some herbal notes. The wine shows flavors of passion fruit, guava and kiwi over a citrus background.

McWilliams Shiraz, 2008

Last night I enjoyed a wonderful wine from South Eastern Australia.  It is now on my list of favorites along with another of my favorite Shiraz Two Hands Angels' Share (reviewed on March 22, 2011).  

McWilliams Hanwood Estate 2008 Shiraz  is a delicious complex wine.  The nose is enticing with jammy blackberry, tobacco, cocoa, and coffee.  The flavors are rich with tobacco, cocoa, spice, and cinnamon.  Acidity is medium and tannins are low.  Nicely balanced with a long finish.    

Winemaker's Notes:  Color: Crimson red with purple hues. Aromas: Dark black fruit aromas of plum combine with spice and vanillia oak. Flavors: The supple yet generous palate is dominated by rich, plum and raspberry fruit flavors with hints of spice and vanilla. The wine is soft and well balanced with a lingering, fruit focused finish. Cellaring potential: Enjoy at the time of release for its fresh fruit flavors.

Banfi Centine Toscana, 2009

Another year and more wine.  I'm going to start off with a wine from Italy that is very popular with customers and a delightful red blend.  

Castello Banfi Centine Toscana, 2009 ($10), from Tuscany, Italy, is a red blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.  The nose is an inviting coffee and dark berry.  A flavor of spice and light oak.  The tannins are mild. Well balanced.  I enjoy this when I prepare Italian meals.     

Winemaker's Notes:  The best tradition of the Sangiovese grape in Tuscany that, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, allows a youthful and intensely fruity blend. The ideal companion of simple dishes but also suitable for more complex matches.  Ideal alone or with pasta, roasts, grilled meats or poultry.