My wine tasting this weekend was not at Fresh Market but a Kroger. I missed my regular Fresh Market customers but Kroger was a welcome change because I was pouring new wines. I cannot tell you how tired I am of tasting out Clos du Bois and Robert Mondavi Private Selection Chardonnays.
I've also decided that at the end my wine reviews to occasionally include a customer intereaction. There are some interactions I have with customers where mentally I'm saying to them, "Seriously?! Drink wine much?" The end of today's review will be my first customer blurb. But first, the wine ...
Live a Little Wildly Wicked White ($8) is a non-vintage wine from Stellar Organic Winery in South Africa. This is an organic wine with no added sulfites and a blend of Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc. In conversations with customers what their palate and my palate detected was not the same as the Winemaker's Notes (below). The aroma was grapefruit with a hint of herbaciousness. The flavor was a mild grapefruit and grassy. Customers enjoyed this wine and I sold out.
Winemaker's Notes: This Chenin Blanc/Sauvignon Blanc blend has a quiet nose of elderflower, sherbet lemonade and ginger ale. On the taste a good fruity entry of guava and ripe red apple. The smooth taste, lack of aggressive acids and good mouth feel is the result of extensive lees stirring. Suggested food pairings: Chicken salad, sushi.
Customer Interaction
While one customer was tasting this wine all he kept repeating to me was, "I can't drink this it has too many tannins. Oh, way too many tannins." I kept my mouth shut, but mentally I wanted to scream, "WHITE WINE DOES NOT HAVE TANNINS!"
When I do my tastings I always take the opportunity to taste wines the other distributors are pouring. I get excited when they pour a bottle of wine that is outside my budget. The latest wine I tasted was Dead Letter Office Shiraz.
Dead Letter Office 2007 Shiraz ($30) is from Australia. It is 100% Shiraz with grapes coming from two regions - 67% McLaren Vale, 33% Padthaway. It is aged in 90% American oak and 10% French oak using 1 and 2 year old barrels. Alcohol is slightly higher than most at 15%. The color a deep purple. I found the aroma to be fruit, leather, smoke, spice. On my palate the flavor was a flash of berry fruit followed by tobacco, and spice. Medium tannins that are nicely integrated. Smooth. A definite favorite.
Winemaker's Notes: "This McLaren Vale/Padthaway blend of Shiraz offers a lovely red and blueberry fruit aroma lift, with complex characters of red liquorice, cinnamon and vanilla spice and hints of brioche savouriness.
The palate starts with lots of juicy McLaren Vale upfront berry and redcurrant fruit and is quite dense and tarry with spicy notes, the Padthaway characters come through in the mid palate with hints of spearmint and lavender that freshen and lengthen the wine. It has ripe, soft tannins and is very round and mouth filling, with fresh acidity."
I had only one non-repeat wine during last weekends tasting. It was the new vintage of Trivento Amado Sur Malbec.
Trivento 2010 Amado Sur Malbec ($13) is from Mendoza, Argentina. This is 80% Malbec blended with 10% Bonarda and 10% Syrah. The flavor was dark fruit and spice with a flash of black pepper. Medium tannins that were nicely integrated. Customers enjoyed this wine.
Winemaker's Notes: A deep red wine with dark blue tones and aromas of dark fruit combining with notes of black pepper, anise, cinnamon and chocolate. Lush flavors of plums and berries give way to velvety tannins and a persistent and pleasant finish.
One year ago today I reviewed Trivento 2009 Amado Sur Malbec. Click on the link to see that review and compare the two vintages.
While in Costco I happened upon Risata Pinot Grigio. For a few reasons I had to taste this wine - 1. The weather here in Richmond, VA is turning warmer, 2. I've been reviewing red wines, and 3. I've also tasted, and enjoyed, Risata Moscato (reviewed on August, 26, 2011).
Risata 2010 Pinot Grigio ($12 Costco) is 100% Pinot Grigio and from Fruili, Italy. The aroma is a nice light fruit (not citrus for me). The flavors on my palate are mostly citrus. This is a light body wine. Nice flavor. Glad I tasted it. It would be easy to pair with food.
Winemaker's Notes: Risata Pinot Grigio has wonderful aromas of pear, citrus and melon. On the palate, flavors of pear and apple with citrus accents mix with a crisp and refreshing finish. Pairs well on its own, scallops, shrimp, grilled fish, or summer salads.
I had a wine tasting for Simi 2008 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($24) from Sonoma County, California. A medium body wine with a deep garnet color. Unfortunately, the plastic tasting cup did not allow the aroma to come through. The flavor was a light cherry, berry, tobacco, and an earthiness. Tannins are medium and nicely balanced. Customers enjoyed.
Winemaker's Notes: Simi 2008 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a rich, deep garnet color with a ruby edge. Enticing aromas of baking spices, hints of cedar, chocolate, and toasty oak notes frame bright fruit of red cherry, black plum, and cranberry. These aromas carry forward to flavors of red plum, cassis, blackberry, and cherry preserves gently spiced with lively cedar and clove. This medium- to full-bodied, nicely structured wine finishes with rich, dark chocolate tannins. Our Alexander Valley Cabernet is irresistible with wild mushroom pasta, snapper Puttanesca, and duck confit with lentils.
At my tasting last weekend I tasted out Chateau Ste. Michelle 2009 Cabernet ($17). This is from Columbia Valley, Washington. It is 83% Cabernet Sauvignon blended with 9% Merlot, 3% Syrah, 2% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot - aged for 16 months in American and French oak (31% new). The aroma was a heavenly dark fruit and spice. The flavor a hint of dark fruit with more coffee on the palate. Medium tannins that were nicely integrated. Customers enjoyed this wine.
Winemaker's Notes: "Our goal with the Columbia Valley Cabernet is to highlight concentrated Washington red fruit in an accessible style. This is our inviting Cab with plenty of complexity and structure with silky tannins. It’s also very versatile with food--try it with beef, pork or pasta.
Food Pairing:
Foods: bleu cheese, duck, beef, veal, dark chocolate
Herbs: mustard, paprika, rosemary, thyme
Spice: allspice, cloves, ginger, mace, nutmeg"
Chateau Ste. Michelle wines are some of my favorites. I know customers always rave about their Chardonnay. I was so excited last weekend when I tasted out their Merlot.
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2008 Merlot ($17) is from the Columbia Valley in Washington. This is 91% Merlot blended with 7% Syrah, 1% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon; aged for 15 months in American and French oak (31% new). A medium bodied wine. Alas, no aroma in the plastic tasting cup (this drives me insane and makes me want to bring a wine glass with me). There was a light fruit flavor with leather and a hint of spice. Low tannins that are nicely integrated. Customers enjoyed.
Winemaker's Notes: “We craft this wine to be our complex yet approachable Merlot. The wine offers aromas of black cherry, leather and spice with layers of rich dark red fruit flavors. A touch of Syrah adds a jammy fruit character. I think of this wine as a great “everyday red.”
Food Pairing:
Foods: beef, lamb, grilled salmon, hearty pastas
Herbs: basill, oregano
Spice: allspice, nutmeg, star anise"
When doing my wine tastings customers always ask for wine recommendations. When it's come to Italian wine they have been asking me my thoughts on Cantina Zaccagnini Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. The piece of vine tied to the label was catching their eye. (Just like it did for me on their Pinot Grigio which I reviewed on January 28, 2012.) I had not tasted it before, nor had I received any comments on it from customers. You know me ... I had to taste.
Cantina Zaccagnini 2008 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is from Montepulciano DOC, Italy. It is 100% Montelpuciano d'Abruzzo and is aged for 4 months in Slavonic oak barrels. The color is a dark red. The aroma is dark fruit, earthiness and tobacco. The flavor has a hint of dark fruit with spice, earthiness and tobacco. After breathing the acidity and tannins smoothed out, as did the spice, the earthiness and tobacco was no longer noticeable. Nice. Enjoyable.
Winemaker's Notes: Intense ruby red colour with violet nuances; intense characteristic bouquet of the primary grape aromas; fruity component, full-bodied and robust, well-balanced with tannin and oak features.
I had the opportunity to taste another distributors wine when I did my wine tasting --- Gascón 2010 Malbec ($14). This is from Don Miguel Vineyards in Mendoza, Argentina. The color is a deep, rich purple. In the plastic tasting cup I was not able to detect an aroma. The flavor was spice and black pepper. Tannins were between light and medium. A nice full body wine. Very popular with customers.
Winemaker's Notes: Don Miguel Gascón Malbec is a full bodied wine with a deep violet color, showcasing flavors and aromas of blackberry, blueberry, plum, dark cherry, and a hint of mocha. The wine is elegant and rich in texture, with soft, round tannins and a long velvety finish. Gascón Malbec pairs well with grilled red meats, wild game, pasta dishes and chocolate molten dessert.
For Christmas I was given a bottle of Snoqualmie 2008 Naked Riesling. I finally opened it last night.
Snoqualmie 2008 Naked Riesling is from Horse Heaven Hills in the Columbia Valley, Washington. This is 100% organically grown Riesling grapes. I must admit I did not get any of the aromas or flavors described in the winemaker's notes (below). I found the aroma more tropical (banana and lychee) and the flavor ... I just could not put my finger on it. It was almost like a Muscate. This wine was interesting. Good. But, interesting. I'm going to have to taste the latest vintage (2010) to see how they compare.
Winemaker's Notes: Organically farmed and produced, this Riesling offers bright aromas of spicy pear and apple, with a hint of mineral carried through on the palate. The off-dry finish is clean and soft and the pure elegance of the varietal is fully captured in this bottling. A perfect aperitif or wine pairing with assorted cheeses.
While doing my wine tasting at a Kroger, a customer asked the Kroger wine consultant for a late harvest Pinot Noir. My ears perked up as I had not heard of a late harvest Pinot Noir (just late harvest Rieslings). The Kroger wine consultant told me it was actually pretty good wine and her customers that enjoyed sweet white wines enjoyed this wine as well. I was intrigued and had to taste it for myself.
Legacy 2010 Late Harvest Pinot Noir ($9) is from Murfatlar Winery in Romania. As it is a late harvest wine, the grapes are left on the vine for a longer period of time allowing them to build up more residual sugar. This was pretty good and a great alternative for those who enjoy sweet white wines that want to begin transitioning to red wines. The color was a dark garnet. Aroma black currant with plum and some earthiness. Flavor was slightly jammy with a hint of molasses. Smooth. If you enjoy sweet wines you may want to give this one a try.
Winemaker's Notes: (Not available.)
I enjoy wines from South Africa. They are a nice change of pace with a hint of grassiness in the flavor profile. While wandering the wine section of Costco I came across Jam Jar Moscato. I wondered if a Moscato from South Africa would have a hint of grassiness or be your typical sweet Moscato. Only one way to find out - I had to taste it. I'm glad I did. What a nice surprise.
Jam Jar 2011 Moscato ($8 in Costco) is from South Africa and 100% Muscat grapes. The aroma is fruity and peach. The flavor also peach and I'd say the Winemaker's Notes are spot on with apricot, lychee and orange blossom. If I didn't know this was a Moscato I would have guessed this was a late harvest riesling. It was not overly sweet and I would drink this with a meal.
Winemaker's Notes: This charming, easy-drinking Moscato offers juicy flavors of peach, apricot, lychee and orange blossom. A lively jolt of acidity keeps it fresh, fruity and fun. Fancy enough for a special occasion toast, yet sweet-natured enough to enjoy every day, this bright and cheerful bottling is sure to capture your heart.
I had a tasting on Pinot Evil Pinot Noir ($5 on sale, regularly $7) from France. This is a non-vintage wine. The aroma was cherry (as stated in the Winemaker's Notes). The flavor ... flavorless (notice no flavor profile mentioned in the Winemaker's Notes) with a tart finish. Not tannic. Mouth feel was thin. To say this was underwhelming is being generous. Yes, I did sell wine, but most customers did not enjoy this. I spoke with a couple other women that were doing a tasting on this wine and it was not well received at their tastings either.
Winemaker's Notes: France is an ideal location for wine, especially when it comes to Pinot Noir. With a cool climate, France has one of the best growing regions in the world for pinot noir grapes. From I’lle de Beauté, France this Pinot Noir is light-bodied, has a lovely ripe cherry nose that cascades into a smooth, velvet finish. Enjoy this wine with roasted duck, rosemary-garlic pork or with friends when you just monkey around.
Dang! Thought I was on a roll with reviewing wines, but alas, I slacked off.
I love my wine tastings - meeting great customers, having enjoyable conversations, and tasting different wines. The down side ... for 3 hours I talk about food and wine, and look at the food and wine that surrounds me. Needless to say, I get hungry and want to taste every new wine that's come into the store, not to mention those wines that customers recommend to me. So much wine, so little time!
With that said, after looking at an intriguing label on a new wine in the store, I had to taste it. I know customers will be asking me about it and I want to be prepared.
NxNW 2010 Riesling ($13) is from King Estate Winery in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, Washington. I must say this was a very nice Riesling and very different. Complex. NxNW is a dry Riesling. The aroma I detected was floral and lemon. The flavor was mineral with a hint of fruit and a tart citrus finish. There were moments where I would have thought this was a Pinot Grigio. At one point while I was tasting I had a few wasabi peas. Wow! It was a great pairing and really smoothed out the wine. Crisp. Refreshing. Balanced. I'd say the Winemaker's Notes are spot on. I may have only been able to pick out a few of the aromas and flavors, but everyone's palate is different so I know there are those of you who will pick out other flavors. If you enjoy a drier Riesling, give this one a taste.
Winemaker's Notes: Appearance - pale straw with golden hues; Aroma - banana, pineapple, guava, lemon, floral minerality; Flavor - banana, pear, apple, lime, lemon zest, tangerine, minerality; Mouthfeel - dry and crisp with some weight and well balanced lingering acidity.
One night I was at a loss on what wine to taste and review. Looking in my wine refrigerator I decided on a Shiraz. This had been recommended to me by a Kroger Wine Consultant.
Ballast Stone 2008 Shiraz is from McLaren Vale, Australia. It is 100% Shiraz and aged for 15 months predominately in American oak with a smaller percentage in French oak.This is a full bodied wine with a deep purple color. Aroma - jammy blackberry, tobacco, coffee, and charred wood. Flavor - charred wood, coffee, pepper, leather, and earthy. Low tannins. Balanced. This was delightful.
Winemaker's Notes: "Deep violet red in colour. Berry, cassis & traces of cigar box on the nose; solid, rich, robust palate of up front black and brambleberry fruit throughout the balanced, well structured palate with leather, coffee bean & earthy nuances and a trace of black pepper.
Food pairing: Oxtail ragout with homemade ribbons of fettucine plus a generous helping of our Shiraz and I am set for a “big night in!”."
Yesterday I reviewed Folie a Deux 2009 Zinfandel. When I tasted that wine out, I was also tasting out Terra d'Oro Zinfandel. Both were popular with customers. However, customers did have a preference for one over the other; it all depended on if they enjoyed a medium body wine with fruit (Folie a Deux) or a fuller body wine with dark fruit and (Terra d'Oro).
Terra d'Oro 2008 Zinfandel ($16) is from Amador County, California. It is aged for 16 months in a combination of Hungarian, French and American oak. The aroma was baked dark fruit. Flavor was baked dark fruit, almost jammy, with spice. Low tannins. Smooth. Enjoyable and easy to pair with food.
Winemaker's Notes: The 2008 Terra d’Oro Amador County Zinfandel demonstrates the classic Sierra Foothills characteristics that are unique to this region. The nose is rich and super spicy with dark fruit and berries. The palate is smooth and showscases flavors of nicely ripened blackberries and plums. Spice lingers on the finish, making it a great wine to accompany a multitude of dishes. Try pairing with a lamb burger topped with goat cheese. Enjoy!
Also from Terra d'Oro is their Zinfandel Port. I reviewed this on January 11, 2012.
Live a Little Wildly Wicked White ($8) is a non-vintage wine from Stellar Organic Winery in South Africa. This is an organic wine with no added sulfites and a blend of Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc. In conversations with customers what their palate and my palate detected was not the same as the Winemaker's Notes (below). The aroma was grapefruit with a hint of herbaciousness. The flavor was a mild grapefruit and grassy. Customers enjoyed this wine and I sold out. 
