Sample Bar Tasting Notes 3.30.10
On tonight’s sample bar we tasted:
Santa Carolina Reserva Sauvignon Blanc Leyda Valley 2009
Aromas of white pepper and grapefruit envelope the subtler peach and apricot. Zesty on the palate with pleasant acidity. Not quite as tropical or citrus driven as some Sauvignon Blancs. This one is more lean, crisp, and fresh.
Hedges CMS White Unoaked Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Marsanne Blend Columbia Valley 2006
Intense aromas of peach, pear, and honeysuckle. These are ideally weighted on the palate due to the blending used. Hard to see why more producers aren’t creating more of these. This really is the kind of white wine that you could have with almost anything.
Vina Arganza La Mano Mencia Roble Bierzo Spain 2007
OK, here we have a relative newcomer to the scene, even among Spanish wines. In Bierzo we find the grape Mencia growing on schist soils in hillside plots. The area Bierzo has an especially high concentration of old vine Mencia, many vines are well over a century old. This particular example is Syrah-like, offering aromas and flavors of dark fruit like plum and blackberry as well as lots of smoky spice. The tannins are pretty mild and when the wine has decanted a bit, it takes on a bit of a smoked meat aroma.
Enjoy the notes and see you at the Sample Bar!
Chris Calvert
