Wednesday

2008 Murphy-Good Fume Blanc

2007 Bodegas Atteca Garnacha,

Marques de Grinon Cabernet Sauvignon

Thursday

2006 Gran Familia Rioja

2007 Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon

2008 Blackstone Sauvignon Blanc

Friday

2006 Simi Zinfandel

2008 Souverain Chardonnay

Hana Kohaku Plum Sake

Saturday

Vina Torres Esmeralda

NV Roederer Estate Sparkling Wine

2006 Lyeth Meritage

Tuesday

2008 Nobilissima Pinot Grigio

2007 Los Rocas Garnacha

2006 Penfold’s Thomas Hyland Shiraz

SEE YOU AT THE SAMPLE BAR!!!

Last night’s Appreciation Wine Tasting Event featured several favorites for fans of classic California reds and whites, but also offered a few newcomers that were well received.  A partial wine list is included below with tasting notes. 

 Roederer Anderson Valley Brut- Always classy.  This is one of the best values in American sparkling wine.  Plus, you can pair it with almost anything.

Cade 2008 Napa Sauvignon Blanc- The second label to Plumpjack comes through with some solid Napa Sauvignon Blanc.  Good citrus and floral bouquet that leads to melon and whetstone on the palate.  The feel on the palate is a bit richer due to a bit of Semillon (7%) in the mix. 

Chalk Hill 2006 Russian River Valley Chardonnay- This Chardonnay really impressed me with it’s herbal aromas that included heather and rosemary.  Plus the acidity really refreshed the palate.

Ramos Pinto Collector’s Reserve- The only only non-Californian in the lot, and yet, it stands proud.  It should, the Cali vines are mere whippersnappers compared to the gnarled old vines blended into this classic from Portugal.   A really good choice for those who are just discovering the joy of Porto.  Lots of dried and baked fruit flavors here, with some woody tobacco.  Seriously, if you close your eyes and really smell it, you will crave oatmeal raisin cookies.

Justin Obtuse Port 2007-  Some really neat  aromas in this Port-style fortified wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon.  Blackberry cobbler comes to mind when considering the bouquet, but when tasted, it becomes a sort of mulled wine, spice cider, fruitcake wine.  Think prune, fig, and raisin flavors.  Perfect for late night winter gatherings.

This week we tasted a few wines that really showed off the unique terroir of northeastern Italy, specifically, Colli Orientali del Friuli.  This small area borders Slovenia within Italy’s larger Friuli zone.   The white wines had a great range of body and fruit profiles with an intense bright gold appearance.  The red wines were also unique in their range of texture and aroma.  As you will note by some of the names, these are not among Italy’s best known wines.   A well kept secret worth seeking out.  As of right now, no prices are available, but we will put one or two of them on the sample bar soon. 

Colutta Orientali del Friuli Sauvignon 2008

Great herbal aromas, some florality (paperwhites were in my tasting notes) and slight whiff of aged cheese.  On the palate is good weight with medium acidity and flavors of lemon-curd and baked pear.

Colutta Orientali del Friuli Friulano 2008

Beautiful straw color with aromas of golden delicious apple and some citrus.   Lots of acidity on the palate with more citrus, melon, and brine.

Colutta Orientali del Friuli Ribolla Gialla 2008

Very delicate aroma of melon.  On the palate this wine has a richer, heavier mouthfeel that is lower in acids than the other whites.  Faint minerality on the finish.

Colutta Orientali del Friuli Pinot Grigio 2007

This was very aromatic with lots of lemon and key lime.  On the palate, the citrus becomes creamier with herbal highlights that include coriander, bay leaf, and some white pepper.  Without doubt, the best Pinot Grigio I have tasted in years.

Colutta Orientali del Friuli Schioppettino 2007

The Schioppettino grape is first mentioned in writing that dates to the 13th century.  It is only cultivated in a few tiny patches that include the Friuli region.  It was extremely interesting with its briney, black olive and violet flower aromas.  This wine was medium bodied with flavors of blackberry, dark cherry, cassis and soft cinnamon/nutmeg.   As a wine for food pairings this wine has a wide range of potential.

Colutta Orientali del Friuli Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso 2006

This clone of the Refosco grape is known for its red stems and is grown both in Slovenia and Italy.  Mentioned in Roman histories, it was favored by Livia, Caesar Augustus’ second wife.  The wine is dark with very pronounced aromas.  The bouquet includes black cherry, clove and barnyard earthiness.  The palate is loaded with velvety richness.  At times like a young Barolo, and others like a Brunello.  Lots of rose and violet flavors on the long finish.  True fans of great Italian wines will love this one.

Hi again beverage lovers,

Today I would like to take a moment to write on a drink that has been a permanent addition to my repetoire for a long time.  That drink is Campari.

Like many European bitters, the recipe for Campari has been a well kept secret almost since it’s creation.  It is an infusion of bitter herbs, aromatic plants and fruit in alcohol and water.  Bright red in color, it makes a visually impressive addition to many cocktails.  Personally, I think it is wonderful on ice, but many interesting drinks call for it.  Below are a few:

The Negroni - 1 oz gin, 1 oz sweet vermouth,1 oz Campari

The Old Pal - 1 oz rye whiskey, 3/4 oz dry vermouth, 3/4 oz Campari. 

Sunny Campari - 1.5 oz Orange Juice,  1/2 oz Campari, pour in glass over crushed ice

Enjoy the magic!

CC

Hello again,

Below are a few reviews of wines recently tasted behind the sample bar at Colonial Wines.

2002 Beaucanon Estate Merlot Napa Valley $25.99 on sale for $19.99

This full-bodied wine has softened nicely, resulting in a Merlot that expresses black cherry and raspberry aromas that evolve into chocolate and plum flavors on the palate.  With this much bottle age, this wine has done it’s part by maturing, now do your part, drink it!    I think this would handle a nice rare filet but could be an interesting partner for an herby pork tenderloin, or take pizza night to the next level.

Unti Syrah Dry Creek 2003 $29.99 on sale for $21.99.

What a Syrah!  This is already six years old but has a long journey ahead of it.  We decanted for about three hours and were still seeing some development as the bottle opened up.  Lots of meaty, smoky, leather aromas.  On the palate this was very complex with interesting notes of prune and fig that finished with graphite and cedar.  This wine would be a good, inexpensive cellar addition as it shows real ageing potential.