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Tasters Guild 2009 International Wine Judging
“Double Gold”
Tasting Notes
Up to $8.00
Mount Pellier 2006 Syrah,
California
An amazing
wine to find in this price category.
Lots of ripe, red fruit, blackberries and currants fill out
the flavors and with a touch of black pepper on the tongue.
A nice long finish holds on to the peppery tang which makes
it the perfect match for the rich and spicy BBQ sauce on your
chicken or ribs.
P.K.N.T. 2008 Silver
Collection Pinot Noir, Chile; Rich, red cherry, plum
and strawberry with a touch of earthiness in the aroma backed by
solid, but crisp, fruitiness on the palate.
Starts off light but finishes with loads of fruit.
This wine is just what those into fusion cuisine love, will
go well with grilled salmon or dry cheeses.
$8.01 to $10.00
Finca El Portillo 2007 Malbec,
Mendoza, Argentina
Grown and
ripened at high elevations, the Malbec grapes provide the aroma of
blackberries and black cherries. While on the palate one gets the
essence of velvety soft plums.
The finish is long and intense with a touch of hot pepper.
Serve with spicy foods like BBQ or pastas with tomato sauce, and
with full-flavored cheeses.
St. James Winery 2005 “Ozark
Mt. Sweet Wine” Vignoles, Missouri
The deep
golden color is reminiscent of German Beerenauslese.
The huge, decadently ripe aroma is resinous and full of
botrytis intensity. The
finish leaves memories of roasted nuts and buttered sourdough toast.
Be careful not to serve too sweet of a dessert with this very fine
wine. Consider glazed pecans and fresh fruit.
Torrey Ridge Winery “Cous’n
Emmy Lou,” Finger Lakes, New York
A pale
pink, blush wine, slightly sweet, is a blend of native American
grapes and French hybrids.
The floral nose speaks of the American grape varieties but is
nicely balanced with the fruit of the French hybrids. The balance of
sugar and acid makes the wine a great match with foods that require
a touch of sweetness, but are still fresh and crisp.
Try it with Chinese take-out for a quick and delightful easy
at-home dinner.
Campo Viejo 2006 Crianza,
Spain
Aged 24
months, 12 in French oak, this is an elegant and velvety wine that
shows light oakiness on the nose, with a subtle red cherry and
strawberry flavor on the palate.
All this leads to a big, lingering finish, great with roasted
chicken or pork, or serve as an aperitif with light cheeses and
pates.
$10.01 to $13.00
Wyldewood Cellars Blackberry,
Kansas
The classy
vinous bouquet is somewhat Zin-like.
The blackberry aromas accurately preserve the fruit’s essence
while providing surprisingly full flavor and a jam-like blackberry
finish. This wine pairs
nicely with fresh cut fruit and whipping cream.
www. wyldewoodcellars.com
Brancott 2008 Pinot Grigio,
South Island, New Zealand
Quite
aromatic with delicate spices, pineapple and pear, this wine is
fresh and crisp with just a touch of the tropical fruit sweetness on
the tongue. The fruit
and spice carry through to the finish making this perfect with Asian
cuisine or lightly spiced chicken and fish dishes.
Napa Creek Winery 2005 Napa
Valley Chardonnay, California
Here is a
classic California Chardonnay perfectly balanced between creamy,
lush, textured components and fresh lemon-like scents. The finish is
long and luxurious.
Enjoy this fine wine with chicken served in a creamy, buttery
mushroom sauce.
Jacob’s Creek 2005 Cabernet
Sauvignon Reserve, South Australia
Vanilla,
raspberry and cassis greet you on the nose, followed by rich fruit
flavors, subtle tannins and a velvety texture.
The flavors seem to linger forever making this a perfect wine
to serve with hearty red meats, game and robust cheeses.
Stone Hill Winery 2008
Traminette, Missouri
Slightly
off-dry, this Traminette clearly displays its parentage of Seyval
Blanc and Gewurztraminer with a powerful aroma of flowers, rose
petals, lime and apple.
Developed in New York and first becoming commercially available in
1996, this variety is rapidly rising in popularity across the
Midwest. It is
full-flavored with a lovely lingering finish and works well with
most seafood and Asian dishes, or just by itself well-chilled for
sipping on a hot afternoon.
Heron Hill 2007 Semi-Sweet
Riesling,
New York
The nose
is full of fresh yellow plums and nectarines with hints of tree
fruit blossoms on the palate. A rich round texture stays until the
last drop disappears.
Though very fruity, it is not too sweet to enjoy with broiled fish
or seafood salad.
Tin Roof 2006 Merlot,
California
More than
just clean and correct, this moderately priced Merlot shows subtle
oak, cherry, and a burst of red berry fruit in the mid-palate.
The finish is long and juicy.
Enjoy it with simply grilled steaks or chops.
Starborough 2008 Marlborough
Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand
Refreshingly clear with nuances of green herb and grapefruit that do
not overpower the juicy, white grape expression.
Many New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc wines are just too “over the
top” with rosemary, cut grass and powerful citrus.
Not this one; it is balanced, easy to enjoy, and a perfect
foil for scampi, broiled fish or low country boil.
Peller Estates 2007 Cabernet
Franc,
British Columbia
The
inviting vinuous bouquet mingles earth and berry jam.
The silky palate glides and builds tannin as it melts away.
We like this sort of wine with quickly seared pork schnitzel.
Biltmore Estate NV “Sur Lie”
Chardonnay, North Carolina
Here is a
perfect example of Eastern U.S. viticulture. By employing the “Sur
Lie” method (allowing the wine to age with the fermentation
sediment), the wine gains richness and roundness without sacrificing
fruit or overwhelming the wine with oak. This aristocratic wine
shows a kinship to white Burgundy and will accompany the same foods.
Fresh fish or chicken salads are natural partners.
Bocabella 2007 Malbec,
Argentina
Extreme
fruitiness and full flavor at an approachable price. Lovely,
aromatic nose and an extraordinary deep granite color. Appeals to
all the senses. Ready to drink now with barbeque ribs or chicken and
lots of spicy BBQ sauce.
$13.01 to $16.00
Carousel Winery NV
Pomegranate Wine, Indiana
Gobs of sweet/tart fruit aromas and flavors, resting on
a soft, floral fruit, complex finish. Grilled pound cake with a
cranberry-chocolate
sauce. www.carouselwinery.com
Tierra Mayor 2007
Cabernet/Syrah, Argentina
Just goes
to show that Argentine producers are capable of more than just
Malbec. A perfect blend of soft tannins and balanced flavors of
cherry, blackberries, and a touch of black pepper. This is one of
those rare red wines that could be enjoyed without food, but would
be perfect with a garlic-flavored leg of lamb.
East Shore Vineyard 2007
Traminette, Vermont
This is
another outstanding example of the wines now being produced by this
fairly new variety, rapidly expanding in popularity.
Once again, the aromatic bouquet of flowers, jasmine and
spice fill the nose with apricot and citrus prevailing in flavors.
The rich flavors would pair beautifully with full-flavored
fish dishes like Coquille St. Jacques or a wonderful, garlicky fish
and vegetable concoction like Le Grand Aïoli Provençale.
Ferrante Winery 2007
Signature Series Pinot Grigio, Ohio
Aromas of
green olives and apples open up as the wine is poured. Flavors of
honeydew melon, pears and ripe apples on the palate.
A lovely, creamy finish with loads of fruit lingering in the
mouth. Serve with roast
chicken or grilled salmon.
Truro Vineyards 2007 Diamond
White, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Presented
in a unique blue lighthouse shaped bottle, the wine is clearly of
the American grape variety with its distinctive nose and grapey
flavors. Slightly sweet,
but beautifully balanced, it is fresh and crisp on the palate and
would pair nicely with apple or peach pie for dessert, but also try
it with applesauce crusted pork chops.
Luna Rosso 2005 Tempranillo,
Mimbres Valley, New Mexico
Deep in
color, lots of oak on the nose, rich in red berry flavors, this
grape variety from Spain has found a new home in New Mexico.
The fruit and oak aromas carry through to a smooth and rich
finish making this a perfect match for hearty beef and wild game
dinners.
Marquette Maid 2008 Starboard
Late Harvest Frontenac Gris, Iowa
The nose
is sweet and fruity, but the ample alcohol carrying the fruit flavor
can be felt “all the way down.” This is a wine to enjoy in front of
the fireplace on a cold winter night.
Wyldewood Cellars 2007
Prairie Schooner Elderberry Dessert Wine, Kansas
Wild taste
of the woods including dried green herbs and thimble berry.
Decadent chocolate brownies with fresh blackberries alongside
should tame this amiable beast!
www.
wyldewoodcellars.com
Le Coste di Cicolina 2005
Rosso Di Montalcino, Italy
The brick
color and rich, warm aromas of fig and strawberry bring to mind an
Italian Grandmother’s kitchen.
On the palate, an explosion of fruit quickly melts away into
a dry silky finish. Veal
medallions in a rustic mushroom sauce are the way to go.
Chrysalis Vineyard 2005
Norton, Virginia
Fine,
restrained black fruit in the nose.
The palate is soft with a pleasant fruit acid/tannin balance.
Plums and sour cherries carry through to the finish.
This Norton is surprisingly elegant and will nicely pair with
pork, veal or turkey.
$16.01 to $20.00
L.A. Cetto 2004 Reserva
Nebbiolo, Mexico
Intense
cherries, blackberries and chocolate fill the nose while the huge,
powerful, well-structured palate is reminiscent of the top wines of
the Italian Piedmont.
This gem pairs nicely now with wild game or roast lamb.
In five years, try it with parmesan crusted veal.
Belhurst Castle 2007 Seneca
Lake Riesling, New York
Pristine
citrus aroma with mineral nuances greets the nose while the palate
combines plums, honey, resin, and violets.
The ample texture finishes with juicy white-grape essence.
This wine is substantial enough to pair with white meat
dishes and will probably benefit from a few years in the cellar.
www.belhurst.com
Forty-Five North Winery 2008
Select Harvest Riesling, Leelanau Peninsula, Michigan
Lovely
floral and perfumey aromas with hints of orange blossom, green
apple, pear, and earthy minerals.
With just a touch of sweetness, the delightful balance of
acid and sugar retains a crisp freshness for which Michigan
Rieslings are noted.
Works well with light aperitifs, fish and lighter fare but would
hold up to grilled chicken or fettuccini Alfredo.
Windsor Vineyards 2007
Private Reserve Sangiovese, Sonoma, California
Aromas of
cherry, strawberry and spice followed by the flavors of fruit with a
great acid level, this is the perfect wine to accompany the Italian
tomato sauce pasta dishes just as the Italian Sangiovese-based
Chianti has always been historically paired.
Trivento 2006 Golden Reserve
Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina
Another
example of the rich, hearty Malbec being produced at high altitudes
in Argentina. Lots of rich red berry and fruit on the nose and
palate with a long, lingering finish. Goes great with grilled meats,
beef or lamb and hearty roasts or wild game.
Prairie Berry 2008 Frontenac
Gris,
South Dakota
Lovely
pale pink color entices the taster with strawberry and melon flavors
on the tongue. Just a
touch of sweetness on the finish but loads of apricot and peach
fruit flavors. The
Frontenac Gris grape variety is gaining popularity in northern
climes. Serve this with
lighter fare, as an aperitif or with shrimp, scallops or light pasta
dishes.
Thirsty Owl Wine Co. 2007
Pinot Noir,
New York
A fine
combination of cherries and toast mesh in the nose while a
surprisingly tannic mid-palate melts away and finishes clean and
delicate. Enjoy it with
sautéed salmon or halibut in wine sauce.
Las Perdices 2007 Malbec,
Argentina
Smooth,
sophisticated Malbec with delicate aromas of the fruit and subtle
oak, but power flavors of plums and sour cherries in the mouth. A
well-bred product from Mendoza. A full flavored wine destined to be
matched with a prime piece of beef – or red meat pasta sauce.
Norman 2005 Paso Robles
Zinfandel Port, California
Bright red
raspberry liquor-like color belies the rich, ripe, prune/dried
cherry nose. The fat
mid-palate leans toward dryness followed by big tannins and a huge
mouth coating finish.
Dark chocolate flowerless torte would be a worthy companion.
Chateau Thomas Winery 2007
Lodi Merlot, Indiana
This wine
begins with an exotic sweet smelling cherry and berry liqueur-like
nose and also finishes with a memorable liqueur-like finish.
In between, a waterfall of sweet berry fruit cascades over
the palate and holds to the finish.
This wine is ideal with lamb or venison with or without fruit
chutney.
Ventana 2007 Ruby Stone
Grenache/Syrah, California
Vivid
perfume of violets and pure red plums fills the glass while huge
bursts of exotic wild berries and spice fills the mouth.
The finish is pure cherries and black pepper.
A wine to enjoy on a spring day with grilled rosemary crusted
lamb chops and green beans with crushed mint.
Jost Vineyards 2007 Vidal Ice
Wine, Nova Scotia
Sweet,
yellow Queen Ann cherries and fresh acidity mingle to create a
palate impression which finishes with pear nectar and crème brûlée.
It is just sweet enough to pair with fresh fruit or cream
based desserts.
Jefferson Vineyards 2007
Monticello Cabernet Franc, Virginia
The aroma
is full of juicy ripe berries.
On the palate, it is round, soft and surprisingly fat for
Cabernet Franc. Don’t
hesitate to serve it with a beef steak simply grilled.
Stone Hill 2005 Norton,
Missouri
Loads of
sweet blackberry fruit merges with a subtle earthy forest smell.
This American varietal has remarkable structure with long
smooth tannins running throughout the exotic aromatic finish.
This is a wine for complex roast meat such as a well-seasoned
crown roast of pork or an herbed rack of lamb.
Jost Vineyard Vidal Ice Wine,
Nova Scotia
Sun-dried
apricot fruit aromas soft landing on ripe stone fruit and sweet
pears and balanced rich lemon drop nectar finish. Pair with
shortcake biscuits stuffed with goat cheese, figs, dried apricot,
and lemon-curd cream.
$20.01 to $25.00
Fiddletown Cellars 2007 Bent
Bow Zinfandel, California
Cranberry-spice, dark berry aromas. Earthy mocha and
bitter chocolate textures. Clean, creamy, “razzy” fruit on a long
finish. Pairing - pork tenderloin grilled with a blueberry ginger
yogurt coulis.
www.fiddletowncellars.com
Familia Porretta 2005 Malbec
Roble, Argentina
Enchanting
aromas and intense fruit flavors of blackberries and cassis. A case
in point of how top quality Argentine winemakers produce superbly
balanced wines that age well. No question about it - this wine must
accompany a prime porterhouse steak off the grill and seasoned only
with salt and pepper.
Eola Hills 2006 Late Harvest
Gewurtztraminer, Oregon
Creamy
apricot/ peachy complex aromas with spice notes of stone fruit and a
buttery-soft, fruity finish.
A lovely companion for cheese cake with stewed, spiced
peaches.
DaVinci 2005 Chianti
Classico, Italy
Some
Chianti is harsh and astringent, but not this one.
Lots of dark fruit and spice on the nose; raspberry, cherry
and plum flavors with velvety tannins and rich, complex black cherry
aftertaste – just what a premium Chianti should be.
Serve with hearty Italian fare and lots of tomato sauce to
match the good acid level of the wine.
www.davinciwine.com
Victor Hugo 2007 Paso Robles
Zinfandel, California
Ripe black
fruit aromas. Structured cranberry, milk chocolate flavors resting
long on the palate with cooked black raspberries. Marinated grilled
flanke steak with a raspberry-soy, cumin, rice wine, scallions and
cilantro sauce.
Brancott 2006 Marlborough
Pinot Noir Reserve, New Zealand
Dark berry
fruits, exotic spices and silky tannins, the hallmark of Old World
style Pinot Noir. Some
might describe it as just a bit ‘rustic’ with an earthy, leathery,
roasted coffee bean aroma, but it would be perfect with “planked”
salmon.
Bianchi 2005 Signature Series
Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, California
Fresh-brewed coffee and fruit aromas with a strong backbone of
mouth-puckering tannin and oak spices make this a huge Cabernet that
demands a thick T-bone steak to make the experience complete.
The fruit shines through th
e tannin,
this wine is one to put away for a couple years.
Gaspareau Vineyards 2008
Ortega/Vidal Ice Wine, Nova Scotia
Blending
together both the Ortega and Vidal grape varieties in this Ice Wine
brings out the best in each. Rich, dried apricot and honey aroma
with apple and pear flavors, this is the wine to serve with fruit
topped desserts like strawberry-topped cheesecake.
Victor Hugo 2006 Petit Syrah,
Paso Robles, California
Dusty,
gamey, jazzy raspberry nose. Wild inky blackberries, spicy, complex,
earthy flavors with a dried fruit finish. Braised bison tips with
fennel and rosemary and whipped sweet potatoes.
Norman Vineyard 2007
Zinfandel
“The Monster” Paso Robles, California
Refined
silky cocao, black raspberry aromas, elegant exotic spice on
mid-palate with complex firm black fruit.
Finishes with rich, cooked chocolate berry flavors. Pairings-
Moroccan lamb with roasted parsnips & jasmine rice or mole braised
turkey legs with a
stewed sun-dried cherry mushroom chutney.
$25.01 to $35.00
The Winery at Holy Cross Abby
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Colorado
Soft red fruit aromas. Very aromatic flavors on the
palate. Lovely, easy drinking. A delight with gourmet burgers of
Danish blue cheese, sautéed onions, Portobello mushrooms and roasted
red peppers. www.abbeywinery.com
Gaspereau Vineyards 2008
Riesling, Nova Scotia
From the
crisp, mineral-laden, citrus-like nose to the long clean
palate-gripping texture, the edgy fresh personality is a great
palate cleanser. Enjoy
it with sushi and other Asian seafood preparations.
Windsor Vineyard 2006 Sonoma
Red Meritage, California
Soft
tannins, rustic fruit aromas with spice wood and blackberry flavors.
A tar, earthy structure on the finish. Pairing - grilled chicken
breast topped with
sautéed spinach, fontina
cheese and roasted red peppers. Garnished with crispy onion rings.
Tagaris 2006 Alice Vineyards
Mourvedre, Washington
You can
smell the density of this wine in the jam-like black cherry aroma.
The palate is fat and full with a downright glycerol
mouth-feel. The finish
is no exception with its soft, luxurious, cherry butter character.
Presently, this is a wine for lamb or venison roast, but, in
a few years, it will be an ideal partner for duck breast.
Firelands 2007 Lake Erie
Vidal Blanc Ice Wine, Ohio
Pristine
fruit essence greets the nose.
Honey and cherry blossom smells merge with sweet ripe peach
in the middle. The long
creamy finish perfectly matches the fruity acidity.
Banana or date-nut bread will take advantage of this wine”s
freshness without overwhelming the sweet finish.
Christopher Creek 2006
Finlay’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, California
Big,
dusty, earthy aromas with black cherry structured flavors. Tight,
complex profile of meaty red fruit on the finish. Oven-roasted
stuffed lamb roast with garlic black olives, sun-dried tomato, basil
and pecorino cheese.
Fenn Valley 2007 Lake
Michigan Shore Vidal Blanc Ice Wine, Michigan
Clean,
pure yellow plum and subtle mineral nuance combine in the nose.
Loads of ripe yellow raisins with cinnamon attack the palate
just as juicy peach syrup glides to a conclusion.
It is sweet and dense enough to pair well with very flavorful
desserts such as pecan pie.
Forty-Five North 2007
Leelanau Peninsula Cabernet Franc, Michigan
The aroma
holds fine red fruit along with hints of earth and oak.
The round juicy palate is both soft and generous while
retaining the complex fruit/earth impression throughout the soft
finish. The rich depth
of flavor and relatively light body makes it a perfectly weighted
red for coq au vin.
$35.01 to $50.00
St. Supery 2004 Napa Cabernet
Sauvignon, California
Ripe black
cherries and a hint of a rich, creamy coffee latte provide a
wonderful aroma. Big,
berry and plum flavors laced by a strong backbone of crisp tannin
balanced with mellow oak produce a long lingering finish on the
palate. Save this one
for a couple years, then serve with any red meat or wild game.
Jarvis 2007 Estate Grown Napa
Valley Chardonnay
This
flawless, well-proportioned Chardonnay is not unlike an exceptional
White Burgundy. The nose seamlessly combines fine sweet citrus fruit
with minerals and creamy peach scents. On the palate, the middle is
fat and smooth while the lemon chiffon-like finish lasts forever.
One would be so lucky as to enjoy this lovely wine with a
butter-drenched, poached trout plucked fresh out of the water and
into the pan.
Banfi 2005 Castello Belnero
Proprietor’s Reserve Sangiovese, Italy
Dark and
hearty, aged 2 years in French oak, the wine exemplifies the best of
what can be made from the rustic Tuscan Sangiovese grape variety.
With hints of violets and fresh cherries, cedar and licorice, rich
fruit flavors and lingering palate, this is the wine to serve with
Osso Buco and Risotto Milanese – what a feast!
Williams & Humbert 20-Year
Dos Cortados Palo Cortado Solera Especial Sherry, Spain
Lovely
amber color, hearty nut aroma, rich and creamy, and lasts forever on
the palate. Can’t think
of a better way to enjoy but in front of a nice warm fireplace on a
cold winter night with a bowl of lightly salted cashews and a good
book.
J. Lohr 2005 Carol’s Vineyard
Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, California
With just
a bit of Petit Verdot in the blend, fruit aromas and flavors are
enhanced showing ripe berries, rich cherries and savory plums.
Aged in oak for 18 to 24 months, the tannins are still quite
forward but with lots of fruit on the palate and good acids. This
wine will age well.
Serve with hearty dishes; red meats and game.
V. Sattui Winery 2006 Mt.
Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon, California
Another of
the outstanding varietals produced by Sattui.
Loads of fruit and spice on the nose, lots of puckery tannin,
long lasting fruit on the finish with a nice hint of oak, you must
serve this with grilled steak or hearty roasts.
Williams & Humbert 20 Year
Don Guido Pedro Ximenez Solera Especial Cream Sherry, Jerez, Spain
Dark
chocolate brown, walnuts and truffles fill the air, rich and creamy,
this is a dessert all in itself.
Almost decadent, this is the one you savor after dinner, sip
by sip.
$50.01 to $65.00
R&B CELLARS Bingham Ranch
Cabernet Sauvignon, California
Jam packed
fruit bomb aromas. Dense, powerful textures of pure black fruit.
Firm hang time on the finish. Pairing - Prime rib, it’s easy as
that!
Black Stallion Winery 2004
Oak Knoll Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, California
Just the
small amount of Merlot added to this blend softens the wine
considerably. Aromas of
raspberry and currants, cinnamon and cracked pepper; flavors of
cherry and vanilla, subtle tannins and a slight oakiness from the 21
months in French oak, this is a hugely complex wine but very
approachable. A rich lamb stew comes to mind.
$65.01+
Bon Coeur Cellars 2006 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, California
One is
greeted with a classic California Cabernet nose of black currant and
blackberry jam. Subtle
earth and oak add to the total package.
The friendly balance belies the underlying structure which
should keep this wine drinking well for a decade.
Enjoy it now with steaks and chops and, in a few years with
roast leg of lamb.
www.boncoeurcellars.com
G.H. Mumm “Mumm de Cramant,”
France
Quickly
disappearing mousse with fine steady steams of bubbles greets the
eye. A huge avalanche of
toast, yeast, creamy fruit awake every taste bud and the long, dry,
fresh aftertaste leaves the palate clean and light as air.
The flavorful, complex nature of this Champagne makes it
great with hors d’oeuvres.
Brys Estate 2007 Riesling Ice
Wine,
Old Mission Peninsula,
Michigan
Lovely
floral and perfumy Riesling aroma touched with a bit of honey.
The perfect crisp sugar/acid balance is classic.
Loads of honeyed fruit on the palate with a long, lingering
finish. Perfect with an
Alsatian apple tart for dessert.
V. Sattui Winery 2005
Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, California
The
epitome of skillful craftsmanship displayed by the Sattui
winemakers. Plummy fruit
aromas. Jammy, ripe flavors. Firm tannins on a long-echoed, complex
finish. Exquisite. Savor it with your favorite cut of prime steak
from the grill.
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