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.