Talk about doing God’s work. A pharmaceutical company that specializes in oncological research and remedies wants to show how much they appreciate their employees. They hold a no holds barred food and wine tasting in their offices. Our contact, Amy. worked with us to pick out an ecclectic mix of superb wines from all over the world. The Girard Petit Sirah was the favorite, but Barbera d’Alba and Shiraz were not far behind!
2005 Domaine Trimbach Gewurztraminer (Alsace) France – Gewurztraminer grape
“Trimbach’s “classic” 2005 Gewurztraminer offers a model of restraint and refreshment that I can only wish more growers would emulate. Smelling of smoked meats, celery seed and sea breeze, it is positively bracing even before it hits the palate, where a certain oily richness does not equate to heaviness nor preclude vivacity. Celery root, peach, and smoked meats dominate the finish of this truly ripe, dry-tasting, yet only 13.5% stylistic statement.” Rated 87 by The Wine Advocate
2007 Poggio Al Tesoro IGT Vermentino Solo Sole (Tuscany) Italy – Vermentino grape“The 2007 Vermentino Solosole is a silky, generous white loaded with expressive, perfumed fruit supported by an underlying vein of acidity that provides balance and length. For its Vermentino the estate chose a clone originally from Corsica that allows for a late harvest without sacrificing acidity. This unoaked Vermentino offers uncommon richness and depth.” Rated 88 by The Wine Advocate
2008 Truchard Roussanne (Carneros) California – Rousanne grape“This not-so-well known white varietal of the Northern Rhone has been traditionally blended with Marsanne to make white Hermitage wines. It is a challenging grape in both the vineyard and winery. However, when done correctly, it can produce a delicious, aromatic wine with the structure and finesse to age. Floral aromas of ripe peach, apple, and honeysuckle; highlighted with lychee, brioche, and vanilla. The mouth is creamy, filled with intense flavors of nectarine, baked apple, and fresh pear. Bright acidity provides a zesty finish of citrus, mineral, and spice.” Truchard Winery
2009 Kim Crawford – Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough) New Zealand – Sauvignon Blanc grape
“Elegant and vibrant, this mouthwatering wine offers lime and tequila flavors that are reminiscent of a margarita, but remains light, refined and distinctive.” Rated 89 by Wine Spectator
2006 Hilberg-Pasquero Barbera d’Alba Superiore (Barbera d’Alba) Italy – Barbera grape“The 2006 Barbera d’Alba is an accessible, vinous wine bursting with blueberries, blackberries, tar and licorice. This plump, juicy Barbera is best enjoyed over the next few years. Hilberg-Pasquero is one of my favorite Piedmont producers, especially for Barbera. Working out of a tiny cellar in the town of Priocca in Roero Michele Pasquero and Annette Hilberg make wines with an emphasis on natural farming of the vineyards and a stripped-down, non interventionalist approach in the cellar. These are very pure wines loaded with personality.” Rated 88 by The Wine Advocate
2007 Mitolo Shiraz Jester (McLaren Vale) Australia – Syrah/Shiraz grape“The 2007 Jester Shiraz is dark ruby/purple-colored with an alluring perfume of mineral, earth notes, blueberry, black cherry, and blackberry. Smooth-textured, ripe, and intensely flavored, the wine conceals enough structure to evolve for 4-6 years. The finish is lengthy and pure. I was also shown the 2002 Jester Shiraz and, I know this will be hard to believe, at age six it tastes like a small-scaled version of Guigal’s La Landonne.” Rated 91 by The Wine Advocate
2006 Artadi Vinas de Gain Tempranillo (Rioja) Spain – Tempranillo grape
The 2006 Vinas de Gain is old-vine Tempranillo aged in 40% new French oak for 12-14 months. Deep crimson-colored, it offers an alluring perfume of truffle, pencil lead, vanilla, blackberry, and black cherry jam. Full bodied, the wine is opulent yet elegant. It has enough stuffing to evolve for 4-5 years and should drink well from 2012 to 2025.” Rated 92 by The Wine Advocate
2006 Girard Petite Sirah (Napa Valley) California – Petite Sirah grape“Hard-core Petite Sirah fans will find plenty of excitement in Girard’s 2006 Petite Sirah. This fairly-priced offering is a 5,400-case blend of 87% Petite Sirah and 13% mixed black varietals. Although surprisingly approachable and soft by Petite Sirah standards, it packs a powerful punch. A dense ruby/purple color is accompanied by massive flavors of blue and black fruits, incense, spring flowers, and truffle-like, earthy undertones. Full-bodied and rich with sweet tannin, it can be drunk now, but should easily last for 15-20 years.” Rated 91 by The Wine Advocate