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Warm-Up Wines - Wines Served Prior to the Wine Tasting
White Wine
2002 Caymus Conundrum (California) -
blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Muscat Canelli, Viognier and Sémillon grapes "Round and ripe, with panoply of melon, orange rind, pear and floral tones. Tangy citrus notes and a hint of vanilla shape the intense finish." Vin de Vin (VdV): "Enjoy this wine ($22) with seafood pasta."
Red Wine
2001 Seghesio Zinfandel Sonoma County (California) - Zinfandel grape
"Wonderful balance and sense of elegance, it offers vivid ripe fruit flavors that are rich and complex, with spicy black cherry, blackberry, pomegranate, herb and sage notes that add flavor dimensions and complexity. Firm, but ripe tannins add structure, allowing the fruit to push through." VdV: "This wine is great by itself but it could be magical with a juicy steak." $17
Wine Served After the Wine Tasting
2001 Rosenblum Late Harvest Zinfandel Rosie Rabbit Vineyard (California) - Zinfandel grape
"This wine is a beautiful rendition of what can happen in an old vine California Zinfandel vineyard. Ripe rich raspberries and black currants pervade the bouquet with flavors of blackberry preserve and spicy jammy essences. With the remaining alcohol and residual sugar, this wine should age for 20 years or more, and only reward patience." St. Helena Wine Center VdV: "This wine and pure chocolate equals pleasure." $18 (1/2 bottle)
White Wines
2002 Stratford Chardonnay Russian River Valley (California) - Chardonnay grape
"There are loads of white peach, and assorted tropical fruit characteristics are found in the fruit-laden, medium-bodied, pure 2002 Chardonnay. With good acidity in addition to a plump, fleshy personality, it will provide a lot of pleasure over the next year. This is an excellent value." Robert Parker/The Wine Advocate (WA) Vin de Vin (VdV): "Try this wine with almond-encrusted chicken." $14.99
2002 Chateau St. Jean Fume Blanc La Petite Etoile (California) - Sauvignon Blanc grape
This was said about the 2001 version of this wine. "The top of the line offering, the 2001 Fume Blanc La Petite Etoile, is one of California's finest examples of Sauvignon Blanc. There is a slightly green edge to its light straw color. Elegant and medium-bodied, it offers up aromas reminiscent of liquid minerals, pungent melons, figs, candied citrus, and a hint of grapefruit. This delicious, complex, fragrant 2001 requires consumption over the next 1-2 years." Rated 90 by WA VdV: "This wine craves grilled fish." $12.99
2001 Daniel Gehrs Chenin Blanc Monterey County (California) - Chenin Blanc grape
"A tasty, flowery, attractive, dry Chenin Blanc that has never seen any wood, this 2001 possesses loads of flavor as well as character. Enjoy it over the next year." Rated 86 by WA VdV: "Try this wine with Thai food." $11.99
2003 Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Riesling (California) - Riesling grape
""A classic example of this varietal, offering up aromas of peaches, apricots and apple skins in a light-bodied, off-dry style. With good acidity as well as fresh, lively fruit." Rated 87 by WA Gold Medal, 2004 West Coast Wine Competition $10.99
Red Wines
2002 Saintsbury Pinot Noir Garnet Carneros (California) - Pinot Noir grape
"Full, deep red. Sappy aromas of maraschino cherry, wild strawberry, orange peel, herbs, mint and underbrush. Concentrated, dense and fat, with a strong wild berry character lifted by a minty nuance. This has the weight and texture of Burgundy. Fresher and better balanced than most California pinots at twice the price. Finishes with strong, lingering fruit." Steve Tanzer, The Wine Analyst VdV: "Try this wine with baked ham or turkey." $19.99
2001 Atalon Merlot Napa Valley (California) - Merlot grape
"Readers looking for a reasonable value in Merlot should check out Atalon's 2001 Merlot, a sexy, seductive, mocha-infused, black cherry liqueur-filled effort displaying a hint of chocolate in its plump, lush, rich, medium to full-bodied personality. Bursting with fruit, it will provide immense enjoyment over the next 5-7 years." VdV: "This wine would go well with roast lamb or pork." $16.99
2002 Clos Mimi Syrah Petite Rousse Paso Robles (California) - Syrah/Shiraz grape
"The 2001 Syrah Petite Rousse, Clos Mimi's second label, exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as a sweet nose of scorched earth, black fruits, tar, and a hint of truffle. Chewy, medium to full-bodied, supple, and monochromatic on the palate and in the finish, it will drink well for 5-6 years." Rated 87 by WA VdV: "Syrah and barbecue are partners." $14.99
2001 Stratford Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley Sonoma (California) - Cabernet Sauvignon grape
"Stratford's deep ruby/purple-colored 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon offers sweet, straightforward aromas of black currants intermixed with hints of smoke as well as earth, medium body, attractive concentration, tannin, grip, and good fleshy fruit. Drink this well-made, reasonably priced Cabernet over the next 7-8 years. This is an excellent value." Rated 87 by WA VdV: "A juicy steak and this wine would be pretty good!" $14.99
Comments:
"Great night!"
"I learned a lot and it was great and enjoyable!"
"Awesome!"
"Educational and Yummy! Thanks!"
