Tasting Notes 6/22/12

Had a fantastic Food & Wine pairing this Friday, June 22nd!  7 different guest chefs prepared

7 different appetizers, each matched with a specific wine:

SCHARFFENBERGER BRUT

            Pair with Jack’s supercharged olives. “A delicious Chardonnay and Pinot Noir blend from coolly grown Mendocino grapes that is is equal parts golden apple and honey in both aroma and flavor. Creamy from full malolactic fermentation, this sparkler is full-bodied and plenty fruity with a caramel, vanilla tone on the finish.”  90 points Wine Enthusiast.  $18.97.

 ARGER-MARTUCCI PINOT NOIR 2005

            Pair with Ron’s Salmon dish.  “The bouquet is one of bright black cherry with hints of black truffle and nutmeg. The palate is lush and soft, the way Pinot Noir should be. The flavors of black cherry follow through on the palate with a hint of dried plums.”  91 points Jim Tobin.  $24.97.

 R PETITE SIRAH 2009

            Pair with Bruce and Kurt’s pork tenderloin.  “Dense aromas of cassis and jammy blackberry are accented by notes of mocha and dark chocolate. Big creamy mouth coating flavors of ripe sweet boysenberry and blackberries are balanced by creamy French oak. The texture is full of thick viscous tannins, and the finish is long and lingers well after swallowing the wine. Be forewarned this is one big rich red wine.”  90 points Bill Tobin.  $22.97.

 COPPOLA DIRECTOR’S CUT ZINFANDEL 2009

            Pair with Rachel’s short ribs.  “Just one word for this Zin: delicious. It’s really classic Dry Creek, maybe a little softer than many, but profoundly ripe in wild berry, cherry, cola, licorice, black pepper and sandalwood flavors that finish long and deep. Great price for a Zinfandel this good.”  92 points Wine Enthusiast.  $18.97.

 HILARY GOLDSCHMIDT CABERNET 2007

            Pair with Jon’s beef skewers.  “Charming Creek offers the signature taste of Napa Valley and shows unusual concentration for the price. With its long sunny days and porous, free-draining soils, Napa Valley has the perfect growing condition for Cabernet Sauvignon vines and Charming Creek consistently yields wines that are full-bodied and rich in flavor. Fruit-driven style nicely framed in sweet oak.”  91 points Tobin Bros.  $21.97.

 SHOO FLY SHIRAZ 2010

            Pair with the meatballs.  “On the nose, the 2010 Shiraz shows earthy gravel, spicy licorice and dense dark mulberries, while the sweet upfront berry fruit presented on tasting gives way to complex cedar, earth and spice notes, wrapping up with ample structure and grip. The vibrant, juicy fruit runs the length of the palate and lingers with a “have another glass” finish.”  90 points Wine Spectator.  $9.97.

 CANDONI MOSCATO

                Pair with Angela’s dessert. “Low in alcohol, semi-sparkling, but remarkably fruity and fragrant, it has an excellent balance of sweetness and acidity. Made from 100% Moscato Bianco grapes from central Italy, it makes an exceptional dessert wine but is also versatile enough to enjoy as an aperitif or during summer picnics or patio meals.”  87 points Jim Tobin.  $12.97.