Tasting Notes For Friday, 8/10

NCWC GOLDSCHMIDT WINE TASTING 8/10/12

BOULDER BANK SAUVIGNON BLANC 2011
Superman’s heroics often relate to all that “faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive” stuff; Nick Goldschmidt’s have to do with making terrific wines, like this Marlborough “savvy.” Done in the characteristic fruit-driven style, it carries citrus and peach aromas and flavors through a lively, minerally finish. 88 points Tobin Bros. $11.97.

BOULDER BANK PINOT NOIR 2009
Nick’s other Marlborough wine is this Pinot, which is a stunning reminder that quality and value can be found in more than just New Zealand’s white wines. “There’s a peppery quality to the cranberry, plum and cherry flavors, with gripping tannins and plenty of spicy details of clove and nutmeg. Shows great focus and persistence.” 88 points Wine Spectator. $17.97.

CHELSEA GOLDSCHMIDT MERLOT 2009
Nick has a deep fondness for Sonoma’s Alexander Valley; one sip of this will show you why – great fruit! It “shows fresh black raspberry, cedar, and toasty vanilla aromas, with cherry, black currant and spice flavors.” Not only delicious, this is easily substantial enough to stand up to roasts, chops, prime rib, and filet mignon. Incredible value. 88 points and Editor’s Choice, Wine Enthusiast. $13.97.

KATHERINE GOLDSCHMIDT CABERNET 2010
Also from Alexander Valley, this Cab is named after another of Nick’s daughters. Notice anything different about her portrait on the label, compared to her sisters? This single vineyard Cab from Crazy Creek Vineyard expresses blackberry, black pepper, and plum flavors enveloped in sweet oak. It shows nice concentration and good structure, finishing with silky tannins and a hint of spice. 88 points Tobin Bros. $15.97.

HILARY GOLDSCHMIDT OAKVILLE CABERNET 2009
This Oakville Cabernet comes from Charming Creek Vineyard, which happens to lie on the other side of a 12-foot dirt path from Opus One. Very nice neighborhood, very nice wine. It’s classic Oakville, full-bodied and rich, showing aromas and flavors of plum, black cherry, blackberry and cassis. Smooth, silky tannins add yet another seductive touch. 91 points Bill Tobin. $24.97.

GOLDSCHMIDT VINEYARDS GAME RANCH CABERNET 2008
We absolutely couldn’t resist this note from Bounty Hunter wine shop in Napa: “Oh, man. Globetrotting winemaker Nick Goldschmidt just hit a 300- yard drive right down Broadway. This juice is flat-out amazing! Dripping with intensity – wild black fruits, blueberries, cassis – and wrapped up in layers of sweet oak, this is a textbook example of why Oakville is the epicenter of Napa Valley Cabernet. If you don’t flip out over this one, we’re going to suggest you pursue a new hobby. It’s an absolute stunner.” Pretty much says it all! 93 points Bill Tobin. $59.97.

GOLDSCHMIDT PLUS VYBORNY VINEYARD CABERNET 2006
Your very special bonus is the opportunity to enjoy a half glass of this for just $12. Only 96 cases were made of this 100% Cabernet aged in 100% new French oak for 12 months, then gravity racked into a second new French oak barrel for another 12 months. You’ll want to savor complex layers of cassis blackberries, cassis, and caramelized oak that linger endlessly on the fine finish. 94 points Bill. $109.97