“End of the World” Tasting Notes, 12/21/12

NCWC DOOMSDAY TASTING 12/21/12

SMOKESCREEN CHARDONNAY 2010
It’s true, the Mayan calendar runs out on the winter solstice of 2012, which of course is today. Some believe that equals disaster; I think the calendar just starts over (duh). In any event, what’s worse than a calendar running out is this wine running out! It’s “100% barrel fermented and has gone through partial malolactic fermentation. You will find an almost creamy texture of tropical fruit, ripe peach, crisp pear, green apple and a touch of sweet vanilla with a long, clean finish.” 88 points Tobin Bros. $13.97

MEIOMI PINOT NOIR 2011
Some expect catastrophe to come from a reversal in the planet’s magnetic poles, causing earthquakes, tsunamis, and continents to break away. It would be a shame if California’s coast washed away, since that is the home of the three stellar Pinot Noir regions from which this wine is made – Monterey, Santa Barbara, and Sonoma. It is “dark and rich, showing toasty mocha oak flavors, with a beam of wild berry, raspberry, cola, vanilla and spice. Long on the finish.” 92 points Wine Spectator. $19.97

FRESCOBALDI REMOLE TOSCANA 2010
Or perhaps the sun will explode, which would certainly be unfortunate for us and the vineyards we depend on! Fortunately the Sangiovese and Cabernet grapes that go into this got plenty of sun, thereby producing “multi-faceted aromas of red and dark fruit lifted by spicier impressions of black pepper and licorice. The entry is velvety and warm, and the components on the palate are well balanced, with a tasty vein of acidity. Aromatic fruit returns to grace a lengthy finish.” 87 points Tobin Bros. $9.97

BRIDLEWOOD BLEND 175 2011
Another doomsday scenario is that an out-of-control planet will crash into Earth. NASA sees no sign of that, so relax and enjoy this “collision” of Syrah, Cabernet, Petite Sirah and Viognier from California’s Central Coast. “This full-bodied blend’s dark, jammy fruit flavors and rich, soft tannins are framed nicely by notes of sweet oak and end with a graceful, lingering finish.” 89 points Bill Tobin. $11.97

SHOOFLY SHIRAZ 2010
Some folks believe we will see a galactic planetary alignment that will somehow expose us to danger or evil. I choose to believe we protect ourselves from this by properly aligning our lips with our wine glass. This tasty Shiraz is “polished and supple, brimming with red berry, black cherry and delicate spice flavors, all coursing through the expressive finish.” 90 points Wine Spectator. $9.97

FIFTYROW SYRAH 2007
Then of course there is global warming, but that one isn’t going to be sudden; it’s more of a gradual catastrophe. Which leaves us plenty of time to savor wines like this, with its “flavors of black fruits, cassis, licorice, graphite, and earth characteristics. This super-exotic, hedonistic wine possesses an incredible level of concentration. It should drink beautifully for 10-12 years.” 90 points Jim. $19.97

PAUL HOBBS CROSSBARN CABERNET 2010
In Norse mythology the end of the world is preceded by three winters without summers in between. I’m wondering if those are San Diego winters or North Dakota winters. Either way I’m okay with some of this. “Enticing aromas of blackcurrant and bittersweet cocoa grace this deep garnet-hued cab. Silky in texture and firmly structured, it offers a rich palate of cassis and blackberry, framed by supple tannins and notes of graphite. Balanced acidity brightens a long finish.” 89 points Spectator. $39.97