Tasting Notes Friday, 1/4/13

NCWC NEW YEAR NEW WINES TASTING 1/4/13

BODEGAS EIDOSELA ALBARINO 2011
Our first resolution for 2013 is to drink more wine – even from wineries that are difficult to pronounce. This one throws “expressive aromas of green apple, quince, lemon curd, and sea spray. The focused palate offers spicy orchard fruit lifted by zesty acidity and a touch of white pepper. Closes with impressive clarity and length, leaving a spicy note behind.” 90 points Stephen Tanzer. $12.97

HYBRID PETITE SIRAH 2007
Another resolution is to keep delivering most excellent and awesome deals like this one. This Petite is loaded with berry flavors and aromas which enhance the earthy middle body with a rich silky finish. A touch of Viognier has been added to round out this ripe, tasty wine. 87 points Bill Tobin. $8.97

MASI CAMPOFIORIN 2009
What better resolution than to maintain proper balance in our lives? This blend of Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara shows great balance between fruit, tannins, and acid. “Strong and attractive cherry aromas on the nose with a pleasing spiciness. Great power on the palate, with flavors of ripe cherries, cassis, and blackcurrants. Soft and well balanced tannins benefit from good acidity, leading to a long aftertaste with hints of vanilla and cocoa.” 88 points Tobin Bros. $11.97

CHARAMBA DOURO RED 2008
I always resolve to travel during the coming year, and why not Portugal? It produces some amazing values in table wine, like this blend of Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional (grapes used in the production of Port). The charmingly delicate nose reveals wild berries, oak, and vanilla, with the palate displaying those same flavors alongside a subtle minerality. 88 points Wine Enthusiast. $7.97

PETER LEHMANN CLANCY’S SHIRAZ/CABERNET/MERLOT 2009
Another great resolution is simply to have more fun, and a wine like this makes that easy! Remember those days when we couldn’t get enough of all those great wines from Australia? Well, they’re still making ‘em! This tasty blend is “big, bright and juicy – and scented with jasmine flowers. A lingering treat of sweet plums (and their skins), raspberries and chocolate along with a dot of white pepper adds to the art of the slurp.” 91 points Tasting Panel. $12.97

FRANCISCAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010
This Franciscan isn’t a friar, but it could remind us to stay in touch with our spirituality. “Rich, round, and full-bodied, it’s layered with blackberry, cherry, dried plums, and a hint of cocoa; generous weight on the palate and smooth, mouth-filling tannins; the finish lingers with flavors of rich cassis and black cherry.” 88 points Bill Tobin. $13.97

SAXON BROWN ZINFANDEL 2007
Our next resolution is to take every opportunity to be kind to others. Sharing delicious wines is a great way to do that! This Zin has “an intense raspberry and dried cranberry signature, along with black cherry/berry, dark chocolate and sweet elegant oak tones. On the mouth this wine has great structure, acid and a mélange of dried raspberry, mocha and dark chocolate dust reminiscent of a decadent raspberry chocolate torte. This is a very rich and long wine.” 90 points Bill Tobin. $26.97