Tasting Notes 3/1/13

NCWC NAPA VALLEY WINE TASTING 3/1/13

CAKEBREAD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2011
We begin our exploration of Napa with this iconic winery, whose Sauv Blanc is “wonderfully fresh and aromatic, with bright scents of pink grapefruit, gooseberry, melon and green apple. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with rich, vibrant citrus (grapefruit and kiwi), honeydew melon, spice and mineral flavors balanced by excellent acidity and a long, refreshing, mineral/chalky finish reminiscent of a fine White Bordeaux.” $26.97

GROTH CHARDONNAY 2009
Dennis and Judy Groth bought an Oakville vineyard in 1981 and never looked back, crafting award winning wines vintage after vintage. Their Chardonnay is “fresh and lively, with vivid, complex citrus, green apple, white peach and honeydew melon. This full-bodied white ends with a long, detailed finish.” 89 points Wine Spectator. $21.97

STELLA RED BLEND 2007
Napa is famous for exorbitantly-priced cult wines, but values can definitely be found. This blend of Merlot with Syrah, plus a dash of Cab and Malbec, is “a fun and balanced red wine suitable for any occasion. It bares lovely plum and dark red fruit aromas and has succulent blueberry flavors with soft, earthy undertones. Stella’s rich and sensual mouth-feel leaves a velvety dried apricot zest that softly lingers on the palate.” 89 points Bill Tobin. $12.97

CAMERON HUGHES LOT 318 MERITAGE 2010
Cameron Hughes is a negociant known for sourcing good fruit at amazing prices. This one is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet, and Petit Verdot from Atlas Peak, and it’s tasty! Aromas of blackberries with accents of herbs, leather, tobacco, vanilla, and earth are echoed on the palate, with tannins firming and lingering on the long, dry finish. 88 points Bill Tobin. $13.97

FLORA SPRINGS TRILOGY 2009
Flora Springs has been making incredible red wine since 1978, but their property’s winemaking roots date back to the 19th Century. This blend of Cabernet, Merlot, and Malbec (the trilogy) is “a lovely wine, soft and charming, but far from simple. Although it has complex layers of cherries, blackberries, cassis and cedar, it also shows a fine structure of ripe, smooth tannins and supporting acidity.” 92 points Wine Enthusiast. $39.97

GIRARD ARTISTRY 2010
Girard is another winery that has been around for over 30 years, and they absolutely crush it (forgive the pun)! Artistry is their Bordeaux-style blend, with Cabernet, Merlot, Cab Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. Entirely gorgeous, it “has aromas of toasted hazelnuts and festive Christmas spices. Boysenberries and currants saturate the palate aside flavors of exotic bing cherries. Well-structured tannins round out this vintage with a beautiful tobacco and spice finish.” 91 points Jim Tobin. $32.97

GIRARD PETITE SIRAH 2010
Now check out their Petite! It’s “an absolutely beautiful bottle of wine. Sweet black currants, spices, violets, and grilled herbs all take shape in this mid-weight, yet luscious red. This is a decidedly refined, plush Petite Syrah with lovely balance.” 93 points Wine Advocate. $23.97