Tasting Notes Friday 4/12/13

NCWC OLD WORLD WINE TASTING 4/12/13

LITTLE JAMES BASKET PRESS BLANC 2010
From the Minervois in southern France, this is a charming, medium-bodied, aromatic blend of 55% Sauvignon Blanc and 45% Viognier. It offers pleasing peachy and floral aromas with citrusy highlights, followed by a nice round mid-palate and clean, fruity finish – a balanced, honest, tasty white that will pair with a variety of foods. 88 points Jim Tobin. $12.97

TENUTA IL GHIZZANO TOSCANA 2010
This blend of 85% Sangiovese and 15% Merlot shows off a nose of classic Italian earth and floral notes over soft red fruit. On the palate, those same qualities persist, along with bright cherry, raspberry, and currant flavors. Well integrated tannins, balancing acidity, and a nice, fine finish make this a delight all the way through. 88 points Tobin Bros. $15.97

COLOSI NERO D’AVOLA 2011
Nero d’Avola is the signature red of Sicily, and this is a fine example. It’s a “firm and fruity red with plum jam and berry undertones. It’s luscious and opulent, juicy and fun,” with an engaging finish. 90 points James Suckling. $13.97

SEGHESIO BAROLO “LA VILLA” 2007
“The 2007 Barolo La Villa is a beautiful, subtle wine. Dark wild cherries, plums, tobacco, licorice and smoke are some of the nuances that emerge from the glass. The wine shows gorgeous richness and concentration, yet never comes across as heavy. A textured, vivid finish provides the last impressions of this fine, highly pleasing Barolo.” 93 points Wine Advocate. $54.97

DOMAINE PRADELLE CROZES HERMITAGE 2010
“The sexy, full-bodied, deep plum/purple-colored 2010 Crozes-Hermitage exhibits gorgeous up-front fruit in addition to plenty of black cherry, black currant, meaty, and underbrush notes. Drink it over the next 7-8 years.” 90 points Robert Parker. $19.97

RIO MADRE RIOJA 2011
“Spice-accented aromas and flavors of black and blue fruits and cola, with notes of dark chocolate and licorice. Concentrated and powerful on the palate, with a spicy note building with air. Intense licorice, blackcurrant and bitter cherry notes linger on the spicy, youthfully tannic finish. Outstanding value here; there are very few all-graciano Riojas made, and they all cost a lot more than this one.” 91 points Wine Advocate, 90 points Stephen Tanzer. $8.97

BERONIA RIOJA GRAN RESERVA 2005
“Pungent aromas of dried cherry, spicecake and vanilla, with smoke and cigarbox overtones. Sweet, palate-coating cherry and cassis flavors are braced by gentle acidity and become spicier with air. Mocha and smoke notes linger on a long, supple and gently tannic finish with very good energy.” 91 points Stephen Tanzer, 90 points Wine Spectator. $24.97