Tasting Notes Friday 3/28/14

NCWC NEW ARRIVALS TASTING EVENT, 3/28/14

KING ESTATE PINOT GRIS 2012
“This is a classic vintage for Oregon Pinot Gris, and King Estate sets the benchmark. Lovely texture, structure and minerality are on display, along with rich pear and apple flavors sculpted by balancing acidity. The well-defined finish continues smoothly with a streak of fresh lime.” 90 points Wine Enthusiast, Editor’s Choice. $14.97

ROMBAUER CHARDONNAY 2012
“Bright, vibrant tropical fruit aromas flow from the glass. Underlying grapefruit and lime add depth and character to the aroma. Seamless, textured layers of cantaloupe, pineapple and vanilla flood the palate. A mouthwatering finish entices another sip. This wine will develop flavors of fig and apricot, giving richness, as it ages in the bottle.” $31.97

NINER SANGIOVESE 2010
“Aromas include malt chocolate, hot cocoa, oak, cranberry, and cherry. Vanilla caramel and nutmeg round out the velvety flavor profile, with big texture and good tannin structure.” 88 points Tobin Bros. $22.97

SERDONIS HOWELL MTN. CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005
From the Ink Grade Vineyard on Howell Mountain, this Cab includes a touch of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The nose reveals a complex mélange of cedar, plum sauce, bing cherry, red currant, and subtle spice. After nine years the tannins are still very much present, offering moderate grip and a layer of dusty earth, while the flavors follow the aromas. $24.97

MARTIN LANE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010
“This is a complex wine that shows off berry and floral aromatics encapsulated in a lovely structure built with fine grained tannins. On the palate, the wine shows off notes of leather, currants, coconut, lavender, chocolate, pepper, and vanilla. It has the classic structure and a long layered finish. Given proper cellaring, this wine should give drinking pleasure from now well through 2033.” 89 points Tobin Bros. $26.97

MARTIN LANE SYRAH 2010
100% Estate Syrah from the Sierra Foothills, this wine possesses a sturdy but elegant frame showcasing notes of leather, roses, cherries, pepper, vanilla, and chocolate. It has a full yet creamy mouthfeel and a lengthy, tasty finish. 89 points Tobin Bros. $26.97

NO PASA NADA “FURTHER” 2012
This blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Cabernet offers lots of blueberry and boysenberry fruit on the nose, with oak notes. That is echoed very clearly on the palate, with a good dose of juicy fruit up front, slowly revealing oak, a touch of dusty earth, smoke, a dash of vanilla, and gradually drying on the persistent finish. Not enormously complicated, but pretty darn yummy. 88 points Bill Tobin. $15.97