Tasting Notes Friday 4/25/14

NCWC CENTRAL COAST WINE TASTING, 4/25/14

TANGENT ALBARINO 2012
“Albariño is gaining popularity in America as a dry, crisp white wine and Tangent is a large part of the trend. This, from Edna Valley, is one of the best in California, dependably clean and vibrant in green apple, Meyer lemon and grapefruit flavors, with a hint of gooseberries.” 90 points Wine Enthusiast. $12.97

POINT CONCEPCION CHARDONNAY 2012
From Santa Barbara, this Chardonnay is ripe, aromatic, and opulent, with delicious flavors of pineapple, white peach, apple, and spicy pear. It’s creamy and mouth-coating, showing off a rich body and enough refreshing underlying acidity to provide a long, mouth-watering finish. 89 points Bill Tobin. $15.97

ROBERT HALL MERLOT 2011
Rich briary aromas of ripe black cherry accentuated by hints of cedar emanate from this Paso Robles Merlot. Lush ruby red color indicates the level of concentration, while rich flavors mirror the aromas and are complemented by soft, silky tannins. 88 points Jim Tobin. $12.97

HAHN MERITAGE 2010
This Central Coast blend consists of 48% Cab, 25% Merlot, 10% Cab Franc, 9% Malbec, and 8% Petit Verdot. Pronounced blackberry and blueberry on the nose mingle with cedar spice and a hint of wood, while notes of bramble fruit, cherry, vanilla and dried herbs please the palate. 88 points Tobin Bros. $13.97

BIANCHI ZINFANDEL 2011
For their 2011 Paso Robles Zin, Bianchi blended in 25% Primitivo (the Italian clone of Zinfandel), which is slightly more tannic than their estate Zin. The result is downright delicious, boasting dark berries, vanilla, spice, and oak in layers of flavors that just keep on coming. 88 points Tobin Bros. $14.97

TRINITAS PETITE SIRAH 2010
From Contra Costa County, this will strut across your palate like the kind of wine a hero would drink. It is not at all “petite,” in spite of the name. It’s full-bodied, ripe, and spicy, with loads of delicious red fruit, mocha, and vanilla. 90 points Jim Tobin. $26.97

McPRICE MYERS BEAUTIFUL EARTH 2011
This incredible Paso blend is 72% Syrah, with the balance Grenache and Mourvedre. “Gorgeously pure, fresh and focused, with knockout purity, it dishes out layers of blackberry, chocolate, smoke and floral undertones to go with a full-bodied and impeccably balance profile on the palate. Impressive any way you look at it, this may be enjoyed over the next 7-8 years.” 94 points Robert Parker. $37.97