Tasting Notes 6/29/12

7 BARBECUE WINES TO FIRE UP YOUR SUMMER CELEBRATIONS!

PRESENTED BY NCWC, 6/29/12

 JULES TAYLOR SAUVIGNON BLANC 2011

            Talk about a great summer wine!  The Jules is a jewel, showing “evolving aromas of passionfruit, grapefruit, jalapeno pepper and currant leaf. Rich flavours of tropical and citrus fruits on the palate are complemented by fresh herbaceous notes. With its well defined backbone of acid this mouthful of goodness rolls out to a long dry finish.”  89 points Wine Spectator.  $12.97.

 SELLA & MOSCA CANNONAU DI SARDEGNA RISERVA 2007

            Cannonau, the Sardinian word for Grenache, shot to fame recently as one of the dietary staples of a community whose members routinely live past 100.  While we won’t guarantee that result, we do promise this is “a pleasurable, up-front wine with good balance and character. Dried cherries, wild herbs and worn-in leather are some of the notes that flow from this forward Cannonau” that will pair wonderfully with food.  87 points Wine Advocate.  $12.97.

 TROUBLEMAKER BY AUSTIN HOPE

            Bill and I keep debating which one of us this wine was named after.  Regardless, Troublemaker, like me (ha ha), “combines elegance and power. Bright aromas of black cherry and licorice evolve into a stronger bouquet reminiscent of smoked meats. The wine shows amazing depth, intensity, and balance, with a rich and textural mouthfeel. Complete with bright red fruit flavors along with hints of leather and cocoa, it is a well-balanced wine that culminates with an extended finish.”  88 points Bill Tobin.  $11.97.

 DEAD LETTER OFFICE SHIRAZ 2007

            This delicious Australian juice meets up with barbecue as beautifully as the ocean meets the sand at La Jolla Shores.  “It displays aromas of cedar, smoked meat, game, plum, and blueberry. On the palate it has layered fruit flavors, plenty of spice and earth notes, good grip, and a smooth finish.”  90 points Wine Advocate.  $15.97.

 ROBERT HALL MERITAGE 2007

            This classic Meritage (rhymes with heritage) is 50% Cab, 30% Cab Franc, 14% Petit Verdot, and 6% Merlot.  It “presents elegant aromas of black currant, cassis and ripe plum, complemented by intriguing earthy nuances of cedar and chocolate.  On the palate the wine shows exceptional depth of flavor with firm but velvety tannins.”  94 points California State Fair.  $17.97.

 GREY WOLF CELLARS JACKAL ZINFANDEL 2010

            The Jackal is yet another great barbecue wine, and “is a fine example of the style of Zin you can find in warmer regions like Paso Robles. A big, forward mouthfeel and fruit explosion on entry follow to a smooth, jammy middle. Layers of white pepper and spice lend a full-bodied finish to a splendid wine for those who desire Zinfandel with a little attitude.”  89 points Jim Tobin.  $22.97.

 TOBIN JAMES BALLISTIC ZINFANDEL 2009

                “Like most of Toby’s wines, this Ballistic Zinfandel is a rock ’em sock ’em Zinfandel, big, rambunctious, powerful and full of spice and sass. Maybe the ultimate barbeque Zin, the wine is packed with ripe, juicy fruit and plenty of richness.”  $12.95.

ENJOY YOUR SUMMER!