Friday Tasting, 12/17

Whether you need a gift for someone else or one for yourself, this tasting will provide
you with options. Join us anytime after 5:00 on Friday, December 17th for a terrific
tasting of delicious wines! Cost is $10.

Rory from Adventures in Wine will join us to pour these tremendous wines:

Koura Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Tabali Pinot Noir 2008

L’ecole #41 Merlot 2007

Tempus Alba Malbec 2008

L’ecole #41 Cabernet 2007

L’ecole #41 Syrah 2006

Chateau Gautoul Cahors 2005

Gonna be a great time – see you here!  (see below for tasting notes)

NCWC TASTING NOTES, 12/17/10

KOURA BAY SAUVIGNON BLANC 2009
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.  A bottle of Koura Bay waits properly chilled, because you don’t dare serve Santa, just any old swill.  Bright citrus and gooseberry on that tangy New Zealand nose, with crisp, clean citrusy flavors riding a long finish.  89 pts Tobin Bros.  $9.97.

TABALI PINOT NOIR 2008
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.  We hope that he judges our behavior just fine,  and rewards us by filling those stockings with wine.  Like this Tabali.  Chilean Pinot is an up-and-coming category, and you’ll see the value here.  Red and black cherry flavors are laced with spice and cocoa notes, with a touch of black tea on the nose to add character.  88 pts Tobin Bros.  $12.97.

L’ECOLE NO. 41 MERLOT 2007
The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads.  But for me it’s not plums, nor chocolate creams, it’s visions of wine that fill up my dreams.  For example:  the L’Ecole carries a firm texture with chewy tannins supporting a core of ripe black cherry and black pepper.  89 points Tobin Bros.  $22.97.

TEMPUS ALBA MALBEC 2008
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.  My fear as I staggered with my sleepy waddle, was that someone had broken some of my bottles.  Fortunately the Tempus Alba was okay, with its sweet dark fruit and meaty notes on the nose, preceding brambly fruit and graphite notes on a smooth entry, balanced mid-palate, and long finish.  88 points Tobin Bros.  $12.97.

L’ECOLE NO. 41 CABERNET 2007
What to my wondering eye should appear, but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer.  With alarm I figured there’s no freakin’ way, that St. Nick could fit all my wine in that sleigh.  Turns out he’s magical, though, so there was plenty more L’Ecole.  Their Cab is light and fragrant, a deft style that emphasizes raspberry, tobacco and chai tea flavors on a silky frame, with fine, sleek tannins.  91 points Tobin Bros.  $25.97.

L’ECOLE NO. 41 SYRAH 2006
Now Dasher, now Dancer, now Prancer and Vixen, On Comet, On Cupid, on Donner and Blitzen!  He showed with these shouts he was in quite a hurry, but he dropped off more wine before I could worry.  Like this Syrah.  Lithe and chewy, with earthy blackberry flavors and black olive notes and a mildly grippy finish.  This is drinking well now and will continue to do so for years.  90 points Tobin Bros.  $22.97.

CHATEAU GAUTOUL CAHORS 2005
At this point I feel I’m a real lucky dude, when St. Nicholas hands me still more liquid food.  He gives me Cahors and says with delight, Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!  This makes it a good night indeed.  There’s good definition and structure along with plum and berry flavors accented by coffee and dark chocolate notes.  Very firm tannins on the finish will get your attention.