Friday 1/21

Hey, it’s Friday again! Come on down and party with your hosts,
Jim and Bill, as we welcome Mike Sweeney from Youngs Market
for another great tasting event. 7 wines plus appetizers for
only $10 – stop by anytime after 5 pm!

Here’s what we’ll be pouring for you:

Lincourt Chardonnay 2007, $12.97
Lincourt Pinot Noir 2008, $18.97
Stella Sangiovese 2007, $7.97
Menage a Trois Red Blend 2009, $6.97
Hahn Meritage 2008, $12.97
Sebastiani Cabernet 2006, $14.97
Taylor-Fladgate 20 year old Tawny Port, $46.97

Join us for another great time!

And here you have our tasting notes, written by Jim:

NCWC TASTING NOTES, 1/21/2011

LINCOURT CHARDONNAY SANTA BARBARA 2007

If this wine were a reality show personality it would be the complete opposite of the “Real Housewives of New Jersey.”  It’s delicate, balanced and lovely, with a pretty nose and tasty green apple and pear flavors that are complex and clean, with just enough spice to keep viewers from changing the channel.  88 points Wine Spectator.  $12.97.

LINCOURT PINOT NOIR SANTA RITA HILLS 2008

Discovering a good Santa Barbara Pinot under 20 bucks is as rare and wonderful as being a “Survivor” contender and making it through the season with body and soul intact.  This is full, ripe and harmonious, with explosive aromatics of cherry, blackberry, sandalwood, cola and earth.  Enjoy with lamb, turkey, pork… or to drown out the taste of whatever disgusting creature you’re forced to eat on your island. 88 points Tobin Bros. $18.97.

STELLA SANGIOVESE PUGLIA 2007

Cooking shows make us want to eat.  Eating makes us want to drink.  Which brings us to this wine.  On its own it probably won’t make the “Chopped” judges stand and cheer, but it carries the kind of fresh fruit and clean acidity that make it a versatile food wine.  Seriously versatile.  This will go with everything from the elaborate feasts concocted on “Iron Chef” to the fun grinds of “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.”  87 points Tobin Bros. $7.97.

FOLIE A DEUX MENAGE A TROIS CALIFORNIA 2009

The menage referenced here is not about the fantasies of the “Bachelor” as he meets his horde of bachelorettes.  This is a coupling of Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet.  These hussies produce a soft, fruit forward wine with black and blueberry flavors accented by cocoa and raspberry notes, and just enough tannins to hold it all together.  86 points Tobin Bros.  $6.97.

HAHN MERITAGE CENTRAL COAST 2008

Hahn is German for rooster, and you may strut like one after drinking this.  Intense black cherry fruit up front turns sweet and lush as Julianne Hough, with raspberry and vanilla notes chiming in and soft tannins wrapping up the finish like a “Dancing with the Stars” champion strutting through a tango.  88 points Tobin Bros.  $12.97.

SEBASTIANI CABERNET SONOMA 2006

A rich and chewy Cab, full-bodied as a “Biggest Loser” contestant on the first episode.  It offers currant, blackberry and cedar flavors with anise and graphite notes, closing with persistent tannins.  87 points Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast.  $14.97.

TAYLOR FLADGATE 20 YEAR OLD TAWNY PORT

This beautiful dessert wine absolutely sings.  Not like that “American Idol” “Pants on the Ground” guy; more like Kelly or Carrie.  It’s buttery and rich, with concentrated dried plum and berry flavors alongside apricot and glazed ginger notes.  You’ll find touches of pepper and spice on the tasty finish.  89 points Wine Specator.  $46.97.