Friday 3/25

How’s your week going? Looking forward
to Friday? Wondering what awesome activity
might be out there to guarantee you a great time?

Voila! Here’s the invitation that takes
care of that issue, courtesy of those awesome
dudes at North County Wine Company!

Ten bucks will get you a rocking good time
with 7 wines plus appetizers. Anytime from
4 until 9, or 9:30, or 9:45… maybe 9:59.

Our delightful friend Catherine from Torrey Wines
will join us to discuss these beauties:

Frank Family Blanc de Noirs Sparkling Wine, $29.97
-88 points Tobin Bros.
Bird Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008, $8.97
-90 points Robert Parker
Frank Family Pinot Noir 2009, $29.97
-91 points Tobin Bros.
X Red Blend 2008, $10.97
-89 points Wine Enthusiast
Calcareous Zinfandel 2008, $15.97
-88 points Tobin Bros.
Calcareous Syrah 2006, $15.97
-88 points Tobin Bros.
Amizetta Cabernet Sauvignon, $24.97
-94 points Tobin Bros.

All rockin’ deals, all delicious from start to finish.
Please join us!
(here are our tasting notes…)

NCWC TASTING, 3/25/11
FRANK FAMILY BLANC DE NOIRS
Check out the gorgeous rose petal hue on this vibrant sparkler.  Too many people think of bubbly as simple stuff to guzzle on New Year’s Eve and at weddings.  It can be so much more, including a wonderful aperitif and even a great food wine.  This one carries aromas of fresh strawberries and cherries along with toasted hazelnuts and warm baked bread.  On the palate it’s creamy yet light, reminiscent of a wild berry panna cotta.  90 points Tobin Brothers.  $29.97.

BIRD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2008
The region of Marlborough in New Zealand has become synonymous with great Sauvignon Blanc.  The Bird takes flight with aromas of gooseberry, kiwi, and Granny Smith apples.  Those same flavors follow through on the palate with delicacy, precision, balance, and harmony.  It’s a Shakespearean sonnet in a glass, with crisp acidity that makes it another terrific food wine.  90 points Robert Parker.  $8.97.

FRANK FAMILY PINOT NOIR 2009
We’ve tasted many Carneros Pinots, but few have impressed us like this one.  It starts with a lavish bouquet of berries, brown sugar, cherries and smoked bacon, then follows with balanced flavors that will caress your palate like a passionate lover with a gentle touch.  The finish is graceful and pretty, with clean acidity.  92 points Tobin Bros.  $29.97.

X RED WINEMAKER’S BLEND 2008
This wine is why the term “Crowd Pleaser” was invented.  It’s not every day you see a blend of Syrah, Tempranillo, Grenache and Zinfandel, but Reed and Gina (the winemakers) nailed it.  It’s full-bodied but easy-drinking, and very versatile with food.  This X marks a robust spot, with spicy flavors of blackberries, currants and chocolate.  89 points Wine Enthusiast.  $10.97.

CALCAREOUS SYRAH 2008
Calcareous refers to the limestone soil prevalent in the rolling hills on the west side of Paso Robles.  It’s one of those special regions where sun, soil and vine make magic together.  This Syrah has a solid structure of firm tannins supporting flavors of pie-filling cherries and blackberries.  You might pick up accents of cocoa, spice, anise and pepper.  88 points Tobin Brothers.  $15.97.

CALCAREOUS TWISTED SISTER ZINFANDEL 2008
“Twisted Sister” was a big hair heavy metal band in the 80’s.  In this case the twisted sisters are Erika and Dana, daughters of winery owner Lloyd.  After tasting this I have to admit I like them a lot more than the band.  The wine’s opening chords are rich jammy aromas of boysenberry and raspberry, and it rocks out from there, with good depth, rich fruit and a long, lingering finish.  88 points Tobin Brothers.  $15.97.

AMIZETTA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004
We don’t think there’s a better wine out there at this price.  You can call it stunning, or amazing, or awesome… or you can just savor it.  The perfumey, Bordeaux-like nose of blackberry, rose petal, crushed leaves and leather leads to an equally complex palate that is balanced and silky.  The Old World style of this wine will stand in contrast to the preceding 3 wines, but that’s the glory of wine tasting.  Revel in the rich variety of beautiful wines!  94 points Tobin Brothers.  $24.97.