Tasting Notes 1/17/14

NCWC TASTING EVENT OF WASHINGTON WINES 1/17/14

EFESTE EVERGREEN RIESLING 2010
This Riesling has an unbelievable sense of balance, opening up with white peach, honeysuckle and a beautiful lift from deeper mineral/slate notes. It passes across the palate with wonderful acidity and texture, finishing with a lovely attack of granny smith apple, mandarin orange, and persimmon. If you like Thai food, then this wine is for you! 92 points Stephen Tanzer. $15.97

14 HANDS MERLOT 2011
This smooth Merlot displays aromas of dark stone fruits and cherries with subtle notes of herbs. On the palate, flavors of plum, and spice are complemented by soft, polished tannins. $9.97

CMS RED BLEND 2011
A blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah, this wine strikes a balance between fruit, tannins, acid, and alcohol. Aromas of cherry, plum and raspberry are accented by toast and vanilla with hints of cocoa powder, chocolate and graham cracker. All that follows through on the palate, showing a medium body and lingering finish. $11.97

COLUMBIA CREST H3 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011
This bold Cabernet, which has 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec added, opens with flavors of dark fruit and black cherries, complemented by earth and mineral notes. Deep berry flavors and supple tannins lead to a soft cocoa finish. $12.97

L’ECOLE NO. 41 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009
With its classic varietal Cabernet profile, this focused and integrated wine shows layers of dark fruit, earth and leather. Flavors of plum, black cherry, and cocoa mingle with chalky tannins through a long, expressive finish. 91 points Stephen Tanzer. $30.97

SYNCLINE SYRAH 2009
A dark, smoky, earthy Syrah with juicy blackberry and black currant fruits. This wine just coats the palate and seduces; threads of coffee and caramel, baking spices and cinnamon all weave through the lengthy finish. The tannins are supportive but unobtrusive, and the balance is superb. It finishes with a burst of grilled meat. 93 points Wine Enthusiast. $29.97

BONUS OPPORTUNITY! FIGGINS ESTATE RED 2010
“This is something to behold! A blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon – yet with smaller portions of Merlot and Petit Verdot – it has a decidedly dark fruit profile with aromas of black raspberry, creme de cassis, coffee bean, graphite, mineral and toasted bread all emerging from the glass. Deep, rich and layered, with a full-bodied, concentrated and structured feel on the palate, it fleshes out beautifully with air and is up there with the creme de la creme of the vintage and region. It will have 20-25 years of evolution. This wine is made by Chris Figgins (of Leonetti) and shows classic profiles. As the score suggests, this is one producer not to miss!” 97 points Wine Advocate. $89.97/bottle, $15/half glass.