Tasting Notes 2/3/12

NCWC SUPER TASTING 2/3/12

(each note contains a hint to the trivia question answer)

 VERTUZE BRUT SPARKLING

            Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay Packers won the first two Super Bowls.  What teams did they beat?  Either way, they no doubt would have loved to celebrate with some of this lovely West coast sparkler.  Made from the classic Champagne varieties, this is textured and slightly sweet, but nice and crisp, with tangerine, raspberry, yeast and toast flavors.  It’s as zesty and spicy as Madonna’s halftime show hopefully will be.  90 points Bill.  $19.97.

 DIAMOND RIDGE PINOT NOIR 2008

                In its long history the Bowl has seen one team represent the NFC, and then later the AFC; which team was it?  This Diamond may not be as blingy as the spectacular rings the winners get, but it’s pretty damn good, especially at this price.  This is as smooth as Johnny Unitas in the pocket, with smoky cherry and floral notes.  It’s supple, juicy, and yummy!  89 points Jim.  $15.97.

 PILLAR BOX RED 2008

                The AFC lost the first two Super Bowls but then won how many in a row to forever shed its image as the weaker conference?  This wine is definitely a perpetual winner.  “A blend of 66% Shiraz, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 9% Merlot, it is purple-colored with an enticing nose of cherry blossom, cinnamon, blueberry, and licorice. Ripe and rich for its humble price, it has plenty of savory fruit, good balance, and a seamless, fruit-filled finish.”  89 points Wine Advocate, and featured on the “Today Show” as the quintessential Super Bowl Wine.  $9.97.

 ARGIANO NON CONFUNDITUR 2009

                Two teams have reached the Big Game a total of four times without winning.  Who were they, and which one did it consecutively?  They must not have been drinking good wine, is what we think.  Like this, with an appealing graphite note that “adds depth to the black currant, violet and cedar aromas and flavors in this svelte red, which is smooth, with finely woven tannins” and a bright, spicy finish.  Heckuva wine for only twenty bills.  92 points Wine Spectator.  $19.97.

 RANCHO SISQUOC TRE VINI 2009

                Only two players have won back-to-back MVP awards in the Super Bowl.  Who were they?  This wine is pretty valuable player in its own right, and it’s definitely a team effort.  The 52% Sangiovese lends a jazzy, red fruit component while the 25% Petit Verdot gives a distinct aroma of concord grape and tones of licorice, cherry, and a nice mineral undertone.  The remaining 23% is Cabernet, offering layers of rich black fruit.  It’s packed with chalky tannins that provide steely backbone, supported by lightly toasted oak and opulent acidity.  88 points Jim.  $14.97.

 NINER PETITE SIRAH 2007

                Speaking of MVP’s, only one player has won it three times.  Any guesses?  This one’s actually pretty easy, especially if you consider the name of this wine.  This delicious Petite Sirah carries a deep, dark color, with ripe wild berries on the nose foreshadowing a smooth, balanced mouthfeel.  Muscular tannins frame black cherry and berry fruit like a helmet framing a pretty boy quarterback’s face.  88 points Jim.  $15.97.

 BARLOW “BARROUGE” RED 2003

                How many times has San Diego hosted the Bowl?  And which teams won?  This delicious Cab blend is a huge winner, displaying cherry and French vanilla aromas like a winner displaying the Lombardi trophy.  The palate is soft and concentrated, filled with luscious cherry and blackberry jam.  While the tannins are moderate, the supple texture upholds the sweet fruit through a finish as long as the pregame National Anthem.  This is easily worthy of the winery price of $40, but check our price!  91 points Jim.  $21.97.