Tasting Notes 6/21/13

NCWC SUMMER SIPPERS EVENT 6/21/13

PROTEA CHENIN BLANC 2012
This 100% Chenin Blanc, named after South Africa’s national flower, is delightful – a splash of lemon curd and peach blossom are cheerful palate greeters. Jasmine and lanolin come into play towards the middle and to the finish, lifted by its pretty, natural acidity. 90 points TP. $12.97

DOMAINE FOUQUETTE DRY ROSE 2012
This wine is just plain delicious! It is crisp on the attack and vibrant on the finish, filling the mid-palate with an array of fresh fruits: red grapefruit, apricot, pluot, wild strawberry and peach skin. If you’re like us, you will find the bottle is empty before you’ve had time to analyze its delightful components. Fully ripe yet brilliant with crisp refreshment, the wine pairs elegantly with an endless number of dishes. 90 points Bill Tobin. $15.97

AMPELOS PINOT NOIR 2011
The name of Ampelos Cellars was not chosen haphazardly. The owners selected it because ampelos is the Greek word for vine, and they believe that all great wines begin in the vineyard. This has a wonderful youthfulness about it, showing voluptuous flavors of cherries, lush strawberries, dried cherry, white pepper, a hint of sweet tobacco, and a glimpse of earthy musk. 91 points Tobin Bros. $22.97

ZUCCARDI SERIES A MALBEC 2011
“While this shows a touch of over-ripeness on the nose, the palate is ripe and chewy with licorice and graphite-infused black fruit and a long, powerful finish that is both silky and refined. The quality and bravura of the palate makes you forgive the over-enthusiasm on the nose. Drink now-2018.” 90 points Wine Advocate. $12.97

MADDALENA CABERNET 2009
This Paso Robles Cab shows ripe red fruit, including raspberry, plum, and spicy black cherry. Barrel aging contributes notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak spice. The mouth is round with a rich, silky texture that is framed by soft tannins. 90 points Wine Enthusiast. $13.97

MOLLYDOOKER “THE BOXER” SHIRAZ 2011
“Garnet-purple in color, this shows off aromas of creme de cassis, blackberry preserves and mocha plus an undercurrent of vanilla and cedar. The palate is very generously fruited, offering a whopping mouthful of spiced blackberry flavors with a low to medium level of silky tannins, enlivening acid and a long finish.” 89 points Wine Advocate. $22.97

SAXON BROWN ZINFANDEL 2008
“Launching forth with an array of succulent flavors including dark chocolate, baking spices, creamy vanilla and blueberry cobbler, the new Saxon Brown finishes with hints of caramel toffee deftly melded with plush tannins. This enchanting Zinfandel is guaranteed to thrill tonight with a wide array of menus (grilled meats, Italian cuisine, etc.) and drink well now through 2015.” 91 points Tobin Bros. $28.97