Tasting Notes 9/2

For this event we showcased 7 wines that are new to the shop,

and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive!  Here are the tasting notes:

 QUEEN OF HEARTS PINOT NOIR 2009

                The first of our new wines we’re showcasing tonight is this Santa Barbara Pinot made in a very nice, drinkable style.  Soft aromas of strawberry and cherry lead to equally soft fruit on the palate, accented by touches of cola and light spice.  That classic Pinot acidity emerges on the midpalate and glides on through the finish, making this a natural accompaniment to many foods.  87 points Tobin Bros.  $11.97.

TRINITAS OLD VINE CUVEE 2007

                Our next new arrival is a blend of Zinfandel, Carignane, Mataro, Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouschet and Black Malvasia.  A unique mix, to say the least.  Its very complex bouquet foreshadows a layered array of flavors, with root beer, toffee, and spicy wood notes augmenting the ripe fruit.  Amazing how so many distinct varietals can come together so deliciously!  87 points Tobin Bros.  $14.97.               

MALAGON GRENACHE 2008

                From Baja’s Guadalupe Valley, this wine represents its region well, beginning with bright cherry and cranberry aromas.  The palate intrigues with ripe cranberry, tart cherry, and hints of strawberry flavors riding a lovely texture that is surprisingly round, given the good acidity throughout.  88 points Jim Tobin.  $15.97.

CLINE ANCIENT VINES MOURVEDRE 2010

                Often blended with Syrah and Grenache, Mourvedre can make a lovely wine on its own.  This one displays smoky black plums on the nose.  On the palate it is medium bodied and ripe without verging on jammy.  Juicy dark fruit and well-developed tannins are balanced by a consistent stream of acidity.  Very tasty and smooth throughout the long finish.  87 points Tobin Bros.  $12.97.

CLINE LIVE OAK ZINFANDEL 2009

                From 120 year old vines, this starts with a rich, spicy nose of brambly boysenberry and raspberry.  Then it moves on to juicy, somewhat tart fruit with cocoa notes and more of that brambly, stemmy character.  Cline’s philosophy shows here as well, with this wine delivering nice body, good balance, and another long finish.  88 points Bill Tobin.  $18.97.

EPONYMOUS CABERNET BLEND 2008

                Master winemaker Bob Pepi is contractually forbidden from using his own name on his wine, which is why he calls this amazing bottle “Eponymous,” which means “one for whom something is believed to be named.”  A blend of Cab, Cab Franc and Merlot, this beauty marries great balance, structure, and impressive tannins with deep flavors of blackberry, raspberry and spicy oak.  92 points Tobin Bros.  $39.97.

DERBY PETITE SIRAH 2006

                We close our introduction of lovely new wines with this delightful Petite Sirah, which in no way lives up to the name “petite.”  Very dark in color, it throws brambly black cherry and plum aromas.  On the palate the same dark, rich assault continues, with dark, concentrated fruits and substantial tannins leading to long, very grippy finish.  90 points Bill Tobin.  $17.97.