Tasting Notes For 2/8/13

For this final Friday before Valentine’s Day,
the wines, and the tasting notes, are all
about seduction!

NCWC SEDUCTIVE WINE TASTING 2/8/13

TRINITAS CHARDONNAY 2010
Take it from us, a delicious bottle of wine works a lot better than a cheesy pickup line like, “Is your dad an art thief? Because you’re a masterpiece.” Try this amazing Chard, with “aromas of toasty, sun-kissed straw. Under the toast, subtle hints of bright citrus, vanilla, and toffee will fill your glass. Secondary fermentation creates a mid-palate with rich flavors of creamy butter and caramel. The surprisingly bright finish lingers with hints of baked granny smith apple.” $21.97 ($30 at the winery)

BELLE GLOS LAS ALTURAS VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2011
How about this one? “Let’s commit the perfect crime; I’ll steal your heart, and you’ll steal mine.” Or just open this incredible Pinot, whose “aromas of juicy dark fruit, moist soil, vanilla and cocoa burst out of the glass. The palate is so rich that it can almost be chewed on. Flavors of pie filling, plum, cured meats and root beer enliven the senses. This wine has structural integrity with great depth. The balanced acidity leads to a provocatively supple finish.” 92 points Wine Spectator. $26.97 ($44 winery)

H3 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010
How successful do you think this one is? “Do you believe in love at first sight, or should I walk by again?” This Washington Cabernet is “polished and distinctive, offering chocolate and espresso accents around a supple core of cherry and fresh currant fruit. The finish is well-defined, with a silky feel.” 90 points Wine Spectator. $12.97

BUTY WINERY WILDEBEEST RED WINE 2010
Now we raise the cheese quotient with “Even if there wasn’t any gravity, I’d still fall for you!” This wine will definitely work better than that line! This complex blend offers “a hit of sweet, perfumed black cherry Syrah. Next, the big, dark, meaty notes of Malbec – leather, earth, tar, dried black currant. Cabernet Sauvignon adds earth, truffle, dark chocolate, and polish.” 88 points Jim. $21.97 ($35 winery)

COLOME MALBEC 2010
“Do I know you? Because you look a lot like my next girlfriend.” This might be your next wine. From Argentina, “this suave, racy red delivers game, crushed cherry and wild berry notes backed by fine tannins and bright acidity. Compact, yet creamy and well-balanced, with a long, savory finish.” 91 points Wine Spectator. $19.97 ($29.97 on wine.com)

R SYRAH 2010
Then there’s this classic – “I hope you know CPR, because you take my breath away.” This Syrah is “dominated by juicy boysenberries, raspberries and blackberries on the nose, with toasty vanilla and hints of maple-smoked bacon lingering beneath. The palate is layered and full, with a creamy texture as notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and nutmeg accent the rich, fruity core.” 90 points Tobins. $19.97

MOSS ROXX ANCIENT VINE ZINFANDEL 2009
“If I could rearrange the alphabet, I’d put U and I together.” If that one doesn’t work, just pour a glass of this Zin sourced from 50-100 year old vines. “It’s delightfully jammy with robust flavors of raspberry preserves, milk chocolate and mocha. A soft, supple, mouth-feel and easy tannins with cherry pie and vanilla oak flavors” will beckon for additional sips. Happy Valentine’s Day! $19.97 ($39.50 online)