Tasting Notes For Friday 3/22/13

NCWC SPECIAL TASTING 3/22/13
WITH GUEST BARTENDER RON HERZOG!

LOUIS JADOT CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET 2009
Montrachet is home to some of the very best Chardonnay in the world, and some of the most expensive. This relatively affordable example “caresses the palate with rich, sumptuous fruit. This textured, generous white captures the essence of Chassagne in 2009. Medium to full in body, it shows superb balance and plenty of class at this level. Approximately 15% of the fruit is premier cru.” 90 points Wine Advocate. $41.97

REGIS BOUVIER CLOS DU ROY MARSANNAY 2009
Switching from white to red Burgundy, we taste this example from Regis Bouvier, whose vineyards in Marsannay are premier cru quality. “This domaine represents terrific value for a number of reasons–a lesser-known appellation combined with quality vineyard holdings and a conscientious and talented wine grower.” The wine itself is fresh, balanced, perfumed and spicy, with delightfully ripe red fruit so typical of this vintage. 89 points Jim Tobin. $28.97

PIO CESARE BARBARESCO 2007
Pio Cesare (“chez-uh-ray”) is a Piedmont winery with a stellar reputation, and you’re about to taste why. 100% Nebbiolo, this “is a gorgeous, inviting wine graced with exquisite dark fruit and a supple personality.” It’s “racy and detailed, showing raspberry, cherry, floral and oak spice aromas and flavors. Taut and well-structured, with a lingering aftertaste of sweet fruit, spice and mineral.” 92 points Wine Spectator & Wine Advocate. $57.97

ARZUAGA RIBERA DEL DUERO 2009
For Ribera wines, it doesn’t get any better than this without spending a great deal of cash. Deep black fruits, licorice, mocha, and spice… yet all in balance. For a young wine with gravitas, this is near perfect. In five years, it might just be perfect. Jorge Monzon is a young winemaker, but easily one of the biggest talents under 35. This is your “Lafite” moment for Ribera del Duero; climb on board now so you can brag about “remembering when” instead of having to bemoan it. 90 points Jim Tobin. $29.97

COL SOLARE 2007
We’ve been beating the Washington drum for a while now; this wine makes our argument for us. It’s an “excellent Col Solare; the best yet. It has suppleness and structure, with a panoply of fruits, from cassis to slightly candied cherries. The barrel notes are here in proportion, adding toast and coffee and chocolate, and the tannins are firm and polished. A strong core leads into a tight, confident finish.” 94 points Wine Enthusiast. $39.97

SAXON BROWN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005
We close with a visit to Napa Valley. This amazing Cab reveals aromas of rich, dark fruit with notes of mocha, brown spice, dark chocolate, sweet pipe tobacco and coffee. On the palate it’s equally rich and elegant, with silky tannins and incredible complexity. The finish sails on and on. 93 points Bill Tobin. $53.97