Tasting Notes For Friday, 5/25

NCWC WINE TASTING, 5/25/12

 BADIOLA TOSCANA 2009

            This Tuscan beauty is a classic blend of 70% Sangiovese and 30% Merlot, offering “friendly and approachable aromas of ripe berry fruit, blackberry jam, spice and light touches of leather and tobacco.  The fresh finish makes it a perfect red to pair with ravioli…” or pizza!  88 points Wine Enthusiast.  $12.97.

 VALLE REAL MONTEPULCIANO D’ABRUZZO 2007

            From Robert Parker, “The 2007 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is impressive in the way it coats the palate with masses of dark fruit, flowers, tobacco, chocolate and cinnamon, and more chocolate lingers on the finish. This full-bodied, generous Montepulciano will drink beautifully for at least several years, with anticipated maturity from 2010-2017.”  91 points Robert Parker.  $15.97.

 TRINITAS OLD VINE CUVEE 2007

            This California blend from our friends at Trinitas “displays aromatics of raspberry, chocolate, smoke and vanilla. It explodes in the mid palate and has a long finish that reminds us of berries covered in cherry liquor. This wine has a pleasant contemporary palate with a little introduction into some classic old world flavors.”  88 points Tobin Brothers.  $14.97.

 BORSAO BEROLA 2008

            From Spain, this blends Garnacha with Cabernet and Syrah.  It begins with “sexy aromas of blackberry, mulberry and violet, plus a strong note of incense. Deeply pitched dark fruit preserve flavors are given an exotic character by notes of candied flowers and star anise. Supple and expansive on the finish, it lingers with impressive tenacity and length. The fancy barrels used here come from Alto Moncayo.”  91 points Stephen Tanzer.  $12.97.

 ZUCCARDI “Q” CABERNET 2007

            Don’t cry for me, Argentina, especially when you produce wines like this.  “Spicy oak notes dance over blackberries and crème de cassis on the nose.  It’s medium-bodied, with nice balance and well-integrated tannins framing dark berries.”  This shows off a lovely mouthfeel and wraps things up with a long, pleasing finish.  90 points Wine Advocate.  $15.97.

 ROSENBLUM HARRIS KRATKA ZINFANDEL 2007

            “The Harris Kratka Zinfandel comes from 50-year-old, head-pruned vines in the Alexander Valley, and it has a bit of Carignane and Petite Sirah in the blend. The wine shows dried, candied chocolate-cherries, dark and chewy tannins and a ripe, sweet mid palate. Perfect for your summer BBQ’s…” or pizza!  88 points Wine Spectator.  $19.97.

 ST. HALLET FAITH SHIRAZ 2006

            This smokin’ deal from Australia is “velvety, open-textured and appealing for its blackberry and tar flavors, hinting at tobacco. The finish sails on,” and on, and on.  You gotta have faith!  89 points Wine Spectator.  $7.97.