Tasting Notes, Friday 11/11

NCWC “ROCK STAR” TASTING, 11/11/11

MER SOLEIL CHARDONNAY 2008

If wines could be rock stars, then tonight’s lineup is ready to take the stage.  Our opening act is this gorgeous, buttery Chard, hitting the entry with notes of pineapple, banana, and coconut.  Then the mid-palate goes on to reveal additional layers of vanilla, lemon meringue pie, and rich oak, and the finish is as epic as Robert Plant and Jimmy Paige wrapping up “Stairway to Heaven.”  91 points Bill.  $23.97.

SHAFER MERLOT 2007

This ain’t no Lawrence Welk Merlot; this is Jim Morrison all the way.  It’s dark and brooding, with “blackberry and graphite aromas and youthful, concentrated black cherry and mocha fruit that show notes of roasted herb, with a hint of game.”  As charismatic and captivating as the Lizard King in concert, this wine will definitely Light Your Fire.  92 points Wine Spectator.  $43.97.

TRINITAS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007

This Cab will strut across your palate like Steven Tyler fronting Aerosmith in his leopard skin trousers.  It sings with bright aromas of roses, tobacco and spice, leading to a full, supple, rich palate of blackberries, cherries and cocoa. The long finish of cherries, caramel, spice, cassis and coffee rocks well, and rocks hard.  “Walk This Way” just became “Drink This Way.”  90 points Tobins.  $42.97.

LEAL GODSEND 2006

An incredible reserve wine from Leal Vineyards, this has almost as much showmanship as Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.  Extended aging in French and American oak helps give the wine the kind of complexity and depth seen in the Glimmer Twins’ relationship.  Mouth-filling and rich, elegant and balanced, its classic Cabernet aromas and flavors of rich currant, cassis and soft spiced oak will give lots of “Satisfaction.”  91 points Tobins.  $59.97.

NICKEL & NICKEL VOGT VINEYARD CABERNET 2007

As authentic, memorable, and talented as Kurt Cobain, this single vineyard Cabernet smells nothing like Teen Spirit, showing lovely aromas of currants, violets, and tea.  Those are echoed on the palate and augmented by blackberries, vanilla and tobacco.  Much better than “Lithium.”  93 points Bill.  $69.97.

GROTH RESERVE CABERNET 2007

The folks at Groth play their vines like Jimi Hendrix played his guitar, with mind-bending skill and jaw-dropping passion.  This is pure, rich “Purple Haze,” showing firm black cherry and blackberry fruit, with olive, sage, dusty earth and mineral hints.  As complex as Jimi himself.  95 points Wine Spectator.  $84.97.

AMIZETTA RESERVE CABERNET 2008

As electric, grandiose, larger than life, and unforgettable as David Lee Roth, this stunning wine will have you singing “Hot For Amizetta.”  It’s richly flavored, yet elegantly structured, with aromas and flavors of cassis, blueberry, cherry, eucalyptus, tobacco and earth.  This might make you “Jump” for joy.  94 points BTI.  $75.97.