Tasting Notes Friday 12/20/13

NCWC 90 POINT WINE TASTING EVENT 12/20/13

ROEDERER ESTATE L’ERMITAGE BRUT 2004
“Wine of the Year, 2013. This is an exquisite sparkling wine made from 52% Chardonnay and 48% Pinot Noir, concocted into a special blend and aged for almost six years in oak cask. After disgorgement it was given another five months to sit in bottle before release. It has such freshness on the palate, such enviable acidity, that it’s hard to believe the grapes were picked so long ago. Crisp apple dominates, with just a trace of yeastiness on the nose and palate. This is a delicious wine.” 97 points Wine Enthusiast, #1 on their “Top 100.” $49.97

A TO Z PINOT NOIR 2011
“Sleek and tightly packed, with delicate layers of cherry, tobacco and cocoa flavors mingling against refined tannins, persisting pleasantly on the light-stepping finish. Drink now through 2017.” 90 points Wine Spectator, #55 on their “Top 100.” $16.97

SAN FELICE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2010
“A classically styled wine, the 2010 Chianti Classico San Felice is composed of Sangiovese with additions of Colorino and Pugnitello. This second grape once faced extinction and has recently seen a small renaissance thanks to the efforts of San Felice’s winemaking team. The wine is rich with tart plum, rose petal and dried cherry. The palate offers smooth, velvety tannins. 92 points Wine Advocate. 90 points Wine Spectator, “Outstanding Value.” $15.97

EVODIA OLD VINE GARNACHA 2011
“Glass-staining ruby. Aromas of blackberry, boysenberry, smoky minerals and white pepper, with a suggestion of candied rose. Supple on entry, then firmer in the mid-palate, with vibrant flavors of black and blue fruits and floral pastilles. Finishes with powerful blue fruit and spice notes and very good length.” 90 points Stephen Tanzer. $7.97

ZUCCARDI SERIES A MALBEC 2011
“The 2011 Serie A Malbec from La Consulta, Vista Flores and Agrelo is 70% aged in barrel. On the nose it shows saturated red cherry fruit laced with fresh fig and prune. The palate is ripe and chewy with licorice and graphite-infused black fruit and a long, powerful finish that is both silky and refined. The quality and bravura displayed on the palate are undeniable. Drink now-2018.” 90 points Wine Advocate. $12.97

GIRARD PETITE SIRAH 2011
On the nose we see blackberry compote, figs and toasted spices reminiscent of the holidays. The palate is starting to express its dark fruit character accented with notes of plum, cranberry and toasty oak notes and hints of hazelnuts. The wine will benefit with some cellar time allowing the bright acidity to integrate with the fruit & oak character. Drink 2013-2018. 93 points Robert Parker. $23.97