Tasting Notes Friday 2/22/13

NCWC WASHINGTON WINE TASTING 2/22/13

CMS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2010
The Evergreen State is absolutely rocking the wine world these days! This tasty white from Hedges boasts “aromas of pear, grapefruit peel, wet straw and gooseberry with hints of custard and asparagus. Crisp acidity is apparent on the entry and balanced by fruit sweetness and a relatively rich and viscous mouth feel.” 88 points Jim Tobin. $11.97/bottle.

14 HANDS HOT TO TROT RED 2010
One way Washington excels is with blends. “This polished, ripe and stylish one, combining Merlot, Syrah, Cab, and Mourvedre, features cherry, orange peel and black tea flavors that glide easily over refined tannins, balanced with refreshing acidity.” 88 points Wine Spectator. $9.97/bottle.

THREE RIVERS MERLOT 2010
The state is also producing some of the best New World Merlot you’ll find. This one offers rich aromas of black cherry and vanilla, followed by those same flavors accented with dusty mocha notes and an intriguing, subtle minerality, all held together by big, grippy tannins. 90 points Jim Tobin. $23.97/bottle.

CADARETTA CABERNET 2009
Now check out this Cab! “Intense aromatics up front, showing red fruit flavors melded to baking spice. Ripe strawberry and black cherry tones are underlain by deeper earthy notes, and lightly tinged with citrus-evoking orange zest. On the palate, pomegranate and black plum juices flood the entry, leading to a sensual and voluminous mouthfeel. Mineral and earthy tones fill the mid-palate, leading into a lush and fine-grained finish, framed by mocha and blackberry. Refreshingly balanced alcohol and juicy natural acidity bring length and grace to this richly-textured wine.” 90 points Jim Tobin. $26.97/bottle.

EFESTE FINAL-FINAL 2009
At 58% Cab and 42% Syrah, this is the best Final-Final to date. “It’s so balanced and focused. The aromas are inviting and pure. The texture is wonderful and has so much grace the blend is seamless. There is a pure expression of minerals and wet dirt, with overtones of fresh blackberry and black cherry plus a touch of an herbal mint-like character.” 90 points Wine Spectator. $26.97/bottle.

CHESTER KIDDER RED BLEND 2008
“Always the last of the Long Shadows lineup to be released, this spent 20 months in barrel and another two years in bottle. The blend remains weighted toward Cabernet Sauvignon (61%) and Syrah (29%), with small amounts of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Oaky, smoky, smooth and mouthfilling, it’s bursting with rich cassis fruit and annotated with a dash of pepper.” 92 points Stephen Tanzer. $46.97.

SYNCLINE SYRAH 2009
Syrah is yet another strength of Washington’s wine country. “A dark, smoky, earthy Syrah with juicy blackberry and black currant fruits, this wine just coats the palate and seduces; threads of coffee and caramel, baking spices and cinnamon all weave through the lengthy finish. The tannins are supportive but unobtrusive, and the balance is superb. It finishes with a burst of grilled meat.” 93 points Wine Enthusiast. $29.97/bottle.