Tasting Notes Friday 5/3/13

NCWC CENTRAL COAST WINE TASTING 5/3/13

CURTIS HERITAGE BLANC 2010
This blend of Viognier and Roussanne opens with aromas of mango, papaya, honeycomb and lime, followed by vibrant flavors of stone fruits and citrus. The palate is elegantly weighted, unfolding with mineral accents and zesty acidity on a clean, focused finish. 92 points James Suckling. $15.97

QUEEN OF HEARTS PINOT NOIR 2010
This Santa Barbara Pinot Noir reveals enticing aromas of ripe blackberry, black cherry, and cola with smooth fruit driven flavors of plum, strawberry and warm spices. $11.97

ROBERT HALL MERLOT 2010
This fine Paso Merlot has rich briary aromas of blackberry, raspberry, and black cherry accentuated by hints of tobacco and earth. Lush, ruby red color indicates the level of concentration yielded by the
vintage and the vineyards. 90 points Tasting Panel, “Best Buy.” $12.97

TEAGUE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009
Located in San Benito County, east of Monterey, Teague grows grapes for Leal and other wineries and makes a small amount of wine as well. Their Cabernet is a consistently great value, with balance and structure to support ripe berry fruit with cedar and vanilla accents. $14.97

HALTER RANCH CABERNET 2010
Blended with Malbec and Merlot, this Paso Cab is deeply concentrated, displaying aromas of blackberry brambles, black currant, fig and a touch of cocoa. The attack on the palate is driven by an explosion of red and black fruit, framed by elegant structure. Soft integrated tannins guide this beautiful wine through a smooth, rich finish. $26.97

BECKMEN CUVEE LE BEC 2010
“Made from 44% syrah, 34% grenache, 13% mourvedre and 9% counoise, this offers ripe, smoke- and spice-accented black and blue fruits on the nose and in the mouth. Lush and open-knit but energetic as well, showing a suave floral quality on the long, sweet and gently tannic finish. An impressive example of this, which has long been one of the Central Coast’s best QPR wines.” 90 points Stephen Tanzer. $15.97

TROUBLEMAKER BLEND 5
“Troublemaker combines elegance and power. Fresh aromas of black cherry and licorice evolve into a stronger bouquet with hints of smoke and cedar. Robust flavors include red berry, strawberry, rustic hints of spice and earthy notes. Behind the rich and textural mouthfeel, it displays excellent structure and balance.” Made from Syrah, Grenache, Petite Sirah, Mourvedre and Zinfandel. $11.97

TOBIN JAMES “JAMES GANG RESERVE” ZINFANDEL 2008
This big Paso favorite starts with a rich fruit berry aroma with spice. Intense raspberry and black cherry flavors ride a thick velvety texture. It is undeniably full and jammy, with hints of spice and pepper on the finish. $24.97