Tasting Notes Friday 8/30/13

NCWC “GREAT GRILLIN’ WINES” TASTING 8/30/13

DASHWOOD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2012
This lovely New Zealand white offers aromas of stone fruit, citrus and fresh tropical notes that leap from the glass. The palate is expressive with those very same flavors that linger on through the crisp finish. This works great as an aperitif to start your Labor Day festivities, and it’s also a great match with everything from salads to fish to poultry. 88 points Jim Tobin. $11.97

DOMAINE FOUQUETTE DRY ROSE 2012
This wine is just plain delicious! It is crisp on the attack and vibrant on the finish, filling the mid-palate with an array of fresh fruits: red grapefruit, apricot, pluot, wild strawberry and peach skin. If you’re like us, you will find the bottle is empty before you’ve had time to analyze its delightful components. Fully ripe yet brilliant with crisp refreshment, the wine pairs elegantly with an endless number of dishes. 90 points Bill Tobin. $15.97

CUVELIER LOS ANDES MALBEC 2010
“Fragrant black cherries, exotic spices, and floral aromas lead to a plush, ripe, pleasure-bent wine that will drink well for another 8-10 years. It is a fantastic value in Malbec,” and one that will beautifully wash down whatever you’re grilling. 91 points Wine Advocate. $17.97

TAFT STREET SYRAH 2009
This wine has delicious notes of blackberry and spice, and manages to be both rich and elegant at the same time. Medium to full bodied with velvety tannins, its rich layers of flavor are woven together nicely, leading to a long, expressive finish. Burgers, ribs, tri-tip and the like will all welcome a glass of this! 88 points Jim Tobin. $16.97

CADARETTA CABERNET 2009
This wine beckons you with aromas of ripe black cherry, spice, and subtle earthy notes. On the palate the sensual mouthfeel carries a flood of plum and cherry fruit accented by mineral and mocha notes. Balanced and richly textured, this has both the acidity and the juicy fruit profile to sit proudly on your dinner table. 90 points Jim Tobin. $26.97

TRINITAS PETITE SIRAH 2010
Lovely black cherry and vanilla aromas are echoed in big, lush fashion on the palate, with soft tannins providing just enough voluptuous grip. Touches of mocha and oak nuances add a bit of complexity, but this is primarily about richness of flavor. Bottom line, this is just a really tasty wine that will go well with anything loaded with barbecue sauce. 90 points Jim. $26.97

TOBIN JAMES BALLISTIC ZINFANDEL 2010
What can you say about TJ? Fun guy, fun tasting room, biggest wine club in the world, eternally popular. His Ballistic shows off layers of sweet red fruit decorated with spice. This manages to be robust and quaffable all at once, and will wash down everything from pizza to ribs. $12.95