Wednesday 3/2

We love San Diego County!  A bit expensive, true, but
so beautiful and so fun! And guess what – we’ve got
winemakers here too. We’re not talking Temecula;
we’re talking right here in San Diego County.

As in Temecula, though, many of these wines are
kinda pricy for the quality level (just being honest!)
But through our rigorous tasting regimen we have
discovered a handful that represent terrific values.
Hurray for them!

But we’re not interested in local wineries joining hands
and singing Kumbaya. We want to see them do battle!

Which brings us to our tasting event for Wednesday
evening, March 2nd. (Anytime after 5 pm, just 10 bucks)

Two of our favorite local wineries
are having a knock-down, drag-out, no-holds-barred
smackdown! It’s Milagro Farm of Ramona versus
Fallbrook Winery.

Your first job is to come and be amazed at how
good these are. Your second job is to pick a winner.
Here’s the lineup:

Milagro Farm Chardonnay 2009, $15.97
Fallbrook Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2010, $10.97
Milagro Farm Merlot 2008, $16.97
Fallbrook Winery Cabernet Franc 2008, $19.97
Milagro Farm Cabernet 2007, $19.97
Fallbrook Winery BDX (Cab blend) 2008, $19.97

These six wines are very good. And did you
notice they’re all under 20 bucks? Like we said,
your first job is to come and be amazed.

See you here!

Have fun reading these tasting notes by Bill:

The Contenders Tasting

Two local heavyweights go head to head in  a taste-off to determine San Diego’s best winery.  The contenders: Milagro Farm from Ramona and Fallbrook Winery from Fallbrook.
Round One: White vs. White
Fallbrook Winery 2010 Sauvignon Blanc attacks at the bell with vibrant aromas of hay and spring flowers, leading to tart citrus and grass flavors on the palate.  Very clean, pure fruit backed by good acidity delivering a body blow on the finish.
Milagro Farm 2009 Chardonnay fights back with tropical fruit, light citrus and oak on the nose.  This Chard delivers a hook with bananas, pineapple, pear and apple on the palate, finishing with a jab of tart acidity and a long balanced finish.
Round Two: Merlot vs. Cab Franc
Milagro Farm 2008 Merlot opens its defense with strong black cherry and herbs on the nose, leading to punishing blows of earth and smoke on the palate. This Merlot flaunts its medium body and sturdy tannic structure, integrated with dark fruit on the finish.
Fallbrook Winery 2008 Cabernet Franc opens with dynamic tobacco leaf and herbs jabbing through the black cherry and blackberry fruit, feinting with candied fruit on the mid-palate.  A very smooth boxer, clinching the opposition with grippy tannins on the long, persistent finish.  A juicy wine that calls out for a medium rare steak- for dinner or for that black eye?
Round Three: Cabernet vs. BDX Bordeaux Blend
Milagro Farm 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon delivers an upercut of lush blackberry and vanilla on the nose.  Medium body with a plush texture, displaying fine balance as it dances across the ring.  Finishes with a strong combination of black fruits and grippy tannins.
Fallbrook Winery 2008 BDX struts into the ring with its strong pedigree of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec.  Flashes layered aromas of blackberry and red currant, with hints of mocha and spice.  Delivers a knockout blow of dark, juicy fruit balanced with good acidity and smokey notes on the finish.