Sunday, May 30, 3:30 pm
Summertime brings with it a host of reasons to lighten up: you don’t want to feel like marine biologists will put you into a gargantuan sling when you head out to the beach; you either just overdid it on vacation or intend to overdo it on vacation, so you must compensate by going easy here at home; or perhaps it’s just too hot to weigh yourself down with volumes of hearty wines. Whatever your logic, we’re spending this summer reminding you of the lovely choices you have in half bottles and we thought we’d kick it off with this month’s wine tasting. So behold, a host of tasty wines that you don’t have to wonder if you’ll finish before they’re no longer fresh, bright and tasty.
Halvsies
N.V. Delamotte Brut Champagne, Champagne (375 ml) $32.00
One of the best buys in exquisitely crafted Champagne, this wine smells of fresh bread dough intermixed with buttery citrus and nutty aromas. It reveals light to medium body, extraordinary precision, and a lingering effervescence with tiny pinpoint bubbles.
2007 WillaKenzie Estate Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley (375 ml) $12.00
Excellent clarity and an appealing green-gold color create a pleasant first impression in the glass. Aromas of peach, pear, melon and pineapple are complemented by subtle floral tones including clover and fruit tree blossom. The flavors follow the aromas with the addition of apricot and apple. The mouthfeel is round and full with a crisp attack, sweeter mid-palate and nice acidity returning on the long finish.
2007 Adelsheim Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley (375 ml) $20.00
With its wide variety of origins and clones, this wine displays both red and black fruit aromas (cherries and raspberries), on the nose and the palate. In addition, one finds a light touch of brown spices (nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice) and even a little black pepper. It is elegantly textured with satiny, polished tannins showing in the finish.
2004 C. G. DiArie “Southern Exposure” Zinfandel, Shenandoah Valley (375 ml) $13.00
Deep violet in color the wine has an elegant nose that begins with blackberry, plum, and dark cherries. Under this dark fruit are opulent layers of vanilla, cedar, anise, spice, and dried flowers. Layers of cracked black pepper, cloves, and briar accompany the rounded tannins. The wine finishes with velvety smoothness and sweet cherries.
2005 Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Montepulciano (375 ml) $19.00
Raspberry, floral notes and mineral on the nose and palate with a little violet in back. Full-bodied, turning a little jammy and raisiny. Shows loads of new oak. A New World style. The Wine Spectator gave this wine 89 points.
2004 McKenzie-Mueller Cabernet Franc, Napa (375 ml) $20.00
Aromatics of juicy deep fruit, earth and spice with a measure of toasted oak. The tannins are evident but smooth and fine; additional air allows the wine to open and begin expressing its secondary characteristics, as well as a long, lingering finish.
The theme for this month’s wine tasting is the Halvsies We Love: all wines available
in half bottles, and all favorites of one (or many) of us here on the staff of Feast.
Keep your eyes on this spot for a list of the wines. As usual, the tasting will be
on the last Sunday of the month, May 30th, and as usual, the cost will be a mere
$25. You’ll get to taste all six wines and eat a snack designed to pair with each one.
If you’d like to join us, reserve your spot by calling 326-9363.