What ho, Wine Nerds,
The last Sunday of the month is fast upon us, which means another wine tasting. This month’s theme: Pinot. Not necessarily only Pinot Noir, but Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Meunier- heck, even Chardonnay (perhaps you were unaware that Chardonnay itself is a hybrid of Pinot and Gouais Blanc). Pinots have been propagated throughout the Old World and the New, and this Sunday, September 30th, Craig Stancliff will be here with tastes of various Pinots of various types from various locales, and fun, I would imagine, will be had by all. The wines are a mite pricier than usual, hence this month’s $30 price tag, but the wines still come with our customary paired snacks. The tasting begins at 3:30 pm. To reserve your spot, you can reach us at 326-9363.
N.V. Jacques Copinet Brut Rosé, Champagne half bottle $33.00
Pink salmon color. Very floral, with fresh notes of wild strawberry and citrus. Fruity and delicate with a supple mélange of red berries, cinnamon and citrus. Long, zesty red fruit finish.
2009 Cave de Beblenheim Baron de Hoen Pinot Blanc, Alsace $16.00
Light, soft and fresh, an easy-drinking Pinot Blanc, with abundant pear and fresh apricot flavors. A great aperitif style, ready to drink.
2010 Manin Pinot Grigio, Grave in Friuli $15.00
The Manin Pinot Grigio comes from the most northeastern reach of Italy in the Friuli-Venenzia Giulia. The wine comes from well maintained vineyards that have surprisingly low yields for the area, as Codroipo’s main goal is pristine quality throughout their estate. The Manin is lovely; a crisp white wine full of bright citrus and orchard fruits with a clean, fresh finish.
2009 Atonement Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County $21.00
The Atonement Chardonnay fills the glass with scents of fresh cut mango, lilies and grapefruit greet delicate aromas of white tea and fig. An elegant, textural palate of apple butter, almond skin and cinnamon dust is structured around the wine’s pleasantly firm acidity.
2009 Atonement Pinot Noir, Central Coast $21.00
Atonement Pinot Noir announces itself with brooding scents of wild cherry, star anise and blond tobacco leaf further aromas of white sage and crushed rose petal add complexity and elegance. On the palate the wine is rich and focused offering flavors of blood orange, cherry skin and garam masala with a spicy finely grained finish.
2010 Domaine Chandon Pinot Meunier, Carneros $33.00
The wine opens with bright fruit aromas on the nose lead by dominant notes of Santa Rosa plum, hibiscus and hints of cola nut. On the palate, the wine is mouthwatering, deliciously fresh and approachable, as flavors of raspberry, boysenberry, and a trace of briar and juniper are carried on supple tanning for a sexy, satisfying texture. The 2010 vintage is distinguished by médium term barrel aging and the utilization of whole cluster fermentation, which introduces subtle spice and increased vibrancy.