Eikeboom Pinotage 2009 (reg. $14.99) $13.49/12.74
Surprise! This new Pinotage is a bit atypical of the varietal’s usual expression, so we were a bit tricky this week. Hailing from South Africa’s Western Cape, this rich wine is a tasty surprise. Pinotage is the result of a crossing between Pinot Noir and Cinsault varietals, but this wine tastes more along the lines of a combination of Pinot Noir and Zinfandel. Juicy, fruity and nicely structured, it is a bit of a fruit bomb with body. A hint of earthy smoke on the back palate makes for an interesting mouthfeel.
Other wines included in the tasting:
Hess Allomi Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (reg. $13.99) $12.59/11.89
This Sauvignon Blanc from the Howell Mountain area of Napa Valley is refreshing and acidic, but has more body and complexity than many other California Sauv Blancs, due to the four months it sees in new oak barrels. With bright citrus fruits on the nose and palate, and an round finish, it is a fantastic food wine!
A L’Ombre des Fontaines Cotes du Rhone Rose 2010 (reg. $9.99) $8.99/8.49
This Cotes du Rhone rose is a delightful blend of Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault. A light and clean style, it has mineral and stone notes up front, followed by hints of peach, cherry and jasmine. The finish is long and juicy. This rose will be tasty all through the year!
Joseph Carr Josh Chardonnay 2009 (reg. $15.99) SALE! $10.99
If you enjoy a very oaky, buttery Chardonnay, pick up this new offering we just got in from Joseph Carr. Ripe citrus, peach, and pear notes come through on the nose and palate, with a touch of vanilla and smoke on the finish. Partially barrel fermented, and undergoing mostly malolactic fermentation, it offers stone fruit flavors but is most prominent in its toast and butter notes.
Domaine de la Solitude Cotes du Rhone 2009 (reg. $15.99) $14.39/13.61
This light and smooth Cotes du Rhone has velvety fruits, backed up with soft tannins. It offers a solid, juicy core of black cherry and licorice notes, with just a bit of anise on the nose and palate. This moderately priced wine tastes much more expensive than it is -- the perfect bring-to-dinner wine!
Dynamite Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (reg. $12.99) $11.69/11.04
This new-to-Bell Cabernet hails from Red Hills in California’s Lake County. On the nose are blackberries, toast and a touch of smoke. The palate is medium-to-full bodied and packed with tannins. This is most definitely a “food wine,” begging to be paired with red meats and rustic dishes.
Santero Asti NV (reg. $10.99) $9.89/9.34
Italy’s famous sparkling wine, Asti, is represented well here, with a flowery bouquet, fresh acidity and a medium-sweet grapey flavor. A clean, refreshing finish makes this a light and enjoyable dessert wine.
Carisma Sweet Syrah 2010
A fun sample offering from McNab Ridge in Mendocino, California, this slightly sparkling Syrah would appeal to those sweeter palates. We may just bring it in for a unique New Year's toast with your sweetheart! We also understand that it makes a rockin' Sangria!!
Allure Special Red Wine by McNab Ridge
This port style red infused with chocolate is also produced by McNab Ridge. The bouquet is intensely chocolate and the mouth feel can best compared to a liquid Tootsie Roll. Chocolate fans and port drinkers loved its intensity and uniqueness!
