Today’s mystery was very popular with our tasters! No one guessed its identity, and many were surprised when they walked out with a bottle! The identity of the Mystery Wine is:
Zinister Zinfandel 2007 (reg. $19.99) SALE 16.99
Produced by McNab Ridge, Zinister is Mendocino Zin on steroids. At 16.0 percent alcohol, it is not a shy wine but is also not overly alcoholic. Strong fruit and body make for a big but balance wine. Other wines in the tasting included:
Orsolani al Bacio Erbaluce 2009 (reg. $13.99) SALE $11.99
This Erbaluce from northeastern Italy has big aromas of apples, sage and magnolia. Flavors of apple and peach and notes of mineral, herbs, and lime make a refreshingly crisp, almost saline, finish. Refined, tasty and affordable!
Domaine de Fondreche Rose 2010 (reg. $24.99) SALE $19.99
This rose from the Cotes du Ventoux in the Southern Rhone is a blend of Cinsault (50%), Syrah (30%) and Grenache (20%). On the nose and palate are apricot, strawberry, plum and a little white pepper. Bright, racing acidity makes this a very food friendly rose!
di Leonardo Chardonnay 2010 (reg. $11.99) $ SALE $10.49
This Friuli Chardonnay has rich notes of lemon on the nose. Asparagus and lemon come through on a medium-bodied, rich palate. A bright touch of acidity sparkles on the finish!
Llai Llai Pinot Noir 2009 (reg. $11.99) SALE $10.49
Hailing from Chile, this Pinot is light and flavorful. Aging in French oak and stainless steel gives the wine a lot of fruit-driven flavors and a nice, oaky spice. Aromas and flavors of raspberry and cherry are supported by minerality on the finnish and mild tannins. This is a great wine when you need a light-bodied red!
Marques de la Real Defense Crianza 2006 (reg. $11.99) SALE $10.49
This blend of Tempranillo (50%), Merlot (25%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (25%) from Navarra, Spain, is a medium-bodied, rich red. With cranberry and blueberry notes on the nose and palate, tart fruit and smooth tannins make this a very drinkable wine. At this price, when you get a craving for Spanish, feel free to indulge!
Chateau Morin Saint-Estephe 2008 (reg. $18.99) SALE $16.49
This Left Bank Bordeaux is rich and deep, with robust black currant fruit complementing its spice, cedar, and black olive notes. Cabernet-dominated, it has a solid structure, with good tannins on the finish.
Oakstone “Pinot Gringo” Late Harvest Pinot Grigio 2010 (reg. $17.99) SALE $15.99
This late harvest Pinot Grigio has rich, tropical fruit aromas and honeyed fruit flavors. An interesting and different wine, it was a fun addition to our lineup!
We also shared some of our favorite spirits with tasters:
Jefferson’s Very Small Batch Bourbon (reg. 39.99) SALE $34.99
Jefferson’s Rye Whiskey (reg. $45.99) SALE $39.99
Special Addition:
Dragon’s Hollow Merlot 2008
Our thanks to Martin for sharing with us this representation of China’s wines! Coming from He Lan Mountain Appellation, it displays rich black fruits notes and solid tannins. Thanks, Martin!
Fussigny Cognac Dinner - Fourth Estate Restaurant
Monday, December 12th at 6:00 PM
The president of the French Cognac house A. de Fussigny will share the secrets the impeccably aged eau de vie at a cognac dinner 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12th, at the Fourth Estate restaurant at the National Press Club. The event is open to the public. The multi-course dinner costs $100 per person, including tax, gratuity and a full-size bottle of Fussigny Selection VSOP (a $35 value).
To reserve, please call (202) 662-7638 or email fourthestate@press.org
A. de Fussigny, established on the banks of the Charente River in the historic center of the village of Cognac in 1814, is one of the smaller, but most highly rated, cognac houses. It is the only cognac house that distills its eau-de-vie in the town center of Cognac.
BELL'S HOLIDAY SALE CATALOG
CLICK HERE to download the 2011 Holiday Sale catalog. It is also available in hard
copy at the shop. This year's Holiday Sale is the biggest and best ever. Please use the catalog as your guide to savings, but we are constantly bringing in new items so come by the shop for the best selection.
SALE PRICES EXTENDED THROUGH DECEMBER 31st!
