We had a lot of our favorite tasters stop by, despite the soft dusting of snow and ice. Thanks for braving the chilly weather and popping by! The identity of the Mystery Wine is:
Ledgewood Creek Merlot 2006 (reg. $18.99) SALE $11.99
Many tasters were certain this was a California Cab --- close, but no cigar. This Merlot has fresh fruit flavors of blueberry and black cherry, with hints of coffee and chocolate on the back palate. Aged to incredible smoothness, this wine will be good for a bit longer, but drink it now to enjoy all of its rich flavors at their best. Other wines in the tasting included:
Robert Mondavi Fume Blanc 2008 (reg. $18.99) SALE $16.99
This tasty Sauvignon Blanc from Napa Valley has a hint of Semillon, giving it a fuller body and richer feel than most Sauv Blancs. Scents of lemongrass, lime and spice come through, followed by tangy and bright peach notes on the palate. A delicious bit of zesty acid on the finish makes this a very bright and refreshing white!
Yalumba Unwooded Chardonnay 2010 (reg. $11.99) SALE $10.59
This “naked” Chardonnay from Australia is bursting with fresh fruit notes of orange and grapefruit. Crisp acidity and a full, rich body makes this a substantial wine that will pair well with many foods. This wine is specifically denoted as vegan (no egg or fish used to fine the wine, which is a very common practice in Australia), so treat your vegan and vegetarian friends to this great wine!
Mill Creek Gewurztraminer 2009 (reg. $13.99) SALE $11.99
This Gewurztraminer from Dry Creek Valley has the classic lychee fruit nose and flavors, underscored by vanilla and apricot. The finish is long and dry with a hint of clove. Drier than an Alsatian Gewurz, it shows the touch of ginger spice for which the California wines are known.
Dievole Rosso di Sangiovese 2007 (reg. $9.99) SALE $8.59
This Italian Sangiovese has spicy black fruit, tobacco, and cedar on the nose. The palate is dominated by black fruits and hints of toasted oak, wood and fine minerals. A bit austere on the front, it follows through with almost a graham cracker note on the finish.
Boeger Milagro 2005 (reg. $19.99) SALE $16.99
This delicious blend from Boeger was a taster favorite! Comprised of 61% Tempranillo, 34% Graciano, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon it was an interesting blend hailing from El Dorado. Earth and cedar came through on the nose, with rasberry, oak, black pepper and vanilla on the palate. A buttery finish with soft tannins made this an incredibly smooth and drinkable red!
Stift Kloster Neuberg Escorial 2006 (reg. $26.99) SALE $19.99
We love the winemakers at Stift Kloster Neuberg and with this yummy blend, you’ll understand why. Composed of St. Laurent (70%), Cabernet Sauvignon (20%), and Merlot (10%), it has bright red fruits on the nose and palate with a solid tannic backbone and good acidity, making this a delicious red for a cold, snowy day!
A special addition from staff member Rachel:
Flying Goat Cellars Dierberg Vineyards Pinot Noir 2008
Rachel recently traveled to Santa Barbara County to do some wine tasting and brought back half of the wine produced there. Well, not quite. She generously brought in one of the top-end Pinots she really enjoyed from Lompoc’s famed Wine Ghetto to share with our tasters. Tasty cranberry on the front palate is backed up by floral notes and soft tannins on the finish. A classic Santa Barbara-style Pinot!
