March 2007 Wine Tasting

March Wine Tasting
Freeport Cheese & Wine
(207) 865-3993

The Whites

Jakob Schneider Riesling Kabinett Nahe 2005 (Germany) - $16.99 - This is a tasty wine from the Nahe region (the Nahe is a tributary of the Rhine). Aromas of flowers, grapefruit, minerals and more. A touch of sweetness, but it is balanced with acidity. Crisp. Long, long finish. 10% alcohol. This wine is a blend of Riesling grapes from 3 wonderful vineyards in Kirschheck, Klamm and Kertz. It's a One Liter bottle - so this is 1/3 more wine than a standard 750ml bottle. Truly a family run winery that dates back to 1901 in this family. About 11 hectares of vineyards (25 acres). Food Pairing - German food, Thai food, smoked fish, seafood, shellfish, ham...etc....Drinks great on its own!

Pine & Post Chardonnay 2005 (Washington) - $7.99 - A great value in a Washington Chardonnay. Smooth, lighter than many Chards....aromas of pears, tangerines and spices. Flavors of tropical fruits (mangoes), fresh herbs and spice. Blended with some Semillon that adds some softness and lushness to the wine's texture. Nice, lingering, clean finish. Food Pairing - seafood, pasta dishes, and chicken....drinks well on its own.

R. Stuart & Co. Big Fire Pinot Gris 2005 (Oregon) - Reg. $14.99 Sale $13.99 - This is a fabulous Pinot Gris! Aromas of flowers, vanilla, apples and pears. Wonderful fruit and acidity in the flavors - apples, pears and vanilla. Crisp, vibrant finish! Food Pairing - seafood, spicy Asian food...shellfish....

The Reds

R. Stuart & Co. Big Fire Pinot Noir 2006 (Oregon) - Reg. $21.99 Sale $19.99 - This is a big, ripe plum! Juicy, lots of fruit.....smooth and easy-to-drink. Spicy pepper about half-way through...Nice length on the finish! Food Pairing - salmon, duck, grilled meats....etc. Drinks well on its own!

Pine & Post Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (Washington) - $7.99 - This is a screaming GREAT value and just a good wine! Deep, dark color. Wonderful cherry and dark fruit aromas, hints of pepper, roasted meats, cedar and vanilla. Red berry, cherry and plum flavors with a hint of smoke and cedar. Moderate, but firm tannins. Blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and 5% Syrah, making this similar to an old-style "Claret" blend, but it is definitely a "New World" wine! Food Pairing - Drinks well as a cocktail wine! Goes well with meats, lasagna, pizza, etc. Seattle Times, "Recommended"

Vinum Cellars "Pets" Petite Sirah 2005 (California) - Reg. $14.99 Sale $13.99 - Deep, dark wine that is just loaded with ripe fruit aromas and flavors....nice floral notes....flavors of plums, blueberries, dried herbs, smoky bacon and more. Well-balanced acidity and tannins....medium-bodied.....medium-to-long finish....A portion of the profits from this wine are donated to an animal shelter and the wine is dedicated to winemaker Ken Wilson's dog, Tanker. Winemakers call Petite Sirah "Pets." Aged in French oak barrels. 11,500 cases made. Food Pairing - Drinks well on its own....pairs up well with roasted and grilled meats, pizza, mushroom dishes, etc.

Fetish Wines "The Watcher" Shiraz 2004 (Australia) - $21.99 - This is a big, bold Syrah from Australia....huge flavors and aromas.....Cherries, spice, tar, licorice, some smoke and more. Moderate tannins. Well-balanced acidity. Long finish. 1,500 cases imported. Food Pairing - meat dishes, robust vegetarian dishes, etc.

The Sparkling and Dessert

Scagliola "Primo Bacio" Moscato D'asti 2005 (Italy) - $15.99 - This is just so nice! It's soft, rich and lush with nice bubbles....it just feels elegant! The aromas just leap from the bottle! It tastes great! The label on this pictures the Mario's first girlfriend (Mario is the winemaker)....and Primo Bacio means "First Kiss." This winery farms organically and biodynamically. Food Pairing - Pair this with desserts (fruit desserts, not chocolate), lighter pasta dishes or aged cheeses....this is a wonderful wine for a romantic evening!