March 2010 Wine Tasting

Freeport Cheese & Wine

Wine & Cheese Tasting!

Friday, March 19th

3:30-7:30pm

The Sparkling

Henry Varnay Blanc de Blancs Brut NV (France) $11.99 - What do you not know at this point. It’s Chenin Blanc made sparkling traditionally. It’s got some nice appley and bread qualities, smooth, and a rich slightly creamy finish. It’s clean and a perfect sparkler for cocktails like Bellinis and Mimosas. The Whites:

Chateau Bonhoste Bordeaux Blanc Sec 2009 (France) Reg. $14.99, Sale $13.99 - This is a FABULOUS wine! Made by the Fournier family; this is a traditional white Bordeaux blend of Semillon (55%), Sauvignon Blanc (40%), and a touch of Muscadelle (5%). It is a perfectly formed blend of these components; showing lushness and body from the Semillon, acidity and crispness from the Sauv. Blanc, and rich aromatics from the Muscadelle. Dry and focused. Aromas of pineapples, freshly mown grass & green bananas. Nice minerality. Nicely balanced acidity and fruit. It’s a blend of Semillon (55 percent), Sauvignon Blanc (40 percent), and Muscadelle (5 percent). Organic farming. Food pairing - Goes great with lighter poultry and seafood dishes. Drinks real well on its own!

Jean Paul Paquet St. Veran 2008 (France) $24.99 - This is classic Mâcon White Burgundy. It has a rich mouth feel and texture. It’s certainly ripe; but, it also has a clean acidity to balance that ripe fruit. Underneath that fruit and acidity is a perfectly proportional hint of Burgundy earthiness. Just a slight quality of earth and wet rocks.

The Reds:

Famille Laurent Saint Pourçain 2007 Tradition (Pinot Noir/Gamay) $14.99 - This unusual blend comes from the St. Pourcain area just southwest of Beaujolais and Burgundy. The grapes are farmed and fermented by the Laurent family which has worked this land for nearly 100 years. The wine is bright and has beautiful berry qualities with a slightly darker undertone from the Pinot Noir.

Seigneurs de Peyreviel Côtes de Millau 2006 (France) Reg. $12.99, Sale $11.99 - 11 famers co-operatively farm 90 acres here in southwestern France. The clay, limestone vineyards produce Cabernet, Gamay, Syrah, and Fer Severadou. This wine has nice ripe berry qualities, followed by some nice fresh acidity and a soft finish. The Syrah also gives it substantial black pepper.

Domaine du Jas (Organic) Côtes du Rhône 2008 Prestige $14.99 - A large proportion of Syrah in this wine gives it more heft and spice than the average Côtes du Rhône. This is a fuller bodied wine with some black pepper and tannin that is equally at home with pork tenderloin, roast chicken, and a rich stew. Plus, it’s certified Organic!

Domaine de Bel Air (Organic) Bourgueil 2003 (France) $15.99 - And last up is this Bourgueil. Bourgeil is from the central Loire River Valley and is one of the most sought after Cabernet Francs in the world, along with its neighbor Chinon. This happens to come from the 2003 vintage, which was ungodly hot. The extreme heat wreaked havoc some places, but here it resulted in a wine that’s just a bit fuller, denser, and fully developed. It has the spicy pepper and dust that is typical of Cabernet Franc. The mid palate has some black pepper, but, great richness too. This really fills the mouth and then has a lingering, but not too tannic finish. It’s a good wine in its own right, but also a great beginner Cabernet Franc because it has that extra richness.

Davine’s Wines

The Whites:

Peñalolén Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (Chile) $12.99 – This is a crisp, clean delicious Sauv. Blanc. Aromas of oranges and lemons. This also has flavors of tropical fruit, ginger and citrus. Brisk, crisp acidity and a clean finish. Refreshing. 100% Sauvignon Blanc aged and fermented in stainless steel.

Apaltaqua Reserve Chardonnay 2008 (Chile) $12.99 – This is a wonderful Chardonnay that is neither Napa Valley nor is it Burgundy. This winery is probably Chile’s pioneer when it comes to biodynamic farming. Aromas and flavors of peaches, grapefruit and tropical fruit. This is crisp, juicy and refreshing. The finish is long and clean.

The Reds:

Peñalolén Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (Chile) $17.99 – Delicious wine! This has a smooth, soft texture. Aromas and flavors of violets, baking spices and berries. Blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Aged in French oak for 12 months. Will drink well through 2014. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 89 points

Pargua II 2006 (Chile) $21.99 - The 2006 Pargua II is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Carmenère, 15% Syrah, and the balance Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Also produced from organically grown grapes, the wine has softer fruit and is riper, richer and more concentrated than its more expensive sibling, Domus Aurea. Aromas and flavors of wild berries and baking spices. Already complex, with another 3-4 years in the bottle to blossom, it will provide exceptional drinking between 2013 and 2026. Food pairing – grilled meats, spicy sauces, Mediterranean dishes. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 91 points

Viña Maquis Calcu 2006 (Chile) $13.99 - This is delicious! Big hit at a tasting! Tasty little blend! Nice minerals, ripe tannins, baking spices, red fruit, and subtle oak in the flavors and aromas. Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Cabernet Franc (15%) & Carménère (25%) blend. In the local "Mapuche" language, "Calcu" means "healing doctor" or "magician." Indeed, the winemakers have created another magical "Super Chilean!" Food pairing - pasta, grilled meats, mushroom dishes, etc. Drinks well without food. Wine Enthusiast, “Best Buy;” Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, “Excellent Value”

Viña Maquis Lien 2006 (Chile) $17.99 - Delicious! Rich, lush wine! Aromas and flavors of mocha, toast, ripe plums, blackberries & blueberries. Fleshy, ripe and rich. Hints of loamy earth. Not too tannic. Low-yield vines. All of the grapes are hand-sorted at the winery. 42% Syrah, 30% Carmenère, 9% Petit Verdot, 12% Cabernet Franc & 7% Malbec. Barrel aged for 12 months in French oak. Food pairing - grilled meats, steak, etc. Pasta dishes. Drinks well without food. Michael Franz, Wine Review Online, 91 points, “Wine of the Year; Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, 90 points