Wine & Cheese Tasting
September 29th & October 1st
Thursday 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Saturday 12 PM – 5:00 PM
Albet i Noya Petit Albet ( Petit — meaning “young” in Catalan ) 2009
Origin: Penedes, Catalunya, Spain (Northeastern Spain)
Varietal: 40% Chardonnay 60% Xarel·lo
Tasting Notes: An easily approachable wine, it was made in an attractive, uncomplicated style. It has a light and fresh bouquet with delicate aromas. Clean and elegant on the palate, with notes of ripe apples, green pepper, and lemon and good mineral qualities. Certified Organic, Biodynamic and suitable for vegans.
Food Pairing: Enjoy with salads and seafood-based pasta and rice dishes, such as seafood paella as well as lightly spiced pork, chicken and veal dishes.
Produttori Langhe Nebbiolo Rosso 2009
Origin: Langhe, Piemonte, Italy. In 1894 the first Barbaresco cooperative was created, the "Cantine Sociali", by gathering together nine Barbaresco vineyard owners to make wine in the local castle that he owned. This wine is produced every year by the Produttori del Barbaresco.
Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo
Tasting Notes: "The 2009 Langhe Nebbiolo is made from the coop's youngest vines and given a relatively short six months in large neutral oak. This mid-weight, juicy Nebbiolo is sleek and refined in its floral red fruit and spices, with good intensity and terrific overall balance. It is an excellent choice for drinking over the next few years. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2014." 89 Points Robert Parker’s - The Wine Advocate
Food Pairing: Pasta with rich sauces, Risotto, poultry, hard cheeses, Grilled, roasted, and stewed Red meat such as Prime rib and venison.
Rays Station North Coast Merlot 2007
One hundred fifty years ago, retired Captain John Ray planted his first grapes in the Alexander Valley. At the same time, his ranch was becoming renowned as a stagecoach station stop for travellers making the trek through the Mayacamas Mountains to the Geysers. Not only popular as a rest stop, Ray's Station was gaining a reputation for its quality regional wines, made from grapes grown in the valley and along the lower slopes of Ray's ranch. Today, the wines of Ray's Station pay tribute to that pioneer spirit with a gutsy, food-friendly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that are testaments to the character of Captain John Ray.
Origin: North Coast, California. The North Coast American Viticultural Area (AVA) is bordered by the San Francisco and San Pablo Bays to the South and great Pacific Ocean to the West. Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino counties lie within the North Coast AVA. The influence of the cool coastal climate is profound, resulting in temperate vineyard conditions ideal for growing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Varietal: Merlot
Tasting Notes: Bold, balanced, complex. Thick layers of cherry, plum and other stone fruits follow distinct aromas of tobacco and coffee bean. Like a good campfire, this Merlot is robust, aromatic and best enjoyed under the stars.
Food Pairing: The wine pairs beautifully with any red meat, salmon, pork, poultry and yes even Pasta with Marinara sauce.
Rays Station North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Origin: North Coast, California. The North Coast American Viticultural Area (AVA) is bordered by the San Francisco and San Pablo Bays to the South and great Pacific Ocean to the West. Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino counties lie within the North Coast AVA. The influence of the cool coastal climate is profound, resulting in temperate vineyard conditions ideal for growing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting Notes: Rich,
dense, layered. Mountain berries, cedar and vanilla spice fill the nose. Heaps
of black cherry and blueberry please the palate. Like a twelve-point buck, this Cab is
stately, sturdy
and impressive.
Food Pairing: This is a very versatile food friendly Cabernet that pairs well with everything from Rack of lamb seasoned in breadcrumbs with salt & garlic to Meat Loaf, even Spaghetti a la Carbonara, and of course – a great steak.
Brazin Old Vine Zinfandel 2007
Origin: Lodi, California
Varietal: Zinfandel
Tasting Notes: Once your eyes glimpse Brazin’s deep and inky color, they’ll alert your other senses to fasten their seat belts. Big, bold aromas of spice and mocha fill your nose, while intense flavors of plum and chocolate, rich tannins and vanilla mocha notes rock your palate. Brazin is a not a wine to be rushed – don’t be afraid to savor its long, lingering finish. Aged 10 months in French and American oak. “Brazin Strikes Double Gold At California State Fair 06/22/2009 Our 2007 Brazin Zinfandel scored 98 points and a Double Gold Medal at the 2009 California State Fair. It also received a Best of Class designation for Lodi appellation wines which is given to the highest rated wine from a specific appellation. The California State Fair wine competition was established in 1855 and is the oldest and most prestigious Wine Competition in North America.
Food Pairing: Be Brazin with your meals and serve with saucy ribs, a juicy pepper steak, pasta with spicy red sauce or pizza with the works!
Hardy’s Whiskers Blake Tawny Port
Origin: Australia
Varietal: Whiskers Blake Port was especially selected from premium aged tawny ports. All components were matured in small oak casks for an average of 8 years. The wines were blended to attain the classic characters and qualities of an outstanding Tawny Port.
Tasting Notes: Rich tawny color with olive hues. The nose is reminiscent of chocolate with coffee overtones. The palate is smooth and mellow with good length and a dry finish. Classic rancio characters are also evident in this flavorsome wine.
Food Pairing: Stilton Cheese, Coffee flavored desserts, Petit Fours or just as satisfying to drink on its own.