October 2023 Tasting Notes

Spinelli Pinot Grigio
Cantine Spinelli is not your typical Pinot Grigio for a variety of reasons. First, most Pinot Grigio is grown in Northern Italy, usually somewhere in the Veneto region. But Spinelli comes from the hills of Abruzzo which is south of Veneto and a slightly warmer climate. This explains the natural richness this Pinot Grigio has compared to others. Second, most of Spinelli Pinot Grigio is not exported but instead sold in Italy as a good value table wine. If that doesn’t speak highly of a wine, I don’t know what does! Although rich in flavor, the wine shows a characteristic crispness with a fruity and floral nose and hints of melon and lemon. An excellent value for the price and worth stocking up on.

Alto Molino Torrontes
Appearance: Alto Molino Torrontés typically has a pale to medium straw or light gold color. Aroma: This wine is highly aromatic and known for its floral and fruity bouquet. It often features intense floral notes, such as white flowers and rose petals, along with a range of fruity aromas, including ripe peaches, citrus (like lemon and grapefruit), and sometimes tropical fruits like lychee. Taste: On the palate, Alto Molino Torrontés is typically dry and light to medium-bodied. It offers a burst of vibrant flavors, with prominent citrus notes, floral undertones, and a pleasant acidity that provides freshness. You may also detect some herbal or spicy hints, especially in the finish. Alcohol Content: Torrontés wines, including Alto Molino Torrontés, typically have a moderate alcohol content, which can range from around 12% to 14% alcohol by volume. Food Pairing: This wine pairs well with a variety of dishes, particularly those with a hint of spice. It's a great match for Argentinian cuisine, seafood, ceviche, Thai and Indian dishes, as well as lighter salads and appetizers.

Educated Guess Chardonnay
Appearance: Educated Guess Chardonnay typically has a pale to medium gold color in the glass. Aroma: Chardonnay wines from California often exhibit a rich and complex bouquet. You can expect notes of ripe orchard fruits such as apples and pears, along with hints of tropical fruits like pineapple and mango. Additionally, you might find some vanilla and toasty oak notes, as many California Chardonnays are oak-aged. Taste: This wine is often known for its full-bodied and creamy texture. It can have flavors of ripe fruit, particularly apple, pear, and sometimes citrus, complemented by a touch of oak-induced vanilla and buttery characteristics. The acidity in California Chardonnays can vary, but they tend to be less crisp and more rounded compared to Chardonnays from cooler climates. Alcohol Content: California Chardonnays, including Educated Guess, typically have a moderate to slightly higher alcohol content, which can range from around 13% to 14.5% alcohol by volume. Food Pairing: Chardonnay pairs well with a variety of dishes, including roasted chicken, creamy pasta dishes, seafood, and dishes with buttery or creamy sauces. It's a versatile wine that can accompany a wide range of foods.

Astica Malbec
Astica Malbec is a red wine produced in the Mendoza region of Argentina. Malbec is a signature grape variety for Argentina, and Mendoza is one of the country's most renowned wine-producing areas. Here's a general description of what you might expect from Astica Malbec: Appearance: Astica Malbec typically has a deep, ruby-red to purple color in the glass. Aroma: This wine often boasts a rich and fruit-forward aroma. You can expect to find a mix of red and black fruit scents, including blackberries, black cherries, and plums. Some variations of this wine might also feature floral hints and subtle notes of spices or herbs. Taste: Astica Malbec is known for its full-bodied and bold taste. It offers a mix of ripe fruit flavors, particularly dark berries and plums. There are often hints of vanilla, oak, and sometimes even chocolate, as Malbec wines from Mendoza are often aged in oak barrels. The tannins can be present but are usually soft and approachable. Alcohol Content: Malbec wines from Mendoza typically have a moderate to slightly higher alcohol content, usually ranging from around 13.5% to 15% alcohol by volume. Food Pairing: Malbec wines, including Astica Malbec, pair well with a variety of foods. They are particularly good matches for grilled meats, such as steaks and lamb, and dishes with rich, savory sauces. They also complement cheeses, especially those with a bit of age and intensity.

Michael David Freakshow Zinfandel
Appearance: Freakshow Zinfandel typically has a deep, dark ruby to purple color in the glass. Aroma: This wine is known for its bold and expressive aroma. You can expect to find a rich bouquet of dark fruit, including blackberry, black cherry, and sometimes hints of raspberry. There are often notes of spices and black pepper, which are characteristic of Zinfandel wines. Taste: Freakshow Zinfandel is typically full-bodied and robust in taste. It offers a mix of ripe fruit flavors, often dominated by dark berries and cherries. This wine can also exhibit hints of vanilla, oak, and sometimes a touch of smokiness. The tannins can be present, providing structure, but they are usually ripe and approachable. Alcohol Content: Zinfandel wines, especially those from Lodi, can have a moderate to high alcohol content, ranging from around 14.5% to 16% alcohol by volume. Food Pairing: Zinfandel, including Freakshow Zinfandel, pairs well with a range of hearty and savory dishes. It's a great match for grilled meats, barbecue, spicy dishes, and even burgers. The wine's robust character can handle strong flavors.

The Herdsman Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Appearance: Cabernet Sauvignon wines typically have a deep, garnet to ruby-red color, which can darken and develop brick-red hues with aging. Aroma: Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its complex and layered aroma. You can expect to find black fruit notes, such as blackcurrant, blackberry, and plum. There may be hints of dark cherry and sometimes herbal elements like mint or eucalyptus. Oak aging can add nuances of vanilla, cedar, and sometimes a touch of tobacco. Taste: Cabernet Sauvignon wines are generally full-bodied and offer a rich and structured taste. You can anticipate flavors of black fruits and ripe red fruits, along with noticeable tannins, which provide structure and aging potential. The wines often have a balanced acidity and a long, persistent finish. Alcohol Content: The alcohol content of Cabernet Sauvignon wines typically falls in the range of 13.5% to 15% alcohol by volume. Food Pairing: Cabernet Sauvignon is a versatile wine for pairing with a variety of hearty dishes. It complements red meats, particularly steaks and roasts, as well as dishes with rich, savory sauces. It can also be enjoyable with aged cheeses.