week of August 19
Nollen Notorious Rooster riesling (Germany) – “This aromatic white wine is reminiscent of citrus fruits with floral hints. On the palate it is fresh and fruity with flavors of apple and pear balanced by firm acidity. Enjoy on its own as an aperitif or pair with shellfish, sushi, pork, poultry and slightly spicy dishes.” (tasting notes)
Timbuktu Shiraz/ Grenache (Australia) – “…a classic spice-driven, elegant, full-fruit, full steam ahead Australian red blend of great character and interest…” (tasting notes)
Ricossa Barolo (Italy) – “Barolo is one of the great wines of Piedmont, a wine which commands respect. Made from Nebbiolo grapes and matured in oak barrels, this is a full-bodied, robust yet velvety wine and an excellent accompaniment to tasty meat dishes and mature cheeses.” (tasting notes) Everything I’ve read on Barolo wines recommends opening and letting them breath for 1 to 4 hours before drinking.
Danzante Pinot Grigio (Italy) – “The Danzante Pinot Grigio 2010 boats a intensive straw yellow. The bouquet offers rich aromas of tropical fruit such as passion fruit, banana and papaya followed by delicate floral notes. On the palate the wine is wonderfully fresh and well balanced, with an excellent persistence.” (winemaker’s notes)
Danzante Chianti (Italy) – “Deep ruby colour and an complex bouquet of floral notes, particularly sweet violets, followed by fruity fragrances of dried plum and dark cherry. Concludes with a spicy nuances of roasted espresso bean, cocoa powder and lack liquorice. The palate is velvet and crisp, with well integrated tannin, warm and elegant.” (winemaker’s notes)
Tullibardine 10 yr John Black Peaty scotch - “Blended with a passion for fine malt whiskies, this bold, gutsy whisky is beautifully balanced by a soft elegance and an engaging character. Rich in the evocative aromas of burning embers, this vibrant blend is unusually sweet for a peated whisky, with the first minty sips giving way to toasted oak as the flavours develop in the mouth. Clear and bright in appearance, you can almost touch the calming, warming flames of a peaty fire as you savour every last drop.” (website tasting notes)
Cakebread Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon (USA) – “Our 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon grabs the taster’s attention immediately with enticingly fresh, fruit-forward aromas of black currant, blackberry and boysenberry, joined by seductive chocolate and roast coffee scents. Beautifully structured on the palate, it boasts intense, concentrated, dark berry and cassis flavors balanced by supple, well-knit tannins and a long, flavorful finish with fine acidity and savory mocha tones. Delightful to drink now, this rich, elegant Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon will blossom fully with another 5 to 7 years of bottle age.” (website tasting notes)
Woody’s Black Currant & Apple cooler
