The Friday Night tasting faithful pose for one last photo
W e stopped by for what should be the last tasting at the current location of the Vineyard. Roger finally got his Certificate of Occupancy so he says he’ll start next week. So after 2 weekends of “the last tasting” in the old store this one should be for real. No music and fanfare… just some great wines from Chile. There were nibbles of course. And they still had some Bells HopSlam which I gratefully paid $19 for a six-pack.
All of the wines were from Chile. Unfortunately the tasting had been a bit too popular and some of the ones listed were gone. He substituted with some Casillero del Diablo, which makes just about every varietal there is.
My favorite of the evening was Tarapacá Gran Reserve Carmenère. As I’ve written many times I’m fascinated with the story of the Lost Grape. Being that Chile is still learning (or re-learning) who to make wine from this grape that was “lost” until 22 years ago, some Carmenère will taste a bit young. But this one is a real nice deep dark wine that saturates the palate. It being the fifth wine of the tasting my palate was a bit shot. But I really enjoyed it.
As usual there were great nibbles especially a cheesy parmesan artichoke dip. Well with the $8. So with any luck Roger’s next tasting will be in his new shop next door.
Where: Vineyard Wine Market , 4414 Evans to Lock Road, Evans, GA. (706) 922-9463
When: Friday, Feb. 2, 2018, 5-7 PM and Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018, 5-7 PM.
Cost: $8
Here are the wines presented (click to see more):
- Apaltagua Reserve Chardonnay
- LaPlaya Cabernet Sauvignon Rose
- Tarapacá Gran Reserva Red Blend
- Apaltagua Reserve Malbec
- Tarapacá Gran Reserve Carmenère
- Tarapacá Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon
Here are the detailed wine notes:
Apaltagua Reserve Chardonnay | Casablanca Valley, Chile
A lovely brilliant yellow hue, our Apaltagua Reserva Chardonnay has flecks of green, and is clean and bright. Aromatically, it reveals hints of tropical fruit, such as passion fruit and pineapple. In the mouth it is fresh, with a hint of minerality and a finish that is delicate but elegant, and leaves a persistent note of citrus at the end.
Website
Cost: $12.99
LaPlaya Cabernet Sauvignon Rose | Colchagua Valley, Chile
85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Viognier. Hand harvested. Dark translucent red. On the nose, floral notes with hints of raspberry. It is a relatively dry wine, with good acidity and refreshing cherry palate.
Website
Cost: $8.99
Tarapacá Gran Reserva Red Blend | Maipo Valley, Chile
Color is deep ruby. With aromas of blackberry, cassis, chocolate and herbal notes of dill, bay leaf and lavender and black pepper. The palate is balanced with smooth, ripe tannins and excellent persistence. Pair with hard cheeses such as manchego, tuna and albacore, well-seasoned pastas and white and red meats, magellanic lamb.
Website
Cost: $16.99
Apaltagua Reserve Malbec | Maule Valley
The Huaquen vineyards, with its unique location, produces a Malbec with very distinct characteristics. Bright and ruby red in color, our Apaltagua Reserva Malbec possesses notes of cherry and cassis with a touch of vanilla. The floral notes also give this wine an edge. On the palate it has well-rounded touches of red fruits and plum. It is ideal to drink now.
Website
Cost: $12.99
Tarapacá Gran Reserve Carmenère | Maipo Valley, Chile
Balanced and full-bodied with smooth, ripe tannins and excellent persistence. A deep maroon color. Notes of licorice clove, pepper and Red pepper. Goes with creamy pastas, vegetables, lamb,tuna and salmon. 100% Carmenère.
Website
Cost: $16.99
Tarapacá Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon |
Deep ruby in color. Aromas of blackberry and cassis, chocolate with herbal notes of dill, bay leaf and lavender. On the palate: It is balanced with smooth, ripe tannins and excellent persistence. Pair with white, red and game meats, well-seasoned pastas, mushroom risotto, tuna and albacore.
Website
Cost: $16.99
