First Friday Tasting-Wine World-Jan. 6

T he rain was coming down pretty good when I arrived around 7:30. There was a nice little crowd there for this tour of California, Washington State, France, Argentina and Australia wines. A little after 8 PM Wine World was starting to fill.
I liked all the wines tonight. And from the tasters’ comments I think they liked them as well. Tori told me she really liked the Matchbook Chardonnay but added that she really goes for white wines. Molly said she really liked the Le Coeur de la Reine Touraine Gamay which I have to say was a very nice French wine. Paula told me she liked the Yalumba Viognier and the Pascual Toso Malbec. She added that she doesn’t care for chardonnay but the Matchbook Chardonnay she would buy for a friend so she could enjoy it with them.
The Matchbook is one of those California chards that screams that it’s from California. It’s got some nice smoothness that is approaching buttery but backs off. The butterscotch and brown barrel spaces mentioned in the tasting notes are there.
My first taste of the Yalumba Viognier kind of surprised me. I haven’t had much Viogner outside the ones I’ve tried from the Rhone Vally of France. That first sip wasn’t like any Viogner I’ve ever had. But on the second sip my mouth started to recognize the flavors I come to expect. Honeysuckle and apricot describes it nicely.
I think my favorite though was the OZV Red Blend 2013. I’ve had many of their old vine Zins over the years. This red blend brings a lot of great grapes together: Zinfandel, Cabernet, Petite Sirah and Merlot. A great buy at the regular price of $15.99 (it was on sale for $12.99).
On the cheese table they were sampling Castello Creamy Havarti, Deneko Fontina and Clawson Huntsman (a Double Gloucester with Blue Stilton).
Next up for Wine World is their Third Thursday tasting January 19th from 5-8.
Where: Wine World, 133 Georgia Ave., North Augusta, SC
803-279-9522

When: Friday, Jan. 6, 2017, 5 to 8 pm
Cost: $5, with rebate on the purchase of 1 bottle of the featured wines.
Here are the wines presented (click to see more):

1. Shooting Star Aligote 2013
2. Matchbook Chardonnay 2015
3. Yalumba Viognier 2015
4. Le Coeur de la Reine Touraine Gamay 2015
5. Pascual Toso Malbec 2014
6. OZV Red Blend 2013

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Here are the detailed wine notes:
Shooting Star Aligote 2013 | Washington State
Crisp and clean, nice balance of fruit and acidity. Flinty, mineral elements , light floral hint, followed with the suggestion of tart/sweet apple on the palette. Serve with Duck Confit, Feta stuffed Bell Peppers. Website
Matchbook Chardonnay 2015 | Dunnigan Hills, California
Aromas of spiced pears, caramel and baked apple are layered over butterscotch and brown barrel spices. The flavors are an enticing play of crisp apple and cream. Pair with Crab Cakes, Salmon Steaks. Website
Yalumba Viognier 2015 | Barossa, Australia
Pale gold with green hues. The aroma of white flowers and honeysuckle, with hints of apricot. The palate is rich, long and ripe, with citrus and tropical fruit flavours. Pairs with Curried/Jerked Chicken. Website
Le Coeur de la Reine Touraine 2015 | Loire, France
Bright berry aromas dominate ripe red fruit flavors (strawberry and raspberry especially) with delicate spicy note. A dream with salmon and a perfect pairing with an array of Asian foods.
Pascual Toso Malbec 2014 | Mendoza, Argentina
Clean and fruitful nose. Plums and quince aromas, with a touch of elegant oak. Blackberry and licorice fruit in the mouth and a rich and long finish with smoky accents of vanilla and lingering oak. Enjoy it with pasta, red and white meats in light cream sauces. Website
OZV Red Blend 2013 | Lodi, California
Luscious blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet, Petite Sirah and Merlot. Blend of rich concentrations and aromas of blackberry, vanilla and toasted oak. Soft tannins lead to full sensation in the mouthfeel and the palate. Serve with Grilled Rib Eye Steak, Cheese Burger, Tenderloin of Pork pan seared in red wine. Website