Len gets photo bombed as he pours at the red table
I always look forward to the start of September because the weather starts to cool off. Well that didn’t happen. It was more July than September today. What else to look forward to? I do look forward to the start of the month because it means Wine World’s First Friday.
For the first time in a while I wasn’t rushed. I had a chance to sip the wines and meet new friends. So much that I didn’t really take that many wine notes.
It’s Friday. Why not relax. Notes or not I really enjoyed all three whites. The Yulumba Viognier had the right amount of sweetness, at least for my palate… it had ample fruit and a hint of sweetness. I can’t remember the last time I had a white blend and the Asio Otus Chardonnay-Sauvignon Blanc was interesting. It was actually a bit sweeter to the point Andrew and the wine crew moved it from the first spot to the third. Jonathan, one of the tasters said he liked both of these whites and enjoyed trying a really nice white blend.
I was really looking forward to the Rib Shack Red just because of the name. This wine was aptly described in the tasting notes as “Ripe dark berry flavors, smoky oak with hint of spice & chocolate. Complex flavors & smooth texture lead to juicy finish.” It’s those complex flavors that is hard to describe. The juicy finish jumps up pretty quick. This is a wine I would like to explore beyond just a tasting sip. Labor Day Weekend is upon us.
I think my favorite red was the Rustenberg Red. Nice fruit up front that quickly toned down by tannins that would probably go nicely with a steak or as the pairing notes said ” Burger with Gruyere” That’s making me hungry. Gotta go.
Next up for Wine World is Third Thursday on September 17th, 5-8PM.
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Where: Wine World, 133 Georgia Ave., North Augusta, SC
803-279-9522
When: Friday, Sept. 4, 2015, 5 to 8 pm
Cost: $5, with rebate on the purchase of 1 bottle of the featured wines.
Here are the wines presented in order of presentation (click to see more):
- Yulumba Viognier 2014
- Rustenberg Sauvignon Blanc 2014
- Asio Otus Chardonnay-Sauvignon Blanc
- Pinot Patch Pinot Noir 2012
- Rustenberg Red Blend 2012
- Rib Shack Red 2014
Here are the detailed wine notes:
Yulumba Viognier 2014 | Barossa Valley, Australia
The intense aroma focuses on flowers & honeysuckle, with hints of apricot nectar. The generous flavors emphasize citrus & ripe tropical fruit. By itself or with appetizers. Thai red curry. Roasted chicken with apricots. Seared scallops. Website
Rustenberg Sauvignon Blanc 2014 | Stellenbosch, South Africa
Aromas of citrus & tropical fruits. Rich flavors of of ripe melon, fig, herb. Enjoy with Shrimp Scampi. Spaghetti with clam sauce. Chicken breast stuffed with Manchego cheese and asparagus. Roasted pork loin with Mediterranean herbs & tomatoes. Website
Asio Otus Chardonnay-Sauvignon Blanc | Italy
Elegant aromas, beautifully well-balanced with a long round finish. Zesty fresh fruit flavors suggesting green melon & pear. Aperitif. Wonderful food wine. Sushi with smoked salmon & avocado. Ceviche with cilantro & chili. Baked salmon with cherry tomatoes. Crab cakes with green salsa. Broiled tilapia.
Pinot Patch Pinot Noir 2012 | California
Aromas of cranberry, blackberry, sage and lavender against an earthly Light yet full. Finishes with depth and intensity. Light oak. Refreshing acidity makes this an excellent food wine. Cedar-plank grilled salmon. Roast duck or Peking duck. Pizza. Hamburgers. Mushrooms. Website
Rustenberg Red Blend 2012 | Stellenbosch, South Africa
Spicy red berry aromas followed by delightfully rich flavors of blackcurrant, cherry and plum with hints of clove and mint on the finish. Braised pork shoulder. Lamb stew. Mushroom stroganoff, Burger with Gruyere. Website
Rib Shack Red 2014 | South Africa
60% Pinotage 40 % Shiraz. Ripe dark berry flavors, smoky oak with hint of spice & chocolate. Complex flavors & smooth texture lead to juicy finish. BBQ, sizzling steak. sticky ribs. Hamburgers, pulled pork, grilled chicken thighs ginger & spices. Website
