I t was a cold and dreary day but it ended well as I stopped by the First Friday, or rather Second Friday at Wine World. Often Wine World moves their popular First Friday tasting to the second Friday when First Friday fall on or close to a holiday.
The Pennywise Sauvignon Blanc was nothing like most Sauvignon Blancs. Not grassy, nice smooth fruit without being too sweet. I really enjoyed it.
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Jumping to the red table I liked all three reds. The last was a bit of a “cellar discovery.” You know when you go digging through the old wine cellar and you find something that kind of dropped out of sight and was forgotten that’s a “cellar discovery.” This time it was several cases of Norman No Nonsense 2006 that a distributor found in their warehouse.
According to Bruce this little gem, from 2006, is one of the last vintages that Norman produced, having died since then and his winery ceased. Originally in the $30 range Wine World was selling it for $11.99. If you happen to stop by and buy one you want to drink it soon as the label says 2014 was the cellaring range for this wine.
I enjoyed it enough to buy a bottle and take it home. You can tell this is a wine that has a bit of age on it but still is nice and complex. At Wine World I remembered it having a hint of chocolate but when I got home it seemed a bit tight. I let it breath a while and had it with various cheeses and out come some nice textures and flavors of dark fruit.
With having Second Friday that means that Third Thursday is next week on the 15th. See you there.
Where: Wine World, 133 Georgia Ave., North Augusta, SC
803-279-9522
When: Friday, January 9, 2015, 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):
- Pennywise Sauvignon Blanc 2012
- Domaine de Gournier Rosé 2013
- St Francis White Splash 2011
- Castel “Legendary Roots” Malbec 2012
- Carnivor Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
- Norman No Nonsense Red 2006
Here are the detailed wine notes:
Pennywise Sauvignon Blanc 2012 | California
A bright & refreshing Sauvignon Blanc with aromas of melon, pineapple & pear. Flavors of pink grapefruit, pineapple & lemongrass. Notes of citrus & minerality & a slight creaminess in the texture. Great for seafood. Grilled shrimp. Roast chicken. Goes very well with Greek & Mexican dishes. Marries beautifully with garlic and with tomato sauces. Tangy cheeses. Website:
Domaine de Gournier Rosé 2013 | Languedoc, France
Vibrant cherry & berry flavors.A favorite southern French dry rosé Blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Cab & Merlot. Roast chicken with Mediterranean herbs. Grilled meats & sausages. Pizza. Website:
St Francis White Splash 2011 | California
A blend of four aromatic, flavorful white grape varieties (Muscat, Gewürztraminer, Roussane and Pinot Grigio). Sweet fresh fruit aromas and flavors of pear, citrus and a touch of vanilla are accompanied by a full body and fresh finish.Perfect for Sipping. Spicy dishes, including Indian and Chinese. Chicken. This is a superb match for the Shrimp and Grits. Website:
Castel “Legendary Roots” Malbec 2012 | Southern France-Vin de Pays du Comté Tolosan IGP
A delicious Malbec to enjoy and to compare with Argentine Malbecs. This Malbec is from the traditional French region which ishome to “the black wine of Cahors.” Here’s a French Malbec that is fruity and accessible, a delightful match for grilled meats and vegetables. It’s the typical dark color. Its generous aromas & flavors of boysenberry, dark currants and dark chocolate lead to a long finish with notes of spice.
Carnivor Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 | California
A big dark-fruit, jammy wine showing plum and dark berry fruit with spice & chocolate notes. Fairly prominent, yet nice, oak treatment. A “crowd-pleaser” at a very good value price. Steaks, burgers with avocado. Pork or beef stew. BBQ.
Cotswold cheese. Website:
Norman No Nonsense Red 2006 | Paso Robles, California
A blg, rich Meritage blend, mature & ready to enjoy at a special marked down great value-price. Ripe plum and cherry flavors with notes of mint & mocha. Will continue to mature through 2020. The blend id 73% Cab Sauvignon, 21% Merlot & 8% Cab Franc. Limited quantity available. Website:
