F or once I actually made it to Wine World’s Third Thursday tasting a bit later… after 7. Soccer practice got canceled. I didn’t have to rush. It was nice to have time to see old friends that I usually don’t see when It get there between 5 and 6.
I was impressed the most by 2 wines tonight: the Bacchus Chardonnay and the MAN Vintners Cabernet Sauvignon.
I liked all the wines but these 2 jumped out at me. I overheard Andrew Benjamin when he was talking about the Bacchus Chard (they served their Cab at the Third Thursday tasting in March. What was interesting about the cab was it was non-vintage. This one is a 2014). “I don’t really go for the oaked California Chardonnays” said Andrew. “But this one is different. It has a funk to it. A earthiness that you don’t usually see in an oaked California chard. I really like it.” And I had to agree with his assessment. It was a bit smoother buttery feel to it but not tasting buttery. It finishes with peaches and vanilla. It doesn’t taste like a California oaked chardonnay. It just tastes good.
I had several mention the Bolla Torr’Alta Rosso and how much they enjoyed the fruit and how it was balanced with the tannins. I really enjoyed the MAN Vintners Cabernet Sauvignon. I think most middle of the road tasters would enjoy this one. It is more new world that old. Strong flavors, no mineral taste, a bit toasty. I could enjoy this sitting on the deck in the evening or with a meal.
I loved the cheeses: Délice de France’s Grand Camembert, Kerrygold’s Dubliner (a favorite at our house) and Orange Windmill’s Leyden (a spiced cheese with cumin seeds-they served it with a bit of peppered meat.)
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Next up for Wine World is their Islands of Italy Seminar Tasting presented by Adam Verona, Friday night, April 29th.
Where: Wine World, 133 Georgia Ave., North Augusta, SC
803-279-9522
When: Thursday, April 21, 2016, 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):
- Adobe White Blend 2012
- Bacchus Chardonnay 2014
- Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2015
- Lelia Garnacha 2014
- Bolla Torr’Alta Rosso 2012
- MAN Vintners Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Here are the detailed wine notes:
Adobe White Blend 2012 | Paso Robles, California
A blend of Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Princess grape varieties. Ripe peach, crisp apple flavors hints of orange blossom and lemon zest. Grilled crab artichoke cheese sandwich. Tandor Chicken. Website
Bacchus Chardonnay 2014 | Sonoma, California
Medium bodied and crisp, with subtle apple, pear and citrus notes. A mineral component comes through in the lively, balanced and long finish. Stir-fry Chicken with light Curry and Ginger. Tilapia fillets with lemon-herb-butter. Website
Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2015 | Marlborough, New Zealand
Zesty and aromatic with lots of lively fruit elements.. A concentration of assertive passion fruit and tropical fruit flavors with a generous bouquet. Thai fish cakes. Char-grilled squid. Spring salad with goat cheese. Roasted Asparagus. Website
Lelia Garnacha 2014 | Cariñena, Spain
Deep ruby color. Spicy raspberry and cherry aromas with some spiciness and floral notes. Fresh red berry, black currant and cherry flavors. Soft, smooth finish. Grilled rack of lamb. Paella. Steak quesadillas. Website
Bolla Torr’Alta Rosso 2012 | Veneto, Italy
Deep ruby red in color. Aromas of raspberry and currant with a hint of vanilla. Smooth and balanced on the palate with velvety tannins. Pasta. Grilled or roasted meats, game. Website
MAN Vintners Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 | Coastal Region, South Africa
Garnet and deep purple. A bold and juicy red wine. Aromas of mint and pencil-shavings, cigar box, dark cherries and a touch of smokey oak.. Fruit flavors of cassis, red-currant, bluberry and plum. Lingering finish. Rosemary and garlic infused Prime Rib Roast. Website