Andrew at the white table
N ice tasting. I’m still thinking about the Harken Chardonnay. This is unlike any Chard I’ve had in a while. I read the tasting notes but I was discussing with Andrew that there was something else. I sensed a smashed banana. Call me crazy but it was a nice flavor that really impressed me. I spoke with other tasters, including Becky, who said she was a chardonnay girl all the way, who also really like the Harken but didn’t agree with me on the smashed banana. It was her favorite of the evening
But there were other wines I have to remind myself. I’ve always thought of many South African wines of having a unique flavor that I just assume that is part of their terroir. The Bellingham Citrus Grove Chenin Blanc is one of the best Chenin Blancs I’ve had in a while. Beautiful slightly floral aroma and nice tropical fruit flavors. The Yalumba Y Series Sangiovese Rose has to be the creamiest rosé I’ve ever had.
At the red table I was comparing notes with Michael. The Famille Laplace Domaine Mouréou Red was a drier wine that really begged for some cheese. The Jean Loron Gamay Noir has that Old World French feel to it. A bit of minerality and has a young wine flavor to it. It also begs for some cheese.
The last red was one I’ve had before. It is a classic red blend that approaches jammy but isn’t too jammy. This is a great wine to share with friends. The bottle will not last an evening for sure.
Speaking of begging for cheese. Len was at the cheese table serving sample of Karst Cave-Aged Cheddar/Gruyere, Rembrandt Extra Aged Gouda and Point Reyes Original Blue.
Next up for Wine World is a French wine seminar on February 23, 2018, hosted by Jeremy Sutton of Kysela Pere et Fils .
Where: Wine World, 133 Georgia Ave., North Augusta, SC
803-279-9522
Gathering at the red table
When: Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018, 5 to 8 pm
Cost: $5, with $2 rebate on the purchase of 1 bottle of the featured wines.
Here are the wines presented (click to see more):
- Yalumba Y Series Sangiovese Rose 2016
- Bellingham Citrus Grove Chenin Blanc 2015
- Harken Chardonnay 2015
- Famille Laplace Domaine Mouréou Red 2014
- Jean Loron Gamay Noir 2014
- Ravage Cabernet 2013
Here are the detailed wine notes:
Yalumba Y Series Sangiovese Rose 2016 | South Australia
A highly aromatic wine showing notes of strawberries and cream, lavender and pomegranate. The palate is vibrant and refreshing with layers of rhubarb, blood orange and cranberry. Sophisticated with a dry finish of zesty acidity. Enjoy with rock melon wrapped in prosciutto, Thai-style sweet corn fritters, or strawberry gazpacho. Website
Bellingham Citrus Grove Chenin Blanc 2015 | South Africa
Vibrant gold with bright green glimmers packed with punchy citrus aromas of orange, tangerine, and a tropical twist of honey melon and pineapple. On the palate is a fresh surge of key lime and Clementine flavors brushed with minerality on the zesty mouth watering finish. Enjoy it with sushi, Thai chicken wraps, Caesar salads or crumbed calamari. Website
Harken Chardonnay 2015 | California
The nose is flint, minerals, toasted almonds, honeysuckle and a touch of butter. Flavors are toasted bread, honeydew melon, ripe pear and oak. Medium warming finish with some oaky bitterness. Cantaloupe with prosciutto, seared white fish over herbed farro, Burgers on the grill. Website
Famille Laplace Domaine Mouréou Red 2014 | Madiran, France
70% Tannat 30% Cab Franc One of several properties owned by the Laplace family, this estate has produced a ripe, juicy and generously tannic wine. It has luscious acidity as well as bold black-currant fruit. With some dark tannins and a firm structure, it can age. Drink starting from 2018. Dark earthy nose, robust black cherry, vanilla oak, coffee and rose petals. Tannic structure, sweet front. Complex berry fruit flavours with bitter oak skin tannic finish. Has moderate aging potential, but would pair with venison just fine now. Ribeye, Seared Duck Breast, Cassoulet. 91pts Wine Enthusiast. Website
Jean Loron Gamay Noir 2014 | Vin de France
Shows a deep intense purple color with garnet and purple reflections. Intense aromas of ripe Black Berry & blueberry, with licorice spice and mineral notes. The mouth feel is round with a pleasant sweetness and intense fruit flavors. Easy to access, Jean is full of freshness and the bright finish lingers. Roasted Chicken, Roast Beef, Grilled Salmon. Website
Ravage Cabernet 2013 | California
76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 10% Zinfandel, 3% Syrah, 1% other reds. Dark and seductive with lush blackberry and rich, dense flavors; ripe and showing vanilla and velvety texture. Fruity with hints of BlackBerry, Plum and tobacco. Smooth tannins, nice acidity and paired nicely with a smoked white cheddar. Blue Cheese Burger, Hearty Chili, Meat Lover’s Pizza. Website
