Andrew Benjamin with some of the regulars at Wine World’s tastings.
N ice tasting. I really loved the Chateau Beausoleil Brut NV. I wish I had served that on New Years Eve. Well there’s always next year.
The Four Vines Naked Chardonnay 2013 was a very nice un-oaked chardonnay. I was speaking with Andrew Benjamin and he commented that “we love un-oaked chardonnay here and this one is really nice. Picks up a nutty flavor even without the oak.”
After sampling all the wines I spoke with Wesley and Caitlin, of Augusta. Wesley said he really likes Zins and the Haraszthy OV Zinfandel 2012 didn’t disappoint him. “Nice and full-bodied.” Caitlin really liked the Gatekeeper Shiraz 2013 because she’s always liked wines with fruit upfront but semi-dry and this one fits that description. He had a bottle in her hand on her way to the cash register.
The cheeses were good: a blue, a gouda and to be honest I don’t have my notes in front of me and I’ll update those later.
Don’t miss out on the Steele Wines seminar coming next week.
Where: Wine World, 133 Georgia Ave., North Augusta, SC
803-279-9522
When: Thursday, January 21,2016, 5 to 8pm
Cost: $5 fee—$3 rebate with your purchase of one bottle of featured wine
Here are the wines presented (click to see more):
- Chateau Beausoleil Brut NV
- Kris Pinot Grigio 2014
- Four Vines Naked Chardonnay 2013
- Steele Writer’s Block Grenache 2010
- Haraszthy OV Zinfandel 2012
- Gatekeeper Shiraz 2013
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Here are the detailed wine notes:
Chateau Beausoleil Brut NV | Blanquette di Limoux, Southern FranceSparking wines wereproduced Limoux even earlier than inChampagne. Here’s an example of a beautiful Limoux bubbly. Apple aspects in the fruit with a touch of “yeasty” and a touch of “toasty.” Fresh and clean. It’s a fine match for practically everything. Creamy dishes, Seafood. Chicken. Appetizers. Website
Kris Pinot Grigio 2014 | Delle Venezie,Italy
Brilliant lemon-green in color, offers enticing aromas of acacia flowers, citrus, tangerine & hints of almonds. A wine from northeaster Italy that’s a cut above most Pinot Grigio. Flavorful and refreshing. Risotto, salads, Homemade pasta, Grilled white meats Salmon. Website
Four Vines Naked Chardonnay 2013 | Santa Barbara,California
Lively, clean apple and pear flavor follows the aroma with notes of pineapple, butterscotch & honey. Crisp & fruity. Pair with grilled shrimp, oysters, roast chicken –and drink Naked.Unoaked Chardonnay with rich flavors. Website
Steele Writer’s Block Grenache 2010 | Lake County, California
Strawberry & raspberry, the predominant fruit flavors are framed with notes of spice, earth, orange peel & light minerality.. Grilled pork chop with Mediterranean herbs & dark olives. Grilled sausages. Tangy cheeses. Website
Haraszthy OV Zinfandel 2012 | Lodi, California
excellent balance. Displays prominent red & black fruit aromas. Flavors of blackberry, raspberry & cherry. Grilled Beef Ribs. Tacos. Chili. Sechuan Beef. Traditional pizza.
Comments: This label is from Bronco Wine company. The same folks that brought you “Two Buck Chuck.” Website
Gatekeeper Shiraz 2013 | McLaren Vale, South Australia
A big, luscious wine showing ripe, jammyred berry fruit with peppery spices, & hints of vanilla. Light notes of sweet pomegranate fruit lead to a full finish. A very satisfying wine from the well-known winemaker Simon Hackett. Simon Game dishes. (Yes, venison. And yes, great companion for the big football game and snacks.) Burgers with or without blue cheese. Website
