The evening lineup
T his time I actually got there in time for all the wines and all the cheeses. At the last tasting I arrived at quitting time and missed out on one of the cheeses. Andrew Benjamin made sure I got a sample of the cheese I missed. The Mimolette Vieille was excellent. Its orange color is very inviting and its nutty flavor is wonderful.
While speaking of cheeses tonight’s selection was a Swiss Gruyere (its sign said “melt me.”), a Pesto Dried Tomato Cheese Torte (very tasty especially on a cracker. This is a must for your next party) and Parmagiano Reggiano (a nice little chunky cheese. Its sign said “Sprinkle me.”)
Now to the wines. I really liked the Bedrock Shebang White Cuvee III . Andrew said this is basically a field blend. It’s one of the projects of Morgan Peterson of Bedrock. He happens to be the son of Ravenswood founder Joel Peterson. Andrew said he had a chance to meet him and was impressed with their wines and them as well. This was the Cuvee III. They were hoping to get their Cuvee IV but that will be coming soon hopefully. (The Cuvee IV has some old vine riesling).
The Murviedro Monteros Cava Brut NV has a nice little touch on the bottle: it has a cork label. Very cool. This is a cava made in the traditional manner, fermented in the bottle. Nice fizz but not overpowering. I think this is a nice sparkler for those who don’t like to be knocked over by the bubbles.
The Bougrier Vouvray 2015 had a nice touch of melon sweetness at the start then shifted to a bit of citrus on the finish. Very nice.
On the red table Michael was talking about the Bougrier Vouvray 2015. He said he went to school near the vineyard and sampling it brought back memories from many years ago… he said he felt like he was in his 20s again. On the red table he was singing the praises of the Gassier Cercius Rouge 2015. It has only 2 grapes (85% Grenache, 15% Syrah) and he said the vintner is a genius. Nice little wine. He said he and his wife had a bottle with a nice steak and it was wonderful. I think this wine would be a great steak wine. It’s making my mouth water.
They were decanting the Château-Vincens Malbec 2014. It is a bit tight. I would love to cellar this wine for a few years and see how it develops because it’s got a great structure. Just a bit tight.
I liked the Indaba Mosaic Bordeaux Style Blend 2015. I detected strawberry flavors at the start… but not the sweetness of strawberries. Then it was more like the tasting notes, darker cherry and plum flavors. I think this one would make a good steak wine as well.
All and all a great tasting.
Next up for Wine World is a Tour of France tasting seminar on May 26th with Kristin Lowe. Now that’s a way to start the Memorial Day holiday.
Where: Wine World, 133 Georgia Ave., North Augusta, SC
803-279-9522
When: Thursday, May 18, 2017, 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) in their order:
- Bedrock Shebang White Cuvee III
- Murviedro Monteros Cava Brut NV
- Bougrier Vouvray 2015
- Gassier Cercius Rouge 2015
- Château-Vincens Malbec 2014
- Indaba Mosaic Bordeaux Style Blend 2015
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Here are the detailed wine notes:
Bedrock Shebang White Cuvee III | Sonoma, California
Sauvignon Blanc, Mucadelle and Chasselas sourced from great vineyards throughout the North Coast of California. Aromatically enticing with medium weight and a vibrant core of fruit Fresh, clean with bright acidity and a wonderfully weighted mid palate, Lemon Caper Halibut, Chicken Piccata. Website
Murviedro Monteros Cava Brut NV | Valencia, Spain
Traditional method resulting in tiny consistent bubbles in the glass. Lemony notes. 100% Macabeo grapes White Stone oysters on the half shell with tapioca pearl mignonette, Seafood Paella. Website
Bougrier Vouvray 2015 | Loire, France
Chenin Blanc, Clean, clear, refreshingly acidic with a small amount of residual sugar. Peaches bordering tropical notes. Apple Sorbets, Mandarin Orange and Goat Cheese, Pate with Toasted Bread. Website
Gassier Cercius Rouge 2015 | Cotes Du Rhone, France
85% Grenache, 15% Syrah, wild strawberries, blackberry jam, pepper and violets/raspberry, licorice, mineral and Provencal herbs/Dried raspberry, blackberry, clay, and smoke soft, supple and silky. Wine Braised Lamb Shanks, Stuffed Mushrooms with Proscuitto, Shallots & Sage. WA90 pt.
Château-Vincens Malbec 2014 | France
This ripe, fruity, full of black fruits and a lightly earthy character that shows in the acidity, the smoky aftertaste and silky tannins. Chilli con carne, Pot roast pheasant, Farmhouse cheddar. Website
Indaba Mosaic Bordeaux Style Blend 2015 | Western Cape, South Africa
Blackcurrant, ripe brambly berry fruit, with subtle spice notes. Bouncy cherry and dark plum notes are laced with a licorice snap detail. Features a shot of toasted vanilla on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Malbec. Shepherd’s Pie, Veal Parmesan, Mushroom Risotto. Website
