Fess Parker Red Frontier was popular amongst the tasters at Wine World’s Third Thursday tasting.
I usually hit Wine World’s Third Thursday tasting around 6 but I got delayed by a soccer practice. Somethings you got to handle. So I arrived around 7:30 (the tasting ends at 8). Things were still hopping. And I, along with several people pretty much had to be pushed out the door around 8:20. We were enjoying ourselves, not just because we sampled 6 nice wines but enjoying the conversations amongst friends.
I spoke to several tasters and they all wanted to comment about the reds tonight. John, a good acquaintance, summed it up. “The Frontier Red was exceptional” as he was purchasing a bottle along with his second favorite, the Lote 44 Malbec. “The [Angeline] Pinot Noir was also a good wine in its own right.”
I have to agree. I’ve always enjoyed the Fess Parker Frontier Red. It used to feature a photo of Fess Parker dressed as Davy Crockett. They’ve revamped the label and given it a much simpler design. This is a nice red blend that is consistent from year to year. It is also a wine that is non-vintage.
The Lote 44 Malbec has lots of chewy tannins. This would work nicely with a nice steak.
On the white table if you were looking for a Thanksgiving wine with a bit of sweetness to go with something spicy (if you’re tired of turkey or made buffalo turkey legs) then the Cederberg Bukettrabe is a good choice. I had never heard of this grape. This wine was recently featured at Wine World’s Wines of South Africa seminar and it was one the most popular purchased. I can see why.
For me the Jekel Reisling would probably match my Thanksgiving tastes. Hint of sweetness and nice acidity that I would gladly use to replace the cranberry dressing.
Unfortunately I spent too much time yakking with friends and didn’t make it over to taste the cheeses. I did notice they were sampling the Havarti Dill. I like that one.
Next up for Wine World is the First Friday tasting on Dec. 5, 2014. Also, for you beer lovers. Wine World has some Bell’s Christmas Ale. This is my favorite Christmas brew. It usually shows up just about mid-November and is usually gone by Thanksgiving. I grabbed mine.
Where: Wine World, 133 Georgia Ave., North Augusta, SC
803-279-9522
When: Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014, 5 to 8pm
Cost: $5 fee—$3 rebate with your purchase of one bottle of featured wine
Here are the wines to be presented (click to see more):
- Heredade do Esporao Monte Velho White 2013
- Cederberg Bukettrabe 2013
- Jekel Riesling 2012
- Angeline Pinot Noir Reserve 2013
- Lote 44 Malbec 2012
- Fess Parker Red Lot No. 151
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Here are the wine notes that were given the tasters tonight:
Heredade do Esporao Monte Velho White 2013 | Portugal
Esporao Monte Velho White begins with a fresh and fruity aromas of apple, pear, white peach and a little citrus zest. It’s fresh, fruity and easy to drink with crisp acidity, a fresh citrus aspect & a nice spicy mineral streak. Rosemary & Lemon Pork Stew. Paella. Spanish Omelette. Chicken Picatta. Seafood.
Cederberg Bukettrabe 2013 | South Africa
Made from a rare grape variety, this wine is a wonderful surprise. Just lightly, lightly sweet, very fresh, with a hint of Muscat character. Floral & citrus aromas, lime blossom and honeysuckle lead to flavors of apricot & peach. This wine has received some very high marks. When we tasted at the South African seminar, we were all very impressed & delighted. It was one of the “most-ordered” wines of the evening. Fine match for chicken, pork, seafood. Lightly spicy Asian-style or fusion dishes. Aperitif. Turkey & all the trimmings.
Jekel Riesling 2012 | Monterey, California
This medium sweet (“off-dry”) Riesling is a Jekel specialty and this vintage carries on their fine tradition. Here are delightful aromas of apricot, lime, Mandarin orange with floral notes of rose petals. Flavors of peach, melon and apricot are balanced by refreshing acidity. Goes well with chicken, turkey and seafood. Perfect for spicy Asian dishes. Certified sustainable. An excellent Thanksgiving Day wine.
: Jekel Vineyards
Year: 2012
Angeline Pinot Noir Reserve 2013 | California
An exceptional Pinot Noir made with fruit from the Russian River Valley—a renowned Pinot Noir region. This wine gives us beautiful aromas & flavors of Bing cherry, cranberry, cola with notes of spice & vanilla. Here’s a rich, ripe Pinot Noir ready for your enjoyment. Seared salmon fillet. Portobello Mushrooms. Pork Loin with a cherry glaze. Turkey! Perfect for Thanksgiving.
Lote 44 Malbec 2012 | Mendoza, Argentina
Very dark, concentrated, ripe fruit aromas & flavors, especially blackberry, mulberry and plum. Exuberant fruit, round texture, integrated tannins and smooth finish make for a popular pleaser. The grapes were specially selected from Cuarto Dominigo’s high-altitude vineyards of the Uco Valley in Mendoza. Great match for venison. Grilled steaks & burgers. A fine value in a rich, “big red.”
Fess Parker Red Lot No. 151 | California
Lush dark fruit aromas of black cherry, blackberry, dark raspberry and black pepper. Sage, smoke, leather, spice & vanilla notes also appeat in the bouquet. Flavors of cranberry, black cherry and red current combine with hints of smoke & dark chocolate. Velvet texture and round, soft finish. It’s a blend of Syrah, Merlot, Grenache and other grapes. Steaks, burgers. Burger with blue cheese. Venison. Chili! BBQ! A crowd-pleaser!
