Third Thursday Tasting-Wine World-Oct 15

A sual I was in a hurry and for that I was disappointed. I really wish I had more time to stay and savor the wines they presented tonight. I would have spent an extra $4 and got a full pour of one of the reds. The only problem would have been trying to decide which one.
On the white table was the Cautivo Chardonnay Joven 2014. Andrew Benjamin said they were really getting into some great unoaked chardonnays. This was great. Not the creamy buttery oaked California chardonnay. Not woody at all. Very young wine as the name Joven indicates. You should serve this to your California Chardonnay friends and not tell them what it is.

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On the red table I loved them all. The Pietra Santa Sacred Stone Master’s Red Blend NV is full of flavor but with a dry texture and finish. So many blends now days are lush and over the top. This one has the flavor without leaving your mouth feeling like a jelly jar.
The “three” Zinfandel Old Vines 2013 was very good. I could taste milk chocolate but without the sweetness. There was a bit of white pepper on the finish. And the Pacific Edge Cabernet Sauvignon Straphanger was not your typical California Cab. Not over the top, a bit lighter and mellow.
And don’t forget those great cheeses. Tonight they were Orange Windmill Mediterranean Herb, Kerrygold Dubliner and Vivaldi Gorgonzola Dolce on a cracker drizzled with Vincotto Fig Vinegar.
Next up for Wine World is Beer Tasting Friday, October 23, 2015.
Where: Wine World, 133 Georgia Ave., North Augusta, SC
803-279-9522
When: Thursday, October 15, 2015, 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):

1. Tobia Vina Bianco 2014
2. Cautivo Chardonnay Joven 2014
3. McNab Ridge Sauvignon Blanc 2013
4. Pietra Santa Sacred Stone Master’s Red Blend NV
5. “three” Zinfandel Old Vines 2013
6. Pacific Edge Cabernet Sauvignon Straphanger

Here are the detailed wine notes:
Tobia Vina Bianco 2014 | Rioja, Spain
Complex aromas showing layers of citrus & tropical fruit with notes of honey, toffee spice. Texture is creamy; floral aspects carry through the flavors and the balanced finish. 67% Viura & 33% Malvasia from old vines. Barrel-fermented and aged in French & American oak for 17 months. Aperitif. Very food friendly .Grilled or sautéed richer fish, Seafood. Chichen Thighs with Mango Salsa. Manchego. Paella. Website
Cautivo Chardonnay Joven 2014 | Mendoza, Argentina
This vivacious unoaked Chardonnay suggests ripe pear, apple, pineapple and white peach in its aromas & flavors. It has a smooh texture and medium body, pleasing crisp acidity and a long tasty finish. Pork cutlets with Mediterranean herbs & Couscous. Joven means “young”. Website
McNab Ridge Sauvignon Blanc 2013 | Mendocino, California
Crisp flavors of lemon rind, tropical fruit and varietal grassy notes along with notes of honeydew melon. 100% stainless steel; no oak. Made by Rich Parducci, grandson of John Parducci. Enjoy with Goat cheese, oysters, artichoke & asparagus tart. Artichoke & pesto pizza with goat cheese. Grilled fish. Green salads; Asian-style pork tenderloin. Website
Pietra Santa Sacred Stone Master’s Red Blend NV | California
Merlot, Sangiovese, Zinfandel and Dolcetto. An appealing red from a family-owned vineyard. Aromas of wild berries, fruit punch. Flavors of cherries and plums. Spicy cedar and clove notes. Nice structure with lingering, fruit-filled finish. Hanger Steak, Beef Stew. Mushroom & Barley Soup. Turkey Chili. Mushroom & Barley Soup. Lamb Roast. Pizza. Website
“three” Zinfandel Old Vines 2013 | Contra Costa, California
76% Zinfandel, 13% Carignane, 5%Petite Sirah,4% Mataro (aka Mourvedre or Monestrell) & 2 % Alicante Bouschet. Three is the label Matt Cline & his wife Erin founded in 2007.Their label features “three”, “3” and “III”. That’s why we used the lower case “three” in our description. Their business is sometimes referred to a “X3” or times 3. Terrific Zin! This wine is a field blend from a very old vineyard: 77% Zinfandel, 17% Petite Sirah, 4% Carignane, and 2% Alicante Bouschet. It shows the typical raspberry & blackberry fruit typical of Contra Costa. Dense cherry & dark fruit flavors with hints of earthiness, spice & pepper. Enjoy now or age 5 or 6 years. Fine partner to grilled steak, burgers or sausage. BBQ. Pulled pork. Venison. Lamb stew. Aged Gouda. Zin braised short ribs. Duck breast or duck confit. Venison Backstrap. Chili. Pizza. Website

Pacific Edge Cabernet Sauvignon Straphanger | Paso Robles, California
Red brick color, with black fruit and blackberry aromas. Toasted notes with a hint of herbs. Nice lingering finish with smooth tannins. Burgers, pizza. Marinated ribeye steak. Seasoned Brisket. Meatballs. Asian BBQ Pork Ribs. Website