Pull That Cork

Diageo Founders Club Black Tie Gala

February 8, 2011 by Nancy (CSW) 4 comments

Years ago we purchased Chalone Wine Group stock so that we could participate in their annual summer picnics. They were a fun affair in the vineyards of Chalone outside Soledad near the Pinnacles. A large tent was pitched, wines from all of the Chalone Wine Group were available to taste and an excellent lunch was served. They were always themed […]

Sparkling Wines on the Cheap

February 6, 2011 by Peter 4 comments

Inexpensive sparkling wines was the theme for our weekly tasting at Fine Wines of Stockton. The wines could be from anywhere in the world with the most expensive being less than $25.00. We had a pretty good turnout with some visitors from as far away as Idaho. We thought these would all be non vintage but it turned out that […]

2008 Catena Cabernet Sauvignon

February 6, 2011 by Peter Comments are Disabled

The 2008 Catena Cabernet Sauvignon (Bodega Zapata) is made from grapes grown at high altitudes (3700 to 5000 feet) and has a medium garnet color. The nose is light with dark spicy fruit and cedar. The tannins are well integrated with nice acid and there are leather, tobacco, dark fruit flavors with a little vanilla. A beautiful complex wine with […]

2006 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir “La Bauge Au-dessus”

February 2, 2011 by Peter 3 comments

This Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir from the Santa Maria Valley has a light ruby, semi transparent color and a smokey, earthy nose. It has flavors to match the nose, earthy and smokey with tart fruit. There are moderate tannins and good acidity. The body is light with a moderately long finish of both flavor and tannins (alc 13.5%) The […]

Domestic Merlot With a Twist

January 31, 2011 by Nancy (CSW) 2 comments

This Thursday the wines for tasting at Fine Wines of Stockton was advertised as domestic Merlot. However, George was up to his old tricks and slipped a Pomerol and a Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend into the mix. We had a pretty small group this week which made for an informal atmosphere and a great exchange of opinion.

2007 Bodega Norton Barrel Select Malbec

January 29, 2011 by Peter Comments are Disabled

The 2007 Bodega Norton Barrel Select Malbec from Mendoza is a dark ruby color with dark smokey fruit and a hint of tar on the nose. There are medium tannins and plenty of acid to accompany the flavors of dark fruit, tar, leather and smoke. The body is light and the finish is medium to long.

GSM Wines From Around the World

January 24, 2011 by Nancy (CSW) Comments are Disabled

GSM wines were the subject of our Thursday night tasting this week. GSM stands for Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, the blend used in many southern Rhone wines. Our tasks for the evening were to choose our favorite wine and see if we could pick-out the predominant grape (G,S or M) in each wine. Alan presented the tasting and gave us […]

2004 Domaine Serene Pinot Noir Jerusalem Hill Vineyard

January 21, 2011 by Peter Comments are Disabled

This wine from Oregon’s Domaine Serene’s Jerusalem Hill Vineyard was a light ruby color. There was a minimal nose of blackberries and smoke, decanting would probably bring out the nose more. There was a lot of fruit, fairly big wine with some smokiness, very flavorful. The tannins were smooth with good acid and a medium length finish.

2007 L’Ecolle No. 41 Columbia Valley Merlot

January 21, 2011 by Peter 1 comment

The 2007 L’Ecolle No. 41 Merlot from Walla Walla in eastern Washington has a dark ruby color has aromas of dark fruit and tobacco. The flavors are dark fruit, light vanilla and some spiciness, maybe black pepper. The tannins are light and well integrated with good acid. It has a medium length finish. While the wine was nice drinking on […]

Food and Wine on Thursday Night

January 17, 2011 by Nancy (CSW) 3 comments

Our Thursday night wine tasting was a food and wine pairing. Gail invited Marianne McCarroll of Marianne’s Pantry to make three dishes to compare with the wines. We tasted two different wines with each of the three appetizers Marianne prepared. Our mission for the evening was to decide which wine paired better with each appetizer. Each wine was tasted blind, […]