The finest wine is only as good as the conversation it accompanies.
This past Wednesday marked the first official “Wine Tasting Tuesday Night Dinner Club (on Wednesdays)”. I believe the name itself deserves a toast. The wines were to be from California, and something none of us had yet tried. Within these limits (and the limits of our paychecks), we were able to taste, ponder, and discover the uniqueness of several varieties of wines.
There is something to be hailed about exploring new skills with friends. Amongst true friends, one can safely announce that they taste pear in a peppery wine, or proclaim “I don’t see any legs” on the, um, leggiest wine (can you guess who made that comment?). While we began to recognize the flavors that separated a Pinot Noir from a Zinfandel, we laughed, we mocked, and we basked rosy-cheeked in the warmth of great dialogue.
Below are our notes on the wines we tasted. They are the first thoughts of beginner self-educating wine tasters, so please excuse any incorrect terms. Hopefully we will be able to chart our growth, as there will be more tastings to come.
Cold Heaven
2003 Viognier
Santa Barbara County
$16.00
Flavors of melon and pear with subtle hints of kiwi. Sits in the back of the mouth, a very wet wine but not too sweet. Slight hint of alcohol, but not overpowering. A nice sipping wine.
4.45/5
Montevina
2001 Zinfandel
Sierra Nevadas
$9.99
Cherry, hickory and plum flavors. Dry, peppery finish. Would be good with BBQ or other saucy meats. Better paired with food than sipped on its own.
3.7/5
Beaulieu Vineyard
2003 Pinot Noir
Napa Valley
$17.99
Blackberry, currant and cherry flavors. Dry to the taste. Smooth and fruity. A good sipping wine, or paired with a tender filet minion.
3.75/5
Concannon
2002 Cabernet Savignon
Central Coast, San Louis Obispo
$18.00
A “big red”. Bold and hearty, with flavors of cherry, vanilla and boysenberry. Lingers on the sides of the tongue. Good with hearty meals such as a t-bone steak, rigatoni, or even hamburgers.
4.1/5
