Wine & Cheese Tasting at The Wine Steward
Thursday, May 31st and Saturday, June 2nd, 2007
Boschendal Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2005
Origin: South Africa, from the eastern slopes of the Simonsberg, 250 - 370m above sea level.
Varietal: 100 % Sauvignon Blanc. The grapes were hand-picked in the cool of the early morning at 23 °B. The bins were only partially filled to prevent crushing of the berries and oxidation of the juice during transport to the cellar.
Tasting Notes: This wine shows opulent, tropical and ripe pear flavours on the nose. The palate displays richness and complexity with unique herbaceous undertones, typical to the vineyards growing high on the mountain slopes.
Food Pairing: This wine is an excellent accompaniment to chicken, fish and veal dishes. Serve chilled. $16.79
Mozafresca Valdeoras Bianco 2005
Origin: Valdeoras, Spain
Varietal: 50% Godella and 50% Dona Blanco
Tasting Notes: Very rich, heady aromas of dried figs, cherries, vanilla and a bit of coconut. Full flavored with layers of flavor which reveal something new with each sip. This is an enchanting wine that you just cannot put down according to the Brooklyn
Food Pairing: Recommended with cheese, fish, all kinds of shell fish, and pasta with butter and cheese; or just sit and sip on a hot day. $11.39
Carpinetto Farnito Chardonnay IGT 2005
Origin: Italy - Produced from a 2 hectares (5 acres) dry farmed vineyard located south of Florence on the hillsides between the Chianti and the Valdarno regions at an elevation of 350 meters (1,000 feet) above sea level.
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay. The carefully selected clusters are typically picked between the last week in August and the first week of September, then rushed to the crusher in small boxes to protect them from the slightest damage prior to vinification.
Tasting Notes: The bouquet is harmonious and consistent with notes of tropical fruit and spices, particularly raspberry and vanilla. The flavor is dry, soft, savory, and harmonious. Serving temperature: 50-59°F.
Food Pairing: The rare versatility of this wine allows it to be served as an aperitif, as well as during and after meals. Consider matching it with saltwater fish, shellfish, pork, pasta with butter, chicken or with cheese such as gruyere and provolone. $14.59
Alaia Dehesa De Rubiales 2004
Origin: Castilla Y Leon, Spain
Varietal: The 2004 Alaia Dehesa de Rubiales is a blend of 50% Prieto Picudo, 45% Tempranillo, and 5% Merlot.
Tasting Notes: Aromas of mineral, blueberries, and cassis give way to a juicy palate full of black fruit flavors and a great texture. This is a deep colored, forward fruited wine! As Wine Advocate states, “drink this sensational value over the next one to two years.”. Robert Parker 89 Points
Food Pairing: Pairs well with roasted meets, barbecue beef, full flavor cheeses. $11.39
R&B Cellars Swingsville Zinfandel 2005
Origin: Lodi, California
Varietal: 87% Zinfandel and 13% Petite Sirah. To create a rich and velvety yet fruity wine, we blended 2005 barrel aged wine from LDLVineyard which is a classic old vine vineyard with 80 year old vines with 2005 wine from Vintage Estates Vineyard to show bright berry but still have that sweet jammy fruit character and good structure in the wine. Petite Sirah from the LDL vineyard was added in to the final blend for additional richness and intensity of fruit.
Tasting Notes: The wonderful fresh berry fruit from the Vintage Estates Vineyard combines with the smooth oak aged flavors of the LDL Vineyard wine to achieve a super harmony in the bouquet and taste. The LDL Vineyards Old Vine Zinfandel adds a zesty complexity, color complexity and a soft mouthfeel. The Petite Sirah enhances the structure and color of the wine and punches up the darker berry fruit character in the wine. The bouquet shows fresh strawberry and raspberry with hints of pepper and spice. The flavors are ripe berry with creamy cherries and an elegant spicy aftertaste. This is a big wine at 15.4% alcohol for the price. R&B Cellars' 2005 Zinfandel Takes Gold Medal at San Francisco Wine Competition
Food Pairing: Just in time for the summer barbecues. It matches well with steak, burgers, and even spicy grilled salmon. $13.49
Silvan Ridge Pinot Noir 2005
Origin: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Tasting Notes: This medium bodied and aromatic Oregon Pinot Noir opens with aromas of raspberry, cherry liqueur and leather with a touch of clove. Pomegranate, cherry and plum flavors dominate the palate. This wine should age well for the next 7 years.
Food Pairing: Matches well with pork loin, ham, swordfish, veal, chicken, roast beef, and beef stew. Pinot Noir is considered a universal food wine. $21.29