Thursday Tasting Notes

2006 McManis Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
$10 California, USA 13.5% abv
Blueberry, eucalyptus and allspice aromas with some blackberry notes and a few alcohol fumes. Lots of oak up front on the palate, joined by blueberry and plum flavors. Vanilla, clove, eucalyptus spice the mid-palate fruit. Medium-light bodied after the oak mellows, with a good acid balance but not much to make it stand out. Some cherry on the finish.

2006 McManis Family Vineyards Chardonnay $10
River Junction, CA 13.5% abv
Creamy peach and pear in the nose with mellow brioche and butterscotch in the background. This is the best offering from McManis I’ve had yet- nice, round pear and vanilla flavors at the beginning give way to peach and butterscotch at the mid-palate. Mid-long finish of pineapple and muskmelon with bread notes following. Pair with honey glazed hams or maple glazed chicken to fully appreciate the balanced lime flavored acidity. A solid value, just slightly off dry at the very end.

2006 Pierano Estate “the Other” White $14
Lodi, CA 13.8% abv
Opens with aromas of dried apricots, peaches and nectarines. Creamy green apple and tart fruit aromas develop in the glass with honeysuckle at the edges. Bright fruit opens the palate with a mineral undertone. Grapefruit, pineapple, pear and white peach flavors. Some yeasty/nutty notes in the middle, alongside a bit of viognier funk leading to the finish. Musty tropical fruit and dogwood blossom at the finish. A blend of 65% chardonnay, 25% sauvignon blanc and 10% viognier. This is not the first time I’ve had chardonnay and sauvignon blanc blended together, and I remain unconvinced of the wisdom of the combination. Add viognier to the mix and maybe it’ll come together- but not here. Interesting, pair with soft-shell crab sandwiches or Pac Rim cuisine.

2005 Peregrine Hill Merlot $8
Texas, USA 12% abv
Plum and allspice aromas lead red currant, cedar and blackberry tones. Made in a fruit-forward style, with lighter medium bodied tannins. Begins with blackberry and red plum flavors before a juicy mid-palate. Good acidity and black tea and currant flavors lead to plum and berry fruit near the end- spiced with mellow pepper and clove. Very quaffable, without losing its personality. A slightly higher price point wine made by Ste. Genevieve.

2006 Contadino Rosso IGT $5
Tuscany, Italy 12.5% abv
Blackberry and cherry aromas with a hint of soil. Light and fruit in the mouth, with mild tannins. This is just what you’d expect from an IGT wine bottled in a wicker covered flask bottle- easy drinking, uncomplicated flavors: blackberry and raspberry with sweet vanilla and clove spices. Short finish. Pair with pizzas, pastas or cured meats. The next time you participate in a charity spaghetti dinner, this is the wine to bring.