Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Charming Wines at Cherished Event


Last week’s Charmed and Cherished wine tasting benefit last week at the Navy Bistro was a smashing success.
 
While the wining and dining was going on, yours truly was on the tennis court battling in a league match. As I was scrambling after fuzzy green balls, members of the Toledo Wines and Vines tasting team were “on the job” sampling fine wine from Heidelberg Distributing and the Walter Berman division with scrumptious morsels.
The report from the field is that the event was simply stunning. The number of wines available for sampling was down by a few compared with last year. Also, the mezzanine level wasn’t used for tasting as it was last year – so things were a little bit more cramped. But why quibble when there is great wine to be sampled for a good cause?
 
Here’s a list of some of the top tastes:
 
Excellent
  • Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc (pleasant, flavorful, great bouquet)
  • Rosemount Shiraz (this is always a “go to” wine)
  • Sebastiani Pinot Noir Sonoma County (a smash hit, smooth finish and full of flavor)
  • Trapiche Cabernet Sauvignon (Great nose, easy to drink, delicious with chocolate)
 
Very Good
  • Gascon Malbec (one of our favorite Malbecs)
  • Alamos Torrontes (crowd favorite at table)
  • Colores del Sol (deep color, nice, complex)
  • Penfolds Bin 52 Shiraz Mourvedre
  • Robert Mondavi Fume Blanc
 
The favorite wine of the evening for the tasting team was the Sebastiani Pinot Noir. We were able to sample a full bottle of the 2007 Saturday night. It was tasted with two other reds and two whites, but was selected again as the crowd favorite.
 
In the glass it is a clear, deep purple. The nose offers cherry scents. The taste has smokiness and a bit of spicy tannins that smooth out and leave a nice lingering finish. It has a zingy kick at the end.
 
The Sebastiani Pinot paired well with almonds and dark chocolate.  Although not as full bodied as a Cabernet, we suspect this elegant wine can stand up to a good steak too. At about $18, the price is as tasty as the wine.
 
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