Inland Empire Wine-Football, Wines and Pairings

Saturday October 11, 2008 … NapaCabs.com

This is the time of year that friends gather and share good times along with the unpredictable ups and downs of both college and professional football. Join us in experiencing this flight of fine wines that are sure to pair with your favorite football party foods, and won’t break the bank.

Taz 2007 Chardonnay Santa Barbara County $13.95

Tasting Notes -- The 2007 vintage of Taz Chardonnay comes from fruit planted in three distinct and select blocks in Santa Barbara Canyon's Cat Canyon, where a robust canopy protected the grapes from the heat and sun during an unseasonably warm July. The high elevation of block 2F adds to the wines viscosity and clean acidity, making for a more complex wine. This vintage of Taz exhibits citrus, pear and pineapple notes on the nose and is supported by a little creaminess from partial malolactic fermentation.

Pair with: Fried Chicken, Macaroni & Cheese, Spiced Nuts, Grilled Shrimp Dishes

Martin Codax 2006 Albarino Rias Baixas Spain $9.95

Tasting Notes - Martin Codax produces fruit-forward and food-friendly wines like this white from Rías Baixas in Spain. With an aroma of fresh herbs, peach and apple and flavors of apricot, melon and mineral, this full-bodied white exemplifies the Albariño grape. This white shows weight and focus, with vivid flavors of green peach, grapefruit, wet stone and smoke. Very fresh and clean.

Pair with: Guacamole, Salsa, Spicey Chicken Wings, Oysters & Steamers, Traditional Shrimp

Argyle 2006 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley $22.85

IWC – 88 Pts. - Light red. Spicy raspberry and cherry on the nose, with a light kiss of bitter chocolate adding complexity. Smooth red fruit flavors become chewier with air, picking up dusty tannins and finishing with solid grip and good persistence.

Pair with: Cold Cuts, Mild Cheeses, Charcuterie, Vegetables and almost anything else!

Seghesio 2007 Zinfandel Sonoma County $16.95

WS 93pts. - Tasting Notes - Well-defined berryish fruit is the centerpiece in both the outgoing aromas and the full, fleshy flavors of this weighty effort, yet, for all of its volume and richness, it stays nicely on the varietal track with its background notes of dry spices and briar. It is youthfully exuberant and somewhat juicy in character.

Pair with: Roasted Meats, Sharp Cheeses, Mexican Dishes, Chili, Barbecue, Ribs and Cheese Burgers

Melville 2006 Syrah Santa Barbara County Verna's Vineyard $18.95

WA 93Pts - Tasting Notes - The 2006 Syrah Verna’s Vineyard exhibits sweet, peppery, black raspberry and black currant fruit along with more definition and minerality as well as the classic opulence and suppleness that makes Syrah such a captivating and endearing wine.

Pair with: Pizza, Grilled Meats & Vegetables, Stews, Barbecue, Ribs, Lamb, and Grilled Sausages

Raymond 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Reserve $26.95

WE 93Pts - According to Wine Enthusiast Magazine; other wineries come and go. Raymond remains, offering solid Napa Valley Cab at a fair price. The '05 Reserve calls to mind the very fine 2000, but actually costs less. It's a dry, elegantly structured wine, rich in sweet fine tannins, and offering up complex, delicious flavors of freshly picked ripe blackberries, spicy cassis, baked cherry pie and smoky oak.

Pair with: Grilled & Planked Foods, Beef Steaks of all types, Rib Roast, Lamb, Rich Stews