Inland Empire Wine-International Wine Tasting

Saturday October 25, 2008 … NapaCabs.com

Take a spin around the world and enjoy an international flight of wines representing both new and old world styles.

Italy … Danzante 2007 Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie (Frescobaldi - Mondavi) $8.95

Named 'Europe's Best Value' by the Wine Spectator - Tasting Notes - Danzante Pinot Grigio is a dry, white wine with golden reflections. The bouquet is intense with enticing fragrances of fresh citrus fruit and flowers. On the palate, its silky, well-balanced body is enhanced with hints of pineapple, grapefruit and spices that carry through to a crisp, dry finish. Enjoy it by itself as an appetitive or with fish, seafood or poultry.

France … Saint Cosme 2006 Cotes-Du-Rhone Blanc $15.95

WS 90pts. - WA 89Pts - Tasting Notes - The 2006 Cotes du Rhone white, which is a blend of 50% Roussanne and the rest Picpoul, Clairette, and Marsanne, is close to being outstanding. In fact, it is a relatively amazing wine with good orange marmalade notes intermixed with lemon oil, honeyed grapefruit, and other citrus. It is medium bodied, fresh, and lively and an exceptional bargain in dry white southern Rhone wines.

Spain … Conde De Valdemar 2003 Spanish Rioja Reserva $16.95

Tasting Notes - Bright cherry color with sweet vanilla, cedar and spice on the nose. Rich and mouth filling, this outstanding Reserva is balanced by excellent acidity, medium tannins and a long silky finish. A great match for roasted meats, grilled game and medium cheeses. 85% Tempranillo & 15% Mazuelo

Argentina … Bodega Benegas 2005 Malbec Estate Mendoza $18.95

WE 91pts. – Benegas presents a Malbec that captures the uniqueness of this grape variety typical from Argentina. This wine is the reflection of the exceptional climate and soil conditions of the province of Mendoza in Argentina and of a careful elaboration process carried out in the winery.

Color: Attractive red color with violet reflections that will tend to intensify as years go by.

Aroma: Complex aromas of cherries and mature blackberries.

Taste: Presents a very good structure and it is persistent in the mouth. Sweet tannins, with no drying effect.

Australia … Revolution 2006 Shiraz McLaren Vale $13.95

WA 91pts. - Winemaker Notes - The grapes for Revolution come from the most revered sub-region of McLaren Vale, known as Seaview. This sub-region is where the best reds to come out of McLaren Vale are grown. The vines are relatively young at 5 years, but due to the extreme lack of soil nutrients & carefully regulated deficit irrigation practices, the vines are already producing voluptuous, flavor packed & rich fruit, perfect for Revolution. According to the Wine Advocate: The 2006 Shiraz 'Revolution' was fermented with native yeasts and spent 9 months in stainless steel and two-year-old hogsheads. Purple-colored, this 'terroir-driven' wine has a complex perfume of earth, mineral, sausage, game, truffle, and blueberry that borders on kinky. This leads to a full-bodied, plush, sweet, dense wine with exquisite balance and length. Drink this excellent value over the next 6-8 years.

United States … Michael~David 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Earthquake Lodi $17.95

The first of a new era--- a ten on the Richter scale for sure! Scents of tobacco, cherry and cocoa awaken your senses, bringing layers of cassis, spiced plum and bold, berry concentration. Make your toes curl with a mesquite grilled, bone-in rib eye steak, slathered with blue cheese butter and grilled onions. (Add a side of veggies if you must.)

Be sure to visit localwineevents.com see next week’s wine tasting line