Thursday, March 18, 2021

WIYG? We Answer The Age-Old Question: What’s In Your Glass?

WIYG 031821WIYG? That’s a question we are often asked. Here’s a look at what we’re sipping.

Raffaldini Meditazione, Swan Creek

This wine was enjoyed at an indoor tasting (in my garage – thanks, COVID). Meditazione, from one of our favorite North Carolina wineries, is wonderful wherever it is tried. A wine for the end of the meal that invites contemplation and reflection. It is made in the appassimento style with the grapes dried before pressing. Grapes are Sagrantino, Sangiovese, and Petit Verdot. This is a port-style wine that dazzles with deep, rasiny flavors. 18.5% ABV.

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Seven Hills 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Seven Hills Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley

This wine comes from the original blocks planted to establish this iconic Walla Walla winery. Flavors of bold red berries rush out trailed by blackberry, cigar box, and chocolate notes. Only 268 cases of this gem were produced. We love the style of Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon, and this one provides the trademark big fruit with just the right balance and moderate tannins.


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Arthur and I sampled three of these wines in a garage tasting!Royal Tokaji 2017 Late Harvest, Hungary

There are just a handful of truly world-class dessert wines and Tokaji is certainly in that exclusive club. Looking to add to your list of exotic grapes? This wine from Hungary includes Furmint, Hárslevelű, Yellow Muscat, and other native varieties. It is pale gold in color with aromas of pear and exotic fruit. This is sweet on the tongue but not over the top with alcohol, with 11.5% ABV. On the palate there are notes of orange blossom and apricot with a touch of acidity that keeps a balance.  It’s packaged in a 500 ML bottle, so you get more than your typical dessert wine, which is usually in 375 ML bottles.

Saveurs du Temps 2018 Pinot Noir, IGP Pays d’Oc

This wine from Sud de France (south of France) is an IGP wine. This designation falls between “wines of France” and the more specific and prestigious AOP regions. I’ve had good luck with IGP wines and especially those from Pays d’Oc, which covers the Languedoc and Roussillon areas. I also like the great value of these wines. Unfortunately, this wine, named “Flavors of Time” was a bust. What was I expecting for $11? This is a sipper that has some vague cherry notes, but is not identifiable as Pinot Noir (although it is 100%). The bottle promises a concentrated and elegant drink, but the glass tells a different story.

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