It’s December, lots of parties, let’s mix it up with three very different and highly rated wines!
Zardetto Prosecco Brut, Italy — Located in the heart of the famous Prosecco territory between Conegliano and Valdobiadene, Zardetto has been a leader in sparkling wine for more than 40 years. Lemon-yellow in color with elegant, refined bubbles that form a hearty white froth. Aromas of white flowers, apricot and herbs create a delicately soft bouquet. The palate is comprised of citrus, orange blossoms and stone fruits. Fresh citrus and floral notes linger on the finish. This bubbly is an ideal aperitif and an excellent partner in sparkling cocktails. Rating: 90, James Suckling, Wine Enthusiast. 11% ABV. $17.50/6.50
L’Ecole No 41 Chenin Blanc 2022, Walla Walla Valley, Washington — L’Ecole N° 41 is a third-generation, family-owned artisan winery located in the historic Frenchtown School depicted on the label. Upland Vineyard is the oldest producing vineyard in Washington State, planted more than 100 years ago. This old vines Chenin Blanc was planted in 1979 in ancient alluvial Columbia River soils. This single-vineyard, old-vine white wine offers fragrant aromas of pear, jasmine, honeysuckle, wet stone, and ginger. Its vibrant character comes to life on the palate with peach, magnolia, and zesty citrus custard flavors. The wine’s well-rounded, flavorful profile is balanced by a refreshing, mineral-driven finish. Rating: 93, James Suckling. 13% ABV. $23.99/8
Vinum Cellars “The Scrapper” Cabernet Franc 2018, Camino Alto Vineyard, Napa, California — This dry-farmed Cab Franc is a concentrated, inky plum colored red that is subtle in its approach with its silky tannins and generously integrated French oak lactones. The intense aromas are replete with dark fruits such as ripe huckleberry, blueberry and rich cherry vanilla with cassis tannins. The palate gives way to more of the same juicy blackberry and dried cherry flavors with cigar box, cedar and integrated French oak notes with vanilla. The finish is soft, supple and complete with plush tannins and silky oak tones which interplay with generous fruit notes and contemplative spice and earth tones. Called The Scrapper (a fighter) because the varietal has quickly been forgotten in the shadows of the more popular varietal Cabernet Sauvignon. The Scrapper image is of Gene Tunney who was the 1926 Heavyweight Champion of the World. Most modern day people have never even heard of him. He defeated Jack Dempsey for the 1926 crown, but it was actually the second time he defeated the more popular fighter (no one else ever did that). So if Gene Tunney is Cabernet Franc, clearly Jack Dempsey is Cabernet Sauvignon so this begs the question; which is the better varietal because we know who the better boxer was. This wine drinks well in it's youth while sturdy, but will mature gracefully for 20+ years. Rating: 90, James Suckling, Wine Enthusiast. 14.9% ABV. $40/13
See you Friday!