Notes from 7-20-07

Tasted a whole bunch of wine today - through our trade meeting and after with a consumer event. Here is a very brief recap of all the wines with some quick notes;

1. 2006, Santa Tresa Rina Lanca (Sicilia, Italy) - approximately $13 retail - a fresh clean white from a great producer on Italy's main wine producing island...http://www.santatresa.it/



2. 2004, Santa Tresa Cerasuolo (Sicilia, Italy) - approximately $15 retail - a local grape with a very soft, generous approach on the palate - quite tasty.


3. 2004, Whitman Cellars "Del Rio" (Walla Walla, Washington State) - approximately $28 retail - a blend of 50/50 cab sauv and merlot from the Del Rio Vineyard in Bedford, Oregon (all purchased fruit is used to mak ethe wines at Whitman). Big nose, soft palate, fleshy finish. Definitely shows Washington State wine style. 850 cases produced.


4. 2003, Whitman Cellars "Narcissa Red" (Walla Walla, WA) - approximately $25 retail - 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah, 8% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc all aged for 18 months in a combination of French and American oak. This was a generous, big supple fruit bomb. American palate all the way; big, juicy and fun to drink. 2500 cases produced.


5. 2003, Whitman Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon (Walla Walla, WA) - approximately $38 retail - a well made, super solid WA State wine. A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Malbec, and 7% Merlot. Fleshy on the palate, but a good grip on the finish. Well made and definitely something for the cab lover.


6. 2003, Whitman Cellars Merlot (Walla Walla, WA) - approximately $35 retail - a big WA State merlot showing great depth of flavor and intensity with a good acid backbone and mild tannins.