An evening of tasty wine awaited the patrons of 1st Avenue Wine House and of course Traci once again did a marvelous job for all of us. Upon entering the shop I was greeted by a familiar face Traci's Dad Jim who is a hoot and his customary large wine glass filled of course.
Once my glass was filled with the first wine of the evening the Dreyer Sonoma Chardonnay $13.99 (and my purchase for the evening) I was introduced to Mr. Walter Dreyer who is informative and a pleasure to talk with about his juice. He even commented about the selection of small production vineyards Traci carries in her shop and stores like hers are the places of the future. Couldn't agree more! The grapes from this wine come from both Sonoma County and the Alexander Valley. Aged in stainless steel and only a short time in oak, loved how the fruit expressed itself. Aromas of pear and pineapple were pleasing. Apple and pear, nice acidity on the flavor and one of my favorites for the evening.
Wine #2 was the Compass Merlot $13.99. So smooth. The aroma of plum to me was dominant. Follow that up with some red berry, black cherry and a touch of oak. The flavor was outstanding with the black cherry/plum combo and very easy to drink. My second favorite of the night.
Wine#3 we head to the 2nd floor to find Il Coure Chardonnay $11.99. These chardonnay grapes were harvested in the Mendocino County region. Blended with 9% Viognier, the wine had the aromas of ripe apple, melon, pear. The taste was crisp, with the traditional apple and pear flavors with a hint of sweetness towards the end. Nice balance.
Up next was the IL Coure Cabernet Sauvignon $13.99. A nice wine with the aromas of black cherry, a hint of currant, plum, slight touch of earthiness and oak. Great black cherry, dark berry and plum flavors. The blending of merlot into the cabernet really softens the wine. Very impressed so far with the wines and their price point.
Top floor brought us the Il Coure Barbera $13.99, Il Coure Rosso $12.99 and the Dreyer Sonoma Cabernet $15.99. Starting with the Barbera and my first time tasting this grape. A big red raspberry and oak aroma, the wine was definately full bodied and full of ripe red fruit. The Rosso a blend of Zinfandel, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Carignane. I commented to the distributor who was pouring what a spicy aroma on the nose and the dark fruit. Rich and loved the spicy peppery flavor. Finally the very impressive Cabernet Sauvignon with its blackberry flavor dominant. Just as the tasting notes say the aroma of black cherry and plum was present with the cherry coming to the front. If you like bigger reds then the 3rd floor was your favorite.
Last wine of the night was the Seabiscuit Ranch Superfecta $24.99. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc this wine was another of my evening favorites. Raspberry, black cherry, plum, blueberry and a smooth finish made this big wine so good.
Great fruit, great wine make for an enjoyable evening. Traci thanks for introducing us to the excellent wines.
http://www.dreyerwine.com/
http://www.ilcourewines.com/
http://www.seabiscuitranch.com/
Cheers
Dan
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