White Wine

• Enticing aromas that are strikingly similar to Viognier, this 2009 Mendoza Torrontes shows hints of peach pit, white pear, flowers, and orange citrus fruit. On the palate, it has beautiful structure and acidity similar to Sauvignon Blanc, along with enticing fruit flavors that keep you coming back for another sip. Plenty of body for a wine that shows such delicate aromas and flavors. Fruity, floral and yet still quite dry. Best enjoyed in its youth either by itself, or as a wonderful partner with smoked meats, mild to medium-strong cheeses, and seafood (especially crab).

Rosé Wine

• This 2008 Malbec from Medoza shows a beautiful, deep, vibrant rosé color. It has a surprising amount of glycerin and body for a rosé wine, and beautiful aromas of fresh, ripe, wild strawberries. On the palate, the flavors of strawberries and cherries come rushing in, accompanied by some spice notes and a clean, dry finish. This is the wine to serve with warm-weather meals when there is a mix of traditional white and red wine foods. Keep one in the fridge at all times and you’ll always have a delicious wine to enjoy with light snacks and cheeses. Best consumed in its youth.
  

Red Wines

• This 2007 Mendoza Bonarda shows intense ruby color with bright aromas of fresh red and black raspberries and subtle, smoky oak notes. The flavor of freshly crushed raspberries is echoed on the palate, along with notes of white pepper, dark chocolate, and a touch of sandalwood and mint on the finish. Though quite rich and hedonistic, the seamless structure of this wine makes it a candidate for drinking in its youth or over the next few years, if you can wait that long! It will pair well with just about any foods with which you would drink Zinfandel or other fruit-driven reds.
  
  
• From Chile's Maipo Valley comes this wonderful 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, full of ripe blackberry, plum, herb and cacao aromas. Medium in body and light in tannin, it captures the essence of Maipo Valley fruit. In the mouth, the flavors continue the blackberry-blueberry themes with hints of cassis and black olives. Its lingering finish echoes the black fruits and ends on a tangy cherry brightness. With time in the glass, this Cabernet unfolds beautifully, suggesting it can be enjoyed in its youth or cellared for 2-5 years.
  
  
• The blend for this 2008 Mendoza is 91% Malbec, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Syrah. This powerful, firmly structured wine is blackish in color, and perfumed with wild raspberry and bittersweet cocoa. The palate unfolds in velvety layers of plum, currant and anise. Notes of white pepper and minerals accompany fine-grained tannins on a long, memorable finish. Solid, with medium-weight black licorice, crushed plum and spice notes that stay nicely focused on the finish.
  
  
• This 2006 Bonarda/Malbec blend from Mendoza features aromas of bright berry/cherry fruit and electric-purple color. Like swallowing a whole bowl of mixed ripe berries at once. Big body yet very balanced, with luscious layers of raspberry, cherry, and cocoa flavors. Just a hint of baking spice at the end brings it all together. Pairs well with grilled meats such as beef and pork, smoked ham, and even pizza with meat toppings. Incredibly fun to drink!
  

Appetizer of the Week

Four Cheese-Stuffed Tomato with Toasted Bread Crisps - $8

 

For more specific information on these great wines, or to taste for yourself, stop by the Tasting Room at Wines by Jennifer this week. We look forward to seeing you!