It’s time for the “greatest wine hits” of the Bar Foundation’s Wine, Beer and Bourbon Tasting, which occurred October 20th at Laurel Creek Country Club.  If you weren’t there, you missed tasting some fabulous wines, beers, and bourbons; eating delicious food; and the chance to win over 50 fabulous prizes!  All proceeds go directly to the Children’s Holiday Party the Foundation throws the first Saturday in December for kids who may otherwise not have anything to celebrate.

The favorite white wine of the evening was from South Africa:  Blackwater’s Underdog Chenin Blanc 2015 (Stellenbosch).  It is 100% Chenin Blanc, a very popular white grape in South Africa.  Wine Spectator had this to say about it:  “Ripe, offering notes of quince, melon and yellow apple. Stays racy, with honeysuckle, quinine and verbena accents lending contrast. Presents a bright, focused finish” and gave it 91 pts.  Wineworks carries it for $14. Many people came back for seconds of this. 

The second most popular white wine (and my favorite one of the evening) was Landhaus Mayer’s Gruner Veltliner 2016 (Vienna, Austria).   I am partial to Austrian Wines, and this one 100% Gruner Veltliner nailed it .  Wine Enthusiast described it thusly:  “Bright, vibrant citrus, crisp pear and a light spiciness burst from the glass. Lively and luscious!” and gave it 90 points. Wineworks carries it for $11.   Note that both these labels broke my “no critters on a label” rule. 

The favorite red of the evening was Silk & Spice, a Red Blend from Portugal 2015 (Dão, Portugal).  Varietals used in the blend included 40% Touriga Nacional, 20% Baga, 20% Syrah, 20% Alicante Bouchet.  Wine Enthusiast described as follows:  “black fruits and with subtle signs of the wood aging . . . it is warm with its own spiciness as well as a juicy aftertaste. 90 points.”  Only $10 at Wineworks.  The crowd drank this dry before the night was done, but it was a bit “port-y” and “warm” (no surprise, given the grapes used) for a dry wine, for my taste.

The second most popular red (and my favorite) was Di Majo Norante’s Ramitello Biferno 2012 (Molise, Italy).  The varietals used in this blend were 85% Montepulciano and 15% Aglianico.  Wine Advocate’s Tasting Notes: “The bouquet reveals dark fruit tones with spice and lingering leather at the back. The mouthfeel is reinforced by firm tannic structure and bright acidity.”  The combination of Aglianico and Montepulciano really worked for me; sometimes, these varietals are a little rustic on their own.  Wineworks carries it for $13.

Finally, I could not fail to mention the dessert sherry:  Lustau’s “East India Solera” NV (Jerez, Spain).  This sherry is a blend of 80% Oloroso (from Palomino grapes) and 20% Pedro Ximénez (we’ve poured PX before – maple syrup and figs!).  Wine Advocate Tasting Notes: “notes of maple syrup, brown sugar, spice box, raisin and chocolate beer nuts, and its terrific balancing acidity cuts through the sweetness.” 96 points.  Find it at Wineworks for $23.  Sherry is having a bit of renaissance in the USA.  Get on the boat early, before the prices increase! Can’t go wrong with the producer Lustau.

Thank you again to those who came out to support the Bar Foundation.  If you missed the party this year, please try to make it next year!  We raised a substantial amount for the Children’s Holiday Party.  Cheers!