It’s time for my best of the Burlington County Bar Foundation Wine, Beer and Bourbon Tasting column. Thank you to everyone who came out. It was so nice to get together in person and have fun while raising money for a great cause: the children’s holiday party.

The most popular white of the evening was the 2022 Raats Family Wines Original Chenin Blanc Unwooded from Stellenbosch, South Africa. This is an elegant, vibrant white, aged on lees for six months, to give it a rounder mouthfeel. Yellow apple, pineapple, kiwi, melon, citrus and grass on the nose. Bright citrus, apple, and crisp acidity on the palate, with a long, mineral finish. ABV: 13%. Only $12.

The most popular red wine of the evening was the 2019 Durigutti Bonarda from Mendoza, Argentina. The Bonarda grapes are hand-harvested from stony vineyards at the base of the Andes. Blackberries, black currants, violets, and herbs on the nose. It’s a full-bodied, dry wine, with blackberries, raspberries, crushed stone and cedar on the palate. Fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. ABV: 14%. Only $14.

The runner-up for red wine of the night was the 2020 Bodegas Rectoral De Amandi – Matilda Nieves Mencia from Ribeira Sacra, Spain. This red blend consists of 85% Mencia, 8% Garnacha, and 7% Souson grapes. Mencia wines smell elegant, but usually taste rather rustic. This one’s palate matches the elegant nose a bit better.  The grapes are hand-picked, macerated, and fermented with native yeasts, spending 15-20 days on their skins in stainless steel tanks. The nose is perfumed, with lip-smacking cherry, blackberry, cranberry, plum, leather, and spice on the palate. Pairs well with grilled red meat, roasted pork, lamb. ABV: 13% Only $14.

I have to give a special mention to the sake, a first appearance for Japanese wine at our Wine Tasting:  2021 Tozai Blossoms of Peace Plum Sake from Kyoto, Japan.  Made from Aodani Plums which were soaked in Tozai sake for three months. Notes of marzipan, plum, apricot, cherry. Nicely balanced between tart and sweet. Drink straight or over ice. ABV: 10.5%.  $17.

A big thank you to the Foundation Board Members and the Bar Executive team who worked tirelessly to get auction items, helped organize, and stage the event! Thank you also to the Bar members, and their family and friends, who came out to enjoy the evening and raise money for the Bar Foundation’s charitable endeavors.  Cheers!