Two Night Tastings

This week I was able to attend a couple of night tastings after work. These tasting are always fun, usually a good crowd enjoying whatever wines are being poured.

Monday night I attended a night tasting of wines from Costieres de Nîmes sponsored by StarChefs and Bethony restaurant where the event was held.

2013 Chateau de Campuget White. A blend of Roussanne, Grenache Blanc and Marsanne, medium yellow with sweet candy on the nose and was tart and lemony with some green herbs on the finish.

2013 Chateau Guiot Rosé. A blend of Grenache and Syrah, cherry red in color with bright red cherry and fresh thyme on the fruit.

2009 Chateau Guiot “Numa”. At 95% Syrah, dark red with a big nose of smoky roasted meat, concentrated with notes of mineral and bacon fat on the crisp finish. Some food toned down the acids nicely.

2011 Michel Gassier “Nostre Pais”. A Rhone blend of several varietals, dark red with a subdued nose of dried herbs with juicy sweet cherry fruit with black licorice notes on the finish.

On Wednesday night I attended a tasting sponsored by Wines of Portugal which was held at Corkbuzz wine bar in Union Square. I’ve attended many tastings at this venue and the nibbles they put out to accompany the wines were excellent as usual. I normally look to Portugal for good value wines, but the wines poured this evening were higher end. Many dark, concentrated and balanced wines that would have made a California wine drinker smile. Some nice juice.

2012 José Maria da Fonseca Reserva Tinto (Peninsula de Setubal). Medium red with dusty bacon and red licorice on the nose with medium to long fruit, nicely balance, very drinkable.

2008 José Maria da Fonseca Domini Plus Tinto (Douro). Dark red with violets and black cherry on the nose (reminded me of a Chianti), chewy with mint, minerals and silky tannin on the finish. Very nice.

2011 Casa Ferreirinha Quinta da Leda Tinto (Douro). Black with tar and violets on the nose, big and concentrated with dark chocolate on the balanced fruit, big wine.

2013 Casa Ferreirinha Papa Figos Tinto (Douro). Dark red with crushed dark berries and bacon on the nose, dark juicy fruit with chocolate on the balanced finish.

2009 Quinto de Lemos (Dão). 100% Alfrocheiro. Dark red with leathery, sweet cherry fruit, chewy with dried herbs and leather notes on the excellent finish.

2009 Quinto de Lemos (Dão). 100% Tinta Roriz. Dark red to black in color with black licorice on the nose and dark fruit, tight with manageable tannin at the end.

2009 Quinto de Lemos Dona Georgina (Dão). Dark red to black with fresh herbs on the nose, silky with creamy black fruit, balanced with a long finish.

2009 Quinto de Lemos  Dona Santana (Dão). Dark red to black with fresh herbs on the nose, chewy with concentrated bright fruit and some heat at the end.

2010 Julia Kemper Touriga Nacional (Dão). 100% Touriga Nacional, black in color with crushed stone on the nose, silky and dusty, dark fruit with great balance.

2010 Luis Pato Vinha Pan Tinto (Beiras). 100% Baga. The guy pouring this said this producer was looking to make a Barolo style wine in Portugal and it smelled and tasted like one. Dark red in color with cigar box on the nose and tar notes on the silky fruit and tannins, great balance.