Wines
of the Week: After Dinner Delights
By FBWorld Team
At
the conclusion of a lovely meal, one of our favorite
little indulgences is to enjoy an after dinner drink, especially
a Port or a dessert wine. It simply provides an ideal punctuation
to the evening.
He
are six lovely options from California our panel tasted recently.
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Hunt
Cellars 2001 "Good Vibation" 7 year Tawy Cabernet
Sauvignon Port
Winery:
Hunt Cellars
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2001
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: n/a
Review:
Aromas of black cherries, currants, and plums are accented
by notes of milk chocolate, orange zest, and cedar on
the nose. A sip delivers flavors of cherry, cassis, and
ripe plum that flow into suggestions of dark chocolate,
orange spice, and nutty hints. A smooth, rich port with
very interesting layers, this is a bottle to savory.
Rating: 95 |
|
Robledo
2009 "Dos Hermanas" Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc
Winery:
Robledo
Grape(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Lake County
Year: 2009
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 15-20
Review:
A bouquet of apricot, sweet pineapple, and honey greets
the senses. The palate reveals flavors of tropical fruit,
apricot, and peach accented by hints of almonds and vanilla.
A lush, supple dessert wine with a friendly acidity, it
will pair well with pound cake.
Rating: 88 |
|
Sculpterra
Winery J. Jagger Primitivo Dessert Wine
Winery:
Sculpterra Winery
Grape(s): 100% Primitivo
Region: Paso Robles
Year: n/a
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 30-35
Review:
Aromatics of blackberries and currants mingle with chocolatey
and nutty suggestions on the nose. A sip deliverers flavors
of fig and currants accented by nuances of chocolate and
almond paste. Dark and rich, fans of ruby ports will enjoy
this bottle.
Rating: 90 |
|
Thorn
Hill 2010 "Ice" Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc
& Semillion
Winery:
Thorn Hill
Grape(s): Sauvignon Blanc & Semillion
Region: Napa Valley
Year: 2010
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 30-35
Review:
Aromas of apricot and peach mingle with notes of honey
and caramel on the nose. A sip deliveries flavors of apricot,
pear, and golden raisin that open up into hints of honey
and pie crust. A smooth, lush dessert wine with a rich
mouthfeel, marzipan or almond torte will both make fine
pairings.
Rating: 89 |
|
Thorn
Hill 2008 "Fire" Petite Sirah
Winery:
Thorn Hill
Grape(s): 100% Petite Sirah
Region: Napa Valley
Year: 2008
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 30-35
Review:
A bouquet of blueberries, blackberries, gingerbread, and
chocolate rises up from a glass. Blackberry, cherry, and
boysenberry flavors open up into hints of dark chocolate,
sweet spice, and graham cracker on the palate. A supple,
layered dessert wine with a balanced sweetness, enjoy
a bottle with your favorite chocolate desserts.
Rating: 91 |
|
Winery
SF "Sweet Seduction" Late Harvest Viognier
Winery:
Winery SF
Grape(s): 100% Viognier
Region: California
Year: n/a
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
(n/a)
Price: 20-25
Review:
Aromatics of peach, apricot, and pineapple rind meld with
hints of honey on the nose. The palate delivers flavors
of dried apricot, peach, and passion fruit that open up
into suggestions of honeysuckle and angel food cake. A
layered, lush dessert wine with a round mouthfeel, it
will pair nicely with shortbread or macaroons.
Rating: 91 |
By
Jason Barlow
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
|
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