Thanksgiving wine tasting

Saturday's tasting at Sardis Park VQA featured wines hand picked to go with tonight's turkey dinner (which I probably should start preparing for pretty soon). Here we go.



 
 

Cedarcreek 2012 Rose


Strawberry and a tiny hint of cinnamon greet your nose which is followed by berries and watermelon on the palate. Those of you who like watermelon more than I do may really enjoy this fruity Rose.

Rating: 78




Joie 2009 Reserve Chardonnay

Lightly oaked, rich and creamy but still very subtle. Light buttery notes don't overwhelm the fruit.

Rating: 77

D'Angelo 2006 Pinot Noir

Hints of raspberry on the nose with a slightly spicy finish. Doesn't show much complexity, almost seems like it's watered down. Is it possible this 2006 has already passed it's peak?

Rating: 64






Cassini 2010 Syrah $28.88

Notes of cranberry and blackberry on the nose. Hints of licorice haunt the smooth, silky palate. Tannins are medium to firm, this would improve with careful cellaring.

Rating: 80





Quails' Gate 2009 Fortified Vintage Foch $22.99


Fans of this style of wine should gobble this one up. Gobble. Get it? Thanksgiving. Gobble gobble. Sheesh, tough crowd.

Mocha overwhelms the nose upon your first smell, and then some chocolate notes come through. Rich and very full. Sweet but not as sweet as I personally like my dessert wines; if you like 'em less sweet and enjoy the richness of a Foch, this is a perfect after-turkey wine.

Rating: 79