Tasting 7/16/2009 at the Twisted Cork.
At the tasting, all of the tasted wines were available for a dollar off of each bottle. Presented by Joshua with Heidelberg.
NV Deshora Cava, Brut, Xarello, Macabeo, and Parellada (all typical grape varieties for making sparkling wine in Spain), closeout price $7.99. Medium toast and yeast on the nose with some light herbal notes and a touch of caramel. A rather coarse mousse with fair fruit and a nice, clean finish. A super value for a Spanish sparkler! Raymond Rating = 85 points.
2004 Tumara Pinotage, by Bellevue Estate, Stellenbosch District, Coastal Region, South Africa, 14.0% alcohol, closeout price $8.99. Berries, cherries, vanilla, leather, with highlights of dried herbs. Rich fruit, soft tannins, some complexity, and a nice finish. Drink over the near term. A real bargain at the closeout price! Raymond Rating = 88 points.
2001 Tumara Titan, by Bellevue Estate, 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, 7% Malbec, Stellenbosch District, Coastal Region, South Africa, 14.5% alcohol, closeout price $8.99. Perfumed berries, eucalyptus, and light tobacco notes on the pretty nose. Good fruit, soft, but well-structured with some complexity and a nice finish. Starting to show a little age, though not over the hill; drink over the near term. A steal at the closeout price! Raymond Rating = 89 points.
2007 La Mano Mencía Roble, DO Bierzo, Spain, 12.5% alcohol, $10.50. Berries with slightly smoky, spicy highlights. Very good fruit, medium tannins, some complexity, and medium-long length. Would be great with grilled foods. Raymond Rating = 89 points.
Gayle also prepared a white Sangria that was super and very refreshing. Her red Sangria was also a refreshing quaff, with the addition of a nice berry character.