Creekside Cellars’ Olympic-Themed Tasting

This week’s tasting took patrons on a tour of the world’s wines. There were many successes on the list. It was one of the rare events that we actually tasted all ten of the wines offered. Here’s a rundown of the notes we made on the wines.

2011 Col de Salici “Prosecco Superior” from Valdobbiadene, Italy – ($19) – This prosecco was smooth and understated, but quite nice.

2010 Boutari Assyrtiko from Santorini, Greece – ($20) – This wine was very Greek and minerally, almost like sea foam. It had thyme and rosemary notes, and went well with an aged goat’s milk cheese called “Pico” from Perigod, France.

2011 Nautillus Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand – ($18) – This wine had a pine and green nose, you could tell it was a young Sauvignon Blanc. It was also nuanced – foresty, and had hints of mushrooms and white pepper. It was pretty darn good, and is on our wish list to purchase in the future.

2009 Glen Carlou Charonnay from Paarl, South Africa – ($19) – This wine was quite versatile, rustic, and oaked. It would be lovely with a chowder or white cheddar. It was really versatile, and it’s the kind of wine that would pair well with many different meals.

2011 Chateau de Lancyre Rose of Syrah, Grenache, & Cinsault from Pic Saint Loup, France – ($19) – This wine was summery and fruit-salady. There were notes of watermelon and cantaloupe.  It would pair well with falafel and other light vegetarian or Mediterranean dishes. This is a great wine for summer parties.

2009 Migration by Duckhorn Pinot Noir from Anderson Valley, California – ($36) – This was a light, chocolaty Pinot Noir that had cigar box and allspice notes. It was very nice.

2009 Urban Ribera Tinta Del Pais (Tempranillo) from Ribera Del Duero, Spain – ($16) – This wine had notes of tomato, and would go well with a spaghetti or pizza. It was a fairly standard red wine, but had good balance. It was fruit forward done right.

2011 Achaval Ferrer Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina – ($25) – this wine had hints of paprika and cayenne pepper. It was a firecracker and reasonably good.

2010 Langmeil “Hanging Snakes” Shiraz from Barossa, Australia – ($19) – This one had plum notes and it was okay.

Dow’s White Port – Served chilled with lime twist and tonic water from Douro, Portugal – ($17) – This was the star of the show. It was cocktail-ish, and didn’t need a pairing. It had vanilla and blueberry notes. It would pair well with broiled plums and marscapone chesse.