We continue to enjoy Locations Wines that are each designated by letters of the alphabet. Readers may recall that the Locations wines are produced from the best vineyard sites situated from all over the world produced by Dave Phinney. Our most recent tastings included representations from New Zealand (NZ), France (F) and Spain (E).
NZ: This crisp gem the product of three vineyard sites in New Zealand, and they include the Wairau Valley; Awatere Valley, and the Waihopai Valley. These sites pull in influences from the Pacific Ocean, gravel soils, and cooler ripening climates. The result is a refreshing wine that presents characteristics of grapefruit, fresh grass, and mineral. Enjoy on a warm day with goat cheeses, shellfish or poultry.
F: France is synonymous with winemaking, and Locations pulls in red grapes from Rhone, Roussillon and Bourdeaux to create this fruit-driven wine. The blend includes Grenache, Syrah, and various Bordeaux varities. Seed berry notes prevailed on the nose complemented by aromas of tobacco and violet. A very berry palate included velvety tannins and a pleasant fruity finish. We enjoyed F with herbed eg of lamb and roasted veggies.
E: The tasting notes describe this blend as offering influences from the Mediterranean and the Continent but dominated by Spanish varietals. The blend includes Grenache/Garnacha, Tempranillo, Monastrell, and Carignan/Carinena. I noted juicy plum and tobacco aromas that gave way to flavors of cherry, blackberry, and vanilla. It paired nicely with slow-cooker pot roast served aside roasted potatoes and carrots.
We thank Balzac Communications for sending these lovely wine for us to enjoy. We do appreciate the quality wines that a combination of grapes from various locations can produce. Plan a visit to your local wineshop and to seek out these unique wines produced from Locations. Of course, mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.
CA manages to meld both Old and New World styles. On both the nose and palate, it suggests the weight of a Napa inspired white wine; indeed, it is barrel aged in 30% new French oak in addition to fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Therefore, it presents a crisp entry with fruity flavors of pear, stone fruit and citrus. It finishes with a nutty element as well as a fuller mouth feel. Take time to note its lovely aromas of butterscotch, pear and lemon peel. In a way, it seemsto merge California and the Rhone region of France into a wine bottle. Who says white wines can’t be complex? CA is a blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Roussane; growers hale from Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino. Food pairings? I enjoyed this one with roasted chicken with mashed potatoes. Herbed pork roast, dishes topped with cream sauce, goat cheeses on a toasted baguette—-you get the picture (or the menu ideas.)