Last Week's Tasting Notes

Tormentoso Mourvèdre ($12.99)
South Africa
From the producer:
​"Mourvèdre is fairly rare in South Africa, only a handful are bottled as single varietals. This temperamental grape thrives on the Koopmanskraal farm in Agter-Paarl. The un-irrigated, ten-year-old block produces intensely concentrated, very small bunches with pea-sized berries. The soils impart soft spice and minerality that makes this wine so exciting and unique. A complex, layered wine; the nose of berry fruit is complemented by fynbos and soft spice aromas, while the palate layers flavours of cloves, leathery spice and red fruit. The elegant finish is dry and savoury. Ideal with hearty country food, beef loin and roast red meat dishes."

From me:
Mourvèdre (also called Monastrell) is commonly used as a blending grape in French Rosés, Côtes du Rhônes, and new world "GSMs" (Grenach/Syrah/Mourvèdre), but I love it as a varietal wine. Tormentoso Mourvèdre shows a pleasant spiciness propped up by a medium tannin. The wine is dry and on the lighter side of medium-bodied, but its solid structure can still hold up to red meat. The wine's earthiness would certainly complement rabbit or a hunter's stew.

Tres Palacios Sauvignon Blanc Reserve ($10.99)
Chile
From the producer:
"The nose is fruity with aromas of tropical fruit like pineapple, lime and grapefruit. It is also fresh and herbaceous, with an intense pear perfume. The palate is fresh, lively, and tasty with good acidity due to the maritime influence. Also, the presence of minerals in the soil gives a good balance to the wine, resulting in a lingering, fresh and mouth watering Sauvignon Blanc."

From me:
I have come to really like Sauvignon Blanc from Chile. The grapefruit flavor is milder than it tends to be in New Zealand Sauv Blancs, and there seems to be a bit more earthiness to balance the citrus. This is a great wine to pair with fish dishes, including sushi. This is definitely a four-season white.

Clancy's Red Blend ($15.99)
Australia
From the producer:
"Clancy’s Red is a pure Barossa wine: a collaboration of winemakers and growers who believe in making honest wines that punch above their weight. A blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Shiraz, this wine is soft and supple and full of juicy flavour. Easy drinking and great value: the simple promise from an Australian legend.
A deep cherry red colour leads to a bouquet showing blackcurrant from the Cabernet, vibrant red fruits from Shiraz and Merlot and charry oak in the background. The palate shows rich plummy bright red fruits, and long, savoury tannins adding complexity."

From me:
It's getting to be that time of year when we crave a little warmth from the inside. This wine definitely provides that. Smooth, full-bodied, easy to drink, and luscious, Clancy's is sure to bring a blush to your cheek on a cool autumn evening. This is everything you could want from an Australian red.