First Friday Tasting-Wine World-Feb. 5

Event: It’s First Friday again. Though it was cold and wet outside, inside Wine World the atmosphere was warm and friendly. Six outstanding wines and some fine cheeses had a big crowd of tasters in a good mood. Everyone had their favorites, from the two outstanding white wines to the three very strong reds to the pomegranate. There wasn’t much to complain about on this blustery evening.

Where: Wine World, 133 Georgia Ave., North Augusta, SC
803-279-9522

When: Friday, Feb. 5th, 5 to 8PM
Cost: $4, with rebate on the purchase of 1 bottle of the featured wines.

Here are the wines tasted:

Domaine de Pouy 2008
What: February White Wine of the Month. An exuberant, aromatic dry white. Zingy aromas of flowers and citrus with hints of green apple and mineral notes. Appealing flavors suggest lime, green apple and pineapple. Bright, refreshing finish. Blend of Ugni Blanc 60% and Colombard 40%. Yves Grassa family treats Ugni Blanc (the major Cognac grape) as a worthy varietal and for many years has made this terrific perenniel “Best Buy” wine.
From: Cotes de Gascogne, France
Year: 2008
Goes with: Great match for shellfish, pork loin, chicken. Spinach salad with Feta or goat cheese.

Price: $11.99

Lucky Star Chardonnay 2008
What: A lively, pleasing Chardonnay at a value price! Aromas and flavors of ripe Golden apples and Anjou pears are beautifully balanced by a citrus note and refreshing easy acidity. Just a splash of Sauvignon Blanc adds aromatic floral notes and complexity. Silky, creamy texture.
From: California
Year: 2008
Goes with: Aperitif or with appetizers. Very food friendly. Chicken, seafood, Moo shu Pork. Havarti cheese. Chicken salad with apples and walnuts.

Price: $8.99

Lucky Star Pinot Noir 2008
What: Ripe red raspberry aromas and dark cherry flavors are dominant in this wonderful good-value pinot noir. Whole berry (destemmed, but not crushed) fermentation preserves the lush berry flavors. The winemaker added a touch of Syrah (and tells you about it) for smoothness, color and a flavor lift. Crisp yet silky finish. (This was reviewed by Cheap Bastard in December). It also was a favorite of Wine Time writer Dennis Sodomka in October.

From: California
Winery: Lucky Star Wines
Year: 2008
Goes with: A fine companion to grilled meats, chicken, pasta with olive oil, fresh tomatoes and herbs. Great with mushroom dishes.

Price: $8.99

Palacios Remondo Rioja La Vendimia 2007
What: This 50% Tempranillo, 50% Grenache (Garnacha) blend Rioja is brimming with bright fruit and ripe notes of plums and blackberry jam and a hint of Mediterranean herbs. It can be served slightly chilled. This is not a traditional old-style Rioja. Made by well-known young winemaker Alvaro Palacios, La Vendimia (“the harvest”) leans towards a “new world” style. It is intended to be consumed young. Partial carbonic, whole-cluster fermentation captures and preserves the fresh fruit aspect. The winemaker refers to it as Joven—a young Rioja with little or no oak ageing—though it did see a brief time in oak (4 months). The grapes are organically grown in the Palacios family vineyards. An “enjoy-life” wine and very food friendly.
From: Rioja, Spain
Winery: Bodegas Palacios Remondo
Year: 2007
Goes with: Grilled sausages, steaks, spicy chicken dishes. Flavorful cheeses.

Price: $12.99

Rock Bare Shiraz 2006
What: February Red wine of the Month. Terrific, full-bodied Shiraz from an outstanding vintage. Intensely earthy ripe plum and black cherry aromas with hints of anise. Flavors of rich black berry fruits with a trace of black olive, hints of toasty oak, bacon and pepper, chocolate and mocha. Velvety texture, good depth, nice complexity, and a long lingering finish. Rave reviews including 90 pts from Wine Advocate. A very special wine.
From: McLaren Vale, Australia
Winery: Rock Bare

Year: 2006
Goes with: Bring on the big rich beef steaks or Australian lamb! Hearty beef stews, braised lamb shanks.
Flavorful cheeses. Aged Gouda.

Price: $16.99

Tree of Life Pomegranate Semi-sweet NV
What: With a nod to Valentine’s Day, here’s a delicious, fun pomegranate wine. Pomegranates are well-known for their anti-oxidant properties. Rich, ripe dark-berry-pomegranate favors fill the palate. The semi-sweet flavors are well-balanced by refreshing acidity. By itself or as dessert or with a not too sweet dessert. And of course, there is always dark chocolate! Enjoy!
From: Armenia
Winery: Tree of Life

Price: $14.99