My dear readers, I have TONS of tasting notes from the summer that I simply haven't had time to write up yet. Now that we are nearing year end and the temperatures are dropping, I am revisiting the sunny summer days spent tasting and catching up on sharing all my notes. This way we can all close our eyes and pretend we are again in sunny climes!
A highlight of our summer was a visit to Napa, where we visited beautiful Sterling Vineyards. I consider Sterling VIneyards a must for anyone coming to Northern California! The pic above is the view from the gondola ride that takes visitors from the parking lot to the actual winery tour, which provides many photos ops as well as a view over the entire Napa Valley. Once you arrive at the winery, you can take even more pics to wow friends and relatives from an expansive balcony extending out from the actual self-guided tour grounds.
The self-guided tour allows you to move as quickly or slowly as you want, and your tasting is spread out into "stations" located at various points throughout the tour. The very first tasting station was set amongst humongous oak barrels, and was the 2010 Sterling Sauvignon. I must admit that I almost just tossed it in the barrel, as I usually am not very excited about Sauvignon Blancs. They usually taste like water to me - I am known as a red drinker amongst my friends. But this one was special!
The nose was the first giveway that this one was worthy of sipping. It smelled like fresh grass, ripe lemons, and light jasmine perfume. After taking a sip, I was glad I didn't pour it out. The lemon flavor persisted with a burst of fruit and white grape tastes,but it was also refreshingly flavorful and dryer than most Sauvignon Blancs. I savored every bit of this light yet full wine until reaching my next station. As I continued to sip, I tasted subtle hints of grapefruit, kiwi, and coriander along with the lemon and white grape.
Food Pairings: I want to drink this with lemon sauteed tilipia with almonds, green beans, and watermelon while watching videos of beach vacations to chase the chill away! I think it would go well with shrimp cocktail, fresh crab legs, and peach salsa with chips.
Music Pairings: Light and sophisticated, this is the ultimate "Chamber Music and Canape" wine. I can also see drinking it poolside, with classic 80s rock blaring. Or with fresh Peter Tosh music.
Other Pairings: Rainy or frosty days when you wish summer were still here are great times to sip this wine and reminisce. I would also sip this wine while planning next year's vacation, sitting over an autumn backyard fire, or planting bulbs for next year's spring garden.
Where to Buy: Snooth.com lists five stores that carry this crisp, fruity wine.
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