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Unique Wines in Arlington
Arlington, VA
Tasted May 7, 2011 by isaacjamesbaker with 491 views
Introduction
Theme: traditional varieties from weird places or weird varities from traditional places. Each wine was poured blind and we had a great time talking about what wine it reminded us of. Then we unveiled and went on to the next wine, finishing the night off with two cabs, served non-blind. The table was filled with cheeses, figs with cardamom-infused mascapone, steak, sausage and so much other good food I don't remember it all. Even though some of the wines weren't great, I still enjoyed the experience.
Flight 1 (10 notes)
White
N.V. Gettysburg Winery Majestic
87 points
melon, white peach on the nose. the palate shows white peach, a good spritz, solid acid. a hint of sweetness. the palate is full of fruit, but the acid is razor sharp. guess: an east coast vidal blanc. not too far off, as this is mostlye cayuga. very impressed that this is from pennsylvania. definitely has some riesling qualities.
White
2008 Pradio Friuli Grave Friulano
86 points
golden color. hazelnut and (sherry?) on the nose. the palate shows honey, caramel, which evolved into orange rinds, tangy marmalade. good acid. hint of minerals on the finish. guess: a jura chardonnay or a dry furmint from hungary.
White
2007 Argiolas Vermentino di Sardegna Costamolino
85 points
golden honey colored. the nose shows white peach, honey, apricot and a hint of cotton candy. the palate is fresh and lively, albeit a bit light. the palate has some grapefruit rind and some lemon water, with a hint of wax. overall a bit weak. guess: semillion or a greek white.
White
2008 Bodegas Avancia Valdeorras Gallæcia
90 points
light straw color. the nose is light with lemon and pear butter. the palate is tangy and vibrant, but the fruit is clearly oaked, as shows the hazelnut and peanut shell. there's some minerals on the finish, along with saline, margarita and lemon lime soda. it's like someone mixed chardonnay with a basque white: guess: spain.
Rosé
2009 S.C. Union Campesina Iniestense Vino de la Tierra de Castilla Senorio de Iniesta
81 points
kool-aid colored. the nose is like watermelon, wild strawberries and cherry skins. the palate is tangy with vibrant acid, dandelion skins and rosewater. interesting, but not necessarily easy to sip. this is a rose to have with salads. a brie cheese mellowed it out a bit. guess: a loire rose of cab franc.
White
2009 Scholium Project Rhododactylos
87 points
this is a rose? the color is like watermelon rind with white peach juice. the nose shows white flowers, watermelon and pickles. the palate shows pickled okra, watermelon, dandelion. the grip on the tannins is interesting.
Red
2004 Santa Barbara Winery Lagrein Joughin Vineyard
92 points
almost pitch colored. the nose shows smoked meat, blackberries, raspberry fruit roll-ups and licorice. the palate is vibrant and tangy, showing more red fruit, showing freshness. lots of leather, grippy tannins animal hide and smoked meat. what an amazing wine. gorgeous. will last for years.
Red
2004 Mastroberardino Taurasi Radici
91 points
ruby and brick colored. the nose shows rhubarb, clove and currants. the palate is fresh and absolutely gorgeous. what a sexy mouthfeel. cigar box, tobacco leaf, coffee grinds and black tea. so rich, but balanced by gritty tannins and a streak of acidity. the finish is spectacular. warren said he double-decanted this overnight, and i was amazed at how young it still was. that said, it came alive in the glass with air and went so well with a mushroom-crusted steak. i didn't make an official guess because i knew this was a unique wine that i have not had much experience. when unveiled, i thought: i need to get more aglianico wines!
Red
2007 Stefania Cabernet Sauvignon Chaine d' Or Vineyard
88 points
nose: green pepper. currants, pickles. the palate is silky, but a bit weak in the tannins. cab characteristics, but a little to rustic to be a great wine.
Red
2007 Stefania Cabernet Sauvignon Uvas Creek Vineyard
85 points
nose shows licorice and cherries. but the palate feels light, a bit weak. overall, decent, but nothing to remember.