Saturday Walk Around Tasting at The Gourmet Shop, Columbia, SC 5/7/2011

Every Saturday from 2 to 5 for only a dollar, the Gourmet Shop in the 5 Points shopping and entertainment district just off the campus of the University of South Carolina hosts a stand up tasting of 4 current release, generally affordable, and always food friendly wines. Typically the staff choose the wines, but invite the wholesaler to pour and comment about the wines. This Saturday, Ginny from Ben Arnold/Sunbelt was our hostess. It was the day after graduation, and the entire city had spring fever, but this event still drew it's usual crowd of regulars and new comers.

• 2009 Long Boat Sauvignon Blanc 89 Points

  New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough

  At first the nose was almost closed. What we did get was soft, more like a Chenin Blanc, than Sauvignon Blanc.The color was pretty clear by New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc standards. On the palate, it was surprisingly tame and civilized. There was only a touch of that famous grassiness. It was much more than medium bodied. More pineapple and melon than usual, with citrus and tropical fruit. Not a simple wine by any means, each sip brought another little flavor surprise. As a matter fact, this wine tastes better at close to room temperature. Only a mild dose of granny smith apple acidity. All in all, elegant, subtle, and tasty.

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• 2009 Bodega Catena Zapata Malbec Tilia 86 Points

  Argentina, Mendoza

  Another 2009 Argentina Malbec that delivers the goods without hurting the wallet. The nose has some floral character that I really like. It is medium bodied, not at all heavy. This wine is fruit driven, but in a subtle way. They have brought some supporting flavors like cocoa and vanilla. More than adequate job with some creaminess on the mid palate. Nice control of the tannins. The 13.9% alcohol is balanced with enough acid and oak. Quite enjoyable and ready to drink now.

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• 2009 Gundlach Bundschu Gewürztraminer Estate Vineyard 87 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast

  To my palate, this might have been slightly sweet, but I may be wrong. They say it is 14.4% alcohol, picked at 25 brix, so there is not much room for sweetness with those numbers. It must be the style, which I really like. It has a delightful, almost honeyed viscosity, that flows like a light syrup through the palate. It's a spicy, but vibrantlly fruity, intensely fragrant attack on the senses. Only Gewurztraminer can bring this combination of pineapple, orange, apricot and melon fruit. The acid is adequate, but relatively mild. Slightly mineral. Not a lot of complexity. Slightly bitter on the finish, which hurt the score. This bitterness may age out, this wine will last at least 10 years.

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• 2007 Santa Ema Carménère Amplus 87 Points

  Chile, Rapel Valley, Cachapoal Valley

  Another Carmenere blend that avoids that often annoying soggy wet tea bag flavor. This is more "California" in style, with more fruit, and less off flavors. The nose is ripe black cherry, with a little smoke, and a very slight smell of violets. The color is very dark. The black cherry also dominates on the palate, supported by some red raspberry. I get some of that sour milk acidity. Smooth and creamy. Some vanilla from oak, probably medium heavy toast. Quite full bodied. Some herbal spiciness on the finish.

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Brought home a bottle of Tilia for the cellar, doubt it will last longer than a week or two.