Saturday Tasting at The Gourmet Shop, Columbia, SC 3/23/2013

Kelly from southern Wine and Spirits was our host on a cold rainy too much like winter day for the third week in March. He chose 2 wines from Antinori Santa Cristina, a very nice change of pace Sauvignon Blanc from Napa, and an old friend Monte Antico Toscana IGT from the 2008 vintage. It was revealing to taste the 2008 Antico next to the 2010 Santa Cristina as both wines have a similar origin, but could hardly be any different in flavor profile. I had tried the Santa Cristina Umbria IGT earlier and used that tasting review today. The tasting bar was surrounded by enthusiastic patrons and Kelly was his typical knowledgeable, communicative, friendly self.

• 2011 Santa Cristina (Antinori) Umbria 87 Points

  Italy, Umbria

  Much different from Pinot Grigio, this blend of 2 unpronounceable native Italian grapes has a mouth feel more like a Chardonnay, and a flavor profile much like a blend of the Southern Rhone white grapes. I think it saw some barrel or cask aging. Not much color, kind of light golden. Some honeyed caramel with minerals citrus and spice on the nose. Peach, apricot, melon, and citrus fruit. There seems to be some malo lactic as the acid is quite civilized. The memorable finish is spicy maybe cinnamon influenced baked apple, meets lemon rind. One of those white wines tasting better at room temperature.

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• 2010 Trinchero Sauvignon Blanc Mary's Vineyard 90 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  My palate really enjoyed this wine. This is warm climate Calistoga, Napa Valley white wine. The grapes get plenty of wamth and sunshine that bring out some welcome, though not necessarily typical flavors for this varietal. The nose is quite fruity and floral with some baking spices and even some pie crust aromas. The viscosity and mouth feel is pretty heavy for a Sauvignon Blanc. There is a big hit of tropical fruit like mango and orange peel backed up with some cinnamon and ginger that is intense and lifting without being heavy. There is little or no grassy herbaceousness. They maintained enough natural acidity to keep things crisp and balanced. The whole package is more fruity, and less crisp than typical. Long tropical fruit finish with mango and honey. Probably not for everyone, but a very nice effort.

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• 2008 Monte Antico Toscana IGT 87 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

  This is the third vintage I have tried of this well regarded highly popular Sangiovese blend. To me, by far, the 2006 was the most concentrated and complete. This 2008 is not as rich. There is still plenty to like. There is a delightful aroma and flavor of fresh crushed Mount Morency sour cherry that fills the nose and continues on to coat the palate. Only medium bodied. The nose also exhibits some barnyard aromas along with the smell of roses. The cherry and raspberry fruit shows a quick hitting, aggressive sharpness that does not last very long. More Old World in style than fruit forward. There are several enhancing secondary flavors like cedar, red licorice, mint and wood smoke. Plenty of Italian style acidity. The finish is dominated by that sour cherry intensity that really brings some life to this wine. Wish it were a little more concentrated.

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• 2010 Santa Cristina (Antinori) Toscana IGT 87 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

  Santa Cristina brings us a Sangiovese blend from Tuscany with an international flair. The blending grapes are International varieties mostly Merlot but probably some Cabernet and Syrah. This is not your typical Tuscan Sangiovese. It is quite rich, juicy and fruit forward. It is not difficult to smell and taste the influence from the Merlot. The color is relatively light and does not predict the fruit flavor barrage about to come. The fruit is mostly red flavors like cranberry, ripe red cherry, red raspberry and strawberry. There is some earthy mineral and graphite flavors in the background. Very smooth and mouth filling. Seems to have some structure from oak. Long red fruit finish. Not exactly complex, but really tasty.

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