Friday Walk Around Tasting at Sam's Fine Wine & Spirits, Lexington, SC 10/10/2014

This friendly little wine tasting has become addictive. In a jovial, no pressure environment, these people are genuinely glad to see you whether you are just a curious taster, or a big spender. As is somewhat typical for me, I arrived at the last minute and had to power taste. Just barely got my purchases chosen and out the door in a little later than than the local law enforcement officials would allow.

• 2013 La Vieille Ferme (Perrin & Fils) Luberon Blanc 85 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Luberon

  A close to perfect wine for the first drink of the day. Not too heavy, not too intense, just a nice mouth full of citrus and orchard fruit with an appropriate amount of acid. The color is darker yellow than most. The nose has peach, citrus, some flower, possibly daisy, and even a hint of banana. There is some underlying earthy structure, but this wine is really designed to drink chilled immediately after purchase for it's soft, approachable, thirst quenching ability.

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• 2012 La Crema Chardonnay Monterey 87 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast, Monterey

  Though probably not for everyone's palate, this is a pretty unique and tasty cool climate Chardonnay for around $12. The pedigree of the ocean influenced terroir, careful and thought full wine making, combined with the research and matching of clones and vineyard practices to the site result in a wine that tastes like a lot more than it costs. The nose is very spicy tropical fruit with a lot of green apple and even some green pepper. Nice weight and structure, close to full bodied. Barrel fermentation, lots of lees contact, and full malo lactic fermentation all contribute to a real mouth full of refined tropical and orchard fruit flavors. Very clean and crisp. The oak is there to smooth out the flavors, not dominate the palate. not exactly my favorite style, but very respectable effort.

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• 2013 La Vieille Ferme (Perrin & Fils) Rouge 85 Points

  France, Rhône, Vin de France

  Easily one of the most tasty red wines in the super value category. For between 6 to 8 bucks we get some bright fresh fruit with some underlying spicy herbal earthy flavors and aromas. Not big, rich or complex but quite a competent blend of most of the typical Southern Rhone varietals. The color is dark reddish, not quite purple. The nose is mostly red fruit, while the palate shows mostly dark fruit like blackberry and black currant. Smooth, not too acidic. A touch of spice and herbs with the fruit on the finish.

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• 2012 Murphy-Goode Pinot Noir 88 Points

  USA, California

  During a Friday walk around tasting at one of our local retailers, this wine was on sale for $9.99. At that price, this is a steal. This California appellation Pinot is easily 2 to 3 points better than the typical under $10 offering. The first hit across the lips shows richness of viscosity that almost any Pinot would envy. The nose has a decent amount of that plum meets wet forest floor aroma. The fruit is quite refined and elegant plum, cherry and blackberry enhanced with some light pepper spice. There is plenty of influence from oak. The finish really helps this wine get a decent score with a nicely controlled amount of dry tannins, well conceived balancing acidity, and the unquestionable flavor that you just had a taste of Pinot Noir.

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• NV Undurraga 87 Points

  Chile, Maipo Valley

  I liked this a lot. In comparison to the many boring, almost non descript Prosecco's, Cava's and other sparklers available in this price range, this one is loaded with flavor. There are all kinds of nutty, earthy, mineral flavors beside the typical crisp citrus and green apple flavors. Even the color is a more concentrated golden. Mouth coating and refreshing with layers of flavor. Good job.

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