Inland Empire Wine-Summer Sampler of Wines from Around the World

NapaCabs.com Saturday July 26, 2008

Eradus 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough $15.95

New Zealand - 91 Points - Wine Enthusiast

"Much like the 2006, this is an excellent effort, combining ripe melon and fig flavors with leafy notes of fresh garden herbs and crisp citrus. It's a touch viscous on the palate, finishing with superb length and freshness. Drink now."

Pair with; vegetarian dishes, grilled fish, salads, pasta salads, tomatoes, cream sauces

Zenato 2007 Delle Venezie Pinot Grigio $10.95

Italy

Pale yellow in color with greenish highlights. A wine to be enjoyed while it is young and shows the freshest fruit. Refreshing and soft with a smooth, dry finish. Very balanced and harmonious.

Pair with; Asian preparations, seafood & shell fish, picnic faire, especially on warm days

Catena 2006 Chardonnay Mendoza $14.95

Argentina – 90 Points – Wine Advocate

Catena 2006 Chardonnay was sourced from three estate vineyards and fermented with natural yeasts. It then spent 10 months sur-lie in French oak, 40% new. Light gold-colored with a slight green tint, it exhibits a nose of slate, toast, butterscotch, pear, and apple. Medium-bodied, the wine is nicely balanced by crisp acidity.

Pair with; shellfish, white beans, mushrooms, smoked fish, roasted chicken, butter & cream sauces, semi-soft & medium bodied cheese

Taz 2006 Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County $17.95

United States

Taz Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir 2006 blends fruit from the winery's North Canyon Vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley with grapes from their Fiddlestix Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. The fruit from the former added floral notes, silky tannins and red fruit components, while the Fiddlestix fruit brought bigger berry fruit flavors and structure to the blend. The resulting wine, aged for 12 months in 32% new French oak barrels, is kissed with white pepper and cherry cola aromas and flush with baking spice and vanilla in addition to the fruit on the palate.

Pair with; smoked or grilled fowl & meats, tuna, swordfish, salmon, charcuterie, mild & creamy cheese

Glaetzer 2006 Wallace Shiraz/Grenache Barossa Valley $19.95

Australia - 91-94 Points – Wine Advocate

2006 Glaetzer Wallace is a wine greater than the sum of its parts - a fusion of Shiraz (70%) and Grenache (30%), which is a typical, traditional blend in the Barossa Valley. Ripe, peppery old-vine shiraz dominates and adds weight, texture and fleshy richness to the palate. The grenache contributes sweet cherry, toffee and earthy characters.

Pair with; grilled & sauced barbecue meats & vegetables, sharp & hard cheese

Meerlust 2001 Stellenbosch Red Wine Rubicon $23.95

South Africa – 94 Points – Wine Enthusiast

A classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this wine is the culmination of the Myburgh family's dream of making a truly remarkable Bordeaux-style wine. Meerlust Rubicon is well balanced with a cigar box and spicy tobacco bouquet. Smooth, firm tannins provide structure and depth with excellent aging potential.

Pair with; grilled beef, lamb and vegetables