Erica's Choice

Over the past weekend I ventured over to Madison, WI to enjoy top picks of various wine distributors in the Milwaukee and Madison areas. There were 7 distributors at the venue each presenting seven to ten of their current favorite wines in stock. The venue was at the Blackhawk Country Club located in Shorewood Village in Madison, WI. Along with the wines an array of delicious small plates (or tapas) accompanied the wine. Overall both the wine and food were excellent. I did not taste all the wines however here is a summary of the wines that I did chose to taste, and my thoughts:

1. Two Hands Gnarly Dudes Shiraz (Retail around $35)

Smokey nose with cigar box and tobacco flavors balanced with significant amounts of dark fruits, specifically blue berries and blackberries. Hints of oak on the aftertaste and smooth palate with a touch of a bite, indicating that this wine will improve over the next few years.

2. Artesa reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Retail around $35)

Very musty, earthy nose with lots of barique and bark giving away to a fruitier nose & chocolate which reminded me of dark chocalate covered cherries. Also notes of liquorice on the top. Will do well with one to two more years of aging.

3. Torres Mas La Plana Cab Sauvignon (Retail around $58)

This is an intellectual wine and definitely one of my favorites of the evening however it may not be a people pleaser. Not fruit driven at all, instead very dry with lots of leather, tobacco, bark and violets. Beautifully smooth palate yet with sufficient grip to indicate that it will age well as well as similar leathery notes. I savored every sip.

4. BV Georges de la Tour (Retail around $30) Where to buy in Milwaukee?

What a wine! I immediately picked up the ‘Rutherford dust’ so typical of the wines from the Rutherford Hills region and further noted lots of fruit. This is a typical Napa cabernet with sweet oak notes and cassis on the aftertaste. Beautifully delightful full bodied cab typical from the area.

5. L’Aventure Optimus (Retail around $43)

Similar flavors as what was tasted and smelled in George De La Tour yet more subdued in nature. Also beautifully balanced with sweet oak and fruit. Better QPR, especially since this wine priced out at $29/bottle when purchased by the case.

6. Girard Cabernet Sauvignon (Retail around $25) Where to buy in Milwaukee?

Lush notes of blackberry and blueberry with some kirsch. Light notes of spice and dark cocoa. This is a medium to full-bodied wine that will serve well with food. I found this to have good QPR especially when purchased by the case at $18/bottle.

7. Duckhorn 3 Palms Merlot (Retail around $69) Where to buy in Milwaukee?

Thoroughly disappointing simplistic wine. Some hints of dark fruit on the nose but very closed and simplistic palate. The biggest personal disappointment of the evening.

8. ’06  Andrew Will Ciel Du Cheval (Retail around $48) Where to buy in Milwaukee?

This was a splendid wine. I immediately noted dark sweet fruit on the nose reminding me of blackberry jam, mingled with some spice. On the palate I noted blueberries and spicy notes. Very well balanced and lovely.

9. ’06 Ramey Larkmead Cabernet Sauvignon (Retail around $59) Where to buy in Milwaukee?

Floral nose and more subdued in nature than the Andrew Wick. Lovely wine with lingering sweet oak, vanilla and smooth palate.

10. ’07 Ancien Pinot Noir (Retail around $20) Where to buy in Milwaukee?

Bright red sweet fruits, specifically cherry. Typical cool climate Pinot Noir and decent QPR.

11. Renwood Amador Ice (Retail around $26)

I loved this ice wine, which smelled like dried apricot & honey blossom. On the palate significant floral notes (specifically honey & orange blossom) and hints of fruit, specifically strawberry. The smooth oily palate covered one’s entire tongue in bliss.

Personal best value for money pick of the evening (when taking into account tasting notes as well as retail price):

L’Aventure Optimus which sold at $29/bottle when purchased by the case.