On Friday we will take our first visit to South Africa where we will sample a pair of whites and reds from there. The tasting will begin with two Mulderbosch wines, a Chenin Blanc and a Sauvignon Blanc. The reds are represented by the well regarded Chocolate Block (a blend of Syrah and Grenache) as well as the Tokara Directors Reserve (a classic Bordeaux style blend with 73% Cabernet). After the first two whites we will try one wine from Napa, the extraordinary Buccella Merlot. The Buccella Merlot is never submitted for press but their Cabernet typically scores 95 Points or more. It should be a great event.
On Saturday we will have a special guest here to tell us about Niner Winery in Paso Robles. We did a Niner tasting last year and it was a resounding success. We are featuring four wines from Niner and a nice Rusack Pinot Noir that I just brought in. The Niner wines include the Sauvignon Blanc, the Sangiovese, the Twisted Spur Rhone Style Blend of blend of Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah and Carmenere, and the Bordeaux style blend, “The Fog Catcher.” It will be a great event as well.
~ Jason Perry
Jonathan’s Market La Jolla Wine Tasting:
Friday, April 4th, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm
Saturday, April 5th, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm
7611 Fay Avenue
(between Kline St & Pearl St)
La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: 858.459.2677
View Map
Friday, April 4th, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm
Friday’s Selections: $20.00 per person
Featuring the wines of “South Africa”.
2011 Mulderbosch Chenin Blanc
- “The 2012 Chenin Blanc comes almost entirely from dry farmed bush vines and was fermented in 20% French oak and the remainder in stainless steel, after which is remains on the lees for six months before blending. It has a rather reticent nose that is difficult to engage with, though the palate appears nicely balanced with sharp citric fruit and a twist of sour lemon on the finish. Perky and lively- Drink 2014-2018.” Neal Martin - Wine Advocate 86 Points!
2011 Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc
- “The 2011 Sauvignon Blanc is blended with 8% Semillon and sees extended lees contact in barrel. It has plenty of green pepper, nettle and asparagus scents on the nose that has plenty of personality too. The palate is well-balanced with gooseberry and asparagus on the entry, a fine line of acidity and a slightly phenolic finish that just needs a little more tension. Otherwise, this is a fine Sauvignon Blanc. Drink now.” Neal Martin - Wine Advocate 88 Points!
2008 Bucella Merlot ($74.99)
- Our Merlot fruit comes from two blocks atop a knoll in the famed Hyde Vineyard, where harvests typically yield less than two tons per acre. It’s a youthful wine that’s invitingly approachable, while still offering the richness and decadence we love. The intense nose fairly jumps out the glass with lovely black cherry, boysenberry, and ripe raspberry. Hints of caraway, anise seeds, and cocoa complete the picture. The wine is full, soft and mouth filling, whilst still retaining those fresh berry flavors in the mouth. The finish is very soft with lingering flavors of cherry juice and a hint of cinnamon.
2011 The Chocolate Block ($34.99)
- “The 2011 Chocolate Block is a blend of 69% Syrah, and the rest Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier that sees a judicious 11% new oak. It has a compact bouquet of blackberry and licorice with hints of mocha just in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with a fresh, minty opening. The tannins feel lithe in the mouth and the acidity is well-judged. Though the finish is uncomplicated, it is nicely focused with plenty of fresh blackberry and raspberry notes to satisfy the masses that continue to enjoy this wine. Drink now-2015.” Neal Martin Wine Advocate 88 Points!
2008 Tokara Director’s Reserve ($44.99)
- “The 2008 Director’s Reserve comprises of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petit Verdot, 6% Merlot, 4% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc and is raised in French oak for 22 months. It has a toasty nose with blackberry, sandalwood, mint and sage aromas, the oak nicely integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and ample, dusky black fruit laced with white pepper, rosemary and thyme. It has a pleasing grainy texture while the oak subsumed discreetly towards the long finish. This is an excellent wine. Drink 2013-2020.” Neal MartinWine Advocate 92 Points!
Saturday, April 5th, 2014 – 4pm – 7pm
Saturday’s Selections: $20.00 per person
Featuring the wines of “Niner Winery”
2012 Niner Sauvignon Blanc ($19.99)
- This Sauvignon Blanc has inviting tropical and floral aromas of lychee, passion-fruit, tart papaya and plumeria that jump out of the glass, tantalizing taste buds. A bright, crisp mouthfeel with balanced acidity and an underlying roundness.
2011 Rusack Pinot Noir ($34.99)
- Well-proportioned, featuring a core of wild berry and raspberry, with a dash of anise, firm, grippy tannins and a loamy earth edge. Drink now through 2020. 1,341 cases made.
2010 Niner Sangiovese ($24.99)
- Aromas include malt chocolate, hot cocoa mix, a dried woody character and tart cran-cherry. Vanilla, caramel and nutmeg baking spices round out the velvety flavor profile, with big texture and good tannin structure. In true, Italian-style, this Sangiovese simply begs for food!
2009 Niner Twisted Spur ($29.99)
- This delicious estate blend of Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah and Carmenere is redolent with many of the qualities that we love in these varieties – notes of juicy blueberry, blackberry, mocha, caramel and sweet tobacco fill the glass. These flavors transition into beautiful earthy aromas of cedar, lichen and forest floor. Firm tannins and ideal structure combine in this lively Paso Robles blend.
2008 Niner Fog Catcher ($54.99)
- This barrel select blend has complex aromatic and flavor layers that evolve in the glass, beginning with wood characters followed by tart berry and lovely notes of rosemary and thyme. Flavors are full and big but not overrige, with chalky tannins and a long, dry leafy finish. For a soft approach, we recommend decanting this wine.
