St. Supery tasting at Google

How do you judge wine? For most of us, we're having wine while socializing with others, whether at a happy hour or at dinner or at an event. During those times, it may be hard to take note of all the things we taste in a wine. What we may remember most is whether we like the wine or not.

Such was the case during this evening's brief tasting event. The St. Supery team came out to Google and had a full range available for tasting - their Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Moscato.

I was impressed by how delicate the Sauvignon Blanc was, and it went great with the paired oysters! This is a wine that I felt can hold its own with or without food, with its melon and slight chrysanthemum aromas.

The Cab, on the other hand, was unbalanced with excessive oak.

The Petit Verdot was surprisingly tasty! This grape is traditionally used as a blending grape in Bordeaux blends to add tannin, colour, and to strengthen the mid-palate. Since the varietal generally ripens later than most other grapes, there is a higher risk of losing the crop and thus, may not always be used. Perhaps California has just the perfect weather for ripening the grapes given the warm sunny and more predictable climate. This wine was full, easy to drink, and nicely fruit forward. This wine can be enjoyed at a casual dinner or cheese picnic.

Interestingly, St. Supery provided cocktail recipes for its Moscato. Generally, I drink wine for its own character, so to be introduced as a cocktail ingredient was a new concept! When I tasted the Moscato, I could understand why. This wine had all the honeysuckle and rose flavours that a general Moscato offers, and at the same time, it's simple. This wine would definitely enhance a cocktail well!

I enjoyed the tasting and the energy of the St. Supery gang. It was a great way to start the evening before attending the Cirque du Soleil performance in San Jose, Ovo! At the end of the day, that's what's most meaningful, that we're enjoying ourselves with our wine, whether we taste pear or honeysuckle or blueberries or dark cherries or vanilla or spice!

Charles Krug Sauvignon Blanc

I've lived in California for about 5 years and it's hard to believe that I haven't tried a wine from Napa Valley's very 1st winery until tonight! Charles Krug, founded in 1861 by the ambitious 27 year old immigrant, ran as a major producer in Napa that shaped much of the wine-making practices of the region. After Charles passed away and the prohibition, the winery was sold to the Mondavi couple, Cesare and Rosa, in 1943. The Mondavi family has operated the winery since while creating a new legend of their own.

As I sip the 2008 Sauvignon Blanc, I'm amazed at how this pioneering winery's creation exhibits the grace of Napa Valley, marrying a traditional grape varietal with a modern character of natural subtlety. The Sauvignon Blanc is unexpected without the usual wild grassy flavours that you'd find in a typical California Sauvignon Blanc. Rather, it displays a balanced spectrum of happy grapefruit, orange zest, and peony bouquet. How inspiring it is to have a wine that is classic to its roots and at the same time, continues to set itself apart from the crowd!

Lancaster Holiday Party

The holiday season warmed up quickly in Lancaster's wine caves this afternoon! We were greeted by winemaker Jennifer Higgins with her infamous smile as we made our way towards the heart of the candlelit caves. Since we arrived early, we were able to admire the spread of steak bruschetta, ahi tuna tartare, duck wraps, quiche, loving spoonful bites, and cheeses, all cascading from two ends of the caves. A choir sang harmoniously in the center while the wine never stopped flowing. Time was non-existent as everyone glowed in the holiday cheer. This afternooon also marks the special release of the new Nicole's! One taste, and you'll just know this is special. Paired with the dark chocolate cups Lancaster served, the experience becomes phenomenol.

Tasting notes

Nicole's Proprietary Red 2005

Stunningly smooth, this Cab blend is vibrant with ripe dark summer berries, oak spice, and hint of coffee. Densely layered with a gracefuly lasting finish. This is my favourite of Lancaster's wines.

Samantha's Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Pure and round, tropical pineapple, passionfruit, and citrus notes dance lightly to an elegant finish. A very polished wine.

Jazzing up the Wine Experience

A favorite spot of mine in Manhattan is the Central Park/Columbus Circle area where there is a mix of arts, cuisine, and diversity of people. Monday nights are far from dull with Jazz at the Lincoln Center Dizzy's Club going full swing! Here is where I discovered a new perfect pairing - wine and jazz.

Suiki, Jenn and I attended the 9:30pm set, ordered a molten chocolate cake, and a bottle of Remy Pannier Vallee des Jardins 2006. This Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc was fresh, crisp and plump with grapefruit and lime, enlaced with floral tones.

As soon as the performance began, we were immersed in passionate pieces led by the flutist, accompanied by a pianist, drummer, and cellist. The musicians moved strongly yet gracefully piece through piece against the still backdrop of Manhattan city lights. The jazzy tunes warmed the fall evening, and as I sipped my glass of wine, I tasted a different sort of freshness, with more sassy and zesty notes!

As engaging wine is of all our senses, no one really talks about what they hear. Of course, everyone will taste the wine in different settings and will hear different things. At the same time, it seems that it could play a large component in how we feel about the wine. Next time, stayed tuned, what do you see, smell, taste, feel, and hear?