February 2024 Old World vs. California Mini-Tasting Results:
The February Mini-Tasting was held at seven sites (members’ homes) across the county, with 111 people enjoying 10 wines in a blind tasting. The attendees each contributed a dish and each site voted for their favorite dish and the chef was awarded a bottle of wine as Chef of the Evening.
The wines were served in five blind flights of two wines each and the attendees judged each wine, voted for their favorites and tried to determine the wine varietal and if it was from Europe (the Old World) or California. There were two varietals from Spain (Albariño and Tempranillo) and three from Italy (Barbara, Sangiovese and Zinfandel/Primitivo).
All 10 of the wines finished in the top four at one or more of the sites, with the top two wines finishing in the top four at six of the seven sites. The top three were all California wines, but the fourth and fifth favorites were from Italy and Spain.
The overall winner was Carol Shelton’s Rockpile Reserve Zinfandel from Sonoma with the corresponding Primitivo, Torcicoda, from Southern Pugila, Italy coming in fourth overall. Second place overall was a Napa Valley Tempranillo, Parador, with the Spanish Tempranillo, Vina Real, finishing fifth overall. Third overall was a California Barbara from Scott Harvey in Amador County, California.
The three favorite wines across the seven host sites:
| Place | Wine & Winery | YR | PRICE | DESCRIPTION |
|
1st
|
Carol Shelton
Rockpile Reserve Zinfandel
Sonoma County, CA
94 points Wine Enthusiast |
2019 | $41.99 | Dark, deep and pure fruit flavors mingle with subtle cinnamon and vanilla oak spices in this lush and luscious wine that relaxes in soft tannins. Ripe, indulgent and yet balanced so as not to feel heavy, this wine is truly distinctive. 80% Zinfandel, 15% Petite Sirah and 5% Carignane. |
|
2nd
|
Parador
Tempranillo
Napa Valley, CA
92 points Wilbur Wong |
2014 | $42.99 | Parador Tempranillo is aged 30 months in older French barriques and puncheon barrels. The vine-cuttings originated from Spain and the grapes are sourced from Stagecoach Vineyard. Made with 100% Tempranillo. This wine shines with its aromas and flavors of black fruit, licorice, and dried earth. |
|
3rd
|
Scott Harvey
J and S Reserve Barbara Amador County, CA
90 points Wine Enthusiast |
2020 | $33.99 | This well-balanced wine can easily be paired with a plethora of dishes. Notes suggest fresh blackberry and blackberry jam, black cherry compote, plum pie filling, cinnamon, licorice, sweet tobacco and just a hint of cedar. |
In addition, attendees brought a delicious dish to share and then voted on a Chef of the Evening. The results of the Chef of the Evening at each host site are:
- Hosts Chris & Hank Bruce:
Mary Anne Neutz – Pear Tart
- Hosts Laureen & Tom Baldyga:
Susan Clark – Italian Salad
- Hosts Carolyn & Damian Christian:
Beth & Craig Stark – Tiramisu
- Hosts Virginia and Karl Kawai:
Eric Kalnes – Salmon Sushi
- Hosts Betty Jo & Jay Newell:
Irene Scott – Chicken Lemon Piccata
- Hosts Cathy & Greg Risling:
Chris Oullette – Beef Bourguignon
- Hosts Barb & Dave White
Debbie Webber – Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
Congratulations to all the winners! A big thank you to the hosts!
—George Cravens, OCWS Director
