Nearly 100 members and guests attended the Food-Worthy Reds Mini-Tasting on November 10 at six host sites. Five flights of wine included Pinot Noir, Grenache, Syrah, Meritage Red/Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel.
The overall favorite was also a Double-Gold winner at this year’s Commercial Wine Competition. Second place was a Carol Shelton Zinfandel blend. Third was a Napa Syrah. Fourth was very close to third, and also a Double Gold winner this year – Jeff Runquist Grenache.
The three favorite wines across the six host sites, plus the fourth place which was very nearly tied for third:
| Place | Winery Name | Year | Price | Description |
| 1st | J. Lohr Cuvee Series
Meritage Red |
2014 | $50.00 | Cuvee ST.E, Paso Robles AVA, 59% Cabernet Franc, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot
Double Gold (94 Pts) OC Competition |
| 2nd | Carol Shelton — Karma Reserve
Zinfandel |
2014 | $25.00 | Sonoma County 70% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 6% Alicante Bouschet, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Carignane, 2% Viognier91 points Wine Spectator |
| 3rd | Rocca Family Grigsby — Napa
Syrah |
2013 | $48.00 | Rocca’s 2013 Syrah Grigsby Vineyards is a rich, deep, chewy wine that coats the palate and is very savory.
92 Points Robert Parker |
| 4th | Jeff Runquist Alta Mesa AVA
Grenache |
2016 | $28.00 | The aroma of the 2016 wine is loaded with ripe red fruits; raspberry, strawberry, cherry and currant. On the palate, savory flavors of raspberry and cherry are delivered by a wine with a silky texture.
Double Gold (94 Pts) Wine Competition |
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 Germaine & Rob Romano:
Wendy Taylor “Black Walnut Fancy Cake”
- Hosts Virginia & Karl Kawai:
Jim Burke “Stracotto with Herbed Noodles & Horseradish Cream”
¨ Tied with:
Eric Kalnes “Mac and Cheese”
- Hosts Judy Davison & Paula and Bob Becker:
Tamara Reddy “Pecan Squares”
- Hosts Marcia & James Vaughan:
Rich Skoczylas “Luscious Fall Apple Delight”
- Hosts Barbara & David White:
John Mendoca “Curried Chicken”
- Hosts Cathy & Greg Risling:
Michelle Flores “Brussel Sprouts”
Click on this link to see the “Wine Food Pairing” document provided on this events Mini-Tasting Wines
Congratulations to all the winners! A big thank you to the hosts!
– George Cravens, Chair