The last Mini-Tasting of 2024 brought together a selection of 10 exceptional wines from California, Oregon, Italy, Argentina and Australia. With a diverse array of varietals, the tasting highlighted the unique qualities and characteristics of each region, providing a delightful experience for participants. The event was well attended with 90 individuals across six host sites. A special shout out to the hosts who were able to commit their time during a very busy time of year.
| Varietal | Brand | Year | Price | Total |
| Red Blend | Stag’s Leap Winery “The Investor” Napa Valley | 2019 | $ 50 | 65 |
| Pinot Noir | Frank Family Vineyards, Carneros | 2022 | $ 40 | 57 |
| Cabernet Sauvignon | Pine Ridge Vineyards, Napa Valley | 2022 | $ 55 | 57 |
| Malbec | Fina Decero “Agrelo Remolinos Vineyard” Argentina | 2022 | $ 20 | 53 |
| Zinfandel | Seghesio “Old Vine” Sonoma County | 2022 | $ 33 | 49 |
| GSM | The Steading, Torbreck | 2022 | $ 34 | 43 |
| Cabernet Sauvignon | Marietta Cellars “Game Trail” Yorkville Highlands | 2021 | $ 40 | 29 |
| Merlot | Stag’s Leap Napa Valley Merlot | 2018 | $ 35 | 23 |
| Pinot Noir | Argyle “Reserve” Willamette Valley | 2022 | $ 40 | 16 |
| Super Tuscan | Le Macchiole, Bolgheri Rosso, Tuscany | 2022 | $ 40 | 11 |
The tasting revealed the diverse strengths of wines from different regions. The standout was undoubtedly the red blend from Stag’s Leap Winery, showcasing the pinnacle of Napa Valley winemaking. Wines from California dominated the higher scores, but Argentina’s Malbec provided a delightful surprise with its affordability and quality. Overall, the event celebrated the artistry of winemaking, leaving participants eager to explore more from these remarkable regions.
Sign up now for our next Mini-Tasting, which is scheduled for March 1. For that event, we will compare five French wines against five spectacular Italian wines to determine our members’ preference between the two styles of wine.
—Don Mayer, OCWS Mini-Tasting Chair