The Grape Nutz wine tasting, the first event of its kind since November 2007, was held on Thursday, January 17, 2008. Southern Wine & Spirits, a leading distributor of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, played host. The attendance for this tasting reached record levels and, as expected, the wine tasting was a huge success.

Most of the wines featured were from the Willamette Valley, OR, which was represented by the following vineyards: Adelsheim Vineyards (Elizabeth’s Reserve Pinot Noir), Bethel Heights (Casteel Reserve Pinot Noir), Chehalem (Pinot Gris), Cristom (Jessie Vineyard Pinot Noir) and Domaine Drouhin (Drouhin Pinot Noir). Note: the wines in brackets are my personal favorites from these wineries.

Wine Reviews and Wine Tasting Notes

Junmai Daiginjo

Luis de Santos, MS (Asian Portofolio Manager, SWS), in collaboration with Tsushima Kitahara (the 13th generation of Shichiken Sakes founder), presented Rice Nutz ~Bigin Bigin~ Junmai Daiginjo (aged 3 years in bottle), which not only caught my nose but also soothed my palate. Unfortunately, only 1,500 bottles of this unique sake is produced every year, so don’t expect to find it at your local wine store. For more info, please contact info@sakeatpil.com.

It’s not Champagne, It’s Bubbly

Spirits of Serendipity presented Slovenia’s “It’s not Champagne, It’s Bubbly” sparkling wines. It has 4 different cuvees, so you are sure to find one to fit your personal preference. For more information, please visit their website, EnjoySerendipity.com.

Dr. Loosen’s Wehlener Sonneruhr Auslese 2006

Finally, Brain Harlan of Loosen Bros. USA presented a delightful selection of Dr. Loosen wines. I don’t know why, but I am always caught by surprise at the delicate balance found in Mosel-Saar-Ruwer wines. I very much enjoyed Dr. Loosen’s Wehlener Sonneruhr Auslese 2006.

Wine tasting notes:  The nose is light and simple (due to the low alcohol content) with the distinct aroma of white peach plus the light touch of lemon fruit. It was truly refreshing and had a very clean finish. Too bad it wasn’t 90 degrees on the patio that night.

If I forgot to include anyone, please let me know so that I can update this post. That’s all for this wine tasting.

Cheers!