August winner Cyndi Stampf with a 2015 Red Blend from Cocobon Estates
Darlene Lamb
On August 15 the Tuesday Tasters gathered at the beautiful home of Bill and Joyce Marshall. Most of the group was in attendance this month, and it was nice to see fellow Tasters we hadn’t seen in a while.
Reds from the Northern California Coast were the theme of the evening. The North Coast AVA is an American Viticultural Area that encompasses grape growing regions in six counties located north of San Francisco: Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Sonoma and Solano. This large appellation covers over 3,000,000 acres and includes a number of smaller sub-appellations that all share the common ecology trait of having its weather affected by the cool fog and breezes of the Pacific Ocean. Over 20 grape varieties are grown in this area giving those bringing wine many good choices. The results were as follows.
Third place was a Courtney Bentham 2013 Lucca Red Blend brought by Mike and Sue Miloser. This wine was rated 83 Points by Wine Enthusiast and its deep color matches the bold flavors. This wine has an ideal finish that neither lingers nor drops off unexpectedly.
Second place was a 2015 Verada Tri-County Pinot Noir brought by Frank and Nancy Freisheim. This Pinot was sourced from premier vineyards in Monterey, Sonoma and Santa Barbara counties. Stylistically a rich bold Pinot Noir, full-bodied with flavors of Bing cherry, red plum with a long vanilla finish.
And the winner was a 2015 Red Blend from Cocobon Estates brought by Cyndi Stampf. Cocobon is hand blended from Merlot, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah grapes sourced from some of the finest California vineyards to craft a rich, silky blend with a soft, luxurious finish. Unearth flavors of dark cherries and vanilla in every sip of this plush wine. This wine pairs well with grilled tenderloin, roasted chicken or even a hearty pasta dish.
Many tasty appetizers were also served to go with these delicious wines; however, our hosts knocked it out of the park with make-your-own banana splits and all the fixings! Needless to say this was undoubtedly another first place winner! Who says wine and ice cream don’t pair well?
Until next month, happy tasting!