NEW BEGINNINGS

September is the time when many things begin anew. Besides the start of a new school year, it is also the beginning of a new football season for both college and the NFL (as I'm writing I'm watching the Steelers/Titans game). And in my case, this marks a new beginning for me, as I start a new job!

I've been hired as a Wine/Beer specialist for Central Market; a wonderful gourmet food store in the tradition of the fresh markets in Europe. The change was necessary, but definitely welcome. This company has an excellent reputation for taking care of their employees, something that was sadly lacking in my last position.

My first official shift was Thursday, September 9th, and it started off with a bang! The store was hosting a VIP, invitation only tasting that included some stunning wines. And towards the end of the evening, we got to sample some of these beauties. There were simply too many to list all of the wines that were opened, but here are the highlights.

2007 Querciabella, "Batar", Toscana, Italy
A gorgeous blend of 50% Pinot Blanc and 50% Chardonnay. Supple, ripe and elegent, with flavors of honey, ripe peaches and apricot, voluptious texture, and ample vanilla supplied by toasty oak. I had tasted previous vintages of Batar before, all of which were excellent. The 2007 is as good if not better.

2004 Chateau Cheval Blanc, St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
I've been a huge fan of Cheval Blanc for quite some time (see this previous post), and while this might not be the most prestigious offering from this illustrious chateau, it certainly lives up to it's predecessor's reputation. A blend of 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot, this wine showed a velvety texture with loads of blackberry, raspberry and plum, with notes of herb, mint, and damp earth. It is not everyone day one gets to taste a Cheval Blanc, so I made sure to take it all in!

2001 Chateau L'Eglise Clinet, Pomerol, Bordeaux
This was my first opportunity to taste a wine from this chateau, and I must say it was worth the wait. Merlot is the dominant grape (85%), with the remainder coming from Cabernet Franc. The 2001 vintage is often under-appreciated, but one sip from this winner will convince you it is a killer wine; dark fruits (especially prune) are enhanced by sweet oak, with notes of rose petals, licorice and sweet tannins. This is an opulent wine that should only get better with age.

2005 Chateau Le Dome, St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France
Another new wine for me, this wine is one of those "under the radar" wines not many have had the good fortune of tasting. As it is from the right bank region of St. Emilion, there is a high amount of Cabernet Franc. It was absolutely stupendous, probably my favorite of the tasting. This wine was full-bodied with sweet tannins, combined with ripe, opulent blackberry and boysenberry fruit, savory vanilla and a long, long finish that coated the palatte. This was an exquisite wine that was outsanding now, but will only get better with time.

2005 Angelo Gaja, Costa Russi, Barbaresco, Piedmonte, Italy
The name, "Gaja", is legendary for producing top-flight wines from the northern region of Piedmonte, and this offering certainly did not disappoint. Made from 100% Nebbiolo, this is an elegent and rich wine, balanced and full of flavor. With Barbaresco one expects acidity and flavor to be balanced; as is the case with the 2005 Costa Russi. Notes of dark cherry and cranberry were evident, with hints of tar, violets and licorice. I've always felt Piedmonte wines are an acquired taste, but the pay-off is exponential. Absolutely delicious!

A new job, tasting several new wines...a kick-off to remember!

Unfortunately, Pittsburgh still won. Oh well...can't win em' all.



"A man cannot make him laugh - but that's no marvel; he drinks no wine."
~WM. SHAKESPEARE, Henry IV Part 2