Any dreary, rainy day can be brighter with a wine tasting! Today’s selections were from Angels & Cowboys (Sonoma County), Astrolabe (New Zealand), and Cannonball Wine Company (Healdsburg, CA).
Cannonball Sauvignon Blanc 2012 is bright and dry. It has aromas of apple, pineapple and a hint of honeysuckle. The flavors include guava and a whisper of grapefruit. Excellent acidity. Would be wonderful with soft cheeses (mild goat cheese or brie), mild seafood (flounder), and pasta with creamy mushroom sauce.
Cannonball Chardonnay 2013 (fermented and aged in 50% French oak and 50% stainless steel) is oaky and buttery with a delightful acidity. The flavors include tropical fruits and vanilla. Shellfish would be an excellent match.
Angels & Cowboy’s Rose 2014 aromas are floral and bright. It has a slight pink grapefruit taste with a nice minerality and dry finish. Nearly anything with Herbs de Provence would pair nicely with this wine. It would be great with BBQ!
Astrolabe Marlborough Pinot Gris 2013 starts with fruity notes. The crisp, dry flavors are a little party in your mouth with hints of Bosc pear and mineral undertones. This would make a great aperitif or would go well with shellfish and seafood or egg dishes.
Astrolabe Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2013 is a medium-bodied wine that is peppery on the nose. Flavors include dry tropical fruit and lime with a dry mineral finish. Great with mussels and seafood, poultry, and summer salads.
Cannonball Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 starts with aromas of dark fruits and vanilla. You can sense toasted coconut and spiced black tea flavors. The wine rounds out smoothly with the nice long finish. Would be fabulous with beef stew or rack of lamb with a pistachio crust.
Cannonball Merlot 2012 has notes of berries and vanilla. This lovely dry wine features hints of black plum and violets. Hanger Steak with Chimichuri Sauce would be a perfect match.
