Graduation Wine Tasting at Hopkinton Wine and Spirits

Today is Graduation Day in Hopkinton and to assist adults planning parties, we will continue our theme of tasting inexpensive, but delicious, wines.  First, we will try a Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, an Italian Pinot Grigio, and a white blend from the Adelaide Hills.  Then, we will taste a New Zealand Pinot Noir, a California Cabernet Sauvignon, and a red blend from Paso Robles.

First, we will sample the 2010 St. Supéry Sauvignon Blanc from Napa.  This wine exhibits brilliant hues of light yellow speared by vibrant streaks of green.  Aromas of exotic grapefruit and green lime dominate with hints of caper, fennel, and lemon zest. Flavors follow with tremendous ruby grapefruit, citrus, kiwi, and guava through a crisp finish.  This Sauvignon Blanc complements a wide variety of foods from mild cheeses and fish to boldly flavored Asian dishes. It's also a great sipper as an aperitif.   The Wine Spectator rates this wine 89 points and says it is "A smooth mouthful of ripe melon flavors."  This refreshing wine sells for $17.75 per bottle, or $14.20 per bottle (case price).

Next, we will taste the 2010 Bortoluzzi Pinot Grigio from Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy.  The wine is a crystalline straw yellow colored wine with a scent of acacia flowers and exotic fruits.  It is soft on the palate, persistent, and full bodied.  Enjoy with first course seafood dishes such as spaghetti with "peverasse" (clams).  The Wine Spectator rates this wine 88 points and says "Fig, quince, kumquat, and ripe apple flavors are nicely layered with clean, juicy acidity in this creamy Pinot Grigio."  This refreshing wine sells for $19.75 per bottle, or $15.80 per bottle (case price).

Then, we will try the 2010 Peter Lehmann Layers White from the Adelaide Hills of South Australia.  It is a blend of Sémillon, Muscat, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay.  Intriguingly complex, simple, and beautiful, Layers is a unique blend that delivers a highly enjoyable journey of discovery for the senses in each and every glass.  Finely structured lemon tinged Sémillon provides a wonderful backbone to support the soft floral aromatics of Muscat entwined with the delicate spice of Gewürztraminer.  Pinot Gris introduces texture and mouthfeel to complete a wonderfully flavorsome wine.   This complements a wide variety of seafood, white meats, salads, and Asian inspired dishes.  It is best served chilled.   The Wine Spectator rates this wine 85 points and says it is a "light and polished white."  This refreshing wine sells for $19.75 per bottle, or $15.80 per bottle (case price).

Switching to reds, we will taste the 2011 Oyster Bay Pinot Noir from Marlborough, New Zealand.  It is an elegant, fragrant, and subtle wine with undeniable cool climate flavor intensity.  It sports aromatic cherry, bright red berry, and juicy black plum aromas and flavors, with a lingering, smooth, and seductive texture.  Wine writer Natalie MacLeanawarded this wine 90 points and says it has, "pure fruit characters of brambly raspberry, black cherry, and spice and generous and delicious with medium to full-bodied weight."  This refreshing wine sells for $19.75 per bottle, or $15.80 per bottle (case price).

Next, we will sample the 2006 Hawk Crest Cabernet Sauvignon (the second label of Napa Valley's Stag's Leap Wine Cellars).  It is made primarily from Red Hills Lake County fruit, with contributions from Paso Robles and Napa Valley.  This is a great value in a Cabernet Sauvignon with real varietal character and complexity.  Dry and tannic, it's rich in classic blackberry, black cherry, and oak flavors that finish long and spicy.  The Wine Enthusiast rates this wine 88 points and it sells for $15.75 per bottle, or $12.60 per bottle (case price).

Finally, we will taste the non-vintage Troublemaker by Austin Hope.  It is a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Monastrell, and Petit Sirah from Paso Robles.  Troublemaker combines elegance and power.  Bright aromas of black cherry and licorice evolve into a stronger bouquet reminiscent of smoked meats.  The wine shows amazing depth and intensity with a rich and textural mouthfeel.  Complete with bright red fruit flavors along with hints of leather and cocoa, it is a well-balanced wine that culminates with an extended finish.  Wine & Spirits magazine rates this wine 89 points and says it is "fresh and lively, with flavors lasting on black pepper, cigar tobacco, cranberry, and ginger This refreshing wine sells for $19.75 per bottle, or $15.80 per bottle (case price).

     We hope you will be able to join Kathleen and the whole Hopkinton Wine crew this Friday from 4 - 7 to see what you think for yourself!  And, remember, the wines we open Friday will be available all weekend for tasting, so stop by anytime.