Wine Tastings

Every Saturday, 1 to 3 p.m.

Tasting Wines for Saturday, July 31

with Michelle Jaenke, Missouri Beverage

2008 Bleasdale Langhorne Crossing White, Langhorne Creek, Australia---Good on its own and easy to drink, Bleasdale, 50 per cent Verdelho, 35 per cent Chardonnay and 15 per cent Riesling, looks green to gold and rates fresh pear and apple on the nose with subtle floral and spice qualities.  The wine gains complexity with air picking up anise and white pepper notes that carry onto the palate.  The brisk citrus and under ripe fruit flavors initially register a bit hard but gain flesh on the finish.

$13.99, retail wine price to go

$21.99, in house (includes the $8 corkage fee)

2008 Domaine Salvard Cheverny, Loire Valley, France---A blend of 85 per cent Sauvignon Blanc and 15 per cent Chardonnay, Cheverny hosts brisk acidity and minerality like its more posh cousin Sancerre.  Its bone dry style is softened by some time spent on the lees.  Smooth and light, it is a wine made for seafood, cheese and vegetables.

$15.99, retail wine price to go

$23.99, in house (includes $8 corkage)

2006 Trefethen Merlot, Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley---With delightful plum, sweet cherry tomato, dark cherry and olallieberry fruit, this Merlot delights and spoils the taster from the start.  As the fruit gives way to notes of anise, roast fennel seed and smoke, one temptingly sinks into the glass.  Crisp and mouthwatering, silky tannins back up a full, strong mouth with great structure which leads to a savory sage finish. 

$19.99, retail wine price to go

$27.99, in house (includes $8 corkage)

2008 Tait "The Ball Buster" Red Blend, Barossa Valley, Australia--Fifteen thousand cases of Tait's 2008 Ball Buster--a blend of 76 per cent Shiraz, 12 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon and 12 per cent Merlot--aged for 12 months in seasoned predominantly American oak.  Opaque and purple, it offers up a fragrant perfume of pencil lead, licorice, spice box, blueberry and blackberry liqueur.  Layered, savory and long on the palate, this well balanced wine will drink well for another four to six years.  91/100 Wine Advocate

$21.99, retail wine price to go

$28.99, in house (includes $8 corkage)