Wine Tasting at Zebra Restaurant in Charlotte

[wondersofwine]

Regular Friday tastings from 5:30-7:30 PM for $10 with four to five wines and light appetizers. Last Friday we sampled two whites and three reds. I liked the last two reds the best.
First up a Robertson Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa which I may have had before. I didn't take notes on it or the next white which was a blend of four or five white grape varieties including Muscat. Third wine was a Spanish red blend which didn't impress me.
Fourth wine was 2005 Farleigh Zinfandel with 50% Sonoma grapes and 50% San Luis Obispo grapes. Light and fruit. Pale color for a Zin. I was surprised to learn that it came in at 15.9% alcohol. Certainly didn't taste that hot. cheapwineratings.com gave this an 89 rating and described cherry, leather, herbal and cedar notes on the nose and a palate impression of peppery blackberry and a superfresh strawberry flavor with a tart finish. This wine might not be to everyone's liking but I give it a thumbs up.
It is also listed as Charles Underwood Farleigh Zinfandel and can be found for $13.99.

I also liked the last wine in the lineup--2003 Santa Carolina blend of 90% Syrah and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, Barrica Selection, from Chile. Nice, mellow. Seems more red fruit than black. Some floral notes of rose petals. The current release (2006) can be found on wine-searcher for under $10.