Blind (partially) tasting in Fayetteville, NC

[wondersofwine]

For the March meeting of the Fayetteville Wine Society we had a semi-blind tasting. We knew the three whites were Riesling, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc and the reds were Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir but not in what order. The information sheets gave hints as to regions but left room for detecting (or guessing.) No one got all six varieties and regions correct but three people (out of about 40 got 11 out of 12, missing the region for the Chardonnay (Chile.) I got one of three runner-up honors with 9-10 out of 12. I guessed the Chardonnay as California and, like many in the crowd, misidentified the shiraz and cabernet sauvignon. The shiraz was the darker color and I thought both had a peppery finish so got them reversed. The whites were easier to identify as each variety had characteristic nose and taste. The Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling were both very aromatic but I didn't feel the Riesling (from Alsace) lived up to its aroma on the palate. I ended up ordering (at reduced members' price) two bottles of the Artesa Cabernet Sauvignon, two bottles of the Lapostelle Chardonnay from Chile (owner is from the Marnier family of Grand Marnier), and one bottle of the New Zealand Staete Landt Sauvignon Blanc. I didn't particularly care for the Shiraz (from McClaren Vale), the A to Z Pinot Noir, or the Riesling. The Sauvignon Blanc was rich with citrus flavors and penetrating nose. The Cabernet Sauvignon improved as it opened up in the glass. The Chardonnay had quality fruit that was not overpowered by the oak.