We finally got back together and it seemed like forever since we had seen each other. Between the Greens Workshop, and surviving Christmas, and traveling south - it has been a long time. The camaraderie feels more than our love of wine. Discussions of the last CCGC meeting took place and a wrap up of the Greens Workshop and Kris Kringle started the get together. Michele had borrowed my dehydrator while I was gone and she provided some great yogurt cheese, dried cranberry and walnut spread for a treat.
We had three 6 gals to bottle that had been settling over the month we were gone. Everything went fairly well - but it took us a while to get into the groove. We only managed to bottle the three batches and start a batch.
Fourtitude (Michele) was bottled for one of Michele's weddings - mostly in 375 ml bottles.
This powerful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Merlot showcases the quality and richness of the grapes from southern Australia. Crimson-purple in the glass, Fourtitude has aromas of blackcurrant, cedar and spice. Intense, mouth filling flavors of blackcurrant, plum, cherry and spice blend seamlessly to a long dry finish. Body: Full Sweetness: Dry
Washington Merlot with Grape Skins (Betsy) - wasn't real thrilled with the taste but I hadn't topped off the carboy before I left for Florida. No one wanted any parts - but it may improve with age. Need to keep a close watch - at the best - a stew wine.
World Vineyard Chilean Malbec (Michele) - Michele bought but Paula and Mollie were both interested and it had good mouth feel, a little raw, but should be good in 3 - 6 months. Paula, Mollie and Michele decided to split, but Mollie and Paula had picked up a Malbec at the store just before I left - so we will sort it out.
The dry, hot climate that is unique to Chile causes their Malbec grape to reach a beautiful ripeness, which makes for a robust red- or rather, black- wine. Deep stone fruit, cherry, licorice, chocolate and blackberry notes accompany bittersweet tones to make this wine a chocolate delight. Close your eyes and imagine yourself sitting in a Chilean cafe overlooking the countryside sipping on a rich cup of Chilean chocolate espresso. You won't have to imagine when you drink this wine, it will take you there all by itself.
Lots of corking going on, and we started a batch. Need to get more in the buckets..