Tasting Session: Skurnik (02/05/09)

All the following wines were tasted at the store on Thursday February 5th 2009, with Sabina from Michael Skurnik Wines (Importer/Distributor).


2005 Raventos I Blanc "L'Heureu" Brut Reserva Cava Spain
Suggested retail price $14-$17
Imported/Distributed by Michael Skurnik Wines in NYC

First, I need to say that I never been disappointed by Raventos, and once again, I wasn't with this one. Moreover, I like the fact that they are organic.

Made from 60% Macabeo, 20% Xarello and 20% Parellada, the 2005 Raventos I Blanc l'Heureu Brut Reserva has a yeasty, golden apple, fresh almond nose. The palate is light to medium bodied and expresses the same flavors in a nuttier kind of way. Well balanced with a lovely dry yet juicy mouthfeel, it is quite long and pleasant. Intermingled notes of almond, nut, peach and zesty lemon characterize the finish. Very enjoyable and organic on top of that. Step into the green! (Tasted 02/05/09) LeDom du Vin

For more info go to: www.raventos.com or to: www.skurnikwines.com



2007 Stefano Massone Gavi Vigna Masera Piedmont Italy
Suggested retail price $11-$14
Imported/Distributed by Michael Skurnik Wines in NYC

Very characteristic from the Cortese grape, the 2007 Massone Gavi Vigna Masera boasts intense peach blossom aromas with delicate touch of white juicy fruit and mineral notes. It is as inviting on the palate as it is on the nose. Well rounded attack, medium bodied and soft with a good amount of acidity to balance it. Fresh peach, apple and lemon define the fruit flavors in this balanced, focus, uncomplicated easy drinking white wine. A very good value for money for everyday drinking. (Tasted 02/06/09) LeDom du Vin

For more info go to: www.marcdegrazia.com or to: www.skurnikwines.com



2007 CantinaMatta "Casamatta" Toscana IGT white wine Tuscany Italy
Suggested retail price $10-$13
Imported/Distributed by Michael Skurnik wines in NYC

Made from 100% Vermentino, 2007 Casamatta has characteristic notes of fresh haye, straw, green almond, almost barnyardy in some way, on the nose and on the palate. In a kind of sherryesk way (without the extreme freshness or the see breeze, lightly salty attitude of a Fino), the attack and mid-palate is full of grenn and ripe golden apple, straw, hay, nutty flavors mixed with hints of minerals and lime. The finish is somewhat nutty, well rounded, kind of lush. Here again, another good value for money to enjoy with grilled chicken, dry aged cheese, nuts and spicy chorizo. (Tasted 02/05/09) LeDom du Vin

For more info go to: www.skurnikwines.com



2008 Mud House Wines Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand
Suggested retail price $10-$13
Imported/Distributed by Michael Skurnik wines in NYC

Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes coming from Mud House own vineyards in the upper Wairau Valley, as well as from other selected growers vineyards in the Wairau and Awatere Valleys, this a classic Marlborough Sauvignon at a lesser price than the most well-known houses (which are, by the way, nearly all, own by the same few big corporate companies).

Definitely usual and tipical NZ Sauvignon Blanc nose offering a mix of very grassy, green, goose berry aromas with white pepper and herbal notes. The attack and mid-palate deliver a lot of fruit, lime, lemon and white peach in a rounded, well balanced and focus way. Nice and clean overall without being too complex. A refreshing Marlborough at a good price. (Tasted 02/06/09) LeDom du Vin

For more info go to: www.mudhouse.co.nz



2007 Piazzano Chianti DOCG Green Label Tuscany Italy
Suggested retail price $10-$13
Imported/Distributed by Michael Skurnik wines in NYC (a Marc de Grazia Selection)

Made from 100% Sangiovese, Piazzano Chianti green label boasts fresh and fragrant red berry, cherry aromas on the nose. Quite ripe and charming in the same time, it is somewhat old school in taste: earthy, red cherry predominant on the mid-palate. Overall pretty balanced and focus, it has a light touch of green tannins on the finish (some may taste bitterness or tartness), however the ripe red juicy fruit and the overall structure of the wine compensate for it. Pretty enjoyable anyway in this price range, in my opinion. (Tasted 02/05/09) LeDom du Vin

Enjoy! and don't forget to step into the green! Drink more organic and biodynamic and wine coming from sustainable culture. It is good for you and good for the environment.

LeDom du Vin