Wine Tasting

featuring the wines of…

Napa Cellars

Carpe Vino

Thursday, September 25

6:00-8:30 P.M.

 

Carpe Vino has recently been converted into a stylish wine lounge, where guests may savor wines while reclining in a one of this fine wine shop’s comfortable new chairs – what better setting for a wine tasting? Tomorrow afternoon, Carpe Vino will have a lineup of the balanced, fruit-driven wines of Napa Cellars open for sampling. Rush Wines representative Chad Fulcher will be on hand to present and answer questions about these critically acclaimed wines from the Napa Valley…

 

Napa Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley '06. In order to create an interesting balance of flavors, this wine was sourced from both cold and warm climate vineyards in the Napa Valley. Aromas of melon, grapefruit, and lime are layered with the fragrance of orange blossom, followed by a pure, clean palate of ripe, oak-tinged flavors. Enjoy with Provençal vegetable-and-goat-cheese terrines.

 

Napa Cellars Chardonnay, Napa Valley '07. This elegant chardonnay was sourced from the southern end of Napa Valley, where the fruit is bolder and better suited to malolactic fermentation. It offers aromas and flavors of spiced apple, apricot, and citrus, while toasty oak and subtle butter highlight the finish. Great with heirloom tomatoes, whole-milk mozzarella, and fresh basil.

 

Napa Cellars Pinot Noir, Napa Valley '06. The cool climate of Napa Cellars’ estate vineyards, in the southern Napa Valley, provided the rich, mature fruit for this pinot noir. The vineyards border the famed Carneros region, known for maritime influences, where the thin-skinned pinot noir grape thrives due to the mild temperatures and a long, moderate growing season. Delicate yet fruit-forward, the result exudes characteristics of strawberry, cherry, and sweet spice with a finish that is complex and persistent. This classic pinot noir is a perfect complement to pan-seared duck breast, as well as simple salmon dishes.

 

Napa Cellars Merlot, Napa Valley '05. Brimming with ripe flavors and aromas of blackberries, nutmeg, dark chocolate, and vanilla, this wine is balanced with soft, round tannins. The finish is long, seductive, and velvety. A delicious accompaniment to lamb chops with caper-orange-garlic crust.

 

Napa Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley '06. This sophisticated, full-bodied Napa Valley cab combines flavors of ripe blackberry, cherry, clove, and cedar, while pleasant, toasty oak notes linger on the finish. May be enjoyed now or cellared for additional complexity. A perfect match with black-peppered beef carpaccio with tarragon dressing.

 

Napa Cellars Syrah, Napa Valley '05. Syrah has established itself in the Napa Valley as a true contender to cabernet sauvignon in complexity and intensity. This one is no exception, as evidenced by its intense black fruit aromas and palate of dark chocolate, spice, and sweet vanilla oak. Powerful and bold, this wine will age for up to five years. Enjoy with gourmet burgers topped with arugula, pickled onions, and smoked cheeses.

 

Admission to this event is $5, which may be applied toward the purchase of a bottle of wine. Carpe Vino is located at 2322 Fourth Street in Temerson Square, in downtown Tuscaloosa. Please call 205-409-4738 for more information.

 

Napa Cellars was founded in 1996 by Richard Frank, former Chairman of Walt Disney Television and Telecommunications, and Koerner Rombauer, of Rombauer Vineyards. Today, the winery is owned and managed by Trinchero Winery. Napa Cellars winemaker Joe Shirley produces a chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, zinfandel, as well as limited amounts of syrah, sparkling rosé, late harvest zinfandel, and late harvest semillon, all bearing the Napa Valley designation. After receiving his Masters of Science in Enology from the University of California at Davis, Shirley launched his winemaking career at Sonoma Cutrer in 1997. He joined Trinchero Winery in 1999 as Enologist, working his way up the ladder to become winemaker for Trinchero’s Family Selection and Napa Reserve wines in 2002. In 2007, Joe accepted the position as head winemaker for Napa Cellars. Beyond the sensory-driven, artistic side of winemaking, Joe is also a leader in the technical aspects of his craft. His work on grape seed tannins was recently published in the American Journal of Enology and Viticulture. The Best of 2003 Judging Book lists Napa Cellars as winning more competitions than any other winery in California. For more information, visit www.napacellars.com.