Wines With Animals on Their Labels
Peter writes: "So we had a little fun with our selections last week. All of the Animals performed well in the Federal Glass Menagerie."
February 22, 2017
He continues,
We started with the 2015 Southern Right Sauvignon Blanc from Walker Bay in South Africa (whale). Tasters noted that compared to New Zealand style wines, the Southern Right was rounder and fuller. It is still quite dry. Everyone liked it. The first surprise of the night was the 2015 Landhaus Mayer Gruner Veltliner (sheep). For many tasters either they had never had a Gruner or it had been a while since they had. Landhaus Mayer is one of those producers who make really good wine and are reasonable about their pricing. This was also round and full with elements of citrus, herb, spice and nuts. This one also got a lot of favorite votes.
The first red, 2014 Quinta di Cassa Douro Reserva Tinto (rabbit) also turned some heads. The flavors and aromas had a lot going on. Even Michael E was impressed. Then we went strictly traditional with the 2015 Castellare Chianti Classico (songbird). Castellare only uses native varietals in their Chiantis and the wine shows all the classic character and balance of fine Sangiovese. There were a lot of re-tastes on this one and it kept showing better as the tasting went on.
The 2014 Mulderbosch Faithful Hound (hound dog) also surprised people. The wine is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot and tasters seemed to be expecting a Napa style wine. However what they got was a wine that still holds homage to Bordeaux. In addition to the richness the wine also shows structure, tannin and the ability to age well. People were impressed. Last we sampled the 2013 La Spinetta Langhe Nebbiolo (rhinoceros). Even those tasters not familiar with Nebbiolo approved of this one. Of course all the regulars loved it.
Crazy theme, really good wines and everyone had fun.
White
2015 Southern Right Sauvignon Blanc: Straw with green highlights. Lime and tangerine fruit with a touch of mown grass. Crisp and refreshing. Very Good Plus 14.99/bottle 13.49/mixed case 12.74/case
2015 Landhaus Mayer Gruner Veltliner: Bright straw. Aromas and flavors of herbs, lime and grapefruit with crisp acidity framed by white pepper spice and finishing with a nutty almond character. Very Good Plus 17.99/bottle 16.19/mixed case 15.29/case
Red
2014 Quinta di Cassa Douro Reserva Tinto: Deep ruby. Rich spicy flavors accented by floral aromas. Long balanced finish. Very Good Plus Plus 15.99/bottle 14.39/mixed case 13.59/case
2015 Castellare Chianti Classico: Bright ruby. Aromas and flavors of dark cherry, violets, balsam and spice. Silky texture in a balanced finish. Very Good Plus Plus 24/bottle 21.60/mixed case 20.40/case
2014 Mulderbosch Faithful Hound: Deep ruby. Cassis, herbs, dark berry, blackcurrant, lead pencil and a smooth finish. Very Good Plus Plus 21/bottle 18.90/mixed case 17.85/case
2013 La Spinetta Langhe Nebbiolo: Bright ruby. Aromas and flavors of roses, black cherry, and forest floor. Rich palate and spicy finish. Very Good Plus Plus 37/bottle 33.30/mixed case 31.45/case
Special Animal Label case: Two bottles of each of the above for a special price of $223
(In store only) Special Animal Label pack: One bottle of each of the above for a special price of $118
Order by phone at 617.367.8605, or reserve here: Peter@federalwine.com
Please pass this on to any friends who are wine enthusiasts!
- Peter Hemenway
(c) Federal Wine and Spirits Inc. 2017
