This week we have another recap from the memoirs of a tired, teeth-stained wine taster. The Oct. 2 Festival of Wines, benefiting the American Heart Association, offered an exciting tasting experience for all involved. Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock was filled with an extensive offering of wines from around the world.
As always, I arrived -- with my palate fresh and the Uncorked column as my motivation -- ready to explore and enjoy. The following are only a handful of the many featured wines that stood out in quality and value, with a few exciting additions to the Arkansas market.
THE VALUES
2014 Sean Minor Four Bears Chardonnay, California (about $12 retail)
2013 St. James Velvet Red, Missouri (about $8 retail)
2013 Stellar Organics Merlot, South Africa (about $10 retail)
2013 Paul Jaboulet Cote du Rhone Parallele 45, France (about $16 retail)
2013 Los Vascos Cabernet Sauvignon, France (about $14 retail)
2013 Force of Nature Tempranillo, California (about $19 retail)
THE SPLURGES
2013 Merryvale Vineyards Starmont Carneros Pinot Noir, California (about $38 retail)
2013 Pascal Jolivet Sancerre, France (about $29 retail)
2013 Anne Amie Cuvee "A" Pinot Noir, Oregon (about $26 retail)
2011 Schug Heritage Reserve Pinot Noir, California (about $54 retail)
2013 Stasis Pinot Noir, California (about $46 retail)
Lorri Hambuchen is a member of London's Institute of Wines and Spirits. Contact her at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark. 72203, or email:
uncorked@thewinectr.com
Food on 10/15/2014