Anna’s Premium Holiday tasting 15 Dec 2022

Well, the folks that run Anna’s Wines & Craft Beers have been telling me about/hyping the wines that they were going to pour tonight since before Thanksgiving. Along with the upscale hors d’oeuves, it had all of the trappings to be a great tasting. Well, it was, thanks to two special wines! Both were Wines of Note. And I am starting with the red first!Austin Hope, 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon. Only out done by his 2019 which was one of the best modern Cabs ever done!!! From Paso Robles California, 2020 is everything you want from a Cabernet Sauvignon; 100% varietal, great deep ripe fruit with balanced tannins. Drink by itself or have with just about any meal, because you will remember the wine, not the meal.Next, wine with bubbles, not bubbles with wine. And pay attention there, that is a big difference. Stradivarius Brut Champagne 2007, made from Chardonnay and Pinot Muenier grapes. A true Champagne, done in the traditional manner (a topic for another post). The result is wine first that hints of bread yeast and mild chestnut. And before you can figure out everything that you just tasted the bubbles come in with perfect harmony! After the first sip the only thing on the mind is “I need to try that again!” Not cheap, but cheaper and much tastier than the majority of the $100+ Champagnes floating around. Cheers to that.