Behind the Cork™ - Vilarnau Brut Reserva & Brut Reserva Rosé Cava

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Vilarnau Brut Reserva & Brut Reserva Rosé Cava ($14.99 each)

Cava is the sparkling wine of Spain and perfect for the holidays!

The Vilarnau Brut Reserva is made from the three base wines used to make Cava - Macabeo, Xarel-lo and Parellada. These wines are always made separately. The first fermentation takes place over 30 days followed by the blending. It then undergoes its second fermentation in the bottle.

The vilarnau Brut Reserva Rosé is made from Garnacha and Pinot Noir. These are also fermented separately, blended and undergo a second fermentation in the bottle.

Both of these delicious Cavas should be well chilled and go with most any foods. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Rebekah Polster, Donna White Communications


Behind the Cork™ - Nino Franco Prosecco Rustico Valdobbiadene Superiore DOCG

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Nino Franco Prosecco Rustico Valdobbiadene Superiore DOCG ($19)

This Prosecco from Nino Franco was named #1 by Wine Enthusiast in their 2019 Enthusiast 100. And it’s $19. Need I say more!

This Enthusiast 100 is the best-of-the-best list. According to Wine Enthusiast “These wines are showstoppers in their own right and exemplifies a dazzling variety of wines available to consumers today. With selections from 16 countries and nearly every wine style—dry whites and reds, rosés, bubbles and beyond—there’s truly something for everyone. Boasting an average score of 93 points and an average price of $33, this is a list of the top wines to crack open and revel in right now.”

This Nino Franco Prosecco scored 94 points with Wine Enthusiast who described it as having “Aromas of white spring flower, Bartlett pear and citrus waft out of the glass. The racy, refreshing palate is full of energy, offering crisp yellow-apple, lemon drop and orange zest flavors balanced by vibrant acidity. A perlage of small, refined and continuous bubbles provides the silky backdrop.”

If you are looking for some bubbly for the holidays, look no further. This is the Wine Enthusiast 2019 #1. And the list is extremely impressive. Hope you can find this one. And, if you do, pick up a few bottles. It’s an amazing value! Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Will Rogers, Donna White Communications

Behind the Cork™ - Left Coast Cali's Cuvée Pinot Noir

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2017 Left Coast Estate Cali’s Cuvée Pinot Noir ($24)

This Cali’s Cuvée from Left Coast Estate is their flagship Pinot Noir.

Named for the owner’s daughter, this wine is 100% Pinot Noir. It’s fermented in 100% Stainless Steel and then aged for eight months in 100% French oak, 15% of which is New French Oak.

Winemaker Joe Wright states “Expressive black cherry, black tea, and forest floor aromas expose a polished and poised dark raspberry, bitter chocolate and spice flavors that finish with our region’s minerality and mild tannin.”

This Cali’s Cuvée Pinot Noir exhibits raspberry, cranberry and sour cherry on the nose. On the palate it’s got a bright front end of cranberry and cherry with dusty tannins and a light, delicate finish.

Cali’s Cuvée Pinot Noir from Left Coast Estate is affordable and attainable and makes a perfect fit for Behind the Cork™. Look for this one and enjoy! Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Left Coast Estate winery


Behind the Cork™ - Left Coast Latitude 45° Pinot Noir

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2016 Left Coast Latitude 45° Estate Pinot Noir ($38)

This Left Coast Pinot Noir is their oldest vineyards on their Estate and are planted directly along the 45th parallel which is halfway between the North Pole and the Equator and just so happens to also pass through France and Italy.

This 100% Dijon Clone Pinot Noir is fermented in 100% French oak and aged for 15 months in 75% new French oak, 25% neutral French oak

The winemaker notes state “This 100% Dijon clone, single vineyard is focused and expressive, teeming with black cherry, plum and white pepper aromas. Dark plum, black tea, espresso and spice flavors mingle with velvety, well-integrated tannins.”

This is a big Pinot Nior that will stand up to bold flavors, such as braised meats and root vegetables. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Left Coast Estate winery

Behind the Cork™ - Hess Lion Tamer Cabernet Sauvignon

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2017 Hess Collection Lion Tamer Cabernet Sauvignon ($60)

This Hess Lion Tamer Cabernet Sauvignon is from Napa Valley. It a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petite Sirah and 8% Malbec. It’s aged in 33% New French and American oak barrels for 20 months.

The name Lion Tamer has become their nickname for Malbec because they use this grape as a blending variety to tame powerful tannins. They say “This Cabernet Sauvignon brings all the roar of Napa Valley and when blended with a touch of Malbec, produces a big, lush wine that finishes with smooth and tamed round tannins.”

Winemaker Dave Guffy states “Lion Tamer Cabernet Sauvignon is plush in texture with heady aromas of blackberries, black cherries and notes of freshly ground coffee. We add a touch of Malbec to the blend to develop a softness in the tannins, making this a wonderfully smooth and seamless wine. These mouthwatering tannins surround the palate, framing layered elements of bright blueberry, toasty oak and deliciously rich mocha. I find this vintage of Lion Tamer Cabernet is perfectly balanced, with well-integrated vanilla oak notes presenting on the lengthy, elegant finish.”

I found this Lion Tamer Cab to have a big, full-bodied profile with great chocolate and vanilla notes from the oak aging. The tannins were firm but not over-powering and finished smooth with lingering flavor.

This is an exceptional Cab from Napa. If you are looking for a special wine for a special occasion, this one’s for you! Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Donna White, Donna White Communications