Behind the Cork™ - Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc

2018 Merry Edwards Russian River Sauvignon Blanc ($36)

This is an outstanding Sauvignon Blanc!

This Merry Edwards Russian River Sauvignon Blanc was fully barrel fermented in Tonnellerie Cadus French Oak barrels, 18% of which were new. It was then left on lees for six months with twice weekly stirrings.

The aromas of this Sauvignon Blanc include tropical fruits, pineapple, baked apple and a touch of lime. But that’s where the “typical” characteristics of a Sauvignon Blanc end.

On the palate this wine is smooth, rich and creamy. It has flavors of pear, grapefruit and just a hint of buttery caramel. Quite unusual for a Sauvignon Blanc. Just as the light acidity is too. And the finish just keeps going and going with a softness that’s extraordinary.

This Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc is not the big, bright, high acidity Sauvignon Blanc that you would think. Instead, it’s soft and silky smooth. Wow! This is a Sauvignon Blanc that I’d put on the top of any list. It’s terrific!

---

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

Sample Provided by Jill Schlegel of Merry Edwards Winery

Behind the Cork™ - Adorada Pinot Gris

2017 Adorada Pinot Gris ($3.99)

Well here’s another Trader Joe’s find! As I was checking out, my checker pointed this one out as a “one time buy” that she thought was really good. At $3.99 I had to give it a try.

According to the Adorada Wines website, this is a Fetzer wine. And, it appears to sell elsewhere in the $15 range (although their website does show this 2017 bottle with a black wax dip on the neck of the bottle.

This Adorada Pinot Gris is just what you’d expect. It’s got bright tropical fruit flavors and nice acidity. I paired it with pork tenderloin and a goat cheese sauce that worked really well.

So, quick, get out to Trader Joe’s and pick this one up (or buy a case!) Cheers!

Behind the Cork™ - McPrice Myers 'Beautiful Earth' Red Blend

2013 McPrice Myers ‘Beautiful Earth’ Red Blend ($42)

When I was looking for a good wine to accompany a recent meal, I noticed this Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre (GSM) from Paso Robles and grabbed it.

Upon pouring it, I immediately noticed that this GSM was a very deep purple color. I was expecting it to be a bit lighter, more like a medium ruby red. Then I took my first sip and again was surprised. It was full-bodied with lots of bold fruit flavors.

Once I turned the bottle around to the back label I realized why the color and taste did not match my expectations for a GSM. It turns out, this is a SGM (79% Syrah, 13% Grenache and 8% Mourvedre). Ah ha! It actually could be labeled as a Syrah!

This turned out to be a super bottle of wine! And, while it was a bit bolder than I would have paired with the meal, it was wonderful to drink. Cheers!

Behind the Cork™ - Speyburn 10 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Speyburn 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($30)

I recently learned that on January 25th, Scotland and many throughout the world celebrate famed poet Robert Burns.

“Burns Night” began shortly after his death in 1796. If you haven’t heard of Robert Burns you’ve probably heard one of his more notable poems and songs "‘Auld Lang Syne.”

This Speyburn Single Malt gets its name from the fact that it is made from pure waters taken from the Granty Burn, a tributary of the River Spey in Scotland.

Speyburn 10 Years Old offers a classic Speyside single malt experience with touches of fresh fruit, hints of toffee and butterscotch, and a long smooth, sweet finish attributable to being matured in a combination of American oak, ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks.

I put this one up against several notable Scotch names and found it stands up well against the best. It’s smooth and balanced and just perfect for toasting Robert Burns on January 25th! Cheers!

---

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

Sample Provided by Rebekah Polster, Ten27 Communications

Behind the Cork™ - Tempest Bay Chardonnay

2018 Tempest Bay Chardonnay ($7.99)

The Carneros AVA in California includes an eastern half in Napa and a western half in Sonoma. It’s known for producing high-quality wines, especially Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. And that’s why this wine caught my eye.

This Tempest Bay Chardonnay is from the Napa side of Carneros. And it’s $7.99! So, I picked up this one up during my recent visit to Trader Joe’s. I went back the next day for a box of it!

This one seems to be a Trader Joe’s only wine. The back label states that it is “Vinted and Bottled by Tempest Bay Wines, Santa Rosa, California.” An on-line search didn’t find this winery that apparently is a label owned by another winery.

This is a rich, creamy and oaky Chardonnay. And, it also has some nice pear fruit flavor, vanilla, spices and very balanced acidity. It must have undergone a secondary Malolactic conversion to have such a rich and creamy mouth-feel.

This is a new one to Trader Joe’s. And, with Trader Joe’s wines, you never know if it’ll become a regular or if it’s a one-and-done feature. I’m hoping it become a regular but betting this one won’t be around for long. If you like a rich and oaky Chardonnay, pick this one up (or a box full!). Cheers!