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Acacia Vineyard, Chardonnay, “Sangiacomo Vineyard� 2003

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Acacia Vineyard, Chardonnay, “Sangiacomo Vineyard�, Carneros 2003 ($30) – Golden yellow in color with aromas of caramel and vanilla over a bit of pear and pineapple. Silky attack of butterscotch and nutmeg with a bit of pineapple fruit with a moderately long finish. I think this wine is too overpowering to match well with food, but still very well made in the typical oak laden California style. Whatever terroir there is from Sangiacomo Vineyard fruit has been overshadowed by ML and new oak barrels, in my opinion. Not my style of Chardonnay, but if you like popcorn-butter style Chard, this might just be the ticket. Score: 8.5/10

Weingut Eduard Hauth-Kerpen, Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Riesling, Kabinett 2001

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Weingut Eduard Hauth-Kerpen, Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Riesling, Kabinett, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer 2001 ($17) – Light straw-green in color with the classic Mosel nose of flowers, lime and minerals. Fresh lemon, lime and mineral flavors finishing very crisp and dry with plenty of acidity. This wine is light and elegant with only 7.5% alcohol, but is very flavorful and food friendly. It paired perfectly with our Honey-Baked Ham this Easter. Score: 9/10

Trinitas Cellars, Mataro, Contra Costa County 2003

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Trinitas Cellars, Mataro (Mourvèdre), “Old Vine”, Contra Costa County 2003 ($25) – Dark ruby in color with pronounced aromas of black raspberry, plum and vanilla; rich blackberry and plum fruit with black pepper, chocolate and spices. Pretty big tannins under the thick mouthfeel, but becoming integrated. Give this one another year or two, if you can wait that long 😉 Score: 9/10

Chateau de Maligny, Chablis 2001

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Chateau de Maligny, Chablis Premier Cru, “Fourchaume� 2001 ($19) – Golden straw in color with aromas of citrus and minerals. Lemon, tart green apple and mineral flavors finishing with nice acidity. A well balanced food wine that will age for a couple more years. Score: 8.5/10

No green (or black) beer for me, this year

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Unlike almost every St. Patrick’s Day, I picked wine to match with my Irish stew. Instead of the normal pint or two of Guinness, I opened one the samples sent by Concannon, their Petite Sirah from 2004. While Guinness was still involved as an ingredient to the stew, it was great to match one of my favorite varietals with the meal. Here’s my tasting note:

Concannon Vineyard, Petite Sirah, Central Coast, “Limited Releaseâ€Â? 2004 ($15/sample) – Dark purple/black in color with aromas of blueberry and black cherry; Bright blueberry fruit flavors with some vanilla and silky tannins. A rich mouthfeel completes the package nicely. Drink now to fully enjoy the exuberant fruit. Score: 8.5/10

The wine matched well with the earthiness of the stew, bringing pure fruit as a counterpoint while not overpowering it. I think the Heritage Pet, while a better wine overall, would not have matched as well here.