Monday Night Wine Tasting!

What a fun way to start the week by enjoying a wine tasting! Beth and her husband Mike and I headed over to The Wine & Cheese Place in Clayton, MO to enjoy some wines from Elk Cove Vineyards.  You may remember us mentioning Elk Cove from our trip to Willamette Valley in Oregon back in 2012.  At least this time we didn't have to travel so far.  This was Todd Stewart's first trip to St Louis and we are glad he was able to bring these wonderful wines.

We started with the 2013 Elk Cove Pinot Gris- with some pineapple on the nose and peach and pear on the palette, it had a wonderful lingering finish.

Next was the 2011 Elk Cove Riesling- nice and dry with aromas of honeysuckle and anise with stone fruit and citrus on the palette and a clean finish.

Moving on to 2012 Elk Cove Willamette Valley Pinot Noir- deep cherry red with raspberry and red cherry on the nose and on the palette was dark cherries, raspberries, plums and baking spices.  Elements of pepper, coffee,  and chocolate balance the intense fruit flavors while soft tannins lend structure and a lengthy finish.

Next, we enjoyed the 2012 Elk Cove 5 Mountains Pinot Noir- with more earthiness on the nose, this deep red wine opens with wild blackberry and a savory spice with black fruit tannins on the finish.

One more Pinot- 2012 Elk Cove Roosevelt Vineyard Pinot Noir- Elk Cove's top rated Pinot Noir made from their best vineyard block--Roosevelt.  Dark blackberry pie and cocoa on the nose, with huge fruit on the palette (dark plum, black raspberry) and hints of tobacco and chocolate.

Finally.... The 2010 Elk Cove Ultima Riesling- Elk Cove's definition of dessert; opulence in a bottle! The Ultima is comprised of each vintage of a selection of aromatic varietals consisting of a proprietary blend. While Riesling supplies the weight of this wine with fresh pair, apricot and honey notes, the supplemental varietals add beautiful delicate aromatics.  A wonderful end to a delicious wine tasting!

After loading up our purchases, we headed down the road to dinner at Sasha's Wine Bar on Demun, also in Clayton.  There we chose a 2010 Roija from Sierra Catabria Crianza.  It paired deliciously with the classic Margharita Pizza and the Pesto Pizza.

What a way to start the week!

Cheers,
Lisa