In this week’s class, we took a little trip around the world… without leaving the Silver Baron! Wine is such a wonderful way to transport yourself around the globe. We placed pins on our mental wine maps for New Zealand, France, Spain, Chile and Australia. If you decide to use this wine menu at your next party or gathering, please let us know your grades!

Oyster Bay 2010 Pinot Noir
Marlborough, New Zealand
13.5% alcohol
Est. Price: $16.99
Screw Cap

Winery says… Oyster Bay Marlborough Pinot Noir is elegant, cool climate Pinot at its best. Fragrant, soft and flavorful with aromas of ripe cherries and sweet fruit tannins that provide structure and length. Pair with duck, salmon or grilled swordfish.

Critics say… 87 pts., Wine Spectator

FSW students say… “B”

Duboeuf Brouilly Flower 2009 Beaujolais
Burgundy, France
13.0% alcohol
Est. Price:$14.99
Cork

Winery says… This Brouilly, 100% Gamay grape, has a deep crimson color and ocmplex, intense dark berry aromas, like black cherry, sustained by hints of kirsch. On the palate, it is a powerful, fleshy, “chewy” wine with silky tannins that give it a smoothness and harmony on the finish, typical of this outstanding 2009 vintage.

Winemaker George Duboeuf says… ”Vintage 2009 is considered the Vintage of the Sun; in fact, this is the best vintage of my life.”

Critics say… 87 pts., Wine Advocate; 88 pts., Wine Spectator

FSW students say…”B”

Condado de Haza 2007
Ribera del Duero, Spain
14.0% alcohol
Est. Price: $28.49
Cork
100% Tempranillo

Winery says… Beautiful, intense red color with pleasantly subtle fragrances of currant, black fruit and red rose with spices like oregano and cocoa. Suggested pairings are lamb, heavy stews and wild game. (One of our visiting students from Australia suggested this wine would go superbly with kangaroo.)

Critics say… 92 pts., Wine and Spirits

FSW students say… “C” and “Too barnyard’ish.”

Los Vascos 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon
Colchagua Valley, Chile
14% alcohol
Est. Price: $10.99
Cork

Winery says… This winery is owned by the very famous French Chateau Lafite Rothschild. This wine has a sparkling ruby red color and a pleasantly fruity nose with aromas of black cherries, raspberries and plums, all with a hint of spice. This is a silky, flavorful wine, with a supple tannin structure. A great classic.

FSW students say… “D+” (Our TA, Lauren Boyer, pointed out that this wine could use about an hour of decanting.)

d’Arenberg d’Arrys Original 2005 Shiraz Grenache
McLaren Vale, Australia
14.5% alcohol
Est. Price: $17.99
50% Shiraz, 50% Grenache

Winery says… Dark with a slight purple tinge, the nose opens with raspberry, blueberry and plum with a layer of graphite and rose water adding interest and elegance. The palate is darker with cherry and juicy plum opening before a dark chocolate, mocha and blackberry emerge. The palate is mouth-filling yet focused with an earthy character running throughout and building to a spicy finish that lingers. Will age up to 10 years.

Critics say… 90 pts., International Wine Cellar

FSW students say… A-