It’s time to share another excerpt from the memoirs of a tired, teeth-stained wine taster.
This year’s Festival of Wines was a big hit with tasters. Held Thursday in North Little Rock, benefited the American Heart Association and offered an exciting tasting experience. Being a foodie as well as a wine geek, I must say this year’s event had an exceptional group of restaurants and incredible foods to taste as well as outstanding wines.
Dickey-Stephens Park was filled with an extensive variety of wines ranging from $5 merlots to $100 one-of-a-kind cult wines. If you are looking to expand your tasting knowledge, explore hundreds of wines and also explore creations of local chefs, there are many such events in our area throughout the year.
Here are some of my favorites from the Festival of Wines.
THE VALUES
- 2013 Sawbuck Chardonnay, California (about $10 retail)
- 2013 Sawbuck Cabernet, California (about $10 retail)
- 2013 St. James Velvet Red, Missouri (about $8 retail)
- 2013 Matchbook Chardonnay, California (about $12 retail)
- 2013 Gnarly Head Authentic Black, California (about $10 retail)
- 2013 Noble Vines 446 Chardonnay, California (about $10 retail)
- 2013 HandCraft Petite Sirah, California (about $9 retail)
- 2014 New Harbor Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand (about $12 retail)
- 2014 Lindeman’s Bin 45 Cabernet, Australia (about $6 retail)
THE SPLURGES
- 2013 Alta Maria Sauvignon Blanc, California (about $21 retail)
- 2012 Alta Maria Pinot Noir, California (about $31 retail)
- 2013 Bell Sauvignon Blanc, California (about $17 retail)
- 2012 Chateau Mongravey Margaux, France (about $44 retail)
- 2012 Beaulieu Vineyards Rutherford Cabernet, California (about $24 retail)
- 2013 Leonard Kreusch Estate Riesling, Germany (about $17 retail)
- 2012 Cornerstone Stepping Stone Cabernet Franc, California (about $47 retail)
- 2013 Force of Nature Chardonnay, California (about $20 retail)
- 2012 Penfolds Bin 8 Cabernet/Shiraz, Australia (about $26 retail)