Saturday Night – A nice, normal Saturday – Part 2

The main course for the evening was Oyster Po’ Boys and these tasty sandwiches were paired with a 2011 Graham Beck Sauvignon Blanc.  The 2010 Graham Beck Sauvignon Blanc was certainly one of my winning wines for 2012 and we easily brought more than a case of this wonderfully valued wine so I was curious to see how the 2011 would be.

 

The nose was a pleasant mix of wet hay, lemon grass, stone fruit, peach and grapefruit.  Tasting the wine, you initially get mango as the dominate flavour but it finishes grapefruit.  I liked the big mouth-feel this wine had but was a bit disappoint at the finish as it came across sharper at times than I would have liked.  It was more a New Zealand styled Sauvignon Blanc (big and fruit driven) vs. the 2010 which was more of a French style (crisp and precise).   So depending on your preference you may like this more or less than the 2010.  I tend to lean toward the French style so I was a touch disappointed but still believe this is a very solid wine for its price point.  The wine did make a good pairing with the Oyster Po’ Boys.

Here is the group rating for the wine - Mick – 87, Mark – 88, Kathy – 87, Amy – 88, Overall – 87.5.

Here is the LCBO information on the wine –
GRAHAM BECK SAUVIGNON BLANC 2011
VINTAGES 948620
750 mL bottle
Price $ 14.95
Made in: Coastal Region, South Africa
By: Graham Beck Wines
Release Date: May 25, 2013
Style: Aromatic & Flavourful
Wine, White Wine
13.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Sugar Content: 2 g/L
Sweetness Descriptor: XD - Extra Dry

Tasting Note -  Q: What do lime, asparagus, peach, white pepper spice, and a bright minerality have in common? A: They are the aromas that you will find in this complex and delightfully aromatic wine. The well integrated flavour replays score multiple bonus points, while the crisp acidity keeps the wine lively and fresh. Next question: What to eat? A: Grilled prawns, shrimp, white fish, or salads with chopped kiwi, mango, and apples. (VINTAGES panel, June 2012)

The price has gone up a dollar since the 2010 vintage but at $15 this is a very solid wine that can hold its own with Sauvignon Blanc in a $20 price point.  Do yourself a favour and pick some up.

Click here for Part 3