Weekend Wine Tasting Favorites

This weekend I went to a wine tasting at Brookgreen Gardens in Murrels Inlet, SC. Brookgreen Gardens is a beautiful historical landmark with old oak trees with Spanish moss, sculptures, ponds, a zoo, butterfly garden and more. It's huge - 9,200 sq. acres, and used to be I think four rice plantations.

The wine tasting was hosted in the Live Oak Allee with 20 wines to taste, hors d'oeuvres, and a live band. At each table there was a wine from the old world and new world to taste.

 

The wines:

I'm not a big Chardonnay fan, so consequently I didn't have a favorite from the Chardonnay group. Although, I have heard great things about Trefethen. Here were my favorites:

Pinot Gris from the Willamette Valley in Oregon

Tasting notes: fiji apples, gooseberries, key lime, minerals, and soft flower and apple aroma

Pairing: shellfish, seafood, light pasta

$20/bottle from winery

 Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley, Oregon

Tasting notes: Juicy red, blue and black fruits, spice and minerals

Pairing: leaner meets (chicken, lamb, etc.), earthly flavors - spices, mushrooms, peppercorn, etc.

$35/bottle from winery

Cabernet Sauvignon from the Rapel Valley, Chile

Tasting notes: Juicy fresh red fruit, tobacco, cedar and tea leaves towards the finish.

Pairing: red meat; hearty pasta

$11.99 from Gary Wines 

Sauvignon Blanc from Napa Valley/Rutherford, CA

Tasting Notes: citrus, lemon peel, minerals, crisp and refreshing

Pairing: shellfish, white fish, seafood

$20/bottle from the winery

What are your favorite go-to wines?