Wine Tasting in the Willows, part I

Q: What's better than having a neighborhood market in my own back yard with a huge selection of wines and a friendly staff?
A: When the Willows Market hosts a wine tasting!

And so it was last Thursday, the inaugural tasting in what is planned to be a weekly series on Thursday evenings.  Menlo Park wine guru Joe Merlino was on hand to pour 4 wines, and a nice cross-section of the community gathered around to taste, compare notes, and chat.  And there I was, to sip and take notes, purely in the interest of this blog, of course.  Here's a bit of what I overheard and noted:

1.  Jean-Luc Colombo 2011 Cape Bleue Rose ($9.99)

"light and refreshing on a warm summer night"
"perfect for this weather"
"refreshing, crisp"
"tart, citrusy, almost a grapefruit flavor"
"very drinkable"
"nice tang"

I have to admit, I didn't love this wine the first time I tried it (earlier this summer), but it is growing on me.  I definitely felt the tart, pink grapefruit tang up front.  But on a really warm evening, it truly is refreshing, almost bracing.

2.  Jean-Luc Colombo 2010 Les Abeilles de Colombo Cote du Rhone ($9.99)

"velvety"
"licorice, fennel, anise notes"
"chocolatey"

A neat bonus is that a portion of the producer's proceeds from this wine go to fund efforts to help research and restore honeybee colonies.

3.  Bodega Salentein 2009 Killka Collection Malbec ($11.99)

"dark red and fruity"
"cinnamon spice"
"rich"

From Mendoza in Argentina -- on my bucket list!

4.  Two Hands 2010 Sexy Beast Cabernet Sauvignon ($37.99)

"it's a sexy bomb"
"light on tannins"
"rich, fruity"

This wine is DELICIOUS!  Never thought I'd describe a wine as sexy, but I would say this is perfect for a special date-night dinner at home.  Yummy.

Wine Tasting at the Willows Market

The Willows Market is hosting a wine tasting event on Thursday, August 9 from 4:30-7:30 p.m.  The event will be held in the Market's Belgian Beer cove, and only persons age 21 and older can enter the tasting area.

Joe Merlino will be pouring 4 wines:

1. Jean Luc Colombo, Cotes Du Rhone 2010 (French)
2. Jean Luc Colombo, Rose 2011 (French)
3. Two Hands - Sexy Beast, Cabernet 2010 (Australia)
4. Killka, Malbec 2010 (Argentina)

We'll be there -- come on by and let us know what you think!