But with so much variety, where do you start? Four Jungle Jim’s experts gave us their picks.
Ed Winson, Manager of the Fairfield Jungle Jim’s Beer and Wine Department
Quilt Cabernet Sauvignon: This Napa Valley red wine blends hazelnut, cocoa, blackberry preserves, and charred meat with notes of brown sugar, rhubarb, strawberry and molasses.
Charles Krug Cabernet Sauvignon: This red wine utilizes the black fruits for its flavor, including black cherry and blackberry combined with dried blueberry and cocoa, also from Napa Valley.
Signorello Cabernet Sauvignon: This dense red from the Napa Valley Signorello Estate carries a softer tannin structure with notes of black currants, blueberries, charcoal and graphite.
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Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Kevin Keith, Jungle Jim’s International Wine Festival Judge
Juve y Camps Reserva de la Familia Cava Brut: This Spanish sparkling wine has a white fruit flavor with notes of baked goods, toasted bread, and spices.
Revelry Range: From Washington State, this sultry wine is a blend of Grenache (red wine grape varietal) and Syrah (neutral French oak).
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Todd Wiggs, Manager of the Eastgate Jungle Jim’s Beer and Wine Department
Champagne Delamotte Brut NV: This French sparkling wine carries hints of citrus, white flowers and lemon peel.
Burnet Ridge Purple Trillium: This dark ruby, Pauillac-style Bordeaux blend from California consists of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, with notes of raspberry fruit and green olive aromas.
Barone Ricasoli Casalferro IGT: This Italian merlot has soft tannins, ripe red fruit aromas and balsamic eucalyptus tones.
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
T.J. Askren, Assistant Manager of the Fairfield Jungle Jim’s Beer and Wine Department
Brandlin Cabernet Sauvignon: This Napa Valley vintage has tones of blackberry, boysenberry jam, mocha, toffee and Saigon cinnamon. Aroma-wise, it's a combination of violets, rose petals and fresh currants.
Concha Y Toro Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon: This medium-bodied red from Chile has red fruit flavors and ripe tannins.
Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay: The "pride and joy" of this Napa Valley winery is in French oak casks and doesn't undergo malolactic fermentation, thus preserving its natural acidity.
WANT TO GO?
What: Jungle Jim's International Wine Festival
When: Nov. 9-10, 7-10 p.m.
Where: The Oscar Event Center at Jungle Jim's International Market, 5440 Dixie Hwy, Fairfield
Cost: $60 (grand tasting), $125 (connoisseur), $25-$75 (non-drinker)
More Info: 513-674-6000 or www.junglejims.com
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