In the November WAG, our own Bacchus – Geoff Kalish, MD – gets the lowdown from Eric Trump (second son of the Donald) on Trump Vineyard Estates, one of the enterprising family’s latest ventures. The following are Geoff’s tasting notes from a series of samplings of some of the most recently released Trump wines, available for sale in New York state and/or online at trumpwinery.com. (Prices listed are typical retail for 750ml bottles.) Libiamo!
2011 Sauvignon Blanc ($16)
Fashioned more like a California than New Zealand version of this white, it shows a muted bouquet and flavor of gooseberries and herbs that mate well with shrimp and oysters.
2011 Viognier ($19)
Fermented two-thirds in stainless steel and one-third in French oak, this pale-straw wine shows a bouquet and taste of honeysuckle and ripe peaches that match fare like scallops, grilled octopus and blue-veined cheeses.
2008 Simply Red ($16)
A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, this fragrant, fruit-forward wine has a bouquet and taste of ripe blackberries and plums with a smooth finish, perfect to pair with hamburgers, grilled salmon and pasta with white sauce.
2009 New World Red ($28)
A cut above many similar wines, this complex Bordeaux-like blend was aged over a year in new French oak barrels and exhibits an elegant bouquet and taste of black cherries and ripe currants, with a hint of toasty oak in the finish. It marries especially well with steak, prime rib and roast leg of lamb.
2008 Blanc de Blanc Sparkling Wine ($24)
This bubbly shows a pale yellow color, a steady stream of pinpoint bubbles and a refreshing taste of apples and lemon that makes it a good accompaniment to rich sea fare like lobster, scallops and monkfish.
2008 Blanc de Noir Sparkling Wine ($35)
Made by the traditional Méthode Champenoise from 100 percent Pinot Noir grapes, this elegantly fizzy wine has a bouquet and flavors of anise and vanilla and matches a wide range of food from caviar to grilled shrimp and veal chops to rich, chocolaty desserts.