Spring officially begins this Sunday at 7:21 p.m….we’re starting the celebration a little early with wines that are all inspired by a very favorite springtime activity – golf!  The selection this week  wines that are from wineries founded or inspired by professional golfers – Luke Donald, Jack Nicklaus,  & Ernie Els.  Like their drive to excellence in golf, these athletes have strived to create the same in their wines.   

The first wine is a California Chardonnay from Carneros.  This elegant, well-balanced Chardonnay is full of crisp, clean minerality, with a restrained use of oak.  It  pairs well with a wide variety of foods from chicken and fish to risotto.

The next wine is another selection from California – a Pinot Noir from the Sonoma coast.  Pure red fruit flavors, a wonderful silky finish and soft tannins mark this wine. 

Our next two wines are both from South Africa.  The first is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot.  This well structured wine has  lovely integrated tannins, characteristic of a Cabernet based blend.  Ripe red fruit are prominent on the palate with a lengthy, smooth finish.

The Shiraz, from the same vintner, has  prominent chocolate flavors with a subtle oak character. With an elegant finish, this wine is best enjoyed now or for the next three years. 

Our final wine – an extra tasting – is a wonderful California Cabernet Sauvignon (Regularly $49.99; specially priced now $39.99).   Intense and layered with mocha, red currant and sweet spices with a lingering finish, this would go very well with that steak you are thinking of putting on the grill this weekend!