Wine List
 | As reviewed by John Johnson Owner/Sommelier of The Wine Rack Louisville, KY |
|
| As reviewed by John Johnson Owner/Sommelier of The Wine Rack Louisville, KY |
New Releases for 2006
Norton, Vintner's Reserve 2003:
Following a year in stainless steel, this Norton was aged in new, heavily
toasted French oak barrels for approximately 20 months prior to release in
November, 2006.
Classic aromas of black cherry and violet rise from the glass with just a
hint of fennel. Aromas carry forward to the palate and are enriched by
subtle oak complexities. Medium bodied with fine tannins, one may enjoy
this wine now with pork, grilled quail, or lamb with rosemary & garlic.
For cellaring purposes, this bottle should continue to improve for 3-5
years minimum.
Norton, Vintner's Reserve 30 Month 2003:
This wine is a remarkable example of the Norton grape taken to new heights
through winemaker Chuck Smith's skill at elevage. Aged for 18 months in
French oak barrels which had been air cured for 30 months prior to use,
this wine shows power and grace simultaneously. Reminiscent of the
classic Piemonte reds of Barolo & Barbaresco, this Norton shows bright
aromas of cherry, raspberry, violets, leather and spice. Full bodied and
fruit forward, this Norton is boldly structured with fine tannins and
ample acidity, which make it a great candidate for enhancement on your
wine rack for the next 5-7 years. Serve with Osso Bucco, venison or
hearty stews.
Burley Reserve 2003:
This giant red is a blend of Norton, Munson, & Cabernet Sauvignon aged in
a Hybrid French/American barrel for roughly 20 months. Deep dark
fruits,toasty oak and chocolate nuances are abundant on the nose. Black
currant, blackberry, mocha and licorice embrace the palate like a velvety
glove. The finish is long and luscious, showcasing the wine's likely
ageworthiness. Serve now with rare red meats or cellar up to 10 years for
added enjoyment if you have the patience!
Traditional Offerings
Smith-Berry SBS American Oak Chardonel Alc. 12%
This Chardonel, which is a hybrid of Chardonnay and Seyval, is a deep bright yellow color. On the nose, it gives off aromas of creamy oak with citrus and honeysuckle.
On the palate, a fine balance of fruit and oak is struck with creamy vanilla, citrus, apple and pear apparent. A pleasant subtle spice is noticeable on the lingering finish. Lively acidity make it an attractive food wine which would pair well with white fish, scallops or chicken with lemon and parsley.
Smith-Berry SBS French Oak Chardonel Alc. 12%
Golden in color, this wine has generous amounts of pear, vanilla, and candied fruit on the nose. The aromas carry over to the palate and are joined by green apple and a light buttteriness on the finish. A balanced and refreshing wine, lighter than most chardonnays and perfect for hot summer days with fresh, light foods.
Smith-Berry Norton Reserve
This Norton, aged in American Oak, has a beautiful cherry color, with aromas of raspberry, cherry, and licorice. On the palate, you find flavors of black cherry fruit, oak, black pepper, flowers, raisins, and a hint of chocolate. Bright acidity contributes liveliness and the long finish rounds out this gem of a Norton. Excellent accompaniment to grilled quail or roasted pork loin.
Smith-Berry Seyval Alc. 12%
This light, dry, unoaked white wine is pear in color with aromas of yeast, white cake, honeysuckle, and flowers. Apple, pear, and minerals are prevalent in the mouth. The finish is clean and crisp, yet lingers considerably. The wine is similar in structure and flavor to a French Musacadet and is an excellent match for shellfish.
Smith-Berry Vidal Blanc Alc. 12%
This French American hybrid is akin to a pleasant German Kabinett level Riesling. Pale gold in color, almost clear. The aroma is filled with pears & vanilla. Poached pear on the palate, complimented by a hint of apple & subtle touch of spice on the finish, which is quite clean. Pleasant off dry wine with high enough acidity to keep it lively and balanced. Would pair nicely with medium sweet desserts, such as rice pudding, zabaglione or cheesecake. Alternately, serve with blue cheeses for a surprisingly good food & wine match.
Smith-Berry Bluegrass BlushTM Alc. 12.5%
Dark salmon in color. Tart cherry, raspberry & watermelon on the nose, with vibrant strawberry & raspberry fruits on palate. Fairly sweet, but pleasant & well made. Serve as a pleasant summer apertif.
Smith-Berry Norton Alc. 12%
Garnet in color, with black cherry, raspberry, licorice & spice on nose. Black cherry, white pepper & vanilla nuances on palate, with a cleansing acidity adding to the “food wine” quality. This medium bodied wine is an unoaked, quality representation of what Norton can provide as a varietal; good fruit, bright acidity, long finish & refreshingly unique. Terrific accompaniment to filet mignon or lamb chops with rosemary & garlic.
Smith-Berry Vintner Reserve (Norton) Alc. 12%
A deep ruby color, this Norton spends over 6 months in French Oak. Scents of wildflowers, fennel, perfume, and vanilla rise from the glass, along with blackberry and raspberry fruits. Flavors of black cherry and red berries are accented by bright acidity. This delightful medium bodied wine is reminiscent of a fine Burgundy or Italian Nero D’avola.
Smith-Berry BurleyTM 12.5%
Dark garnet in color, this blend of Munson, Norton & Cabernet Sauvignon is quite interesting. Aromas of plum, cinnamon, raspberry, cola & fennel rise from the glass to meet you. Plums, licorice & berries carry over to the palate, which is quite dry with good structure. Tannins are present, but not harsh and suggest wine will continue to improve in the bottle for a few years to come. Serve with a hearty stew or pork roast for a savory match indeed.
Smith-Berry Single Barrel Select Eastern European Oak 12%
This Seyval aged in Hungarian oak is of a lightly golden color. Aromas of tropical fruit, vanilla, yeast and hay are readily available as one inhales from the glass.
Flavors of coconut, pear, apple & creamy vanilla greet the palate, with a light spiciness on the finish. This well rounded, medium bodied dry white wine would be an attractive pairning with most fish and chicken dishes. Ample acidity also makes it a good choice for creamy pasta sauces as well.
Smith-Berry Two Dog WhiteTM
Alcohol 11.5%
An interesting wine evolved from the Chardonnel grape. In a twist, winemaker Chuck Smith doesn't ferment the wine to being fully dry. Rather, this delightful white wine is left with just a light perception of sweetness; putting it into the off-dry category.
A combination of pear, honeysuckle and lilac make an attractive assortment of aromas which come forth to greet you.
On the palate, this light bodied wine has a stone fruit quality accented with a dash of spice that balances the initial perception of sweetness.
Great wine for a turkey dinner!
 Visit the winery for special bottlings, including oak barrel aged wines |