As I mentioned last Friday, I hosted a Flash Wine Tasting a couple of weeks ago for a few friends and neighbors on the block. The rationale is rather straightforward: I got a few bottles to sample and was presented with a Fool’s Choice of either drinking all of the bottles myself or worse, pouring the remains down the drain. Instead, I opted for a third choice, which was to send out a last minute invite over Facebook, go out to the front stoop, and see who showed up–A Flash Tasting. I had five bottles to go through and a solid crowd of about eight people helped me polish them off.

Two neighbors out on the stoop.

The first two bottles, sent to me by Rebel Coast Winery, were a surprising contrast in styles: one fruity, bombastic and sweet, the other more restrained, contemplative and dry. You can read about those reviews HERE.

As I mentioned in Part One, I was not entirely sure what to expect with the first two bottles (I mean other than the bottles would glow in the dark), the next three, however, seemed to be more predictable–but is that a good thing? I would have to say that I think so–sure, some spice in one’s life, a little bit of uncertainty, is generally a good thing, but I am not so sure that applies to wine. Before I open a bottle of wine, I want a modicum of reassurance that I know what I am getting. Call me old fashioned, call me boring, call me a wuss. Call me what you will–I want to open a bottle and have a somewhat narrow continuum of what to expect.

The other three bottles: a Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc, a red blend from Tuscany, and a Napa Cabernet Franc, all fit that bill.

The first two were from Stickybeak, a relatively new producer that sources their fruit from all over the globe. After years as importers of Australian wine, the owners traveled California sampling many of the state’s countless wines, asked questions and learned as much about the various vineyards as possible (the term “Stickybeak” is Australian slang for “busybody” or “nosey neighbor”). They eventually decided it was time to produce their own wine, and rather than be limited to one source of fruit, they decided to use all their knowledge acquired and source their fruit from across the state and around the world. While the Sauvignon Blanc is all California (Russian River, to be exact), the Toscana is a red blend of fruit sourced from Italian vineyards in the Super Tuscan mold (Sangiovese, Merlot, and a touch of Syrah).

The third bottle was sent to me was the 2010 Stepping Stone Cabernet Franc by the indefatigable Craig Camp of Cornerstone Cellars in Yountville, California. I met Craig a couple of years ago at the Wine Bloggers Conference and first visited Cornerstone this past Spring when we were out visiting my in-laws. Cornerstone has an impressive tasting room, and an even more impressive line-up of wines. While Stepping Stone is officially their “second wine” that is designed to be both more affordable and needing less bottle aging than the Cornerstone line, from my tasting in the Spring, I knew the Cab Franc would likely be a rich, heavy hitter.

2012 Stickybeak Sauvignon Blanc: Retail $17. Screwcap (I love the screwcap). On the nose, plenty of lemon and cut grass, very dry on the palate with bright fruit and acidity. We do not drink a ton of Sauvignon Blanc since my wife is not really a fan, but this would be a good afternoon patio kind of wine. It could also work with some light seafood or even oysters (which would be a nice way to get my wife to consider more Sauvignon Blanc). Very Good. 86-88 Points.

2011 Sticky Beak Toscana: Retail $20. Another Screwcap (Love It!). A rather light, translucent red in the glass, after a bit of air and a little coaxing, a bit of earth and some raspberry on the nose. Rather austere on the palate—much more of an old world style wine with nice acidity as it was pining for some food. I like this wine and it seems to me to be rather versatile—could work well on it’s own, but would really start to sing with a roast chicken. Very Good. 87-89 Points.

2010 Stepping Stone Cabernet Franc: Retail $35. Rich and peppery nose with some vegetal notes. On the palate—wow! Great fruit, but balanced, rich and unctuous with a bit of spice on the back end, followed by significant tannins. This wine is good now, but will certainly benefit from a bit more time in the bottle (2-3 years). Very Good to Outstanding. 89-91 Points.

All in all, a very good evening out on the front stoop–until our grumpy neighbor came out at 9:30 to tell us we were being too loud (9:30? Really?). A new denizen of the block opined that she must have been upset that she had not been invited, but this was quickly dismissed by the senior member of the group who had lived on the block for many years. “No she is just an insufferable b—-.” With that, there was a final burst of laughter and we decided to adjourn until the next “flash” tasting.