Why We Indulge Tasting

The night was Friday, March 31, 2006—time was 7pm.  About seventy-five to one hundred wine aficionados gathered for what would be a bonding experience amongst Fort Lauderdale wine drinkers that would end in the creation of friendships, business partnerships, and memories to cherish. 

If you have never been to The Naked Grape Wine Company on Wilton Drive, you are definitely missing a true wine buying experience.  This is not a supermarket aisle or section in 7Eleven.  Just looking at the displays above you can tell that mere product placement has been thought out.  All bottles are clearly displayed and held in place—to avoid the uncomfortable “Oooops.”  For the most part I am constantly working and even though it is small, I cannot help but carry a small bag.  I am constantly worried about knocking things over in stores.  The walls are covered with these amazing displays for the wine bottles.  All of the wines are sectioned off by taste and easily categorized with easy-to-read labels next to them.  Alls aspects of the wine experience is covered from corkscrews to wine bags for all occasions.  Even though everything is manicured and polished, you cannot feel out of place, ignorant, or helpless once you meet Brian BeCraft—Owner Naked Grape Wine Co. 

Brian is a remarkable individual that actually cares for his people, not only making them feel valued, but does whatever it takes to be your number one source for wine in the Wilton Manors/Fort Lauderdale area.  With the help of many people, The Naked Grape hosted a rather successful Wine Tasting entitled “Why We Indulge.” 

I was able to put my Marketing Research skills to the test while honing in on my Public Relations abilities.  The Indulgences included: 

*Odysseus, White Garnacha, 2004 Spain which won the acclaimed Wine Spectator 90 award.  It was an interesting wine and great if you like an oaky flavor.  The grapes are from very old vines located in Poboleda and makes it versatile and ideal with a wide range of food. 

*Navillus Birney, Chardonnay, Sonoma Mountain, 2003 was and excellent choice if you are in the mood for a buttery Chardonnay.  The description is as follows:  Expressive aromas and flavors of lemon lollipop, vanilla, light popcorn butter, and a bit of pineapple.  Deep golden hues of this delightful Chardonnay have a rich mouth feel emitting caramel sauce, almond, and finishing with crisp grapefruit acids.    

*Jinks Creek, Pinot Noir, 2002 Australia (James Holliday 91) was, hands down, the crowd favorite.  Whomever I talked to, all said “the Pinot Noir!!!!” and pointed to this wine in the program.  The palate offers intense fruit flavors including cherry and plum, with foresty, spicy, earthy undertones elegantly wrapped around the fruit.   

*La Storia by Tentadue, Petite Sirah, 2003 California (Wine Advocate 90+) was the second most recommended wine this evening, with “Extremely Good” ranking.   

*Worthy, Sofie’s Cuvee, 2003 California was ranked “Good” by a wonderful new friend and her Partner who is a photographer and am going to an exhibit of their friends at The Gallery of the Unknown Artist April 8^th.  This blend is 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot, and 2% Petite Verdot.  It is perfumey, sweet, and fruity with a strong spice that is similar to a ruby port.    

*Two Hands “Gnarly Dudes”, Shiraz, 2003 Australia (Wine Advocate 90) This too was ranked as “Good” by two seasoned wine drinkers that assured me that drinking red wine and brushing will not ruin my teeth-whitening regimen and that Brian drinks reds all the time and to notice his teeth!  Hmmmm…  This is a dense ruby/black color that is followed by a sweet nose of crème blackberries, and supple tannin. 

*Trentadue, Chocolate Amore Port, NV, California was one that I had a hard time finding a Port Wine Fan of.  I finally did and claimed that he was actually planning on buying a bottle for his collection.  

Neutral grape spirits are added to stop fermentation, trapping a percentage of sugar in the wine.  Once Chocolate Amore is finished aging and is ready for bottling, a tiny amount of natural chocolate extract is infused with the final blend, creating the perfect marriage of food and wine.   

Among the many friendly faces, there were three important people that literally made me welcome.  Michael Prioty, Carmen Cabbrera, and of course—Brian BeCraft showed me the meaning of true hospitality.  With the plethora of friends assisting them like it was their event, it was hard to tell whose party this was.  Everyone had a smile and it did not hurt having a glass of wine in your hand.  All of the wines were of course available for purchase, and, after attending many tastings, never witnessed so many transactions.  So, next time that you need that specific bottle of wine for that dinner party you were invited to, stop in and ask Brian, because he will know which way to steer you. 

The next tasting is scheduled for Thursday, April 13, 7pm to 9pm called “Italifornia” - (Italian grapes made in California, California grapes made in Italy). Another tasting is scheduled for Friday, April 28, 7pm to 9pm.  
 

To view Stephen's photo gallery of this event CLICK HERE.