Great wines around Tampa Bay: Wine Exchange, The Hangar, Ed's Fine Wines

Tampa Skyline I get around in the wine circles here in my hometown of Tampa Bay. Invariably, I know the person pouring samples at Publix, I’m greeted in Cheers-like fashion at my favorite wine bar (Wine Exchange) and wine “trade” tastings are more like happy hours than a place to taste new products. But I ain’t complaining. This insider’s view provides a prognostication of great wines to come as well as what’s being poured and sold right now. What I’ve tasted and seen lately.

Wines for retail:

Fine Wine and Spirits Warehouse in South Tampa:

Mommy’s Time Out 2009 Garganega/Pinot Grigio (Italy). Light-hearted white blend with pear, red apple, green herbs and chamomile. Good everyday wine, nothing too complicated — just look at the name. Around $12.
Apothic Red 2008 California. Sweeter red blend of Syrah, Zin and Merlot. Btw $10 – $12.
Los Alamos 2009 Malbec. Inexpensive everyday red wine. Around $10.

Vintage Wine Cellars in South Tampa:

Everyone is psyched about the Apothic… and selling it. Vintage also carries Apothic Red 2008 California.
Col d’Orcia 2004 Brunello di Montalcino (Italy). A big, robust Sangiovese red — not for the faint of heart (if you enjoy the Apothic Red, you’ll probably hate this wine). Musty, meaty and peppery with high acidity, dusty plum, black cherry and lotsa tannins. Between $55 – $60.

Bern’s Fine Wines and Spirits in South Tampa

Jules Taylor 2008 Pinot Gris, 2009 Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. Between $14.95 and $17.95. these wines are a favorite of mine right now.
Col d’Orcia 2004 Brunello di Montalcino (Italy), $55 – $60.

Ed’s Fine Wines in Clearwater

Jules Taylor 2008 Pinot Gris, 2009 Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. Between $13 – $14.
Clos la Coutale 2007 Cahors (France). A Malbec unlike any you’ve tried. Dark, inky fruit of black cherry and blackberry. Tar and tobacco leaf. Smooth tannins but some serious alcohol. Has a flowery aroma as well as a slight (odd) whiff of dill pickle. Hmm…the heartiest Malbec I’ve wrapped my tongue around — it comes from the one area in Southwestern France where Malbec is embraced and celebrated, Cahors. At $13, it’s affordable enough just to try it for its uniqueness.
Reis and Luff 2008 Riesling Rheinhessen (Germany). I LOVE this wine for summer. A 10% alcohol, light-hearted Riesling from the Rheinhessen region of Germany. The high acidity balances out the slight sweetness. Gushing with apricots, white grapes, butter-sauteed hazelnuts and peaches with a lime zestiness and characteristic Riesling diesel finish. Try this one with spicy Thai food (Szechuan) or Indian Vindaloo. At $8-$10, grab a few of these and hoard.
Apothic Red 2008 California

Carrollwood Fine Wines and Spirits, 11401 North Dale Mabry, 813-963-2776

Ries and Luff Riesling Rheinhessen (Germany), $8-$10
Apothic Red 2008 California

B-21 in Tarpon Springs

Clos la Coutale Cahors (France)
Col d’Orcia 2004 Brunello di Montalcino (Italy)
Ramey 2006 Cabernet Napa Valley (California). A cult wine for a reason and VERY California cab-like. Ripe, dark fruit of sweet black cherry, brambly blackberry, sweet vanilla and sweet chocolate. But don’t be fooled by the fruit… this wine sports BIG, leathery tannins, pack-a-wallop alcohol (15%) and a rich, sultry finish. $36.

Wines in Tampa Bay restaurants and bars

Datz Foodie’s Market in South Tampa

Layer Cake 2008 Malbec Mendoza (Argentina). My tasting notes: Blackberry, plum, medium tannins, rich, sultry, sweet oak and vanilla. Good start-the-evening-off-right wine. $7 per glass.
Domaine Ste. Michelle Blanc de Noirs (Washington). My review. What can I say… I love the bubblies, especially at $8 per glass.
Bethel Heights Pinot Noir Willamette (Oregon). My go-to pinot for my wine classes, since I adore it. In fact, I love everything that Bethel Heights makes. Smooth and juicy with a hint of dirty earth. In a good way. $11/glass.
Ridge 2008 Three Valleys Zinfandel (California). What my dreams may come. Tasting notes: Blackberry, plum, sweet oak, soft leather and a nice dose of acidity and tannins. Great with any blue cheese Travis puts in front of you. $9/glass.
Wyndham Estate Sparkling Shiraz (Australia). Another lover of blue cheese… we discovered this pairing in my sparkling wines wine class. If you’ve never tried a bubbly red, now’s your chance. $11/glass.

Wine Exchange in South Tampa

Craig Dean, Wine Director at Wine Exchange, changes up his list every month and rarely misses. Yes, I’m a fan

Domaine Ste. Michelle Blanc de Noirs, $9/glass.
Kiona Chenin Blanc (Washington). I’m simply loving the quality of domestic Chenin Blanc these days. Don’t miss this one. $8/glass.
Bethel Heights Pinot Noir (Oregon). $14/glass.
Los Alamos 2009 Malbec. $8/glass.

Bin 27 in South Tampa

Airlie 7 Willamette Valley (Oregon). A blend of 7 white grapes. Tasting notes: Fragrant with oneysuckle, peaches, apricots, white grape juice. Medium-bodied, flirty, medium acidity. Well balanced and soft. Steely finish. $10/glass.

Seasons 52 – Westshore

Marques de Gelida Brut Cava. A perfect begining to an evening with the girls. $7.75/glass

The Hangar Restaurant and Flight Lounge – St. Pete

Acrobat Pinot Grigio (Oregon). My first experience with this second label from King Estate. Impressive, as is this cool new restaurant. Tasting notes: soft acidity, peaches, steely finish. (Short, I know… had it with breakfast). $7/glass