For many, the Eastern Shore Wine Tasting Society (ESWTS) is a new organization on the Mid Shore but, in reality, it has been a vibrant group for 22 years. Members are enthusiastic about the study of wine and meet monthly to taste new vintages or savor aged blends.
Tastings may spark conversations with descriptions such as “liquid gold,” “considerable complexity,” or “deliciously chewy.” At each tasting, members try around six wines, usually three red and three white, and use a score card to rate their results. Each month a different member will host a tasting, while another contributes cheese and bread for the gathering. A guest presenter will cover topics such as wines from Australia, Portugal and Italy or such things as sherry, champagne, and what kinds of wines to order in a restaurant.
The idea is to share good wine and information with great people who also love wine and yearn to learn more. The group includes “all walks of life” and range from wine lovers to oenophiles.
New in 2019 is a Legends of Wine series that will focus on quality wines that often are not available at local wine outlets, restaurants and clubs. Because of their high retail cost, these wines will be purchased and shared by a number of individuals. ESWTS will pursue the Legends of Wine initiative as a separate series, in addition to its monthly tastings. Two yearly tastings are contemplated, by subscription only, with minimum and maximum registration.
A recent Legends event was held and began with Simonnet-Febvre Cremant de Bourgogne, which was lively and balanced. The only white wine tasted was Louis Latour Corton Charlemagne 1990. The wine had somewhat darkened with age but remained remarkably harmonious and delivered intense vanilla and buttery flavors. The next wine, Bodegas Vega Sicilia Valbuena 1996, was a surprise, for it was intensely fruity and fresh, just like a fine red Burgundy. The Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia 1990 maintained numerous layers of dark fruit and chocolate flavors. The tasting continued with Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1987 and remained fresh, young and harmonious, and has retained considerable complexity and aftertaste. The last Cabernet-based wine tasted was Opus One 1989. The wine showed no sign of aging, exhibiting complex dark fruit, vanilla and chocolate flavors and a long aftertaste. The tasting closed with a Syrah-based wine, the venerable Guigal Hermitage 1985 offered intriguing flavors and a long finish.
For more information about the Eastern Shore Wine Tasting Society, contact Susan Sherman at susancs73@gmail.com.