Wine Splash!

Sometimes you just turn off the beaten path and try to find something different. While touring with friends who live in Augusta, Missouri, we came across a nice little winery called Noboleis (noble eyes) Vineyards. We tried many good wines here but left with Baril De Blanc which is a Vidal Blanc. This Vidal Blanc is barrel fermented and sur-lie aged so it could definitely pack a punch! On sight, the wine is day bright and is clear with a straw color. On the nose, aromas of citrus, pear, toasted oak, and butterscotch. Very interesting and appealing at the same time! But on the palate, it has a full mouthfeel with about the same consistency as a chardonnay. Crisp in the beginning with lots of citrus fruit and oak. Flavors of pear come through with a hint of nuttiness. The finish is long with lots of buttery oak that goes on forever! This would be a wonderful wine to go with most any type of chicken dish, smoked salmon, or a hearty salad. If you have a vintage 2010 Baril De Blanc, I would drink this no later than 2013. The flavors are correct right now and its nicely balanced.

So for the Noboleis Baril De Blanc (Vidal Blanc), I would score this wine as an A- on the SiNoTas scale or 89 points. Vidal Blanc can sometimes have some odd flavors but this one was done right! Good balance between fruit and oak, nice legs, long finish. A good wine at the right price. So if you are in the beautiful hills around Augusta, Missouri visiting the wineries, make a stop at Noboleis Vineyards and pick up a Baril De Blanc or two. If you like the chardonnay style, then you are sure to enjoy this wine. Winesplashing!

Learn more about their wines at www.noboleisvineyards.com.