SOHO Atlanta restaurant will continue to feature the wines and flavors of Napa Valley on flight night, Wednesday, May 21. The wines and tapas introduced Wednesday will be available through Tuesday, May 27.

Rampseck Winery

First, SOHO will pour a 2012 Franciscan Estate “Equilibrium” White Blend. The winemaker describes the wine, “A clean, crisp opening gives way to a full, round body on the palate. Nectarine and stone fruits give the wine a fruit-forward profile finishing with floral and citrus notes.”

Next, SOHO will pour a 2011 Rowland Cellars Ramspeck Merlot. The winemaker says of the wine, “Using the power of blending we were able to produce our 2011 Ramspeck Merlot with delicate floral aromas of rose petal and red cherry; a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Verdot for backbone; and Malbec and Cabernet Franc for savory notes, dark ripe fruit, and spices.”

Finally, SOHO will pour a 2011 Joseph Carr Cabernet. Of the Cabernet, the winemaker says, “Black currant, tobacco, cedar, plum, pepper, fig, clove, blackberry bramble, anise on the nose, followed by an attack of cherry, spice, tobacco on the palate. The wine shows great balance and density, silky fine grain tannins with clove, cherry and black currant in a long finish.”

2012 Franciscan Estate “Equilibrium” White Blend
72% Sauvignon Blanc, 17% Chardonnay, 11% Muscat
Paired with: Tempura battered & fried chicken tossed in a soy-ginger glaze

2011 Rowland Cellars Ramspeck Merlot
Merlot 78%, Cab.Sauvignon 6%, Malbec 6%, Cab. Franc 5%, Petite Verdot 4%
Paired with: Grilled pork tenderloin over roasted vegetables

2011 Joseph Carr Cabernet Sauvignon
Paired with: Braised beef short ribs with wild mushroom risotto

Sample each wine in a flight (three three-ounce glasses) for $13.50. Or, pair the flight with a tapas plate for $18. Try a full glass of wine and tapas plate for $12. Of course, the wines and tapas are available individually as well ($9/glass and $6/tapas). See you soon!

Throughout the month of May, SOHO Atlanta restaurant will showcase the wines and flavors of Napa Valley, California. The first wines and tapas from Napa Valley will be showcased on flight night, Wednesday, May 7. The wines and tapas introduced Wednesday will be available through Tuesday, May 13.

Markham vineyards

First, SOHO will pour a 2012 Freemark Abbey Chardonnay. The winemaker describes the wine, “Youthful greenish straw in color, this Chardonnay exhibits ripe fruit aromas of banana, apple, pear, coupled with tropical fruits. Adding to the complexity, the oak aging is fairly integrated adding spice, like nutmeg, vanilla, fresh coconut, and the nuance of angel food cake with a slight butterscotch. This wine has great viscosity, depth and an intriguing minerality. The flavors on the palate are predominantly citrus, lemon-lime and peach.”

Next, SOHO will pour a 2011 Markham Cellar 1879 Blend. The winemaker says of the wine, “This is quite possibly the most intriguing wine to make here at Markham, as the blend is about creating ultimate drinking pleasure. The 2011 vintage, while devoid of Malbec, successfully mimics it’s character with violet, boysenberry, plum and tobacco aromas. Interesting graham cracker, vanilla and spicy fruit flavors are layered over a ripe, lush mouthfeel. The juicy texture hides the tannins which provides for immediate enjoyment.”

Finally, SOHO will pour a 2011 Charles Krug Yountville Cabernet Sauvignon. The winmaker notes, “Our vineyards in Yountville produce Cabernet Sauvignon of exceptional intensity and complexity. This polished wine opens with aromas of black cherry, currant and a hint of tobacco. On the palate, cocoa and cassis blend with supple tannins that lead to a graceful, elegant finish.”

SOHO’s executive chef, Scott Warren, has created three tapas plates to pair with each Napa Valley wine.

2012 Freemark Abbey Chardonnay
100% Chardonnay
Paired with: Salmon sliders with cucumber dill dressing

2011 Markham Cellar 1879 Blend
60% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot, 6% Syrah, 5% Petite Syrah, 5% Zinfandel
Paired with: Grilled lamb chops with Rosemary potatoes

2011 Charles Krug Cabernet Sauvignon
85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot
Paired with: Buttermilk fried quail with milk gravy.

Sample each wine in a flight (three three-ounce glasses) for $13.50. Or, pair the flight with a tapas plate for $18. Try a full glass of wine and tapas plate for $12. Of course, the wines and tapas are available individually as well ($9/glass and $6/tapas). See you soon!