West Bend Vineyards Lucky Lucci

Two words sum it up: Fun, Dangerous. The gentleman who poured our tasting referred to this as a porch wine. I can't remember what grape it is founded on, perhaps chambourcin, but raspberry wine is added. It is somewhat sweet, but not cloying. We bought a bottle ($10.95). It has a sangria-like quality without the citrus peel and spices.

West Bend Vineyards Cabernet Franc

I smelled blueberries and raspberries in the bouquet of this wine. The palate was blueberries with a bit of mouthwatering acidity. This is a soft wine, much softer and much less tannic than the Hanover Park Cab Franc. I bought a bottle ($16.95), and it's pretty good stuff. It doesn't stand up to food like the HP, but it's awfully easy to drink.

West Bend Vineyards Pinot Noir

The nose had a bit of spice and cocoa and perhaps prunes. The palate had these flavors as well as some bitter coffee notes and a bit of acidity. Frankly, this is a weird wine. I didn't care for it, although that could conceivably change with a lot of breathing. It bore no resemblance to any Pinot Noir I've had. I'm not so sure this grape is happy in North Carolina.

West Bend Vineyards Barrel Chardonnay 2006

This chardonnay had a bigger bouquet, better integration and a longer finish than the stainless steel chard. I got figs, vanilla and a twang of acidity. It was mouthfilling and satisfying, and I got a bottle for $19.95(the wife was particularly fond of it).

West Bend Vineyards Viognier 2006

As one would expect from a Viognier, the bouquet of this one is perfumy and floral. The mouthfeel is rich and almost oily, and the flavors are figs and apricots with a wee bit of oak. This is a nice wine.

West Bend Vineyards Chardonnay 2006

This is West Bend's unoaked chardonnay. It is a clean, very drinkable wine with flavors of pear and vanilla. There is a bit of tartness there which is quite appetizing. Of the unoaked NC chardonnays I've had so far, I think I like this one best.

West Bend Vineyards Yadkin Fumé 2006

This Sauvignon Blanc has a clean nose and palate. There are notes of pineapple there, and it is clean and well balanced. I'd say it is pretty much free of faults, but it is also not terribly interesting. Many people prefer that quality in a wine, but I'm too much of a geek to be satisfied with that.