Mark Gasbarro’s annual wine tasting for charity is back in a big way. Taste for a Cause unfolded at the Aldrich Mansion in Warwick, R.I. this past September 18th, and it was in every way a classy, fun and well executed wine event. When you pulled up to the mansion and were greeted by the valet parking staff you were immediately immersed in an atmosphere of pampered luxury. The house is splendid, and the 
weather was dry, allowing the back doors to be opened and the porch and terraces to become part of the evening. A musical ensemble played live throughout. It all started with champagne, giant shrimp cocktail and oysters on the half shell, brought to our table 
on the terrace (something I could do everyday – at least once). Two large spreads were set up inside the house resplendent with cheese, fruit and charcuterie. A separate bar for water and soda and the quiet library offered a chance to sit and relax. This really is a beautiful venue for an event like this, especially with 
the back porch open and the rolling lawns stretching to the ocean, and it raised close to $50,000 for a good cause – The Program in Women’s Oncology at Women’s & Infants Hospital.
Here are some of our favorite wines of the night.
2013 Hall Sauvignon Blanc – just really good, really really good. Nice fruit, clean and crisp. Good finish. Quality wine and not overdone.
2012 Olivier Leflaive Les Setilles Borgougne Blanc – definitely my favorite white of the night. 
Beautifully balanced with subtle and caressing oak that framed the fruit and did not steal the show. Nice body and mouthfeel. Really well done and a good value. Drinks like a good Premiers Crus.
2010 Pride Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon – Cheri’s favorite. Classic Napa cab with currant and berries,great depth and structure. Quality wine through and through. Elegant, but a bit pricey.
2008 Altus Cabernet Sauvignon – bigger and more voluptuous than the Pride Mountain. Very extracted, big and juicy. If you like in your face cabs you’ll love this. Also a bit pricey.
2009 Ceretto Zonchera Barolo – young but drinking well already. The tar is 
evident, while the roses have yet to work their way out. Still a little tannin but rounding out, drink it now or wait as long as you want. Really like where this is heading. Excellent wine and good value.
2012 Eroica Riesling – very German influenced style. Classic petroleum marker on the nose. Clean fruit and bright acidity on the palate leads to a long and satisfying finish. Good stuff. Tied with the Hall Sauvignon Blanc for my second favorite white of the evening.
As an added bonus, the silent auction resulted in a 5 liter bottle of 2009 Chiesa Carlo Roero Monfriggio going home with us! We love big bottles, and this is a really big bottle. We’re putting it away for the next wedding in the family.
What a great evening. We can hardly wait until next year. You should go too.
All wines from the night are available at Gasbarro’s Wines on Federal Hill.
A votre sante!
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