Sunday, March 31, 2013

Wine Tasting - Lindeman's Bin 45 Series Cabernet Sauvignon

Name:  Lindeman's Bin 45 Series Cabernet Sauvignon Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: New South Wales

Country: Australia  
Year: 2012
Price: $9.99 

Winery Review: Cassis and bramble frui aromas meld with dark fruit notes and subtle spiced oak. A medium to full bodies Cabernet Sauvignon that combines dark berry fruit and cassis flavours with hints of chocolate and mint. The finish is stylish, long and juicy
My Review: Although this was a not an extremely unique wine in flavor, it was very pleasant to drink and would be a solid go-to wine when looking for something cheap with good quality. Nice berry smells with hints of oak in the finish

I did not drink this wine with food.

Wine Tasting - Chateau Suau Bordeaux Blanc Sec

Name: Chateau Suau Bordeaux Blanc Sec
Variety: 55 % Sauvignon - 35 % Sémillon - 10 % Muscadelle 
Region: Cadillac, Bordeaux
Country: France

Year: 2011

Price:
$17.00

Winery Review:
This wine reveals complex aromas of honeysuckle, citrus and pineapple. It’s refreshing and expressive. This wine has excellent depth of fruit as well as a long finish with a nice acidity. To be served at 8°- 10°C with seafood and grilled fish, or as an aperitif.
 
My Review: This was a delicious wine. Citrus on the nose with a fruity mid-palate and tart finish. Very crisp and fresh. I had this with breaded whiting and potatoes which was excellent

Wine Tasting - Aconga Bonarda-Merlot

Name: Aconga Bonarda-Merlot
Variety: Bonarda-Merlot 
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2011
Price: $6.95

Winery Review:
N/A

My Review: The pairing of the bonarda with the merlot gave some odd flavors to this wine that I haven't experienced in the past. The deep plum and cherry flavors of merlot were complimentary to the high tannins and acidity of the bonarda.
I drank this wine while eating a burger and I really enjoyed it

Wine Tasting - Gnarly Head Zinfandel

Name:  Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel
Variety: Zinfandel
Region: Lodi,
California
Country: United States
Year: 2011
Price: $12.99

Winery Review:
True gnarly heads, these old vines yield fewer grape clusters with smaller berries than trellised vines. These mighty little berries produce intense, bold wines that are deep in color with concentrated dark fruit flavors. Our Old Vine Zinfandel has a gnarly core of rich, dark berry flavors with layers of spice, plum, pepper and vanilla balanced by light hint of toasted oak. Break out a bottle Gnarly Old Vine Zin and pair with BBQ pork ribs, moms favorite Chili or steak fajitas.

My Review:  This was a medium bodied, drinkable wine with raspberry and blackberry aromas and a bit of oak in the taste. Flavors hide the high alcohol content (14.5%) very well. Great wine for the price

I did not drink this wine with food.

Wine Tasting - Domaine de Grange de Payan

Name:  Domaine de Grange de Payan
Variety: Grenache
Region:
Côtes du Rhône
Country: France
Year: 2011
Price: $8.95

Winery Review: Intensely spicy and precise, with lively red berry flavors and a hint of black pepper. The Grenache, which makes up the majority of the wine, is deeper and more powerful, offering cherry and black raspberry qualities lifted by zesty minerality

My Review:  Spicy on the nose. Peppery taste with a bit of heat and a pretty dry finish. I think this wine would go well with some chicken pasta.

I did not drink this wine with food.

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Wine Tasting - Potluck Sweet Malbec

Name:  Potluck Sweet Malbec
Variety: Malbec
Region: Mendoza

Country: Argentina
Year: 2010
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: 
Deep red brilliant with violet hints. Complex, fruity, and predominant red fruits. Easy to drink, round with persistent sweetness, very well balanced with sweet tannins.
 
My Review:
This wine was full with a strawberry and cherry taste. Very sweet finish and very drinkable. Would be good in the spring on a warm night.


I did not drink this wine with food.

Wine Tasting - Tinto Figaro

Name:  Tinto Figaro
Variety: 100% Garnacha
Region: 
Calatayud
Country: 
Spain

 Year: 2009
Price: $6.95

Winery Review:
Figaro is 100% Garnacha, made from a selection of the best grapes grown in the oldest vineyards. While not truly an "oaked wine", a short stay in oak barrels provides a nice spicy flavor boost. Bright violet. Dark berry and cherry aromas show a jammy aspect. Supple and gently sweet, with good lift to its black raspberry and boysenberry flavors. Smooth and broad on the finish, leaving behind a hint of spiciness. Extremely easy to drink and an excellent value.  

My Review:  VERY OAKY. Overpowering and it tasted like I was literally biting into a piece of wood. Not something I would want to drink again.


I did not drink this wine with food.

Wine Tasting - Maipe Malbec Rosé

Name:  Maipe Malbec Rosé
Variety: Malbec
Region:
Mendoza
Country:
Argentina 
Year: 2011
Price: $7.95

Winery Review:
Intense pink color with violet hints. Fresh red fruit bouquet, strawberry and cherry flavors, balanced acidity, dry and lingering finish. Excellent with tuna or green salad, pasta, spicy Asian dishes.

My Review: There were definite hints of strawberry on the nose. This wine was super dry and left me wanting a glass of water.

 
I did not drink this wine with food.

Wine Tasting - Cortenova Pinot Grigio

Name: Cortenova Pinot Grigio
Variety: Pinot Grigio
Region: Italy

Country: Italy
Year: 2012
Price: $7.95

Winery Review:
Brilliant straw color with emerald reflections.
Fresh and floral bouquet with a hint of pears, apricots and
bananas. Fresh and inviting with bright fruit and an easy drinking
style with a pleasing hint of almonds in the aftertaste.
Pairs well with seafood dishes, risottos with scampi, spaghetti with
clams, sole in white wine Perfect also as an aperitif.

My Review: The nose on this wine was fruity and floral. This wine was very acidic in the initial taste with a smooth apply finish.

I did not drink this wine with food.