Tasting- Redtree Cabernet Sauvignon

Redtree Cabernet Sauvignon

Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region:  California

Country: United States

Year: 2010

Price: $8.00

Tasting Notes: "Our Cabernet Sauvignon opens with aromas of cherries and subtle hints of oak and cedar in the background. The mouthfeel of this wine is full, displaying a jammy mid-palate of red fruits, finishing with gentle tannins."

My review: Not my favorite Cab Sauv, just because I didn't feel there was anything significant to make it memorable. But it was flavorful and had a very Merlot smell. It was a wet wine, in the sense that it didn't have the mouth-drying effect I get from some dry wines and it had an acidic finish that I liked.

I tasted this on its own and with no food.

Tasting- Santa Julia Cabernet Sauvignon

Santa Julia Cabernet Sauvignon

Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Mendoza 

Country: Argentina

Year: 2012

Price: $8.99

Tasting Notes: "Ruby red with purple highlights and good intensity. A nose mainly of black cherries, prunes, gooseberries, blackberries and spices. Full-bodied and rich. Balanced with fine tannins. A long and persistent finish." 

My review: I found the flavor stringent and intriguing. It had a bold smell but not an "in-your-face" flavor. It was very smooth with slight cherry and raisin hints to taste. Definitely enjoyed this one!

We paired this with a nice sharp cheddar cheese and I think it complimented the style of the wine very well.

Tasting-Mezzacorona Pinot Noir

Mezzacorona Pinot Noir

Variety: 100% Pinot Noir

Region: Vigneti delle Dolomiti 

Country: Italy

Year: 2010

Price: $10.99

Tasting Notes: "A bit of rose petal and crushed rock greets the nose, joined by mint herbs, a touch of pepper bacon, and nice raspberry candy and perfumed pomegranate fruit. This is a bit of a lean style, certainly acid-driven, but with lovely depth of flavor. There are nice nuanced notes of mineral, herb and earth framing the raspberry fruit and a light vanilla top note adding some detail. Really shows some nice tension in the mouth and on the moderately long, refreshing finish, where the small-scaled tannins make themselves apparent. A very nice, pure expression of Pinot Noir."

My review: This was a very smooth wine and medium-bodied. I liked the fruit-driven palate and the slight crisp finish. I would like to pair this with a food if I bought it again.

I tasted this on its own and with no food.

Tasting- Mt. Monster Shiraz

Mt. Monster Shiraz

Variety: 100% Shiraz

Region: Limestone Coast

Country: Australia

Year: 2010

Price: $12.95

Tasting Notes: "Deep purple in color. Ripe blackberry and plum fruits on the nose with floral notes. Varietal fruit-driven palate, with cherry/berry fruit and spice flavors. Soft tannins compliment the fruit with mouth-filling generous finish." 

My review: This wine almost had a stale smell to me. There were hints of tobacco and vanilla on the palate. As with a lot of shiraz I've had, this wine had a hint of sweetness on the tongue immediately, which was then replaced with the soft tannic finish.This was not my favorite shiraz, but I enjoyed it and would buy it again.

I tasted this on its own and with no food.

Tasting-Ruta 22 Malbec

Ruta 22 Malbec

Variety: Malbec

Region: Patagonia

Country: Argentina

Year: 2011

Price: $7.95

Tasting Notes: "Stout and dense from the beginning, with blackberry and violet aromas. Despite being a bold and dark Malbec, this is fresh and composed, with sweet blackberry and cassis flavors. Good on the finish, with candied fruit and caramel sweetness."

My review: I didn't think this wine had too distinct of a smell or taste. There was a hint of plum, but overall I thought it was kind of flat.

I tasted this on its own and with no food.

Tasting-Chateau Serres Lucie Corbieres

Chateau Serres Sainte Lucie Corbieres

Variety: Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre

Region: Corbieres

Country: France

Year: 2010

Price: $4.95

Tasting Notes: "Superb dark garnet color with a few reflections of dark orange. Intense now of ripe fruits, spices and roasted coffee. The palate is rounded and full, with silky matured tannins and hints of vanilla. This wine is rich and powerful with layers of tannins."

My review: A hint of pomegranate and sweetness, with tannins on the finish made for a very pleasant wine. I actually bought a bottle of this wine because I loved the silky elements to it. It almost caresses your mouth.

I tasted this on its own and with no food.

Tasting-Cresta Azul

Cresta Azul

Variety: Moscatel, Macabeo, Parellada, Xarel-lo

Region: Emporda

Country: Spain

Year: Non-Vintage

Price: $5.95

Tasting Notes: "Peach, orange cream and vanilla flavors mingle in this softly bubble white. Off-dry, but with crisp acidity and a clean finish."

My review: It smelled sweet, but the taste wasn't overpowering. It was clear, which was interesting to me. I liked the hint of orange and the slight moscato flavor.

I tasted this on its own and with no food.

Tasting-Veleta Tempranillo Rosado

VeletaTempranillo Rosado

Variety: Tempranillo

Region: Granada

Country: Spain

Year: 2010

Price: $3.95

Tasting Notes: "Fresh in flavor and crisp in texture, this dry Rose offers berry, tart cherry, and light herbal flavors, with firm acidity and a clean finish. Focused and juicy,"

My review: I smelled a little bit of cherry but there was not a lot of flavor to this wine. It was smooth and a slight acidity to the finish. However, not a knock-your-socks-off wine in my book.

I tasted this on its own and with no food.

Tasting-Veleta Brut Vino Espumoso Rosado

Veleta Brut Vino Espumoso Rosado

Variety: Tempranillo and Garnache

Region: Granada

Country: Spain

Year: Non-Vintage

Price: $3.95

Tasting Notes: "Rose salmon with copper reflections. Slow rising fine bubble that forms "lace" and "rosary". In the nose is complex and elegant with red fruit, citric, fresh flowers, and notes of dry fruits and dry flowers. Fresh, gentle, and alive. Perfectly integrated "perlage" with serious and subtle flavors of dry fruits, pomegranate and lemonade. Long lasting scent of flowers and herbs."

My review: I didn't ever understand what Boyer was talking about when he said some wines can smell like urine, until I smelled this wine. It smelled overpoweringly like stale urine in a glass. Because of that the taste surprised me. It had a slight acidity/sparkling qualities. It was crisp and refreshing. There was also a hint of melon in the taste.

I tasted this on its own and with no food.

Wine Dinner with the Family!

I was very excited when I went for Easter to have a wine dinner with my family, and it turned out wonderfully. My parents don't normally drink a lot of wine and if they do it's usually a white wine. So I found out what we were having for dinner, which was burgers, and looked up which wines were supposed to pair the best with that meal. The overwhelming majority of sources on the internet said that Zinfandel and Shiraz were the best so I decided to buy one of each, plus a Malbec to compare. Since it was Easter a lot of family was there and they all experimented the wines. My siblings, my Aunt, my Grandma, a friend from Tech, and my parents all participated.                                                                    

       

My Dad grilled us burgers with cheddar cheese and bacon. We had corn, mashed potatoes and biscuits along with it. Since the meal wasn't anything fancy I wanted the wines to also be in a certain price range to match. I kept them under $11 to also show my parents that you don't have to spend a lot on wine to get a bottle. I think it was very eye-opening for them to see how a wine could pair well with food and it didn't have to be an extravagant meal!

Variety: Malbec

Region: Mendoza

Country: Argentina

Year: Non-Vintage

Price: $9.99

Winemaker's  Notes: "Every family has one. The wild one. The girl who zigs when everybody else zags…who likes skydiving better than square dancing…who has horse-trekked across Mongolia and played polo with the Prince…the sister who posts photos of herself on the yacht…the crazy, beautiful one who always keeps you on your toes. For those of you who know and love a wild one, this spicy and delicious red wine may just inspire you to break some rules. Maybe even pair red wine with fish! Also yummy with barbecued beef ribs, spicy chili, grilled lamb kabobs."

My review: This was my second Malbec ever and I disliked it as much as the first. I just find that there are a ton of tannins on the finish but not much going on in the wine. The word 'flat' comes to mind when I taste Malbecs, so from now on I will be steering clear of them.

Variety: Zinfandel

Region: California

Country: United States

Year: 2010

Price: $10.99

Winemaker's Notes: "Bold and vibrant notes of summer raspberry intoxicate the senses, enticing you to take a sip of this lively red zinfandel. Once on the palate, flavors of briary blackberries and ripe cranberries meld with tones of baking spices such as clove and nutmeg. Nuances are added from the young American oak, concentrating and enhancing the juicy mouthfeel. The full-bodied tannin structure relaxes into a smooth and supple finish: long, lingering and full of enjoyment.

This is a versatile wine to pair with everything from rich and unique dishes, to your favorite barbecue or weeknight take out!"

My review: I absolutely loved this wine! It was the first red zinfandel I had ever tasted and I thought it went perfectly with the meal. It had a very full-bodied smell but a subtle tannin finish to it. But there was also a slight sweetness that came out in the aftertaste so it wasn't overwhelming. 

Variety: Shiraz

Region: California

Country: United States

Year: Non-Vintage

Price: $6.00

Tasting Notes: "This Shiraz is all about the harmony between bold fruit flavors and oak. Aromas of ripe raspberries, plum and blackberries are harmoniously balanced with notes of smoky, toasty oak. Sweetness from the fire toasting of the oak, combined with the overabundance of fruit, make for a perfectly balanced wine."

My review: Definitely a smell of plum, which I think is a quality a lot of Shiraz wines possess. A hint of sweetness in wine and a very smooth taste. I like that this is a subtle red, it's not an in-your-face taste. 

I loved doing this with so many of my family members. Hearing their reactions to the different wines and attempting to describe what it tasted like to them was great. My Grandma and friend normally don't drink anything but Moscato so this was a very new experience for them. They didn't find a wine they particularly liked but they at least tried. My siblings had no experience with wine but I loved seeing them react to each bottle. They even found one they liked-the Zinfandel. My Dad, Aunt and I all favored the Zinfandel as well. I found that it had a little pep to it that went well with the food we were having. I think this wine balanced the tannins perfectly and the burger complimented that. I was surprised by my Aunt because she normally likes very dry wines, so she prefers Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignons but she enjoyed the Zinfandel. My Mom was the only one to prefer the Shiraz over the others.

I think my parents really enjoyed the wine dinner. It was very simple and it also gave me a chance to talk to them about what I have been learning in class, as well as opened discussion about the different wines. Now my parents see why I want to buy wine and not beer anymore!

They might have had a little bit too much fun.

Tasting-Tilia Malbec

Tilia Malbec

Variety: Malbec

Region: Eastern Mendoza and Uco Valley

Country: Argentina

Year: 2011

Price: $9.95

Tasting Notes: "Tilia Malbec has a dark, blackish purple color. The nose offers ripe black fruits, black pepper spice and floral notes. The mouthfeel is full yet soft and supple, with black raspberry and currant flavors mingled with notes of sweet spice and a touch of leather. The finish is long and persistent with soft, sweet tannins."

My review: This wine had a huge nose when I poured it. I could smell the plum and blackberry from a few feet away. I was very excited because it was my first Malbec and I thought with a huge nose I would get huge flavor as well. It was a nice dry red because it wasn't too dry and it had a nice acidic finish. Some tannins in the back of the mouth, but not overly complex. 

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting-Pinot Evil

Pinot Evil: Pinot Grigio

Variety: Pinot Grigio

Region: California

Country: United States

Year: Non-vintage

Price: $14.00

Tasting Notes: "Pinot Grigio is light-bodied, has a lovely ripe cherry nose that cascades into a smooth, velvet finish. Enjoy this wine with roasted duck, seasoned fish, rosemary garlic pork or with friends when you just monkey around.”

My review: There was a grapefruit smell to this wine and a mild citrus taste, which I enjoyed. It was semi-dry and very smooth to taste. I enjoyed this wine as a simple white. Perfect for people who want to branch out from sweet whites into more dry whites because it's not overpoweringly dry.

I tasted this with: a Cajun shrimp dip and I think that really enhanced the flavor. I think without the dip I might have noticed the lack of complexity in the wine, but the food added flavor to my palate made it more enjoyable. 

Tasting-Unoaked Moscato

Simply Naked Unoaked Moscato

Variety: Moscato

Region: California

Country: United States

Year: 2011

Price: $6.99

Tasting Notes: "Simply Naked wines reveal themselves as they really are, without being hidden by the flavor of oak. Our winemaker has chosen not to oak age the wines, allowing the crisp fruit flavor and the true varietal characteristics to shine through. Simply Naked Moscato is a sweetly balanced wine with floral notes and peach flavors of orange marmalade, peach and honey."

My review: I was eager to try another unoaked wine after I enjoyed the unoaked chardonnay so much, but this one failed to impress me. I think the fact that it was a moscato made the lack of complexity, due to being unoaked, very apparent. The sweetness combined with the lack of acidity fell flat. It was smooth but almost heavy in my mouth. This is not to say that it is a poorly made wine, I just didn't care for the unoaked moscato flavor.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting-Amusant Bubbly Pink Moscato

Variety: Moscato, a small blend of other reds

Region: California

Country: United States

Year: Non-Vintage

Price: $5.99

Tasting Notes: "This is a bubbly wine that's made primarily with Moscato grapes, so its aromatic bouquet greets you with every sip. The wine's off-dry balance (meaning sweet, but not too sweet) leads to flavors of apricot, peach, bergamot (think Earl Grey tea), a touch of mint and hints of orange blossom. These flavors get a boost from the fine bubbles, and the wine concludes with a clean and crisp finish."

My review: This was an interesting moscato because it wasn't overly sweet like others that I've had before. It had the typical fruity smell and sweet taste, but not over the top like I expected. That gained huge points with me because sometimes moscatos, especially the pink ones, are too much. However, there was something lacking in this wine. It wasn't a light and crisp as others that I've had in the past. I think there are better moscatos at the same price point. 

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting-Simply Naked Unoaked Chardonnay

Simply Naked Unoaked Chardonnay

Variety: 100% Chardonnay

Region: California

Country: United States

Year: 2011

Price: $7.99

Winemaker's Notes/Tasting Notes: "Lively aromas of melon, peach and lemon sorbets, and praline with a silky fruity medium body and a juicy, tangy orange and pear finish. A lovely, mouthwatering chardonnay that is sure to please. A rich, fruit forward wine with crisp apple, melon and pear flavors and a touch of honey. Pairs well with chicken, turkey, salmon, and pasta with cream sauce."

My review: I thoroughly enjoyed trying my first unoaked chardonnay. I could definitely taste the difference between this and a traditional chardonnay, but it was a welcome difference. An easy white wine with a fruity complexity to it.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting-Korbel Sweet Rose

Korbel Sweet Rose Champagne

Variety: Pinot Noir, Zinfandel

Region: California

Country: United States

Year: Non-Vintage

Price: $11.99

Tasting Notes: "Korbel Sweet Rosé is made from a complex selection of both red and white grape varieties. The blend is designed to have very bright fruit flavors and aromas. The harvesting of the red varieties such as zinfandel and sangiovese early in the ripening process helps achieve the desired style for this cuvée. Excellent with Fresh fruit or appetizers such as grilled prawns and mango salsa, or with a selection of ripe cheeses." (Korbel.com)

My review: I loved this champagne. It was very light, smooth and crisp in the mouth. It also had a very pleasant finish to it, which had a hint of sweetness. But the overall champagne was not too sweet, even though it's called sweet rose; it had more of the consistency of a hard cider. Highly recommended!

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting-Morada Sangria

Morada Sangria

Variety: Blend of red wine, unknown

Region: Unknown

Country: Spain

Year: Non-vintage

Price: $4.95

Tasting Notes: "Morada Sangria is a traditional Spanish drink made with red wine and citrus extracts. Garnet color and fresh on the palate. Pasteurization preserves the color, aromas and flavors. It is a very refreshing Sangria with around 85 grams of sugar. Sangria is now one of the hottest items in the beverage industry and it's growing exponentially year to year. Serve well chilled, on its own or with lemonade and slices of fruit like peach, banana or apple."

My review: The sangria had a very sweet and fruity smell, which was to be expected; but also a distinct hint of ginger on the nose. I actually really liked this sangria! Definitely not a typical red 'wine' because it wasn't high in acidity or tannins. But it wasn't too sweet so I think it could easily be a crowd pleaser for when you have people over. 

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting-Lost Vineyards Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon

Lost Vineyards Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon

Variety: 60% Shiraz, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Unknown

Country: Argentina

Year: Non-Vintage

Price: $3.95

Tasting Notes: "It is dry and contains subtle tobacco undertones with a black licorice, cherry, scent. The oak is in the background. Would pair well hamburger or a steak rather than stand alone."

My review: I got a lot of cherry and licorice, which didn't do much for me. I thought it was a dry wine without too much flavor on its own. I think this is a wine that must be tried with food, like the tasting notes state. 

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting-Villa Pozzi Nero D'Avola

Villa Pozzi Nero D'Avola

Variety: 100% Nero D'Avola or Calabrese

Region: Sicily

Country: Italy

Year: 2010

Price: $8.95

Tasting Notes: "Very dark purple, with a reddish-violet edge, typical of this grape. Black plums, a hint of licorice and subtle spice, not overly complex but appealing. A big mouth full of juicy black fruit is well structured by tart acidity and soft but distinct tannins."

My review: I think the description the person pouring the wine gave: jammy yet dry. I think that describes it perfectly. It was a softer wine, not full of huge flavors, but there was still a pop of acidity to it.  

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting-Tres Ojos Rose

Tres Ojos Rose

Variety: 50% Tempranillo, 50% Garnacha

Region: Calatayud

Country: Spain

Year: 2009

Price: $3.95

Tasting Notes: "This medium rose-colored rosado boasts a spicy red cherry/plum nose with a soft lush attack of red berry fruit flavors and a crisp dry finish. Simple and refreshing and a natural for tapas."

My review: I liked the cherry smell to the wine and the flavor was a good balance of a rose and spicy red. One can't expect to be blown away by a wine at this price but it could be a great cheap, pre-dinner wine.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting-Les Perles Piquepoul

Les Perles Piquepoul

Variety: Picpoul

Region: Cotes de Thau (southern France)

Country: France

Year: 2011

Price: $7.95

Tasting Notes: "Light and young, this is a straightforward but enjoyable selection that would be an ideal match for light fare such as grilled chicken salads or fluke. Apple flesh, nectarine, and sweet citrus oil aromas and flavors appear on the nose and palate, while the short finish is infused with a flavor of green melon rind."

My review: I liked this wine because it was different from the white wines I'm used to tasting in the sense that it had a very high acidity, high alcohol content and a very significant aftertaste. The green melon really came out at the finish. I would recommend this for anyone wanting to expand their white palate.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting-Charles Shaw White Zinfandel

Charles Shaw White Zinfandel

Variety: Chardonnay
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2011
Price: $1.99

Critic Review: "I decided to use this for the Turkey tomorrow, and thought I should taste it now as well. Not a lot to this wine, but then it is a Charles Shaw. The color was a pale salmon, with a nose that was not that complex, in that I only detected some rose flower and not much else. Upon tasting, I got strong cherry notes, and again, not much else. Definitely a bit on the sweet side. I think I am glad I decided to use this for cooking tomorrow. Not bad, but not good either. I will give it an 80, which may be too nice, but ah well, I'm in a good mood." (SHOGGOTHLORD, 11/23/2011)

My review: I got a very floral smell from this wine with a hint of a rose in there. It definitely had a cherry aftertaste to it but besides that there was nothing special about this wine. We talked in class about this being the "natty light of wines" and I can definitely see why. It might be good if you're trying to get into wines for the first time, but it won't last long if you continue to try better wines.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting-Sweet Roo Red

Yellow Tail: Sweet Red Roo

Variety: 80% Shiraz, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and a mixed blend of other red varietals.
Region: South Eastern Australia, Casella Winery
Country: Australia
Year: Non-Vintage
Price: $6.00

Winemaker's Notes:  "Made in Australia from a blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and other red varietals, Yellow Tail 'Sweet Red Roo' is full of fruit flavors with aromas of naturally sweet red berries, vanilla and chocolate in each sip. Sweet Red Roo is delicious served chilled or room temperature and is ideal for wine cocktails. Whether pairing it with BBQ or mixing it in Sangria, Sweet Red Roo's versatility and uniqueness will make it the most talked about sweet wine blend this year."

My review: This is a very smooth, sweet wine. However, it is not overly sweet because it has a slight acidity to it at the finish. It is one of the better cheap reds I've tasted and I would highly recommend it for those on a budget!

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting-Opera Prima Pink Moscato

Opera Prima Pink Moscato

Variety: 97% Muscat, 3% Tempranillo
Region: Castilla La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: Non-Vintage
Price: $5.95

Vintage Cellar description: "This fine sparkling presents and intense aroma of fresh berries and tropical fruits with hints of white flavor petals. Delicate bubbles caress the palate offering a silky and pleasant sweetness well balanced by a crisp, refreshing finish. Ideal on it own, as an aperitif or with all types of sweets and desserts."

Winery Notes: "The Opera Prima Charmat Muscat makes a lovely aperitif, and would pair beautifully with all of your brunch favorites."
My review: Although I am a huge fan of pink Moscato wine, I wasn't too impressed with this particular brand. I liked the Moscato at last week's tasting more and it's because last week's was more refreshing and flavorful. It still had the traditional fruity smell and light/crisp taste but I think there are better Pink Moscato choices at cheap prices.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting-Black Opal Shiraz

Black Opal Shiraz

Variety: Syrah
Region: South Eastern
Country: Australia
Year: 2011
Price: $5.95

Vintage Cellar description: The Black Opal wines are sourced from vineyards found in South Australia along the Limestone Coast, at Langhorne Creek and in the infamous Barossa Valley. Black Opal Shiraz is rich red in the glass. Aromas of blackberry, pepper and spice followed with rich plum flavors round out the palate. Soft tannins give structure to the fruit-driven palate."

Online tasting review: "Although it has a distinctly fruity flavor on the palate, the finish is very short and as a previous reviewer indicated "stinging." I found myself taking another sip just to replace the taste of the finish. Definitely a very full bodied and dry wine like most of the Australian Shiraz offerings. I did find that when paired with a rather heavy and meaty dish such as steak or pasta with meat sauce it settled down a bit. But, personally, this is not a "sit and sip" type of wine and should be paired with a food." (Todd Ryan, 02/08/2006)

My review: I absolutely loved this wine! I was surprised because it had a very bold smell and I thought it would be too dry to handle; but the taste shocked me! It had a complexity to it that I wasn't expecting in a $5.95 bottle of wine. There was a pepper and spice element to it and a taste of plum on the finish. It was interesting looking at review's online because it did not appear to be a favorite, but this was one of the first dry reds that I've enjoyed. I think it is a great go-to wine for occasions with friends, etc. and on a college student's budget.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting-Sokol Blosser Meditrina

Sokol Blosser Meditrina

Variety: Pinor Noir, Syrah and Zinfandel
Region: Oregon
Country: USA
Year: Non-Vintage
Price: $7.95

Vintage Cellar description: "It's created from the finest Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Zinfandel. The taste is lush and velvety with expressive notes of raspberry and cherry. It pairs nicely with pasta and anything off the grill."

Online tasting review: "Very light and enjoyable blend of Syrah, Zinfandel, and Pinot Noir. Hints of apples and cotton candy on the palate. Slightly sour, but well balanced finish. A favorite in our house to keep on hand for an every day table wine." (Jason Chenier, 02/2012)

My review: I liked how different this wine tasted. I tried to compare it to other things I had tasted but the unique flavor made it impossible and I believe that is because of the variety blend. It wasn't as dry as I thought it would be, based on smell. I enjoyed the different flavor of this wine and would definitely drink again, but next time with a pasta or something grilled like the Vintage Cellar suggested to see how that would change the experience! 

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting-Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay/Semillon

Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay/Semillon

Variety: Blend of Chardonnay, originally from Burgundy, and Semillon, originially from Bordeaux
Regions: Southern Australia
Country: Australia
Year: 2008
Price: $5.95

Vintage Cellar description: "Gotham’s 2008 Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay Semillon is a blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Semillon. It gives a moderate intensity of melon, guava, apricot and butterscotch aromas. The medium bodied palate provides attractive acidity along with plenty of tropical fruit flavors and a medium-long finish."

Online tasting review: "Delicious Aussie white. Displays great fruit and freshness - in a more Old World-style. Still plenty of juiciness and nice depth. A bargain." (KAMP82, 7/3/2011)

My review: I thought it had a very fruity smell and taste. It had a more dry taste than the Riesling we had first and an acidic finish to it. It wasn't a bad wine, but I've been discovering that Chardonnays aren't my favorite and therefore this wine didn't make an impression on me.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting-Beringer Riesling

Beringer Riesling

Variety: 100% Riesling

Regions: Napa Valley, California

Country: USA

Year: 2009

Price: $5.95

Vintage Cellar description: "This wine is the perfect balance of honeysuckle and bright peach flavors. A perfect compliment to light fare, appetizers, or just sharing with friends."

Online tasting review: "Its ripe peach and apricot flavors are perfectly balanced by a touch of lemon-lime. The brightness and acidity of the wine make it very food-friendly while the enticing peach and apricot flavors make it difficult to have just one glass." (Snooth: Drink Better Wines, 09/23/2011)

My review: I thought it was a very refreshing wine that I would imagine drinking in the summer. It was semi-dry, like most Rieslings, which I liked. I definitely could pick up hints of peach in the taste but didn't catch the honeysuckle. Overall, a good Riesling for a good price!

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Wine Baby!

Hello wine world! I am so excited about this class because my experience with wine so far has been very limited. I have tried a few different types but mainly I stick with what I know I like because I feel like I don’t know how to branch out. As a typical “beginner” wine drinker I like the sweet and semi-sweet white wines, as well as some of the semi-sweet reds. I naturally gravitate towards a moscato, a rose wine, or a chardonnay. I haven’t gotten into the dry reds but I’m trusting Professor Boyer is right when he said once we start tasting a lot of wines we’ll grow to like those reds!

I have been able to try a few different wines and learn a little about the wine making process. I visited two local vineyards, King Family Vineyards and Chateau Morrisette, and did wine tastings there. I was also able to take a tour of King Family Vineyards in which they showed us how they make their different wines. They explained why grapes were planted there in the first place. Funny story, it was a Virginia Tech student who came to the King family and asked them if they wanted to sub-divide their farm land because he had a theory that since they were growing peaches there, grapes would also be prosperous there. The family thanked him for his time and said they weren’t interested, but six months later they were planting wine grapes on their land. Our guide explained the growing seasons and how long they allow each of their wines to ferment in order to achieve the taste. They even have an interesting concrete egg which makes the wine stronger because while the wine is fermenting in the egg, the excess vapors and water can “leak” out.

I hope that by the end of the class I will feel comfortable walking into a wine store and buying a bottle of wine I haven’t tried before; while trusting that I will like it. I also want to be knowledgeable about international wine commerce and why certain regions have certain wines. As a political science major I was really interested in what Professor Boyer was talking about in class, concerning new laws which restrict purchasing wines from out-of-state.