Vintage Cellar Tasting

January 30, 2012

 George Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau 2011

 

Variety: Gamay

Region: Beaujolais

Country: France

Year: 2011

Price: $3.95 (on sale)

 

Critic Review: This is a light bodied red wine. It pairs well with turkey or ham. Exceptionally pruny, with a thin body.

 

My Review: I thought this wine tasted somewhat bitter, and was not sweet enough for my liking. It was probably my least favorite red wine I tried. I did not try this wine with food. 

 Robert Mondavi Solaire Pinot Noir

Variety: Pinot Noir

Region: California

Country: USA

Year: 2008

Price: $7.95 (on sale)

 

Critic Review: On the nose, lovely rose petal, violet, and red cherry aromas mingle with complementary scents of smoky vanilla and nutmeg. Very soft and round with good length and richness on the palate, the wine displays supple, silky berry and cherry jam flavors. 

 

My Review: This wine tasted full bodied and was much less bitter tasting with a tad sweeter flavors. I tasted some cherry and vanilla flavor. It went down very smooth. I did not try this wine with food.

Villa Maria Private Bin Riesling

Variety: Riesling

Region: Marlborough

Country: New Zealand

Year: 2008

Price: $9.95 (on sale)

 

Winemaker Review: A pure and delicate bouquet of ripe citrus-lime and spring blossom aromas. The palate is beautifully balanced with intense flavours, lovely juicy length and a zest lime finish. Great on its own or with light fresh food.

 

My Review: This wine was sweet, sugary, and super yummy! However, it also had a savory side to it and was more complex than a simple Riesling. It was definitely an interesting wine to sample. I did not try it with food. 

 

 Spanish Vines Sauvignon Blanc 2009

 

Variety: Sauvignon Blanc

Region: N/A

Country: USA

Year: 2009

Price: $9.95 (on sale)

 

Wine Enthusiast Magazine Review: Wine was weighty and smooth, with apple and floral notes and then an almosty buttery palate with baked apple and citrus flavors. Oddly, it’s a soft, ripe wine that’s fading and not showing much Sauvignon Blanc typicity.

 

My Review: This wine tasted very smooth, and I also tasted a berry flavor in this wine. It definitely had a fruity and sweet aftertaste as well. I enjoyed this wine. I did not have it with food.  

 

 

 Waterbrook Sangiovese Rose

 

Variety: Sangiovese

Region: Columbia Valley

Country: USA

Year: 2010

Price: $5.95 (on sale)

 

Wine Critic Review: A crisp wine with rose bud and watermelon aromatics. This dry Rosé has bright flavors of strawberry, melon with balanced acidity and lingering raspberry notes on the finish.

My Review: This was my favorite wine of the day. It was sweet to the taste right away, and also had a smooth, sweet aftertaste. I loved it! I tried this wine without food, but I think it would be fantastic with some light appetizers.