Tastings on my own--February 27

Tastings This Week on My Own

*I got together with a few friends this weekend and tasted some different wines we purchased from Gourmet Pantry and Kroger*

Viansa Pinot Grigio

Variety: Pinot Grigio

Region: Napa Valley, CA

Country: USA

Year: 2010

Price: $20

 

Critic Review: Crisp and refeshing light white with a bursting bouquet of guava and green apple that shows flavors of citrus green apple and a slight minerality

 

My Review: I was given this wine as a gift from my boyfriend who visited Napa Valley recently. It is AMAZING! I loved every moment of drinking it. It was extremely refreshing to drink and had a taste of citrus in the aftertaste. I want another bottle.

 Faraway Farms Chenin Blanc

Variety: Chenin Blanc

Region: Western Cape

Country: South Africa

Year: 2009

Price: $8.99

 

Critic Review: Our Chenin Blanc will spoil you with flavors of fresh green apple and succulent ripe melon.

 

My Review: I thought this wine was rather tasty and when it first hit my tongue, I immediately noticed a sweet somewhat fruity flavor. 

Chrysalis: Sarah's Patio Red

Variety: Norton Rose

Region: Virginia 

Country: USA

Year: 2010

Price: $9.99 

 

Critic Review: A revolutionary new wine, Sarah's Patio Red is perfect for all occasions when friends gather to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. We suggest you serve it chilled, to emphasize its fresh fruit flavors and sweet-tart balance.

 

My Review: I really enjoy rose wines normally so I was excited to try this wine. And it did not disappoint. It was sweet without being too sweet, and was not tart flavored. It did not have too much bitterness either which I liked.  

Mars and Venus Sauvignon Blanc

Variety: Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Central Valley 

Country: Chile

Year: 2009

Price: $8.00 (on sale for 4.99)

 

Critic Review: The intense and readily accessible flavors offered by a classic Marlborough 'Savvy' (as it is informally known in that part of the world) have captured a vast market across the world, from the United States and Canada to the UK and northern Europe, Australia and Japan. In 2011, Marlborough produced roughly 65% of New Zealand's total wine output, and 75% of that was Sauvignon Blanc.

 

My Review: This wine was very yummy. It was nothing too special or exciting, but it was definitely tasty and I really enjoyed drinking it. It was sweet without being overwhelming. It had a somewhat fruity aftertaste.

Pink Moscato Opera Prima

Variety: Moscato

Region: Castilla La Mancha

Country: Spain

Year: 2009

Price: $6.99 

 

Critic Review: This wine is from Spain, Castilla La Mancha region, La Mancha sub-region. Since 1920, Bodegas Parxet has been producing cava in the Alella region north of Barcelona. The region is formed by a great mass of granite. The soils are generally poor in nutrients with low water retention and the soil texture is variable - from the rough sandy saulo on the maritime side of the area, to the sandy clays on the inland plain.

 

My Review: My roommate finished competing in a swim meet this weekend so we got this sparkling wine as a "celebration". It was fun and festive, but was not the best tasting wine. It was somewhat sweet but I wasn't a huge fan of the bubbles.

Gourmet Pantry Tastings February 16, 2012

Gourmet Pantry Tasting

Last week, I went to the Gourmet Pantry and tasted some different wines... such a cute store! Here are my notes and opinions about them!

Altas Cumbres 2009

Variety: Torrontes

Region: Salta

Country: Argentina

Year: 2009

Price: $7.99 

 

Critic Review: Very intense aromas of fresh traps, tips peaches, and flowers.  Fresh sensation in the palate.  Light, easy to drink.

 

My Review: I thought this wine was very refreshing and had a crisp taste to it. It also had a sweet aftertaste. Overall, it was a good wine in my opinion. I did not have it with food.

Palo Negro 2009

Variety: Malbec

Region: 

Country: Argentina

Year: 2009

Price: $11.99 (on sale)

 

Critic Review: Vivid red color with violet edges typical of the varietal. The nose bursts with intense aromas of red fruits. Soft, silky tannins and open structure lead to lovely plum, grape and dark cherry notes with a lingering finish. Ideal with red meat, pastas and strong cheese.

 

My Review: This red wine was dry but it went down smooth and I was actually pretty impressed with it. I usually don't love reds but this one was pretty tasty.

Villa Pozzi 2010 Nero D' Avola

Variety: Nero d'Avola

Region: Sicily

Country: Italy

Year: 2010

Price: $9.99 

 

Critic Review: Elevations of 1,000 to 1,300 feet and clay soils give these grapes the balance they need to mature fully without becoming overripe. The result is a full, succulent wine with rich fruit, spice and deep color. A tremendous value, enjoy this wine with all of your favorite Italian dishes.

 

My Review: This wine tasted very smooth and went down easy, but also had a strong aftertaste of spice. I was not the biggest fan of this aftertaste. I did not try it with food, but maybe the spice would have complemented food.

Pour Favor Rosé 2010

Variety: Garnacha

Region: Campo de Borja

Country: Spain

Year: 2010

Price: $8.99

 

Review: Close your eyes and you’ll think you’re sipping fresh strawberries and cherries right out of the glass. Light, clean and zippy, this may be the ultimate picnic wine

 

My Review: I love rose so I was really excited to try this wine!! And it did not disappoint! It was sweet without overpowering and very refreshing. This was my favorite wine I tried! Can't wait to have a bottle on an outdoor picnic this spring.   

Opera Prima Sparkling Moscato 2011

Variety: Moscato

Region: Spain

Country: Spain

Year: 2011

Price: $7.99

 

Critic Review: This fine sparkling wine presents an intense aroma of fresh grapes, fruit syrup, and flower petals. Delicate bubbles caress the palate offering a silky and pleasure balanced by a crisp, refreshing finish

 

My Review: I have to be honest that I am not a huge fan of bubbles in my drinks, so I wasn't super excited about trying this. But it was pretty tasty and somewhat sweet without being overpowering. However, I did not buy any (due to the bubbles!) on my trip, but have to say it could be fun to have for a special occasion!

Vintage Cellar Tasting Part 2

Vintage Cellar Tasting #2

January 30, 2012

 

 

 

Beringer Pinot Noir 

Variety: Pinot Noir

Region: Napa Valley

Country: USA

Year: 2009

Price: $4.95 (on sale)

 

Critic Review: The Beringer Founders' Estate Pinot Noir is bright ruby in color and displays ripe currant flavors rounded out by aromas of cedar and spice. This wine has immediate fruit-forward flavors that balance well with the toasty smokiness of the oak. It would pair perfectly with a red wine risotto or grilled salmon.

 

My Review: This wine has a maple taste to it. It tasted somewhat dry and bitter to me. Not my favorite wine.

Faraway Farm Cabernet Sauvignon

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Western Cape

Country: South Africa

Year: 2008

Price: $5.95 (on sale)

 

Critic Review: There is a special place in Africa, far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, where soaring mountains dominate the stark landscape. Tucked away behind these mountains you will find our vineyard. This is the home of Faraway Farm. Our Cabernet Sauvignon will spoil you with rich flavors of ripe blackberry and plums. Drink with close friends.

 

My Review: This wine tasted somewhat smokey upon first taste. It gave me a feeling of dryness and an almost tingly feeling on my tongue. I enjoyed this wine somewhat. I did not have it with food, but think it would be good with something rich. 

Faraway Farm Shiraz 

 

Variety: Shiraz

Region: Western Cape

Country: South Africa

Year: 2008

Price: $5.95 (on sale)

   

Wine Maker Review: Our Shiraz will spoil you with flavors of rich juicy blackberry, dark spice and just a hint of black pepper.

 

My Review: This wine had an immediate smell of berries to it. It tasted a bit sweeter and more fruity than the other reds I had tried. I could taste definite sugar/sweetness. It was my favorite red! I did not have it with food.

Coldstream Hills Sauvignon Blanc

Variety: Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Yarra Valley

Country: Australia

Year: 2008

Price: $7.95 (on sale)

 

Critic Review: An elegant style with characters of passionfruit, lychee and lemon citrus. Subtle oak is evident underpinning the wine's texture and length. The palate is finely balanced and finishes with chalky lemon acidity.

 

My Review: There was an odd savory smell to this wine. The aftertaste was also odd to me. It wasn't as sweet as I would have hoped out of a sauvignon blanc. 

Campo Noce Vermentino

 

 

Variety: Vermentino

Country: Italy

Year: 2009

Price: $8.95 (on sale)

  

My Review: This wine had a sweeter smell to me right away. It was somewhat dry and not very sweet to me. It was not very full bodied, and I was not so much a fan.