Tasting - Morada Sangria

The Vintage Cellar, 2/21/13

Name:  Morada Sangria

Variety:  Sangria

Region:  ???  

Country:  Spain

Year:  NV

Price:  $4.95

Public Review:  "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.  7% Alc.  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:  WHOA.  Smells like candy... or soap.  Or just straight fruit.  SO SUGARY.  Like liquid candy!   

With food?:  No 

Did buy?:  No

Tasting - Lost Vineyards Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon

The Vintage Cellar, 2/21/13

Name:  Lost Vineyards Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon

Variety:  60% Shiraz, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region:  (Why can't I find this information?)  

Country:  Argentina

Year:  NV

Price:  $4.95

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

My Review:  Interesting.  Dry; not enough flavor to balance out the dryness well.  I could not really taste or smell the cherry.  

With food?:  No 

Did buy?:  No

Tasting - Villa Pozzi Nero D'Avola

The Vintage Cellar, 2/21/13

Name:  Villa Pozzi Nero D'Avola 

Variety:  100% Nero D'Avola 

Region:  Sicily

Country:  Italy

Year:  2010

Price:  $8.95

Public Review:  "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:  WOW.  I love this one!!  Very fruity nose, with cherry/raspberry hints.  Fantastic balance; very fruity, but not sweet.  

With food?:  No 

Did buy?:  No, but only because I had forgotten my wallet -- I will definitely be going back for this one!

Update 2/28/13:  went back & bought it!

Tasting - Tres Ojos Rose

The Vintage Cellar, 2/21/13

Name:  Tres Ojos Rose

Variety:  50% Tempranillo, 50% Garnacha 

Region:  Calatayud

Country:  Spain  

Year:  2009

Price:  $1.95 (!!!)

Public Review:   "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:  Very inviting nose.  Spicy like a red, but light like a white.  Doesn't taste like much, although the aftertaste is wonderful!  Drier than expected; warm in the throat/back of mouth.  

With food?:  No 

Did buy?:  No (they were sold out :-/)

Tasting - Les Perles Piquepoul

The Vintage Cellar, 2/21/13

Name:  Les Perles Piquepoul

Variety:  Piquepoul

Region:  Cotes de Thau

Country:  France 

Year:  2011

Price:  $7.95

Public Review:  "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:    Smells young.  Doesn't taste like much, but the aftertaste / acidic feeling lingers.  

With food?:  No 

Did buy?:  No 

Tasting - Opera Prima Pink Moscato

The Vintage Cellar, 2/7/13

Name:  Opera Prima Pink Moscato 

Variety:  597% Muscat, 3% Tempranillo  

Region:   Castilla La Mancha

Country:  Spain

Year:  NV

Price:  $5.95

Public Review:  "This fine sparkling presents an 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 its own, as an aperitif or with all types of sweets and desserts."    

My Review:  Very bubbly!  Drier, not as sweet as I remembered.  Smells of roses.      

With food?:  No 

Did buy?:  No

Tasting - Black Opal Shiraz

The Vintage Cellar, 2/7/13

Name:  Black Opal Shiraz 

Variety:  100% Shiraz  

Region:   Barossa Valley

Country:  Australia (South Eastern) 

Year:  2011

Price:  $5.95

Public Review:  "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."    

My Review:  Warm, caramel nose. So smooth!  It's so fruity it's almost sweet, but actually is dry in the mouth.  Very good!      

With food?:  No 

Did buy?:  No

Tasting - Sokol Blosser Meditrina

The Vintage Cellar, 2/7/13

Name:  Sokol Blosser Meditrina 

Variety:  50% Syrah, 22% Zinfandel, 28% Pinot Noir  

Region:   Oregon

Country:  United States 

Year:  NV

Price:  $7.95

Public Review:  "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."    

My Review:  Spicy nose.  Intriguing.  Dry, but I can definitely taste the raspberry.  Not too heavy for a red!    

With food?:  No 

Did buy?:  No

Tasting - Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay/Semillon

The Vintage Cellar, 2/7/13

Name:  Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay/Semillon

Variety:  80% Chardonnay, 20% Semillon 

Region:  Barossa Valley

Country:  Australia (South) 

Year:  2008

Price:  $5.95

Public Review:  "Gotham's 2008 Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay Semillon is a blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Semillon.  It gives 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."    

My Review:  Good amount of acidity.  Not a fan of the aftertaste, even though it's reminiscent of butterscotch -- which I usually like!  Relatively dry.  

With food?:  No 

Did buy?:  No

Tasting - Beringer Riesling

The Vintage Cellar, 2/7/13

Name:  Beringer Riesling

Variety:  Riesling 

Region:  Sonoma County, California

Country:  USA

Year:  2009

Price:  $5.95

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

My Review:  Fresh, fruity nose.  Light and smooth.  A little sweet; sippable.  It was slightly chilled which was nice -- this complemented the fruity flavors well.  

With food?:  No 

Did buy?:  No

Tasting - Darkhorse Cabernet Sauvignon

The Gourmet Pantry, 2/2/13

Name:  Darkhorse Cabernet Sauvignon
Variety:  Cabernet Sauvignon
Region:  Central Valley, California
Country:  USA
Year:  2011
Price:  $8.99
Public review:  "Bold flavors of blackberry and black cherry, supported by firm tannins, brown spice and a dark chocolate espresso finish."    
My review:  A strong berry smell in the nose.  Very light for a Cabernet Sauvignon.  Dry; nothing special.
With food?:  Not during the tasting, but I had just finished a meal at Pita Vera not long beforehand.
Did buy?:  No

Tasting - Darkhorse Chardonnay

The Gourmet Pantry, 2/2/13

Name:  Darkhorse Chardonnay
Variety:  100% Chardonnay
Region:  Central Valley, California
Country:  USA
Year:  2010
Price:  $8.99
Public review:  "Rich flavors of baked apple and pear, layered with toasted oak notes of caramel and brown spice with a lingering, smooth finish."   
My review:  Mild.  Aged in steel so no oakiness.  An open wine -- would pair well with lots of foods.  Ends sweetly in the mouth.
With food?:  Not during the tasting, but I had just finished a meal at Pita Vera not long beforehand.
Did buy?:  No

Tasting - Opera Prima Sweet Red

The Vintage Cellar, 1/24/13

Name:  Opera Prima Sweet Red
Variety:  50% Cabernet, 50% Tempranillo
Region:  La Mancha
Country:  Spain
Year:  2010
Price:  $4.95
Public review:  "Doesn't try to hide its warm-climate terroir, with a soft texture framing jammy-sweet black raspberry, cherry, red currant, root beer and sweet tea.  Drink now."    
My review:  WOW.  Perfect for someone who likes sweet wines (like me!)  It was fantastic alone, and even better with chocolate.  I could see myself easily downing a bottle of this throughout an evening.
With food?:  The Vintage Cellar provided a piece of chocolate, which paired perfectly with this wine.
Did buy?:  Abso-freaking-lutely, and I'll probably buy it again!

Tasting - Montes Alpha Syrah

The Vintage Cellar, 1/24/13

Name:  Montes Alpha Syrah
Variety:  90% Syrah, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Viognier
Region:  Colchagua
Country:  Chile
Year:  2009
Price:  $7.95 (WAY on sale!  Was originally in the $30 range.)
Public review:  "Blackberry and cola aromas are cool and collected.  The palate has weight and texture to accompany berry, mint, herb and peppery flavors.  Turns more herbal and roasted as it unwinds.  Pepper and spice lead the finish."
My review:  A little sweeter than I expected.  A full-bodied red.
With food?:  I did not try this wine with food, though the Vintage Cellar provided turkey jerky bits with the tasting.  I preferred to sample the wine alone.
Did buy?:  No, but I was tempted simply because the price had dropped so much!

Tasting - Coreto Tinto

The Vintage Cellar, 1/24/13

Name:  Coreto Tinto
Variety:  Blend.  25% Tinto Roriz, 10% Syrah
Region:  Lisboa
Country:  Portugal
Year:  2010
Price:  $6.95
Public review:  "Despite its light touch, this is fruity and full, with its blackberry fruit dominating the warm spice note and acidity.  Soft tannins keep the wine together."  
My review:  Very light, very simply.  Good but nothing special.
With food?:  I did not try this wine with food, thought the Vintage Cellar provided turkey jerky bits with the tasting.  I preferred to sample the wine alone.
Did buy?:  No

Tasting - Maipe Sauvignon Blanc

The Vintage Cellar, 1/24/13

Name:  Maipe Sauvignon Blanc
Variety:  100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region:  Cuvo
Country:  Argentina
Year:  2011
Price:  $7.95
Public review:  "Yellow color with green hints.  Expressive wine, fresh, very aromatic.  This Sauvignon Blanc displays grapefruit flavors, with hints of melon and honey.  It finishes with bracing acidity and fresh mouth feels that make it a terrific aperitif and an excellent accompaniment to virtually all seafood, especially shellfish."
My review:  Light and friendly.  Fresh; not overwhelmingly expressive.  Kind of a dry aftertaste.  I could see it going well with many foods.
With food?:  I did not try this wine with food, thought the Vintage Cellar provided turkey jerky bits with the tasting.  I preferred to sample the wine alone.
Did buy?:  Yes!

Tasting - Encostas do Lima Vinho Verde

The Vintage Cellar, 1/24/13

Name:  Encostas do Lima Vinho Verde
Variety:  80% Loureiro, 20% Trajadura
Region:  Vinho Verde
Country:  Portugal
Year:  2010
Price:  $4.95
Public review:  "Pale golden silver color.  Bright floral aromas of peaches, raspberry and honeysuckle with a soft, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a crisp, tart citrus and talc accented finish.  A delightful sipper that is sure to please."
My review:  Fruity, somewhat sweet.  A little bubbly.  Very light with a little bit of tang.  I can definitely taste the "young grape" in this wine.
With food?:  I did not try this wine with food, though the Vintage Cellar provided turkey jerky bits with the tasting.  I preferred to sample the wine alone.
Did buy?:  Yes!

So far...

As far back as I can remember, the word "Chardonnay" has been a standard part of my vocabulary.  I grew up around wine -- my first memory involving wine is when my siblings and I were much younger and would beg to drink our juice/Gatorade/water out of a wine glass so we could be grown-up like our parents.  My mother's side of the family has always consumed wine at family gatherings, and ever since my stepfather came into the picture, there has usually been a bottle or two open at their house.  There's always been wine paraphernalia around as well:  wine charms, high-tech bottle openers, cool bottle holders, wine stoppers, you name it.

As I've grown older I have learned that Chardonnay is much more than my mother's favorite type of wine; it's a grape varietal, it's a part of France, it's a white wine made all over the world.  I believe it was the first type of wine I tried, a few years ago.  But once I started drinking wine regularly it was mostly sweeter whites (think Moscato or Riesling).  I still prefer whites, but a combination of curiosity, influence from others, and the Wines & Vines class I took last year have turned me on to red wines as well.  (For the record, I am already enjoying this wine class more.)  I'm also partial to dessert wines.  Come to think of it, I can only recall one specific wine that I didn't like, and it was one that I tried during a tasting for Wines & Vines.

For a 22-year-old, I would say I know a small to moderate amount about wine.  There's a ton that I could learn (which is part of the reason I'm taking this class).  I know a little bit about pairing, storing, tasting, and growing, but I'm pretty sure if I took wine courses for the rest of my life I still wouldn't know everything about the beverage.  And that's a wonderful thing!

At this point in my life I like to drink wine with food, without food, to relax and wind down, to enjoy a beverage with friends, to try a new type, to revisit an older favorite... many reasons, really.  I am really looking forward to the education (both hands-on and theoretical) that this class will provide.

So, let's begin!