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