Monday, April 28, 2014

Tasting - "Rosemount Estate Moscato"

Rosemount Estate Moscato
Moscato
N/A
Australia
2012
$12-$3.95

Critic Review
Clear, medium-lemon yellow in appearance; lovely citrus and honeysuckle aromas with lemon, honeysuckle, apple and ripe yellow plum flavours.  Serve chilled with angel food cake or fresh fruit and mild cheeses.

My Review
  • Smell: sweet, honey, citrus, sprite, flowers
  • Taste: sprite, lemon, citrus, honey, syrup
  • This wine was almost overly sweet at first but with a balanced finish
Overall this wine was a pretty typical moscato to me, very sweet and light. I did not pair this wine with food.


Tasting - "Ironstone Old Vine Zinfandel"

Ironstone Old Vine Zinfandel
Zinfandel
Lodi
California
2011
$15-$7.95 on sale

Critic Review
Grown in vineyards that are over 45 years old, this medium-bodied Zin has exceptional varietal character with lovely aromas of dark fruit and blackberry. Subtle pepper spice mingles with richly concentrated fruit flavors of blackberry, ripe plums and fresh red raspberries. Barrel aging created its smooth, silky finish and unprecedented depth.  A wonderful wine pairing for variety of dishes. Any type of meat - whether its pork, beef or game - is ideal with this wine. Cioppino is another amazing complement or try it with tomato-based pastas, hearty stews or a plate of strong, aged cheeses.

My Review

  • Smell: woody, spicy, plants, raspberries, blackberries, cherries
  • Taste: spicy, cherry, raspberry, dark wild berries
  • This wine was incredibly silky and creamy on the finish with a great body
Overall this wine was fantastic, I was unsure at the first taste but after the second sip I was hooked. I did not pair this wine with food.

Tasting - "Librandi Ciro Rosso Classico"

Librandi Ciro Rosso Classico
Rosso Classico
N/A 
Italy
N/A
$14-$3.95 on sale

Critic Review
Don’t let the pale garnet color fool you:  this is a substantial wine.  Aromas of red fruits and spice complement undertones of cranberries, wild berries, and plums.  On the palate, ripe tannins and good body make for an incredibly rich, yet easygoing red wine.  Pair this wine with sausage, spicy curry sauces, hot soppressata, and tandoori chicken.

My Review
  • Smell: wild flowers, potpourri, dark apples, cherry, cranberries
  • Taste: cranberries, plums, dark apples, earthy
  • This wine had great tannins for a very enjoyable finish
Overall this wine was very smooth and easy to drink, I think the recommendation is spot on when it says it would be good with sausage and spicy foods. I did not pair this wine with food.


Tasting - "Angove Viognier"

Angove Viognier
Viognier
N/A
Australia
N/A
$15-$5.95 on sale

Critic Review
Bright light straw in colour with some green hues, this wine has a lush ripe tropical fruit aroma. This is a fuller bodied white which fills the mouth with heady flavours of apricot, peach and citrus.  Angove Nine Vines Viognier is perfect for today's relaxed life-style and is the ideal accompaniment to grilled prawns with chilli and garlic or roast pork.

My Review
  • Smell: tropical, beach fruit, citrus, nectarine
  • Taste: orange, pineapple, pear, nectarine, peach
  • This wine was fantastically balanced and very good to drink
Overall this has been one of my favorite wine I've had at these tasting, very sweet and easy to drink. I did not pair this wine with food.


Tasting - "Yealands Estate Sauvignon Blanc"

Yealands Estate Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc
Seaview Vineyards
New Zealand
2008
$21-$7.95

Critic Review
This aromatic wine shows lifted flavours of blackcurrant with underlying notes of wet stone and thyme. The palate is elegant yet full with sufficient weight and texture, balanced by a flinty minerality. This wine is a fantastic match with foods such as cheese salad, poultry dishes and a wide range of seafood dishes including freshly shucked natural oysters, prawns, green lip mussels and creamy scallops.

My Review
  • Smell: earthy, flinty, cherry, light
  • Taste: white grape, cherry, strawberry, earthy
  • This wine had a very stone/rocky after taste, that was mildly dry
Overall this wine was very light and would pair fantastic with seafood. I did not pair this wine with food.


Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Tasting - "Heinz Eifel Shine Riesling"

Heinz Eifel Shine Riesling
Riesling
N/A
Germany
2012
$8.95

Critic Review
This drier-styled Riesling is bright,
fruity and floral with crisp acidity and
clean flavors of apple, pear and peach
that compliment its stony minerality
and earthy complexity. It serves well as
an aperitif and matches a wide variety
of foods, like lighter salad dishes,
shellfish, cream sauces and also
anything with a touch of spice.

My Review
  • Smell: grassy, spring, pollen, flowers, pear
  • Taste: pears, grassy, apples, sweet tarts
  • This wine was very tasty with a perfect dry finish
Overall this Riesling was very good, I rather enjoyed it. I did not pair this wine with food.



Tasting - "Atlas Cumbres Cabernet Sauvignon"

Atlas Cumbres Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon
N/A
Argentina
2010
$15, on sale $6.95

Critic Review
Intense red color with violet highlights,
with clean, fresh and complex aromas
of berries, plums, figs and pepper.
Strong personality is in perfect balance
with a medium body and pleasant
tannins. Ideal for: red meats, cheeses
and strong sauces.

My Review
  • Smell: wild berries, figs, spicy, earthy
  • Taste: plums, cherry, blackberry, oakey
  • This wine was very smooth and pleasant with great balance
Overall this was probably my favorite Cab Sauv I've ever had, very tasty and balanced. I did not pair this wine with food.