Wine Tasting - Sauvignon Blanc Seaview

Name: Yealands Estate
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Country: New Zealand
Region Yealands Estate
Year: 2008
Price: $21-->$7.95

Wine 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:  Yealands was an alright wine.  I have a hard time getting into the dryer whites, but here again I feel like it could be an awesome wine with certain foods.  It wasn't that it was out of balance, it just didn't have the flavor profile for me.  I thought that it was too earthy not enough spunk in it.  Still, I'm sure it could have it's strengths come through with the right foods.

Wine Tasting - Angove Viognier

Name: Angove
Variety: Viognier
Country: Australia
Region: ?
Year: 2009
Price: $15-->$5.95

Wine 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 chili and garlic or roast pork.

My Review:  I can't lie, tropical fruit white wines are pushing their way to my favorite types of wines. The more out there the fruit flavors are the better.  It's tough to read these food pairings while having just a taste.  I would love to try these food pairings especially after having done a wine dinner this past week.  All of the wines that I had tasted this day were pretty good and priced so cheap!

Wine Tasting - Librandi Ciro Rosso Classico

Name: Librandi Ciro
Variety: Rosso Classico
Country: Italy
Region:?
Year:?
Price: $14--> $7.95

Wine Review:  Don't let the pale garnet color fool you:  this is a substantial wine.  Aromas of red fruits and spice complement the 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:  I was not a fan of this wine.  I can attest to a lot of what the wine reviewer said about this wine, but it jsut didn't work well for me.  I must admit that I have had similar wines with sausage and they worked well with it, so I am curious to as to how well this wine would pair with such types of food.

Wine Tasting - Garnacha de Fuego

Name: Garnacha de Fuego
Variety: Grenache
Country: Spain
Region: Aragon
Year: 2011
Price:  $8.95

Wine Review: The Garnacha de Fuego, a 100% Grenache cuvee, was aged in both stainless steel and neutral French oak.  There are 10,000 cases for the United States.  This amazing wine boasts a dark ruby/purple color along with a sweet kiss of jammy black cherries intertwined with crushed rock notes that give the wine an undeniable minerality.  As it hits the palate, a full-bodied, voluptuous texture takes hold and the flavor profile moves towards blacker fruits (ripe raspberries and black currants) intermixed with camphor and forest floor.  This full-bodied, rich, glycerin-filled effort should drink well for 4-5 years, perhaps longer.

My Review:  This wine had a 92 rating and I can agree with it.  It was such a complex wine with some many exciting flavors.  The minerality of the wine and the dark fruit such as plum or black cherries came together perfectly.  It was like the old world and new world came together wonderfully.  I would love to find more wines like this one.

Wine Tasting - Rosemount Estate

Name: Rosemount Estate
Variety: Moscato
Country: Australia
Region:  ?
Year: 2012
Price: $12 --> $3.95

Wine 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:  This particular white was a nice finish to the tasting.  It's honeysuckle aromas were quite refreshing after some of the more bitter reds of the day.  A wine for this price is hard to pass up.  I would love to get it and try it with some angel food cake.  I think the wine review was on the same pallet wavelength as myself.

Wine Dinner - Home "Steak & Greens paired with the Old World!"

First off, I just want to thank you for making this an assignment as it brought my roommates, strangers, puppies, and others and I together to make an excellent steak dinner with multiple sides, as opposed to the usual West End or Owens dinner.  I not only had some excellent practice making steak, asparagus, and artichokes, but also thoroughly enjoyed pairing dinner with a bunch of good wine.  

We had 5 different wines which including a Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Sangiovese, Zinfandel, and a Shiraz.  I suppose I'll just focus on three to make it less chaotic, for those I choose the Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfindel and Shiraz.  The Sauvignon Blanc, Villebois, is a 2012 vintage from France.  The Shiraz, Fat Bastard is a 2012 vintage from France as well.  The Zinfandel, JC van Staden, is a 2012 vintage from Lodi, California.  We had lots of food including cheese & crackers, steak, artichoke, asparagus, and taters.  

Our puppy Ollie was down for the count after the first round of food pairings.  But no worries, he rallied later and had some great input in our wine discussion. 

We started off pairing our Sauvignon Blanc with some Cranberry cheese spread.  The garlic herb crackers we used were perfect with the cheese.  The wine and cheese together were fantastic.  It really brought out the minerality of the Sauvignon Blanc from the start.  

After the appetizer (Crackers & Cheese) we moved the party to the back room where we enjoyed pairing the two red wines, Shiraz and Zinfandel, with our steak and  veggies, asparagus and artichokes.  I must say that I really enjoyed the Zinfandel paired with the steak.  The Zinfandel was very well balanced with hints of both dark fruits and light spice on the back end.  Washing down a bite of steak with it was quite the delight. 

The asparagus was so well cooked.  We roasted it in the oven with oil, salt, pepper, and soy sauce.  I thought it paired much better with the zinfandel as well.  I'm not sure if the Shiraz didn't pair as well or if it was just because I wasn't as much of a fan of it as I was of the Zinfandel.     

I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed this Sunday evening.  It was a great finish to a long day of school work. Look forward to another wine dinner pairing next week!

Wine Tasting - Avery Quinn

Name: Avery Quinn
Variety:  Chardonnay
Region: Napa Valley
Country: U.S.
Price: $6.95
Year: 2011

Wine Review:  The 2011 vintage marks a return to form for this great value Chardonnay.  The aromas feature creamy, mellow, golden apple, pineapple, fresh butter and a touch of vanilla.  Then rich, ripe, flavors of yellow pear, pineapple, fresh apple, cream and buttered toast swell up and fill your mouth before a juicy, apple and caramel inflected finish makes your mouth water (and smile!).

My Review:  I have to say that the wine review for this one was really quite accurate of my own experience.  Several of those flavors like pineapple and apple came initially and were followed by a smooth caramel finish.  I would definitely recommend this chardonnay, it is very well made!

Wine Tasting - Omo Ze Bel

Name:  Omo Ze Bel

Variety: Merlot

Country:  Sicily 

Region: N/A

Year: N/A

Price: $6.95

Wine Review:  This bright, soft Merlot comes form a hilly vineyard on the Alcesti family estate in beautiful Sicily.  It has hints of red cherries and freshly cut hay.  Exceptional value.  

My Review: I would rank this as second best wine of Thursday's tastings.  Although it was slightly tart, the cherry flavor that came through was delightful.  Definitely worth 7 bucks!

Wine Tasting - El Sierro

Name: El Sierro
Variety: Tempranillo/Cab
Country: Spain
Region: N/A
Year: 2011
Price: $7.95

Wine Review:  Dark ruby in color with rich aromas of red fruit and light spices.  It is a real knock-out with delicious flavors of dark cherries, blackberries and vanilla all perfectly integrated.  The Tempranillo provides wonderful spice and fruit, while the Cabernet Sauvignon gives structure and depth with beautiful use of oak.

My Review:  El Sierro was described as being lightly spiced.  I found that it was very heavy in spices, almost too much so.  Fortunately, the vanilla came through just after to smooth it out for a nice finish.  I would have to say it was the use of oak that made this wine a uniquely balanced and enjoyable wine.

Wine Tasting - Toso

Name: Toso
Variety: Moscato
Country: Italy
Region: Unknown
Year: Unknown
Price: $9.95

Wine Review: This Moscato is reminiscent of honeysuckle and rose petal.  The quality is equivalent to a top level Asti Spumante DOCG.  Sweet sparkling wine obtained from a careful selection of the Moscato grapes.  It has a pale straw yellow color with fine foam and bubbles.  Tropical fruit flavors, refreshing.  Excellent to match desserts, fruit and dried pastries.

My Review:  I found this wine to be very crisp and refreshing.  It was quite sweet, but not over the top.  The tropical fruits came through really well and balanced well with the honeysuckle/flower flavors.  It's carbonation was also an excellent aspect of this wine.  Thoroughly enjoyed this particular wine tasting.

Wine Tasting - Atlas Cumbres

Name:  Atlas Cumbres
Variety: Torrontes
Country: Argentina
Region: ??
Price: $5.95
Year: 2010

Wine Review:  Yellow colour with greenish nuances.  Very intense aroma of fresh grapes, flower perfume and mature peaches.  Fresh in the mouth.  Light and easy to drink.  Ideal with seafood, Thai and Chinese food.

My Review:  Very overwhelming flowery perfume taste.  I didn't get the intense fresh grapes aroma, just flowers.  Not a fan of this wine!  Maybe I'd give it another shot with some of the ethic food mentioned in the review.

Wine Tasting - Protocola

Name:Protocolo Vino de la Tierra de Castilla

Variety: White Wine Variety   

Country:Spain

Region: Castilla De Mancha

Year: 2012

Price: 6.95

Wine Review: Greenish gold. Subtle aromas of mint, lemon and orange with a hint of honeysuckle. Dry, understated and focused offering clean citrus and melon flavors and slow-building sweetness. Finishes dry and brisk with an echo of lemon. As usual, this is an outstanding value. 

My Review:   Very interesting wine.  The citrus flavor was very prevalent and nice.  I have to disagree that it was a slow-building sweetness.  I felt that it was sweet from the get go!  Not my favorite, but not bad.

Wine Tasting - Lehmann

Name: Peter Lehmann Chardonnay

Variety: Chardonnay   

Country: Australia 

Region: Eden Valley

Year: 2010

Price: $20.00

Wine Review: The 2010 chardonnay presents subtle notes of spiced apple slices and ripe peaches with hints of freshly baked bread and melon. Light bodied, clean and refreshingly crisph in the mouth, it offers just enough apple and pear flavor concentration, finishing with medium-long persistence. 

My Review: I really enjoyed this wine as well.  Pretty much liked all but one of them during this past Thursday's tasting.  The fruit in this wine were very sweet and crisp.  Very refreshing white wine.  Solid!

Wine Tasting - Vina Borga Borsao

Name: Vina Borga Borsao

Variety: Red wine variety    

Country:Spain

Region: Vina Borga

Year: 2012

Price: $6.95

Wine Review: Made from 100% Grenache, the 2012 vina borgia was fermented and aged in stainless steel. Its medium dark ruby color is followed by abundant notes of strawberries and black cherries offered in a straightforward, medium-bodied, soft, hedonistic, round style. It is hard to believe a wine this good can sell for $7 a bottle. Enjoy it over the next 1-2 years. 

My Review: I thought this was a delicious wine at the tasting and for a great price.  The strawberries and black cherries were very subtle but had a great presence in the after taste.  Great wine!

Wine Tasting - Jam

Name: Jam Jar Sweet White

Variety: Sweet White     

Country:South Africa

Region: Western Cape

Year: 2011

Price: $8.95

Wine Review: Soft floral hints add depth to the otherwise straightforward ripe peach and nectarine aromas. There's a good balance in he mouth, with a nice acidic lift and slightly lime edge to cut the sweetness on the finish and close with the faintest hint of honeydew melons. 

My Review:  I really liked this white.  The nectarine flavor that comes through is a delight.  Very tasty wine with a soft smooth finish.

Wine Tasting - Entrada Malbec

Name: Entrada

Variety: Malbec    

Country: Argentina

Region: Mendoza

Year: 2012

Price: $5.95

Wine Review: Firm and structured, this is a solid wine, laced with mineral acidity and tight tannins. It has a juicy, blackberry fruit component cutting through the texture. 


My Review:  Out of the five wines I tasted at the Vintage Cellar, this wine was by far my favorite of the day.  I ended up purchasing a bottle!  Not sure what exactly I liked about it so much, I just simply enjoyed it.  I think it was just very well balanced with several different flavors that complimented one another.

Wine Tasting - Le Roc Des Anges Segna de Cor

Name:  Le Roc Des Anges Segna de Cor
Variety: Grenache, Cariganan and Syrah
Region: Montner
Country: France
Price: $23.95
Year: 2012

Wine Review:  50% Grenache, 30% Carignan and 20% Syrah.  The relation between the Grenache and the terroir of Roc des Anges gives fruity and fleshy grapes.  To balance this generosity, they are blended with old Cariganan (60-80 years old) and Syrah giving firm structure and dark colour and resulting in a tender and fruity wine sustained by a real texture of tannins.  Four S's: soft, smooth, silky and smoky!  Lively and fresh in the mouth, gentle flavours of red grape and berry, dried spices and roasted herbs.  From the rock of the angels springs the blood (Segna) of the heart (Cor).

My Review:  The four S's describe this wine perfectly.  It was awesome to experience each and everyone one, one right after the other.  This wine in particular gets me excited to try more Grenache based wines going forward.  Lot of subtle flavors like the red berrry, spices, herbs, and hints of tabacco.  Delicious wine.  

Wine Tasting - Gres St Vincent Cotes du Rhone

Name: Gres St Vincent Cotes du Rhone
Variety: Grenache and Syrah
Region: Rhone
Country: France
Year: 2010
Price: $13.95

Wine Review: "Nearly black in the glass with a deep purple rim. Scents of black plum, cured green and black olives, orange pulp and smoky bramble dominate the nose. The palate is a deep and luxurious expression of ripe black and red fruit flavors followed by dried meat tones and sweet herbs. This powerful blend is boosted by supple acidity and the wine finishes with subtle tannins.

Works beautifully with leg of lamb, grilled venison, wild boar sausages, roasts." --Jenny & Francois

My Review:  This was another one of my favorites at the tasting at the Vintage Cellar.  It was very balanced from the first taste to the subtle tannin finish.  It was very complex with the taste of dark fruit, olives and smokiness. Great wine.

Wine Tasting - Coto de Hayas

Name:  Coto de Hayas Garnacha Syrah
Variety:  Grenache and Syrah
Region: Aragon
Country: Spain
Year: 2012
Price: $8.95

Wine Review: Ruby red color. Pronounced red fruit and spice
aromas. Medium-bodied, dry and easy going. Fresh,
fruity and lightly peppery with mild acidity and
soft tannins.

My Review:  This wine was one of my favorites at the tasting.  I agree with almost every descriptor in the wine review except that it wasn't just "lightly peppery," it was very peppery.  I enjoyed this aspect nonetheless.

Wine Tasting - Vincent Dampt Chablis

 Name: Vincent Dampt Chablis 2012
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Burgandy
Country: France
Year: 2012
Price: $21.95

Wine Review: 100% Chardonnay, from the birthplace of Chardonnay: Burgandy.  Pale lemon in colour. The nose shows soft jasmine notes and ripe fruit.  The palate is elegant with a classic, flinty minerality, balanced by soft, creamy fruit.

My Review:  I didn't much care for this wine.  I did not find it balanced, the flavors contradicted each other on my palate.  I have a hard time appreciating whites as is, but this one was not my up my alley.

Wine Tasting - Eudald Cava Brut Familia

Name: Eudald Cava Brut Familia
Variety: Blend of Macabeu, XarelAlo, Parellada and Chardonnay
Region: Someplace in Spain
Country: Spain
Year: Unkown
Price: $15.95

Wine Review: From a 9th generation winemaker who is pushing the envelope for quality and value.  This traditional-styled Cava is a blend of Macabeu, XarelAlo, Parellada and Chardonnay all grown in organic/biodynamic vineyards.  Our first reaction to tasting it was, “Wow – this is really good!”  There’s plenty of elegant white and even some red fruit set off by a fine yeasty/bready character and a dash of seaside minerality.  Creamy, with small, refined bubbles, and ready to enjoy anytime you need a little lift.

My Review: I haven't had any wines with refined bubbles in them before, but I must say it was a delight.  I am not much of a white wine drinker, so I was skeptical at first taste.  After a second taste I was hooked and will look for this bottle in the future.  I picked up on the minerality of it and it was certainly creamy.  Didn't get any of the red fruit, but maybe next time.

Wine Tasting - Dom Roger Perrin Cotes du Rhone 2012

Name: Dom Roger Perrin
Variety: Red
Region: Cotes du Rhone
Country: France
Year: 2012
Price: $14.95

Wine Review:  "Displays deep blackberry, cassis, smoked meat, pepper and our signature sage spice.  The silky finish lingers from the ripe tannins with a touch of smoky oak."

My Review:  I thought that this was a strange wine with harsh flavors.  I didn't particularly enjoy it's hot start and bitter finish.  The fruit flavors mixed with the pepper acidity were a bit much together for myself.

Wine Tasting - Courege Longue Buzet

Name: Courege Longue
Variety: Red
Region: Buzet
Country: France
Year: 2011
Price: 16.95


Wine Review: " Old vines on excellent terroirs with sandy-gravel and clay soils, David decided to make his own wines instead of selling his fruit to the coop and focus on terroir-driven, distinct wines of high quality rather then blending his meticulously gown fruit in that grown by others of lesser ambition.  Courege-Longue farms all their fruit under strict organic standards.  For those bemoaning that Bordeaux lost all its soul due to a shift towards an international style and became a poor value, give Courege-Longue's Buzet a try.

I was trying to find this wine online and was having trouble. I was unable to find a picture of this wine.  I did the tasting on Saturday so I should have taken it myself, but did not want to come across as the "pesky college kid."

This wine had it's review paired up with a different wine so I had a confusing time with this and the Dom Roger Perrin.  Oh well!

As strange as this whole review experience has been, I did find this wine to be peppery/spicy with a strong tannin component and an oak finish.  Perhaps I am so new to this that I am easily swayed in the directions of the wine reviews I read before I taste.  I hope to find my own flavor profiles that are more unique to me in the future, but I am still enjoying the tasting experience.

Wine Tasting - Cherry Cove Pinot Noir

Name: Cherry Cove
Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: Willamette Valley Oregon
Country: United States
Year: 2010
Price: $17.95

Wine Review: "The ruby color of this wine suggests classic Pinot as the nose opens with fresh lavender and plum jam.  Across the palate are vibrant tones, from explosive red cherry on entry to the lush strawberry on the lively mid-palate.  Lingering floral tones hang for just a moment and carry through the soft finish."

My Review:  I definitely got the explosive cherry!  I enjoyed the red fruit flavors as they moved into a zesty hot finish.  I cannot say that I picked up any floral tones, but nonetheless, it was a solid Pinot.

Wine Tasting - gPG Garganega/Pinot Grigio

Name: gPG
Variety: Garganega/Pinot Grigio
Region: Prodotto
Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $8.95

Wine Review: "A blend of two of Italy's best white wine grapes: Pinto Grigio and Garganega.  The Grigio brings crisp apple and melon fruit to the party while the Garganega serves up a creamy texture and a hint of toasted nuts.  It's super refreshing, easy to drink, and pretty darn delicious, all at a terrific value price."

My Review:  I thought the Garganega's creamy texture and toasted nut flavor was more predominant than the apple/fruit flavors.  It was a very good wine, especially for the price!

Wine Tasting - Delaunay Sauvignon Blan

Name: Delaunay
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Loire Valley
Country: France
Year: Unknown
Price: $11.95

Wine Review: "Wonderfully aromatic and bursting with minerality and freshness.  Thierry Delaunay harnesses these characters magnificently in their Sauvignon Blanc from the Touraine sub-region that borders Vouvray. Clay and gravelly soils help give this great Sauvignon its zest and complexity."

My Review: I agree with the wine critic with most everything, especially the mineral flavors that come out.  It was one of the first white wines where this aspect jumped out and was more identifiable then other white wines I've had that were described as such.

Wine Taste - Sonnenband Riesling

Name: Sonnenband Qualitatswein Riesling Mosel

Variety: Riesling

Region: Mosel

Country: Germany

Year: 2011

Price: $24.99

Wine Review: "These fully ripened grapes result in an elegant floral bouquet leading into semi-sweet flavors of peach, crisp apple, and lime. Pairs well with most poultry and seafood, salads, and spicy cuisine.

My Review:  I agree with almost everything this wine review has to offer.  The first flavor that hit me right away was the crisp green apple flavor with a soft sour finish.  A very sweet enjoyable little wine!

Wine Tasting - Bell'agio Chianti

Name: Bell'agio Chianti
Variety: Chianti
Region: Castellana
Country: Italy
Year: 2012
Price: $12

Wine Review: "Very subtle aromas of berry (cherry and cranberry) lead you into a very middle of the road red wine.  Good tannins will pair well with red meat or a saucy pasta."

My Review:  I had a hard time believing I'd enjoy this wine after smelling it.  I got a strong chemical smell almost like wet paint.  After tasting it I really enjoyed it's body and hotness of it. This wine also had a woody taste to it.  

Wine Tasting - Our dog Blue

Name: Our Dog Blue Chateau Morrisette

Variety: Chateau

Region: Virginia

Country: United States

Year: Not listed

Price: $8.99

Wine Review:  "This popular white wine is a semi-sweet Riesling-Traminette blend, using Vidal Blanc for added depth. Aromas of melons, citrus fruits, apricots, and delicate flowers highlight the soft finish of this soothing wine. Serve chilled with fruits and cheeses, fish, or spicy foods."

My Review:  From the start, I got a lemon cleaning product smell with a taste of citrus to back it up.  It had a creamy body that was delightful.  I feel like the wine review paralleled well with my own tastes.

Wine Tasting - Cupcake Malbec

Name: Mendoza Cupcake Vineyards Malbec
Variety: Malbec
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2012
Price: $9.99

Wine Review: "A round, full palate with a touch of creaminess yields into flavors reminiscent of a dark chocolate flourless cupcake accented with fresh berries. Enjoy with aged prime beef with crumbled bleu cheese or Cajun eggplant on the grill" - Adam Richardson, Winemaker


My Review:  I thought it was very fruity for a red wine.  I got a bitter finish reminding me of the finish of cranberry juice.  I surprisingly, really enjoyed this wine.

Wine Tasting - Cellar No. 8 Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Cellar No.8 Cabernet Sauvignon

Variety: Cabernet

Region: California

Country: United States

Year: 2011

Price: $12

Wine Review: "Opens with intense aromas of black cherry and currant. Notes of dark chocolate, coffee, and oak are supported by ripe, supple tannins and followed by a long finish. Pair with beef tenderloin topped with bleu cheese butter."

My Review:  It opened with a pungent oak barrel aroma.  Very smooth delivery with a spicy peppery taste that lingered.  It has a buttery, yet less smooth finish. 

Wine Tasting - Insomnia Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine Info

Name - Insomnia

Variety - Cabernet Sauvignon

Region - Califorina

Country - USA

Year - 2011

Price - $8

Most of these cheaper wines are difficult to find credible reviews online.  All I could find was this weird quote from the producer, "Don’t envy those to whom sleep comes easily. They have never experienced the utter stillness of the night, where the edges blur around reality. Colors are brighter; sounds, sharper. The deep night is the hardest time to be alone – but you will know your soul in solitude as you cross that invisible line into the alternate reality of darkness. Join us."  Pretty weird.

I guess I am on my own here on exploring the flavors of this wine.  It is a sweeter red with a spicy taste of cloves on the back end. I ate it with D.P. Doughs which had sausage in it.  I thought they paired well together.  The sausage really brought the spiciness out of the wine.  It was a dryer wine, the tannin's were very heavy.   

Wine Tasting - BELMONDO Pinot Noir

Wine Info

Name - BELMONDO

Variety - Pinot Noir

Region - Pavia

Country - Italy

Year - 2011

Price - $11

Wine Review: "Dark garnet color. Slightly earthy aromas of raspberry yogurt, overripe blueberries, and dried cherries and flowers with a supple, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tart dried orange, nutskin, and earth driven finish with crunchy tannins. A solid table pinot to serve with game poultry. 85. Tasted on Nov-12-2013. (www.Tastings.com)

That review was pretty extensive, I won't even begin to try and sound like I have the ability to find these different flavors.  I almost find this review laughable, either because it is or I am just not on this reviewers level.  At any rate, here are some of the things I picked up on.  It was more sour with the initial taste with a more tart aftertaste.  I agree that it was fairly dry.  I thought it had a very smooth watery body and a spicy black pepper bite left at the tail end.

Not sure what these wines I have tried would pair with, but I feel you can't go wrong with nice juicy steak.

I am determined to be able to state what I find  in these wines with confidence.  Just gotta keep on tastin'!

Wine Tasting - PineCroft Merlot

Wine Info:

•  Name-PineCroft
• Variety-Merlot
• Region-Livermore & Ripon, California 
• Country-USA
• Year- N/A
• Price- 4$

I could not find much for reviews on this one.  There were random years with low stars online but nothing of a description, but I'm assuming because of the low cost that it isn't the greatest of Merlot's coming out of California.  Only the label it reads "Soft supple flavors of generous red berries abound in this silky wine."

My inexperienced tastebuds picked up on the red berries and the body was silky, so I agree with the description.  I also got some cherry with a dry finish. I truly tried to find other flavors, but I need more practice.  On to the next one.

My Experience with Wine thus far!

Most of my current knowledge of wine came from two different summers since I have been in college.  One summer I learned out of necessity for my job and the other summer I learned for fun.  Both were wonderful starts to my running wine knowledge and I look forward to building on top of that.

The first summer between my Sophomore and Junior year, I was a server at a somewhat high end restaurant in Virginia Beach right on the ocean front.  One of the requirements of servers was to be able to present and open a bottle of wine for a table.  First, to show the bottle to the person who bought it and ensure it was the right wine, then to open it and give a taste to the lady.  We had quite an extensive wine list but unfortunately the restaurant failed to keep it updated, so we would just stick to the most popular.  Working there, I learned about four or five different red varietal wines and four or five different white varietal wines.  Unfortunately, most of my knowledge about what paired well with what is long forgotten.

I started to really appreciate wine over this past summer in Northern Virginia.  I was lucky enough for my brother to offer me a place to stay so I could do a summer internship in Fairfax.  Living with my brother was great for a multitude of reasons, but specially having him as a drinking buddy.  I have always looked up to him and valued his opinion on most everything.  So because he like Cabernet Sauvignon I became a Cabernet Sauvignon drinker.  My brother and his Girlfriend also introduced me to wineries and the tastings that went along with them.  I had a hard time understanding the language they used and frankly I couldn't help but laugh to myself at how they described the wines and what they entailed.  I stuck with "this tastes like wine, so does this! And this one!"  I also learned that you can spend a lot of money at wineries...

What I hope to learn in this class is basically everything that stood out to John Boyer on the first day of class when we gave him feedback.  I think the lectures will be great, but like he said, it is just going to come down to getting out to the tastings and drinking some different wines.