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.