Tasting - Vintage Cellar on 3-1-12

Name: Muscanti Brut
Variety: Brut
Region: Spain
Country: Spain
Year: n/a
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: Lemon blossoms, green apple, toast and honeydew melon are front and center in this crisp refreshing Spanish Sparkler. Silky supple with lingering flavors, yet a tingle of citric acid on the finish. A combination of traditional cava grapes but this wine is not made in the traditional méthode champenoise (which is required by Spanish law to be called Cava). This is made with the Charmat process so this wine may only be called ‘Spanish sparkling wine’

My Review:  This wine had a very refreshing aroma.  It reminded me of a nice day in the spring.  I could instantly smell lemon and apple.  The taste was quite nice as well.  It was very smooth, and had a nice citric flavor.  I didn't have this wine with food.

Name: Spanish Vines Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Spain
Country: Spain
Year: 2009
Price: $4.95

Winery Review: 85 Points, Wine Enthusiast - Apple and floral notes and then an almost buttery palate with
baked apple and citrus flavors.

My Review:  The most distinct aroma in this wine was definitely that of apples.  It also reminded me of a nice bouquet of flowers.  The taste was somewhat sweet, but also had a  nice acidic after taste.  I can imagine this wine would go well with some sort of fish.









Name: Torrent Bay Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: New Zealand
Country: New Zealand
Year: 2009
Price: $6.95

Winery Review: Fleshy, melony aromas cuddle some fresh oak. The palate has decent acidity so there’s freshness along with weight, resiny oak flavors, lemon and green apple.

My Review:  The aroma of this wine was filled with melon.  Cantelope being the most obvious to me.  The taste was very refreshing.  It wasn't too bitter, but had a nice little acidic aftertaste.  It was also somewhat earthy in taste, but with a fruity twist.  I didn't have this wine with food.

Name: Lost Vineyards Vinho de Mesa Tinto
Variety: Vinho de Mesa Tinto
Region: Portugal
Country: Portugal
Year: n/a
Price: $3.95

Winery Review: Pours a light garnet color with a nice crisp zest, with aromas of cranberries and orange peel on the nose. Drinks smooth with a briary of mild cherries, wild strawberries and raspberries along
with a note of rhubarb. Pairs particularly well with wild game and heavy fish such as salmon.

My Review:  The aroma of this wine was overwhelming of that of berries and oranges.  The taste was amazing.  It was very smooth, and the berry and orange flavoring really were apparent.  I could see this pairing extremely well with a nice Thanksgiving dinner.





 


Name: Ebano Ribera del Duero Tempranillo
Variety: Tempranillo
Region: Spain
Country: Spain
Year: 2007
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: 87 Points, Robert Parker - The 2007 Ebano 6 is 100% Tempranillo aged 4 months in French oak. Dark ruby red in color, it displays a pleasant bouquet of cedar, spice box, violets, black cherry, and blackberry. Medium- to fullbodied on the palate with savory flavors and plenty of spice, this racy, vibrant Tempranillo has enough structure to drink well over the next 5-6 years and is a very good value

My Review:  Base on my previous tasting, I wasn't expecting to enjoy this wine too much.  I have come to the conclusion that I'm just not a tempranillo kind of person.  Sadly, I was right.  I found the aroma of this wine subpar.  I think it was just too oaky, and the spices just didn't jump out at me.  The taste was way too earthy for my liking.