March 6 Tasting - Maipe Malbec

Name: Maipe

Variety: Malbec

Origin: Mendoza, Argentina 

Price: $8.95

VC Review: "Deep purple color with violent tints, complex plum, fig, strawberry, spices and floral aromas; rounded and velvety tannins, excellent length with a distingushed character."

My Review: This wine was definitely rougher on the tongue than I expected. The Maipe gave off a pleasantly fruit aroma - definite fig and red-juiced berry smells so I expected a sweet, perhaps lighter bodied red? Instead, I got a heavier feeling in my mouth but it rounded out well with many fruit flavors arising. This wine is one probably better when paired with food - the first thing I thought about was how it'd go well with a medium-rare steak. 

March 6 Tasting - Arnold Palmer

Name: Arnold Palmer

Variety: Chardonnay

Origin: California

Price: $7.95 (originally $20)

VC Review: "A vibrant Chardonnay from vineyards in cooler climates of California. Chardonnay is well known for its characteristic fresh apple fruit aromas and rounded, rich flavors. Weather during the 2011 harvest provided ideal growing conditions for lush, yet perfectly balanced fruit."

My Review: The oak monster was very evident here. I would describe this wine as very very "dank" smelling - a tad bit like marijuana. There was an enthralling apple aroma, and I definitely smelled and tasted pear also. The wine went down smooth despite my initial expectations. I assumed it the would be a bit more bitter or strong because the rich smells had thrown me off so much. 

March 6 Tasting - El Sierro

Name: El Sierro

Variety: Macabeo/Chardonnay

Origin: Spain

Price: $6.95

VC Review: "In the glass, there is a bright and shiny white wine with an incredibly welcoming, fresh appetizing aroma reminiscent of ripe tropical fruits. The flavor is rich, balanced and extremely comfortable. The near-perfect all-purpose white wine. As an additional benefit, and good evidence that El Sierro reflect the new Spain, the bottle is sealed with the technical viewed perfect screw cap that at once eliminates any risk of cork flavor and keeps the fruit and the wine fresher for longer time."

My Review: The first thing I noticed about this wine was the subtle urine smell it had. I expected fresher, sweeter smells but it turns out it was a bit more sour. The actual taste was not all that memorable, with tiny fruit flavors - nothing bold or distinct. I would say that despite it's lack of flavor, the balance of the wine was fine. It didn't feel bad at all in the mouth or anything, but you can tell it is a $7 wine. 

March 6 Tasting - Loredona Reisling

Name: Loredona

Variety: Reisling

Origin: Monterrey, California

Price: $7.95

VC Review: "If you like your Reislings on the sweet side, this pretty wine is for you. It's brisk in Central Coast acidity, with citrus, peach, honeysuckle and spice flavors that finish clean and long."  

My Review: This wine was very refreshing and citrus-y, something I expect from California wines. It tasted a lot like a lemon-honey Hall and in doing so, was true to the fruit aromas I initially smelled (honey, citrus). The finish was pleasantly strong with a spicy bite to it. The finish was like a concentrated shot of spiced rum, lemonade, and Sprite.

March 6 Wine Tasting - Villa d' Rosso Toscano

Name: Villa d' 

Variety: Rosso Toscano

Origin: Montepulciano, Italy

Price: $6.95

VC Review: "100% sangiovese grapes and is a wonderful rendition of a velvety Tuscan red."

My Review: There was a slight mildew smell to this wine. The finish wasn't strong, but at least it was smooth... which was surprising as the wine was more acidic tasting than normal too. I need to try more Tuscan wines. Nice balance. 

Name: R Wines Eco. Love

Variety: Riesling

Origin: South Island, N.Z.

Price: $18 (purchased on sale for $7.95)

VC Review: "Our South Island Reisling has a range and combination of flavors unlike any other. These flavors span citrus, root ginger, white peach, spices and florals. eco.love Riesling is made in balance to an off-dry style. Food Pairing: Asian Fusion, Seafood, Curry, and anything spicy"

My Review: This was probably my favorite white wine of the day, it smelled like a freshly-squeezed citrus drink – one specifically that I can’t remember the name of, which is irritating. I want to say it smells a tad bit like lemon-lime Powerade also. This wine was not too sweet-tasting, and just somewhat sour. The most comparable fruit would be a nectarine. I bought a bottle so I could continue smelling it (still haven’t figured out that exact drink), and had it that night with “Wild” flavored hot wings from Buffalo Wild Wings as the “anything spicy” suggests. They complemented each other well, making the wings taste tangier (a plus). It was a very informal pairing but I can see how savory foods go well with this wine. 

Name: Toschi

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

Origin: California

Price: $8.95

VC Review: "Well-balanced flavors of dark berries and plums. Spicy fruit finish."

My Review: There was an extremely distinct nose to this wine - spicy & gingery aromas which intrigued a lot more than it offended. The Toschi was in my top two for the day as the smell and taste were both pleasant surprises. It tasted more like a flat cider drink consisting of plum and blackcurrants than it did a wine, if that makes sense. It felt nice on the tongue, despite a somewhat disappointingly short finish. 

Name: Canyon Road

Variety: Pinot Noir

Origin: California

Price: $6.95

VC Review: "Rich, fruit forward cherry flavors, soft tannins, a medium body and a smooth velvety finish. Pairs well with creamy soups, salmon, and savory pork dishes."

My Review: Strong raspberry and cranberry aromas – somewhat “jammy”. I noted on the sheet that this wine was “not very bitter at all” (the "soft"-er tannins VC suggests). It’s not that the finish was weak necessarily, but rather it was cleaner expected because of the strong nose. It was the most popular bottle of the day (sold out while I was there), and although it wasn't my favorite I can see why. The Canyon Road had a "clean ash” taste which appeals to a lot of people. 

Name: Wine Men of Gotham

                                     Variety: Chardonnay Semillon (80%/20%)                                     

Origin: Australia

Price: $7.95

VC Review: "Chardonnay Semillon is a blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Semillon. It gives a moderate intensity of melon, guava, apricot and butterscotch aromas. The medium bodied palate provides attractive acidity along with plenty of tropical fruit flavors and a medium-long finish."

My Review: This wine was very attractive. I thought it smelled like a bottle of Pine-Sol, but in a good way. There were very fresh tasting with melon flavors to start, but then a smooth, almost avocado-like taste to finish. That definitely brought out a buttery aspect you could sense on your palate. 

Name: Indwe

Variety: Sauvignon Blanc  

Origin: South Africa

Price: $7.95

VC Review: "Grapes are meticulously sourced from our grape produces along the coastal region of the Western Cape ensuring complexity and freshness in the wine. Indwe Sauvignon Blance is full of layers, balance and persistence. The wine is imbued with tropical and citrus notes, with hints of melon and gooseberry flavors."

My Review: The first thing I noticed about the Indwe was its heaviness in comparison to most whites. The texture of the wine kind of sprawls out and hangs on your tongue. This was probably my least favorite of the wines the Vintage Cellar offered that day because it was disappointingly plain. There were no grandiose flavors, but I did catch hints of melon and guava.