Tasting #15 - White

Name: 2008 St. Clement Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley
Smell: pear, orange or tangy rather
Taste: hot, pear, white fruit,
Dryness/Sweetness: dry
Food: just tasting
Country/Region: Napa Valley, California

Alcohol Content: 14.3%
How much? $7.99 Kroger
Where'd you try it? At home with friends
Would you drink it again? If someone else bought it - I think there are probably better wines out there waiting for me to taste them!

Extra thoughts:

Other reviews:

"This Sauvignon Blanc showcases lusharomas of pear, honeysuckle, orange zest, lemon curd and just a hint ofwhite pepper. The palate is crisp andbright with notes of grapefruit, orange blossom and pear juice."

My rating scale works as such:
1. Never Again
2. If someone else bought it
3. I'd keep it in mind
4. At least one more time
5. Going to get another bottle right NOW!

Tasting #14 - White

Name: Salem Fork Sweet Blush
Smell: sweet, light, fruity, watermelon
Taste: strawberry, light fruit,
Dryness/Sweetness: medium sweet (residual sugar 5%)
Food: just tasting
Country/Region: Dobson, North Carolina

Alcohol Content: 11.1%
How much? $9.99 (Shelton Vineyard)
Where'd you try it? At home with friends from Shelton Vineyard
Would you drink it again? At least one more time!

Extra thoughts: Sweet, but not too sweet. If you haven't been to this vineyard, go visit! It's about 2 hours south of Virginia Tech.

Other reviews:

Shelton Vineyards offers more information:

History -
Our Salem Fork Blush is a non-traditional and delightful deep pink-colored wine produced from Merlot. It opens with honey and dried cranberry, watermelon and strawberry in the nose with hints of mandarin orange on the palate. This slightly sweet wine is balanced with crisp acidity for a clean finish. A favorite in our tasting room and great choice for picnicking, this wine is easy to enjoy by itself, with fruits and cheeses or as a perfect foil for spicy fare.

Awards -
2010 North Carolina Wine Competition / Silver Medal
2008 Mid-Atlantic Southeastern Wine Competition / Gold Medal
2007 NC Commercial Wine Competition / Silver Medal
The Wine Report Magazine, Sept-Oct / Score of 88
2006 Wines of The South Competition / Silver Medal
2006 North Carolina Wine Competition / Gold Medal
2006 Mid-Atlantic Southeastern Wine Competition / Silver Medal
Gold Medal - 2008 Mid-Atlantic Southeastern Wine Competition
Gold Medal - NC Commercial Wine Competition
Silver Medal - 2010 Wines of the South Competition
Silver Medal - 2010 NC Commercial Wine Competition

My rating scale works as such:
1. Never Again
2. If someone else bought it
3. I'd keep it in mind
4. At least one more time
5. Going to get another bottle right NOW!

Tasting #13 - Red

Name: Madison Lee
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon 37%, Tannat - 33%, Merlot 14%, Cabernet Franc 8%, Syrah 5%, Petite Verdot 3%
Smell: spicy, vanilla
Taste: medium bodied, vanilla
Dryness/Sweetness: medium dry
Food: just tasting
Country/Region: Dobson, North Carolina

Alcohol Content: 12.5%
How much? $11.99
Where'd you try it? At home with friends
Would you drink it again? At least one more time

Extra thoughts: This was a really great Vineyard to visit!

Other reviews:
Shelton Vineyards offered a lot of good information:

History -
Our proprietary Red Table Wine, Madison Lee Red is named for the Shelton’s two grandfathers whose middle names were Madison and Lee. Our goal in producing this wine was to craft a wine that was enjoyable as a sipping red yet hearty enough to hold up to everyday foods. A wonderful uncomplicated red wine that is terrific with pizza, burgers, ribs, wings, or Bar B Q. Madison Lee Red is medium-bodied and very approachable with ripe berry fruit and a hint of vanilla and spice. Cases of 12 bottles available for purchase.

Awards -
2009 Mid-Atlantic Southeastern Wine Competition / Silver Medal
2009 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition / Silver Medal
2008 World Value Wine Challenge / Bronze Medal
2008 North Carolina Commercial Wine Competition / Silver Medal
2008 Mid-Atlantic Southeastern Wine Competition / Silver Medal
2008 International Eastern Wine Competition / Bronze Medal
2007 NC Commercial Wine Competition / Silver Medal
Florida State Fair International Wine & Grape Juice Competition / Bronze Medal
2006 North Carolina Wine Competition / Silver Medal
The Wine Report Magazine (Winter 2004-2005) / Score of 87

My rating scale works as such:
1. Never Again
2. If someone else bought it
3. I'd keep it in mind
4. At least one more time
5. Going to get another bottle right NOW!

Tasting #12 - Red

Name: The Stump Jump Vintage 2009 - Shiraz
Grape: Grenache 42%, Shiraz 33%, Mourverde 25%
Smell: spicy, dark berry
Taste: smooth, earthy, berry
Dryness/Sweetness: medium dry
Food: garlic bread, pork, pasta w/corn and carrots, sweet potato
Country/Region: Australia

Alcohol Content: 14%
How much? $13.95 Vintage Cellar
Where'd you try it? At home
Would you drink it again? Going to get another bottle right NOW!

Extra thoughts: The wine went really well with the dinner my boyfriend and I made! After letting it breathe a bit I could really notice some of the bold, alcohol taste disappearing. I would definitely get it again. Thanks Brittany for pointing this out!

Other reviews:

The Vintage Cellar says:
"This is a rich, soft and flavoursome red in the traditional McLaren Vale style. Mulberry and plum flavours from the Grenache combine with the blackberry, spice and white pepper of the Shiraz. Best served at room temperature, this wine will gain added complexity with careful cellaring over the next 2 – 5 years."

My rating scale works as such:
1. Never Again
2. If someone else bought it
3. I'd keep it in mind
4. At least one more time
5. Going to get another bottle right NOW!

Tasting #11 - Red

Name: 2008 Rubus Old Vine Zinfandel
Smell: little hot, dark fruit
Taste: cherries, raspberries, vanilla, smooth
Dryness/Sweetness: medium dry
Food: just tasting
Country/Region: California

Alcohol Content: 14.9%
How much? $12 (Kroger)
Where'd you try it? At home with friends
Would you drink it again? At least one more time

Extra thoughts: My friends said good things about this too and most of us are novice wine drinkers!

Other reviews:

"Bold, spicy and loaded with ripe black fruits, the Rubus Old Vine Zinfandel is a keeper. Intense plum, black currant and black raspberry dominate, but black pepper, cedar and anise notes also abound."

Just a reminder how my rating scale works:
1. Never Again
2. If someone else bought it
3. I'd keep it in mind
4. At least one more time
5. Going to get another bottle right NOW!

Wine Library TV - How to get the most out of tasting your wine!

Hello friends!

I'm in the process of finishing up some homework for my Geography of Wine class and wanted to share some interesting bits.

One of the ways I'm earning points toward my grade is by taking weekly quizzes on material from Boyer's (my professor) textbook and some online podcasts from this guy Gary Vanerchuck.

For those of you who are with me, starting on the journey to discovering the art of wine tasting, pairing, and purchasing, I wanted to share this information. Check out these podcast below in your free time.

First off, here is a little bio about Gary. He came to visit Virginia Tech last year and is a very fascinating and successful business man.
Check out his story here: Wine Library TV

The first episode I watched was Episode #42: How to taste wine (approximately 10 minutes)

To sum it up:
Step 1: "give it a swirl" - check out the color
Step 2: "give it a serious sniff" - preferably with your nose completely in the
glass
Step 3: Check out the "legs" - the residue left on the inside of the glass from
swirling the wine
Step 4: Taste it! - slosh it around in your mouth to bring in more oxygen and let
out some of that alcohol. Really coat your palate.
Step 5: Round out everything with another sniff

The second podcast was Episode #178 Wine Ratings (approximately 18 minutes)

Hope you enjoy!

Tasting #10 - White

Name: Nykteri Santorini Yannis
Smell: fruit
Taste: pears or apples
Dryness/Sweetness: slightly sweet
Food: just tasting
Country/Region: Greece (Santorini)

Alcohol Content: not sure
How much? $13.95
Where'd you try it? Vintage Cellar
Would you drink it again? I'd keep it in mind

Extra thoughts: After reading the description from the Vintage Cellar (below) I want to try it again. Obviously, I missed a few things.

Other reviews:

The Vintage Cellar says:

"I fell first for the compelling story of this 'night work' wine, and then for the aroma and taste, and can't think of a wine to compare it to. "Nykteri - Dry White Wine Appellation of Origina Santorini of superior quality since 3,500 years ago, the Nykteri is synonymous to Santorini's famous white wines. The formula to 'instant wine making'on the night of the same day that the grapes were harvested solved the problems of the variety's sensitive aroma deterioration. The wine is matured for 3 months at least in barrels. In this way the wine's contact with barrel's wood gives the Nykteri a special finesse. Characteristics Crystal-clear, semi-yellow wine. Dominated by the aromas of jasmine, citrus fruits, flowers and pear, all these enhanced with a gentle vanilla sense. A strong body with warm personality and a long lasting taste. Serve with grilled anything as well as with local Greek dishes such as tomato meatballs and fava dip."

My rating scale works as such:
1. Never Again
2. If someone else bought it
3. I'd keep it in mind
4. At least one more time
5. Going to get another bottle right NOW!

Tasting #9 - Red

Name: Doural Tinto
Smell: light
Taste: earthy, smooth
Dryness/Sweetness: mild dry
Food: just tasting
Country/Region: Portugal

Alcohol Content: 12.5%
How much? $8.95
Where'd you try it? Vintage Cellar
Would you drink it again? If someone else bought it - Honestly I don't remember what this really tasted like

Extra thoughts: This one didn't stand out to me like a few other from the night did.

Other reviews:

The Vintage Cellar says:

"This Portuguese tinto (red) blend exhibits a deep red color with violet hues. The noes is vibrant and fruity. The palate offers notes of spice, cherry, and dark berry supported by good structure. Pairs well with red or game meat, cheese and fish."

My rating scale works as such:
1. Never Again
2. If someone else bought it
3. I'd keep it in mind
4. At least one more time
5. Going to get another bottle right NOW!

Tasting #8 - Red

Name: 2010 Cotes du Rhone Sol'Acantalys
Smell: hot
Taste: flat, hot, acidic
Dryness/Sweetness: medium dry
Food: just tasting
Country/Region: France/Rhone

Alcohol Content: 13.5%
How much? not sure (other sites have it list for $10 - $12)
Where'd you try it? Vintage Cellar
Would you drink it again? Never Again - There are too many wines out there to linger on one which didn't WOW me.

Extra thoughts: I didn't get much from this except the blast of alcohol on the first sip. Maybe that's just me. I'm sure the French love it.

Other reviews:
This website might help you out more than me...

TASTING NOTES
"Bright and juicy Côtes du Rhône with hints of spice and pepper. This young and fresh Côtes du Rhône from Les Vignerons de Tavel shows superb notes of red berry fruits and spice, particularly pepper."

FOOD CHOICE
Enjoy with a traditional shepard's pie.

GRAPE MIX
Grenache - Syrah - Carignan

My rating scale works as such:
1. Never Again
2. If someone else bought it
3. I'd keep it in mind
4. At least one more time
5. Going to get another bottle right NOW!

Tasting #7 - White

Name: 2010 Erbach Flonheimer Adelberg Silvaner
Smell: fruit, floral
Taste: fruity, sweet yet not (perhaps balanced)
Dryness/Sweetness: balanced
Food: just tasting
Country/Region: German

Alcohol Content: 10%
How much? $9.95
Where'd you try it? Vintage Cellar
Would you drink it again? I would keep it in mind - can't rule it out. I didn't take very good notes, so the details have slipped my mind.

Extra thoughts: I like it and yet don't remember much about it. I do know one thing, I'd have to learn how to spell/pronounce this wine if I am ever to find it again.

Other reviews:
Let Timeless Wines tell you more: (they make it sound more appealing than I do)
Description:
"The fruity, mouthwatering wine has a nice acidity-sugar balance and comes from the so called \'Rheinhessen-Switzerland\', the heartland of Rheinhessen. It has a floral bouquet and smells like yellow fruit, lemon-grass and green tea."

Winery: Winzer Von Erbach

The Estate:
"The wine-growers association was founded in 1897. Today 45 vintners deliver grapes from the Erbach and Kiedrich vineyards to the cellar. There is close a relationship with the vintners, who are all part owners of their winery, all of whom have access to highly skilled and experienced viticultural advice. The cellar was built in 1903 in the "Art Nouveau" style. Today they are the most highly rated Wine cooperation in the Rheingau region, well known for producing high quality Riesling wines with a strong price-value relationship."

My rating scale works as such:
1. Never Again
2. If someone else bought it
3. I'd keep it in mind
4. At least one more time
5. Going to get another bottle right NOW!