Tasting - Butterfly Kiss Moscato

Name: Butterfly Kiss Moscato
Variety: Moscato
Region: Chile
Country: Chile
Year: 2012
Price: Regular: $13/Sale: $5.95

Winery Review: Lovely and bright, our 2012 Moscato dances with aromas of honeydew and apricot, gently kissed by orange blossom, candied pineapple and hint of lime zest. The palate is silky and lush, combining rich stone fruit and fresh melon flavors lifted by a vibrant zing of lemon-lime, which extends across the mouthwatering finish. Served chilled on a hot summer's day, paired with spicy Asian foods or grilled prawns.

My Review: It smelled just like sugar, syrup, but a little floral. It tasted just like candy, like sugar coated gummy worms to be exact. I also got a strong note of green apple, which then sweetened out into apple juice. I would not buy this wine, it is a headache waiting to happen.

I did not have food with this wine.

Tasting - Purple Paws Zinfandel

Name: Purple Paws Zinfandel
Variety: Zinfandel
Region: Lodi, California
Country: United States
Year: 2012
Price: Regular: $15/Sale: $7.95

Winery Review: Our 2012 Lodi Zinfandel exhibits hints of cherry on the front of your palate and vanilla on the finish that will have you begging for more. Like most zinfandels it pairs well with good friends and barbecue.

My Review: This wine smelled similar to the Cab Sauv, but wasn't as bold in flavor. It still possessed berry flavors, hints of rose and cherry wood. It didn't seem to be high in tannins, which I liked. I would definitely buy this to pair with a nice steak. 

I did not have food with this wine.

Tasting - Purple Paws Cabernet Sauvignon Non Vintage

Name: Purple Paws Cabernet Sauvignon Non Vintage
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Lodi, California
Country: United States
Year: Non Vintage
Price: Regular: $15/Sale: $7.95


Winery Review: If a Cabernet can be smooth and creamy, this one is. It offers plenty of fruit flavor, smooth tannins that coat the mouth in a good way, plus a plush texture that keeps it from being even a bit harsh. With light body, a soft mouthfeel and lingering finish, there’s much to like.

My Review: It smells a little like a barnyard, very pungent and strong. It also smells like it has a high alcohol content. It has a bitter taste with hints of berries: strawberry, raspberry. It is a very dry wine with high tannins. 

I did not have food with this wine. 

Tasting - Rosemount Estate Chardonnay

Name: Rosemount Estate Chardonnay

Variety: Chardonnay
Region: South Australia
Country: Australia
Year: 2013
Price: Regular: $10/ Sale :$5.95

Winery Review: Vibrantly aromatic, with mouth-watering stone fruit flavours and lemon zest. A refreshing and crisp style of Chardonnay, with just a hint of creamy toasted almonds.

https://www.rosemountestate.com/~/media/Files/Rosemount/Tasting-Notes/Diamond-Label/Chardonnay/Diamond_Label_Chardonnay_2013.pdf

My Review: This was my favorite of the tasting! Upon first smell I got butter, oak, and a little steel. The taste was definitely buttery, and light. Almost sweet and lemony. I have to go back and buy the wine. I want to pair it with crab cakes or a light pasta dish!

I did not have food with this wine.

Tasting - La Lejanía Sauvignon Blanc

Name: La Lejanía Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Central Valley, Chile
Country: Chile
Year: 2015
Price: Regular: $10/ Sale: $6.95

Shop review: A light, refreshing, balanced sparkling wine with fruit flavors and aromas of citrus, pear and peaches, followed by a nuance of spice.  Enjoy this sparkling wine as an aperitif, or with salads and spicy dishes, especially those using citrus fruit. For dessert this wine pairs well with fresh berries or a fruit tart.

My Review: To begin, I am really not a huge fan of Sauvignon Blanc's and this was no exception. It was citrusy and petrol-y in smell. It was dry on the palette, and seemed to have high tannins for a white wine. I got notes of apricot, but was distracted by how sour the wine was. To be fair, I really only got in 1-2 good sniffs and 2 small sips before we went onto the next wine.

I did not have food with this wine.

Que Syrah, Syrah

My name is Catherine, but no one calls me that. Please call me Catie! As I sit here typing, pondering my experiences with vino, I am happily sipping a riesling (one of my favorite wines), although it is a little too sweet and not nearly dry enough for my taste (SeaGlass, 2013 Riesling). In my book, wine on a Wednesday night is always welcomed, even if the wine is a little subpar. I am a fresh 21 and have recently started dabbling in wine; for my birthday I was fortunate enough to travel to Napa and Sonoma for a super intensive wine tour (a pick up party Matthiasson, Silver Oak has some great cab sauv, Wind Gap has an adorable tasting room, etc., etc.); I have also recently visited the Willamette Valley, in the Pacific Northwest, for some light vineyard hopping.

Over winter break I had the pleasure of going to Portland, Oregon with my wine-snob boyfriend who (shocker) planned a day of wine tasting. We visited Ponzi Vineyards and sampled their pinots and brought home an Italian Arneis, which I am told is a rare find in the states. I'm super excited to try it. We also visited Domaine Drouhin; a french style tasting room. The winemaker is a super cool woman, and her father is the famous Joseph Drouhin who has a wine empire in the Burgundy region of France. What I am trying to say is that I know the tasting routine, and I think I know what I'm talking about, but I really am just learning all of the good stuff and have been lucky to have people in my life that really enjoy great wine.

But, I digress; I love wine, I love trying new wine, but I especially love sharing wine with others and learning about how food can really change its flavor. Wine pairings with tasting menus are ranked in my top 10 favorite things. I am so excited to expand my knowledge and learn more of the "how-it's-made" information in this wine class. If I can expand my palate, learn some new ice-breaker facts and have a good time, I will consider this class a success.

Until next time,

Catie 

Some vineyards I have visited for your viewing pleasure:

http://www.domainedrouhin.com/en/

http://ponziwines.com/

https://www.matthiasson.com/

http://www.windgapwines.com/

http://www.silveroak.com/

http://lambertbridge.com/

https://www.heitzcellar.com/