Vintage Cellar Tasting - 2/6/14

Name: Bodega Norton Colección Varietales
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2012
Price: $12

Winery review: Aromas of pithy citrus and pineapple are decent but unrefined, while flavors of tangerine and pineapple are tropical, zesty and what they are. This is nothing more than a fresh, simple, citrusy white to sip on the patio.

My review: I did not enjoy this at all. It was very dry and acidic. The alcohol was very strong and overbearing to me. It came across as tarty and that overwhelmed any potential flavors.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Name: The Royal Old Vines Stenn 
Variety: Chenin Blanc
Region: Western Cape
Country: Southern Africa
Year: 2012
Price: $7.95

Winery review: 90 Points - Robert Parker "One of the greatest buys I have tasted this year is this under $10, 100% Chenin Blanc from the Western Cape. A super flowery-scented nose includes notions of ripe honeydew melons and pears. This medium-weight, fresh, fruity, crisp, dry, textbook Chenin Blanc will provide immense pleasure over the next 12 months."

My review: This was much better than the first white I tasted. I was not as strong or acidic. However, because of this I could not taste the "flavors" mentioned. To me it was just a sweet, drinkable wine.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Name: Tres Ojos 
Variety: Garnacha
Region: Calatayud
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $6.95

Winery review: "This semi-opaque ruby, custom cuvee of 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 10% Mourvedre is made specifically for Fran Kysela. It exhibits very fresh, ripe dark red fruit with very good palate weight and depth and ends with rich fruit notes. Made from organically grown grapes. Incredible value!" - I-WineReview (December 2013), 90 pts.

My review: I detected a sort of plum-type smell to the wine. I could not taste any alcohol, which is pleasing for me. I also tasted a spicy mid pallet. I am still having trouble detecting the individual flavors and giving a name to the taste. Overall, I enjoyed this wine and preferred this to the whites.
I tasted this on its own with no food.

 Name: Fetzer Mendoza
Variety: Malbec
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2011
Price: $15

Winery review: Delicious Malbec is 100% from Mendoza, Argentina. It has a vibrant red color with violent tones. Subtle and delicious aromas with an intense mixture of red fruits, plum and cherry jam. On the palate it's juicy and has intense wood-like tannins that make it a rustic, yet versatile wine. Long finish.

My review: This red was a little darker than the previous wine and it had less of a spicy flavor. I could taste more of the fruit in this one and I had a taste of cherry. Because I could taste more of the flavors in this one, I preferred the Malbec to the Garnacha.

I tasted this on its own with no food.


Name: Angove Zibibbo
Variety: Sparkling Moscato
Region: South Australia
Country: Australia
Year: N/A
Price: $15

Winery review: This is a tasty and generous Moscato that opens with plush aromas of honey, peach, syrup, white flower and fragrant exotic fruit. There's a nice sensation of fullness and creaminess in the mouth that is backed by the foamy effervescence of this sparkling dessert wine.

My review: I really enjoyed this wine. It was my favorite. It was very fruity, both in smell and taste. For me, the fruit I was trying to place with this wine was apple, but I was having a hard time placing what I was tasting. 

I tasted this on its own with no food.