Wine Tastings-- March 15, 2012

Simonet Blanc de Blancs
$7.95
France

What Vintage Cellar Said:
On the nose, there is some bread-yeast and some toast, same on the palate.  Great for an everyday bubbly or for mimosas!!

What Jelisa Said:
The smell of it was a mix between oak and fresh baked bread.  It wasn't too bad but it did taste like pepper.  I didn't have anything to eat with it but I would like to try it in a mimosa....






Tierra de Luna Torrontes-Chardonnay

2009
$7.95
Argentina

What Vintage Cellar Said:
Fresh and crisp, with floral aromas and flavors of quince and pear, this wine is a versatile companion to informal meals, and is excellent as an apertif.

What Jelisa Said:
I really liked the smell of it, it smelled like a sharp cheddar cheese.  It was very dry and I couldn't really pick out a taste to describe it...I did not have any food with this wine




Oxford Landing Viognier
2009
$7.95
Australia

What Vintage Cellar Said:
Bright and lively, this wine is appealing for its pear, lychee and sweet spice character, which comes together smoothly against a silky texture.

**this wine was rated 88 points by Wine Spectator**

What Jelisa Said:
It had a woody smell to it...kinda floral as well.  It tasted like raw meat and I did not have anything to eat with this.



Doural Red Tinto
2009
$8.95
Portugal

What Vintage Cellar Said:
This Portuguese tinto (red) blend exhibits a deep red color with violet hues.  The nose 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, cheeses and fish.

What Jelisa Said:
It had a very berry smell, something like cherries.  It was very bitter and dry kinda like I was eating wood chips.  I didn't have any food with this wine but I would like to try it with something to see if there is a change in the taste.

Estrella Merlot
2009
$5.95
Napa, California

What Vintage Cellar Said:
This ruby colored Merlot has raspberry jam aromas with a subtle hint of spice.  Layer of vanilla, plum, and fig are revealed that linger ever so slightly on the palate.

What Jelisa Said:
I got a green pepper smell with wasn't that bad (I really do like the way that green peppers smell).  I couldn't pick up a taste but then again I didn't have anything to eat with this wine either.




-Jelisa

Wine Tastings--March 1, 2012

Muscanit Brut
$7.95
Spain

What Vintage Cellar Said:
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 methode 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'.

What Jelisa Said:
It had a oak smell to it, and it was also kinda cheesy.  The taste was very dry and I didn't have anything to eat with this.  I really didn't like this one.



Spanish Vines Sauvignon Blanc
2009
$4.95
Spain

What Vintage Cellar Said:
Apple and floral notes and then an almost buttery palate with baked apple and citrus flavors.
**Wine Enthusiast gave this wine 85 points

What Jelisa Said:
Buttery smell and it was really strong but not too bitter.  I have tried this one before at a previous tasting but it was very different tasting it this time.  Before I really liked it and would recommend it to anyone but this time it was not my favorite.  I didn't eat anything with this wine.

Torrent Bay Chardonnay
2009
$6.95
New Zealand

What Vintage Cellar Said:
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.

What Jelisa Said:
It had a green bean smell to it that I thought was interesting. I didn't eat anything with it and it had a dry taste.






Lost Vineyards Vinho de Mesa Tinto
$3.95

Portugal

What Vintage Cellar Said:
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.

What Jelisa Said:
I could smell cranberries but I couldn't taste anything with it.  This time around I did not have food with it but I would like to try it again with food to see if I could possibly detect any changes with the taste.



Ebano Ribera del Duero Temptanillo

2007
$7.95
Spain

What Vintage Cellar Said:  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 full- bodied 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.

What Jelisa Said:
This one smelled like cherries, but it tasted straight up like black pepper.  I didn't have food with it but I wouldn't want to try this one again either.



 -Jelisa