Wine Tastings--April 12, 2012

Sierra Cruz
Sauvignon Blanc
2011
$6.95
Chile

What Vintage Cellar Said:
This Chilean Sauvignon Blanc just oozes with bright citrus flavor and a nose of herbs and grass.  Stylistically, it is a cross between the herbal, grassy wines so prevalent in Sonoma County and the riper, more fruit forward products in new Zealand.  Match it with pasta sauced with arugula, pine nuts, mushrooms and parmesean.

What Jelisa Said:
Smells like a sharp cheddar cheese with a little bit of flowers in it....It had a really buttery taste I didn't have any food with it but I really liked this one.



Lost Vineyards
Chardonnay

$3.95
Argentina

What Vintage Cellar Said:
Pale golden color.  Perfumed peach, pineapple, and nougat aromas.  Round and soft with a fruity-yet-dry medium body.  Tangy apple skin and lemon zest notes lift the fruit nicely on the finish.

What Jelisa Said:
Smells very very sweet, kinda like candy but it had a dry taste to it and I couldn't really pick up anything besides that.. I didn't have anything to eat with this wine.







Sierra Cruz
Carmenere
2009
$6.95
Chile

What Vintage Cellar Said:
As a member of the cabernet sauvignon family, carmenere (pronounced car-men-yare) originated in Bordeaux as one of the grapes permitted for use in the red blends of that storied region.  Chilean winemakers have embraced it and several wineries in that country produce is as a single varietal.  The '09 Sierra Cruz is a very fresh cabernet-like aromas and flavors of spice, dark fruit and black pepper.  It is a great value and also would be a nice match with marinated and grilled skirt or flank steak.

What Jelisa Said:
Smells like burnt licorice. It had a confusing taste to it, it was sweet but yet dry at the same time, I didn't have food with this but I really did enjoy this one.



Senda 66 Tempranillo

2008
$8.95
Spain

What Vintage Cellar Said:
"The 2008 Senda 66 spent 8 months in new French oak.  Purple/Black in color, it sports a fragrant nose of spice box, lavender, blueberry, and blackberry.  Smooth-textured, layered, and remarkably rich on the palate for its humble price, this lengthy effort will drink nicely over the next 5-6 years."
**90 points, Robert Parker**

What Jelisa Said:
Fruity smell, kinda like cherries and strawberries.  Really dry taste, it also had an aftertaste to it but I couldn't really describe what it was.  I didn't have food with this.



Opera Prima
Sweet White

2010
$5.95
Spain
What Vintage Cellar Said:
Flowery and sweet smelling, then round and fairly smooth in the mouth.  The flavor package of tropical fruits galore is pleasant and shouldn't offend anyone.  Finishes clean and easy.  A mango boat of flavor.

What Jelisa Said:
Really fruity smell.  Too sweet for my liking but I could pick up a mango taste.  I didn't have food with this.