Friday, March 23, 2012

Tasting - Simonet Blanc de Blancs, Tierra de Luna Torrontes-Chardonnay, Oxford Landing Viognier, Doural Red Tinto, Estrella Merlot

Tasting #1: Simonet Blanc de Blancs


Varietal: Simonet
Region: N/A
Country: France
Year: No vintage
Price: $7.95

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

My Review: I didn't have a whole lot to say about this wine. It was light in both flavor and body. Had nice carbonation. I didn't find it very complex or deep in flavor so not much to say here.


Tasting #2: Tierra de Luna Torrontes-Chardonnay

Varietal: Chardonnay
Region: N/A
Country: Argentina
Year: 2009
Price: $7.95

"Vintage Cellar" Review: "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 aperitif." 

My Review: I thought this was nicely oaked and had that distinct chardonnay nose. It was actually a little light in body for a chardonnay which might make it a good summer wine. It was served slightly warm for my taste but not so much that all the flavors were highly pronounced.

Tasting #3: Oxford Landing Viognier

Varietal: Viognier
Region: N/A
Country: Australia
Year: 2009
Price: $7.95

"Vintage Cellar" Review: "88 points, Wine Spectator. Bright and lively, this white is appealing for its pear, lychee and sweet spice character, which comes together smoothly against a silky texture."

My Review: I am starting to be able to distinguish the smell of a viognier. This wine had the same distinct viognier smell as others. It had a really rich golden color and a dry flavor. It gave off a weird aroma and flavor on the palate. Not sure what it was. This was a little disappointing for me.

Tasting #4: Doural Red Tinto

Varietal: Tinto
Region: N/A
Country: Portugal
Year: 2009 
Price: $8.95

"Vintage Cellar" Review: "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."

My Review: I'm not a huge fan of the tintos so far. This one seemed like other tintos I've had so far in that it was strong in pepper and cherry flavors. This had really nice vanilla in it, I thought. I actually thought the spice in this one was a little overwhelming and may be better if paired really well.

Tasting #5: Estrella Merlot

Varietal: Merlot
Region: Napa, California
Country: United States
Year: 2009
Price: $5.95

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

My Review: Jam flavors really came out in this wine for some reason! It was actually pretty sweet and fruity for me. It wasn't like my other experiences with merlots. It had a nice vanilla hint in it. This was definitely a different merlot!

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