Big Six Grapes: The Results!
The Enthusiasts! had their first wine club meeting last night, and the results are in!
Below is the list of wines we tasted, some commentary and an average group score. Scores based on 1-5, 5 being high. Full disclosure, the group contained a lot of self-proclaimed NBWW'ers (Nothing But White Wine) so take the scores with a grain of salt... but maybe over time I can convert them. :)
(1) Wine: Loosen Bros Riesling 2011
Grapes:
100% Riesling
Where its from:
Mosel, Germany
Vintage:
2011
Alcohol:
8.5%
Comments:
The label says... elegant and racy style from slate-soil with a refreshing crisp taste that cools the palate. The group said... the wine was "sweet, light and fresh."
Recommend to a Friend?
Maybe, depending on friend's style. The group score for this wine was 3.3, with voter's likely turning based on sweetness. Overall, I thought it was a balanced wine that would likely go great with spicy food and refreshing for those who don't mind a bit of sweetness.
(2) Wine: Chateau de Sancerre
Grapes:
100% Sauvignon Blanc
Where its from:
Sancerre; Part of Loire Valley Region of France
Vintage:
2011
Alcohol:
13%
Comments:
The label says... fine expression of crisp minerality and refreshing peach and citrus qualities. The group said... "light, tart and balanced."
Recommend to a Friend?
Maybe. Again the average score here was a 3.3. Overall, I really enjoyed this wine as it was balanced and refreshing. Full disclosure... I am
obsessed
with sauvignon blanc. Next time, I will be sure to put our goat cheese and I am sure the wine will get a higher score.
(3) Wine: Buitenverwachting Husseys Vlei Sauvignon Blanc
Grapes:
100% Sauvignon Blanc
Where its from:
Constantia, South Africa (Costal Region)
Vintage:
2010
Alcohol:
13.5%
Comments:
The group said... low to nonexist scent, but the taste is strong and peppery, almost like green peppers.
Recommend to a Friend?
Yes! Group score of 4.3 Overall, I feel that people either love or could go without this wine. Personally, it was a wine that blew my mind. As an avid sauvignon blanc drinker, loving the crisp citric taste of most styles, I was totally surprised at the green pepper taste with this wine. A perfect addition to any salad (depending on dressing choice). However, if you are not looking for the "salad in a glass" vibe of this wine, might want to choose another label.
(4) Wine: Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi
Grapes:
100% Chardonnay
Where its from:
California
Vintage:
2011
Alcohol:
13.5%
Comments:
The label says... rich and elegant, vibrant fruit and spice notes with creamy texture. The group said...definitely "creamy texture, medium oak."
Recommend to a Friend?
Maybe. Group score of 3.1. Again, it seems that people are love or are not a fan of oak. Personally, I sit in the not-a-fan-of-oak camp, but I still enjoyed this wine. The oak was complimentary and not overbearing. Overall, a balanced wine.
(5) Wine: Kevin O'Leary Unoaked Chardonnay
Grapes:
90% Chardonnay, 5% Chardonnay Musque, 5% Sauvignon Blanc
Where its from:
surprisingly, Niagara Peninsula, Canada
Vintage:
2011
Alcohol:
12%
Comments:
The label says... light creme brulee, fresh lemon juice, apple, and minerality notes, wine is full, balanced and mouth-filling. The group said... "fresh and tasty."
Recommend to a Friend?
Yes! Group score is 3.6. I was surprised to be drinking a wine from Canada, even more so that it was so tasty!
(6) Wine: Meiomi Pinot Noir
Grapes:
Pinot Noir (51% Monterey County, 26% Sonoma County, 23% Santa Barbara County)
Where its from:
Monterey, Sonoma and Santa Barbara County, California
Vintage:
2011
Alcohol:
13.9%
Comments:
The label says... perfect layers of spice, bright berry flavors and rich texture. The group said... "smooth with light berry flavor."
Recommend to a Friend?
Yes! Group score was a solid 4.
(5) Wine: Los Osos J. Lohr Paso Robles Merlot
Grapes:
78% Merlot,17% Malbec, 4% Zinfandel, 1% Petie Verdot
Where its from:
Paso Robles, California
Vintage:
2011
Alcohol:
13.5%
Comments:
The label says... aromas of raspberry, red currant, and blackberries with rich, concentrated and velvety texture. The group said... "red fruit flavor yet complex texture."
Recommend to a Friend?
Maybe. Group score 3.1. Personally, I thought it was better than the cabernet sauvignon we tasted next, but still nothing to write home about.
(6) Wine: Sterling Vinter's Collection Cabernet Sauvignon
Grapes:
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Where its from:
Sonoma, California (Central Coast)
Vintage:
2009
Alcohol:
13.5%
Comments:
The label says... lush blackberry, cherry and black currant with vanilla and spice from oak aging.
Recommend to a Friend?
Yes. Group score 3.5.
(7) Wine: The Wolftrap Syrah Blend
Grapes:
65% Syrah, 32% Mourvedre, 3% Viognier
Where its from:
Western Cape, South Africa
Vintage:
2011
Alcohol:
14.5%
Comments:
The label says... spicy, aromatic, red blend that has been matured in oak. The group said... "smells burnt."
Recommend to a Friend?
No? The group score was 2.5. However, if I could have a save card, I would use it on this wine. (Yes, blaming the low score on the NBWW-ers.) Yes, I typically love syrah, but this why was still complex and interesting on its own. I did notice the burnt smell, but found it interesting and would likely pair well with red meat.
(8) Wine: Layer Cake 100% Pure Shiraz
Grapes:
100% Shiraz
Where its from:
South Australia
Vintage:
2010
Alcohol:
14.1%
Comments:
The label says... lush blackberry, cherry and black currant with vanilla and spice from oak aging. The group said... "red fruit flavor but tannic."
Recommend to a Friend?
No. Group score was 2.8. I've had layer cake several times before. I find it to be a reliable and affordable red wine option, no complaints here.
What a tasting! I can't believe we tasted eight different wines! Overall, I think everyone learned a lot about what they like in wines and what they don't. One of the main reasons why I like this tasting. Love to hear any comments from the group (I believe some awesome questions were posed and I didn't write them down, so if you comment - I will look them up) or new followers feel free to comment!
Cheers!