Wine School Challenge with the NYTimes

I am a big fan of the NYTimes Dining and Wine section and Eric Asimov. Maybe, it is because they provide in depth reviews and discussions on wine across many different countries. Maybe, it is because I was regularly reading the Times when I became a serious wine nerd. Either way, the NYTimes has an awesome new monthly column that you should consider following, the theme = Wine School!

You may be thinking, why would I follow a NYTimes column when there are hundreds, if not thousands, of wine classes available in my city? Well, am excited about this column for two main reasons: (1) it indicates the start of a potential wine culture movement, and (2) it focuses on the wine beyond a mere tasting.

In the old days, wine was an elitist drink. Sommeliers would use lofty terms to describe a wine and restaurant wine lists were dominated by old world wines, primarily from Burgundy and Bordeaux. However, with this new column (and other blogs, like mine!) I am hopeful that there is a growing wine movement of examining wine from the "normal person's" perspective. This "normal" perspective focuses on making wine more approachable, rather than building barriers with complex wine terms and snotty commentary. By approaching wine as fun drink and explaining the complexities in a straight forward way, I hope that wine will becoming less intimidating for new wine drinkers everywhere. So I recommend checking out Eric's original column describing his "Wine School" here (Subscription may be required), and follow along with my commentary monthly here on the blog!

To start the Wine School off, the NYTimes chose Bordeaux - and I was truly skeptical!

I was skeptical of Bordeaux because the wines are usually very expensive if you want to find a quality wine. I thought, "c'mon Eric, I thought this Wine School was supposed to make wine more approachable, not scare people away!" But, I went into the experiment with an open mind and figured, let's get one of the most difficult regions out of the way first.

The Wine School set up is simply this: Eric chooses a wine region and recommends a few labels that are classic styles from that region, you taste at home and we all discuss online. The suggested wines were all from the Haut-Médoc region of Bordeaux, specifically the 2009 vintage. Skepticism reared its ugly head again because I had difficulty finding any of the labels that were suggested. But I figured if I picked up something from the same vintage and region, I would get the general idea. So check out my notes on the wine I found below:

Cheateau Greysac 2009

Where it's From?  Médoc Appellation, Bordeaux, France.

Grapes?  50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot.

My Thoughts.  So I'll admit, I cheated with this tasting. The purpose of the NYTimes Wine School is to finish your tasting before Eric posts his thoughts on the column. I bought the bottle with plenty of time, but procrastinated because I wanted to pair it with the perfect meal. Needless to say, I don't eat red meat that often (what I would consider a great pairing with Bordeaux) so I actually tasted this wine without food - after I read some of Eric's comments as well. 

No worries - the wine was still delicious, but did not overwhelmingly wow me considering I spent $20 on it. It was definitely old world style, very subtle. I picked up flavors of cherry, light pepper and mild tannin. I let the wine decant for 30 minutes before I drank it, which definitely help round out the flavors. But, I really wished I had some food with this wine, I think it would have gave the subtle flavors that complexity boost I was looking for.

Overall, I could not agree with Eric's conclusions more, Bordeaux is great - but just not a regular player on my drinking list. The main reason, you have to spend decent money to get quality. So the next time you are out and willing to spend some extra money on wine, the Bordeaux 2009 vintage is a worthwhile venture.

This month, the Wine School is tasting Beaujolais! Look forward to my review soon!

Cheers!

Wine 101: Benchmark Wines

Now that the gifts have been opened, the in-laws are heading out of town and we have rung in 2014 - its time to get back to business. This post is geared towards those wine drinkers who are aiming to move on from beginner status. So if you want to get serious about wine - the key is to inform yourself on the classics. These classic style wines have long served as benchmarks for the traditional regions or styles of wine.

Photo Source

So what do I mean by benchmark wine? Check out these suggestions organized by old world vs. new world styles:

Old World Classics:

Generally, when looking for a wine standard most sommeliers suggest you turn to France. It make sense, France is the global wine powerhouse. They have been making wine for centuries and have implemented strict rules regarding winemaking. If you are looking for a benchmark regarding Pinot Noir, start with Burgundy. If you want to try a classic Merlot, look to Pomerol (technically within the Bordeaux region). If you would pass on red wines from Bordeaux and prefer the style of white wine, look to Loire Valley, for  the best examples of classic Chenin Blanc or Sauvignon Blanc. Other regions to note include Rhone, Savoie, or Jura. And finally, Champagne is the classic benchmark for sparkling wine.

For the benchmark on Rieslings, you must go to Germany. There are many styles of Rieslings, but the classics come from Mosel, Rheingau, Pfalz, Rheinhessen. The Rieslings produced in Austria are also considered within the classic style, look there for classic Grüner Veltliner. 

So you love reds but prefer to look to Italy, the classic regions include Piedmont, Tuscany, and Veneto. For more details on the specifics of these regions, check out our earlier post on Italian wine here. Similarly, the best Spanish include Rioja, Sherry and Albariño (Spanish white grape). Additionally, some sommeliers are on the fence about Bierzo or Priorat as representative of classic Spanish grapes.

New World Classics:

"New World" wines include wines made from countries outside the classic European winemaking countries. This includes the United States, South America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and others. Look to New Zealand for classic Sauvignon Blancs with green pepper, grassy or spicy notes. As for reds, look to Australia for classic Shiraz, California's Napa Valley for classic Cabernet Sauvignon and Oregon for Pinot Noir.

Look forward to more features on these regions specifically in upcoming posts - Happy 2014!

Cheers!

Winter Wine Project: Kung Fu Girl Riesling

This post will definitely put the "winter" in Winter Wine Project! Why? Because of all the snow! As a February baby, I have always loved winter. Sure it's chilly, but I love getting outside and then coming back home to warm up with some hot chocolate or coffee. This time around, however, I decided to warm up with a different drink of choice - wine! More specifically, the next wine from my winter wine project, the 2012 Kung Fu Girl Riesling from Washington State. Check out my review below, along with some fun action shots from my snow day!

My snow day, views from winery (bottom left) and the park near my house!

So fun fact about the Kung Fu Girl label, it was one of the first wine's I picked up early in my wine-drinking career. I had just turned 21 and I was visiting my sister in Boston. We stopped in a random wine store downtown and I saw the Kung Fu girl label and thought, "this is a fun label and I like riseling, so let's try it!" These days I go into the wine shop with a little more direction about what I may buy, but that goes to show that using a fun label that jumps off the shelf is definitely helpful in the U.S. wine market. With that said, I was so excited to see Kung Fu Girl on not only WS 100 Outstanding Values, but it made the cut for Top 100 Wines of 2013. Way to go Kung Fu Girl! I am excited to see if the wine lives up to both this ranking and the delicious wine that I remember. 

But first, let's chat about wine making in Washington State. This state produces the most wine in the U.S., after California of course. The top varietals grown in Washington include: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Riesling, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewurtztraminer. But the most notable wines are often made with Merlot or Syrah grapes.

Charles Smith Riesling Columbia Valley Kung Fu Girl Evergreen 2012.

Grapes: 100% Riesling. Classically, Riesling produces white wines with a strong citrus flavor balanced with a complex minerality. Many of the best Rieslings are made in Alsace or Austria. Please don't knock this grape until you try it. Also, if you have a sweet Riesling that you don't like, keep trying them, it is definitely a complex grape that requires patience to appreciate because there are so many styles out there!

Where it's From: Washington State, Columbia Valley AVA (American Viticultural Areas). Columbia Valley is one of the largest AVAs in the United States, approximately 30,000 acres. Kung Fu Girl is grown specifically at Evergreen vineyard.

Alcohol: 11%

Winemaker's Notes: "This wine kicks ass with tons of complexity, showing shoes of white peach and slate. Focused acidity finishing with mandarin orange and lots of minerality." Pairs well with spicy dishes or grilled seafood.

My Thoughts: I have missed this wine!!! First thing you notice off the bat is the strong notes of peach - they were not lying! I can also smell hints of slate or stone (kind of like the smell of a stone beach - weird description I know!). The taste is awesome and definitely deserving of its awards - soft citrus fruit up front with the perfect bite of acidity at the end. You should run, not walk, to your nearest wine store and pick this up ASAP. I'm beginning to wonder if my skepticism against WS has been mistaken for all these years.

So that brings us to the end of today's tasting for the Winter Wine Project. Please be sure to share your thoughts in the comments below. Next time, we will be tasting A to Z Wineworks Pinot Noir 2011, from Oregon. 

Happy Holidays and Cheers!

Tasting Room Technique: Part I

Photo Source

"Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick, and pull yourself together." ~Elizabeth Taylor

Ok Enthusiasts, maybe things aren't that drastic, but this was the most interesting quote I could find on pouring drinks (at least on short notice). You may ask, why is she talking about pouring drinks... well... get excited, because this blog post will be covering the tasting room experience!

Historically, I haven't been a big tasting room junkie. Blame it on my (generally unfounded) bias against East Coast wines, but if I wanted to drink wine, I would think wine bar over winery. I was so wrong! If you have the ability to visit a winery tasting room, I would highly recommend it! It's like visiting a wine bar where every. single. person. is passionate about the wine they are pouring. So in honor of the great experience I had in the tasting room recently, I share some tips on how to find the best tasting rooms! Then, I will cover some grapes you will likely see (and taste) at local tasting rooms in Pennsylvania. 

Tasting Room Tips:

Every tasting room experience is different, but if the winery you visit hits on half these things, it will likely be a great place! (And worth a second visit!)

• Polite and knowledgeable staff.  Back in the day, most wineries were staffed by the owners or family of the owners. Today, that is frequently impossible, but the tasting room staff should be as interested in the wine as family would be. Do I expect them to know the fermentation process, no. But they should be able to describe the wine with enthusiasm, they are sales people after all. (Even if you don't want to think so).
• No wine club pressure.  No one likes a pushy salesperson.
• Crowd control.  A crowd is great for business, but not for tasting wine. Every business has a busy time, the best tasting rooms will have a system to keep things moving.
• Have something for kids to do.  I know, I know. Wine is an adult beverage and generally the kids should stay at home if possible. But, if a family does show up, the tasting room staff should be welcoming (maybe sell some sodas).
• Have something special behind the counter.  The last winery I visited had hot mulled wine available for tasting in addition to the formal tasting list. It was a great surprise on the beautiful fall day
• Ask about special events.  At most wineries, there is so much more to do besides just sample wine. Most wineries double as venues for special events and host their own events as well. I am talking pairing events with cupcakes, chocolate, pasta and more. Others have live music. Long story short, wineries are so fun and you need to visit one... now!

View of Winery

And now for the Grapes!

Time for the juicy stuff! (ha, pun intended!) This post was inspired by my recent trip to a local winery. As you can see from the picture above, it was a beautiful (and I mean beautiful) fall day. Then, randomly, a riding club decided to roll through and taste some wine themselves. So to celebrate this great day, I'm also going to cover the wines I tasted (in no particular order):

Sauvignon Blanc.

 My favorite! The blog has covered SB by

comparing two regions

and

 as one of the

big six grapes

. So whats the moral of the story when it comes to Sauvignon Blanc? Herbaceous, cut grass, bell pepper and citrus. This Sauvignon Blanc did not disappoint featuring green fruit aroma and citrus flavors. 

Chardonnay.

One of my favorite terms is "ABCer." meaning "anything but Chardonnay" drinker. I was surprised how many people I met at the winery that claimed to hate Chardonnay. I will admit, I am hesitant myself. I do not enjoy the buttery oak bombs of California. But this Chardonnay was great. Aged in French oak with a fruit finish. A subtle Chardonnay much like those of Burgundy.

White Merlot.

 I love rose! But I usually drink rose from France, a much dryer style. But this Merlot wowed me. All the great subtlety and fruit flavors of the traditional red wine, but light body of a white wine. I would buy this in bulk if you see it in stores. 

Chambourcin.

I was so excited to try this grape, from the

American wine post

, we already know that it is the most successful PA variety. But what does it taste like?! Some writers say its a fruit bomb like Beaujolais, but this wine drank like a bright Pinot Noir. And it was delicious. Great wine for food.

Cabernet Franc.

 I was surprised to see Cabernet Franc on its own, it is frequently blended with other grapes (most famously in the Bordeaux blend). This wine was earthy with a smokey finish. 

You want to visit a winery now don't you... get going! Most are open year round and even sell fun cheese and local trinkets. Sounds like a much better place to visit on Black Friday then your local Target or Best Buy.

Cheers!

Wine and Chocolate: The Results!

Wine and Chocolate: The results are in!

In honor of the Oscars, I figured I would share the results of the latest Enthusiasts wine tasting! And - oh my! - will the results surprise you! This week the Enthusiasts tasted wine with chocolate and below are the list of wines we paired with chocolate and some comments from the group:

(1) Trader Joe's House Chardonnay

About the wine:

a.k.a. "formerly known as two buck chuck." Since the tasting was based pairings with chocolate, we tried to save money where we could on wine. This chardonnay is known for its pear aroma, medium body, and perfect price.

Paired with:

 White Chocolate

Comments from the group:

 Most of the group was surprised how much they liked this pairing and how the buttery aspects of the wine and chocolate were featured when paired together.

(2) Trader Joe's House Sauvignon Blanc

About the wine:

 See above, but with a touch of acidity and bright fruit.

Paired with:

White chocolate

Comments from the group:

 No one in the group disliked this pairing, however, it wasn't anything to write home about and most felt white chocolate and chardonnay paired better.

(3) Rosenblum Cellars Zinfandel

About the wine:

 On its own - this was a great wine worth mentioning to friends. It had everything you want in a zinfandel - a well rounded taste with spice and berries.

Paired with:

 Dark Chocolate

Comments from the group:

 Many in the group thought this was a weird pairing. In fact, most thought the flavors of the wine clashed with chocolate. Ultimately, the group concluded that perhaps zinfandel generally does not pair well with chocolate.

(4) Mark West Pinot Noir

About the wine:

Most reviews on this wine salute its balanced taste and affordable price. Its aroma includes cherry and plum. The taste includes ripe cherry, plum, strawberry and earthiness.

Paired with:

 Milk Chocolate and Dark Chocolate.

Comments from the group:

 Generally, the group thought both pairings tasted nice and balanced. Most concluded pinot noir is a great red to pair with chocolate.

(5) Dante Merlot

About the wine:

 This lovely merlot has an aroma of raspberry, strawberry, cherry and vanilla spice. The taste is bold upfront with bold red fruit and a pleasant tart cherry finish.

Paired with:

 Dark Chocolate.

Comments from the group:

 Despite the group's apprehension for chocolate paired with red wine, many in the group enjoyed this pairing. In fact, I thought the dark chocolate actually enhanced some bold fruit flavors in the merlot - one of my favorite pairings!

(6) Trader Joe's House Cabernet Sauvignon

About the wine:

 See above - drinkable, affordable, red, with bold fruit flavor.

Paired with:

 Dark Chocolate and Milk Chocolate

Comments from the group:

 Similar results as with the pinot noir - both chocolates paired well with this wine. 

(7) Dr. Hans Von

M

üller Riesling

About the wine:

Check out the label - there is a lot to see and learn! First, what is Mosel? Well, its foremost a river in southeastern Germany and the wine region is known for producing some of the most famous rieslings around. The soil in this region varies from sandstone/limestone to clay slate and stone. This terrior plays a major role in the famous acidity and balancing sweetness of riesling. Second, what is auslese? Translated from German, it means "selected harvest." Generally, it describes a category of German wine that is very sweet, made from late-harvested grapes.

Paired with:

Milk Chocolate and Dark Chocolate

Comments from the group:

 Most in the group enjoyed riesling pair with milk chocolate and said it emphasized a buttery taste. However, riesling paired with dark chocolate was everyone's favorite! The dark chocolate brought out the fruit flavor of the wine.

(8) Old Vine Tawny

About the wine: 

The good thing about the Enthusiasts

 is that the group can taste new wines and learn what they love - and what they don't. While the label describes this wine as a murky brick red color with spiced berry and ripe plum flavors. Unfortunately, the group only seemed to notice a murky flavor and it did get better when paired with chocolate.

Paired with:

 Milk Chocolate and Dark Chocolate.

Comments from the group:

Do not recommend this wine to a friend :(

(9) Girl Go Lightly Moscato

About the wine:

I was very excited to open this wine for two reasons: (1) the label is so freaking cute. I know what your thinking - c'mon Kelley how can a wine enthusiast like you get hung up on the label. True, I generally urge my friends that the quality of the wine is in no way associated with the label art. However, sometimes the label is a little piece of art in its own right and is worth mentioning, and (2) its the first time the Enthusiast! gets to discuss Moscato! 

Moscato is actually made from the muscat grape variety. This grape is known for its pronounced sweet aroma and multiple varieties and synonyms. For example, Muscat is known in Spanish as Moscatel, and Moscato in Italian.

Paired with:

 White Chocolate

Comments from the group:

 The group thought this wine paired nicely with white chocolate!

And the award goes to... wine and chocolate!

Cheers!

Introduction to American Wine: The Results!

While this post is a bit dated, please enjoy!!

Image from goodfoodgoodfriends.com

This year my family started what I hope to be an annual Christmas tradition - a Wine Tasting and Holiday party held on December 26th.  In the end, it was a very successful event and the whole family is looking forward to next years! Below is the list of wines we tasted and some comments from the group:

(1) Rombauer Vineyards 2010 Chardonnay

Grapes:

 Chardonnay

Where its from:

California, Napa/Sonoma County, Carneros Appellation

Vintage:

2010

Alcohol:

14.4%

Comments: 

The label says...

Rich yellow color and becoming more golden with age. Inviting fruit aromas of honeydew, yellow peach and fig are supported by vanilla and caramel. Creamy vanilla integrates with honeysuckle, pineapple and apricot for a fabulous richness on the palate. A luscious mouthfeel leads to a generous and creamy finish.

The group said...

4 out of 5 rating, smooth, pronounced flavors with a buttery taste. For many it was their favorite wine of the evening.

Recommend to a Friend?

Definitely! The label did not lie - the wine was so smooth and had a balanced flavor.

(2) Aliceanna Riesling

Grapes:

 Riesling

Where its from:

Baltimore, Maryland

Vintage:

n/a

Alcohol:

n/a

Comments:

 This is a new winery located in a relatively undeveloped wine region. The riesling grape is known for its light and refreshing taste, fruitful and floral aromas and sometimes slightly sweet taste.

The group said...

all sorts of things! The average group rating was 3.5 out of 5. The comments ranged from overly fruity, weak and lacked character to lovely flavor with a sweet sparkling taste.

Recommend to a Friend?

Yes with Reservations. I would recommend this to a friend if you know that they enjoy reisling. (Really who doesn't?!) This was definitely a well done reisling, but may be too sweet for those who don't enjoy this style of wine.

(3) Napa Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2011

Grapes:

 Sauvignon Blanc

Where its from: 

California, Napa Valley, including Rutherhford and St. Helena

Vintage:

2011

Alcohol:

14%

Comments:

The label says...

vibrant aromas of gooseberry, pineapple and fresh pink grapefruit. Flavors include pear, guava, passion fruit and citrus lime tones. The wine has a lush mouthfeel and  notes of sweet clover and melon, with balanced acidity.

The group said...

light and smooth. The average group rating was 3.5 out of 5. Many in the group would buy this wine again.

Recommend to a Friend?

Yes. Overall, this is a solid wine that would make a good addition to any table.

(4) Sterling Sauvignon Blanc 2011

Grapes:

 Sauvignon Blanc

Where its from:

California, Napa Valley

Vintage:

2011

Alcohol:

n/a

Comments:

The label says...

 Flavors of ripe melon, fig and citrus. Grapefruit flavors with a tart element. This wine pairs well with summer dishes, including grilled chicken and light pasta salad.

 The group said...

 light, fresh, very smooth, crisp and delicious. The average group rating was a solid 4 out of 5.

Recommend to a Friend?

 Definitely. This sauvignon blanc is well balanced and fresh. 

(5) Folie a Duex Pinot Noir 2011

Grapes:

 Pinot Noir grapes from 

Clarksburg, Central Coast and North Coast.

Where its from:

California, Napa Valley, St. Helena 

Vintage:

2011

Alcohol:

13.3%

Comments:

The label says...

vibrant cherry flavors, dusky violet notes and silken finish.

The group said...

 very oaky. The average group rating was 2 out of 5.

Recommend to a Friend?

  Yes with reservations. By no means is this wine undrinkable. For those who love a round, creamy or oaky finish - this wine will be great for you. However, for those of you who are turned off by an overly oaky wine, I would steer clear.

(6) Napa Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Grapes:

 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Where its from:

 Napa Valley

Vintage:

 2010

Alcohol:

 13.8%

Comments:

The label says...

the aroma primarily consists of plum and dark fruit. The taste includes black and red fruit flavor with a hint of cinnamon and tobacco. This wine aged for 17 months exclusively in French oak. 

The group said...

 they could not really taste the cinnamon, but definitely noticed a sense of burnt tobacco. The average group rating was 3 out of 5.

Recommend to a Friend?

Yes. 

(7) Napa Cellars Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Grapes:

 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Where its from:

 Napa Valley

Vintage:

2010

Alcohol:

 13.8%

Comments:

The label says...

this wine has cherry and plum aromas.  The taste includes black and red fruit flavor with a subtle hint of spice. This wine aged for 20 months in exclusively French Oak (92% of it new oak). 

The group said...

 nice, dry, spicy flavor that would be great with steak. Others said this wine was full bodied and lovely. The average group rating was 4 out of 5.

Recommend to a Friend?

 Yes. White wine drinkers may try to steer clear, but red wine drinkers will fine this wine both developed and complex. 

(8) Sterling Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

Grapes:

 Cabernet Sauvignon

Where its from: 

Napa Valley

Vintage:

 2009

Alcohol:

 n/a

Comments:

The label says...

this wine has a deep purple color and an aroma filled with black fruits and oak. The taste includes dark fruits, dried cherries, dark cocoa and sweet hazelnut. 

The group said...

 subtle taste, sharp and short finish. The average group rating was 4 out of 5.

Recommend to a Friend?

 Yes.

(9)

Sterling Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Grapes:

 Cabernet Sauvignon

Where its from:

Napa Valley

Vintage:

 2007

Alcohol:

 14.8%

Comments:

The label says...

 this wine smells of dark fruit and fragrant spices. The taste includes layers of dark cheers, licorice, espresso and vanilla. 

The group said...

 amazing flavor with a smooth finish. Also, the wine had a nice bite at the end. The average group rating was a 5 out of 5.

Recommend to a Friend?

 Definitely! This wine is big, bold and complex. Definitely worth tasting.

(10) Folie a Duex Merlot 2010

Grapes:

 92% Merlot, 7% Syrah, and 1% Petite Sirah 

Where its from:

 Napa Valley

Vintage:

 2010

Alcohol:

14.2%

Comments:

The label says...

this merlot tastes of ripe, juicy black cherry flavors with notes of vanilla, tea and cocoa. 

The group said...

 very smooth and not much else. Do not get me wrong - this by no means an undrinkable wine. However, by this time in the tasting, the group was more interested in partying that taking intricate notes... a good night in my book!

Recommend to a Friend?

 Yes. Try it for yourself and leave a comment about the taste! I will update the blog with your comments!

With that, we have reached the end of our introductory tasting of American wines (aka California). Special thanks goes to my mom - Lori - to choosing this wonderful selection of wine from her collection and hosting the party at her place! Here's hoping next year is even better! (I'm hoping for from wine from south africa!)

Cheers!

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!