Wine Tasting at the Vintage Celler, Feb. 2nd

Name: Royal Chenin Blanc
Variety: 100% Chenin Blanc
Region: Swartland
Country: South Africa
Year: 2009
Price: $4.95

Winery Review: This is an unwooded Chenin Blanc, and is made from 48 year old vines in the Swartland wine growing region. "This wine packs a deceptive punch. And that punch tastes of apples, pears, and quince, with an appealing herbal note that helps it pair well with salads and other light fare. Don't drink it too cold, or you might miss all the fruit." - Washington Post (June 2010)

My Review: I really liked this wine, so much so that I bought a bottle. It tasted very fruity to me, and had a berry quality to me. I also thought that it was not hot and the alcohol taste was not noticable. The wine was very fresh tasting.

I tasted this wine without food.


Name: Coldstream Hills Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Yarra Valley
Country: Australia
Year: 2009
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: Predominantly fermented at cool temperatures in stainless steel tanks, with a small portion barrel fermented in older French oak, the wine is blended, bottled and released three to four months after fermentation. The nose shows fragrant gooseberry characters with underlying passionfruit and lychee aromas. Minerally, stalky notes are evident and provide additional complexity. The palate is a fine and elegant style with zesty lemon acidity and length. Varietal characters of passionfruit pulp and gooseberry dominate with hints of lemon peel in the background.

My Review: This wine smelled woody and had a herbal taste to it. I agreed with the review the wine was very zesty and lemony tasting. This Sauv Blanc was good but not to my tasting.

I tasted this wine without food.


Name: Marques de Moral Crianza Tempranillo
Variety: 100% Tempranillo
Region: Valdepenas
Country: Spain
Year: 2007
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: 87 Points, Stephen Tanzer
Medium red. Aromas of redcurrant and cherry, plus a hint of dried rose. Fleshy and smooth, with moderate depth to its slightly bitter red fruit flavors. Finishes with decent breadth and grip, with the redcurrant element joined by a hint of white pepper.

My Review: This was very tart. It was a little peppery and a little hot.

I tasted this wine without food.


Name: Le Lapin Multiplicity
Variety: Blend of Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Refosco
Region: Paso Robles
Country: California
Year: N/A
Price: $6.95

Winery Review: Multiplicity is a blend of grapes that rabbit ridge is keeping under wraps for now. The nose is black cherry, blackberry, a little plum and some spice, with a touch of forest floor. The palate is full of fruit and spice, with flavors of black cherry and a slight cranberry note. Nice firm tannins and a medium finish.

My Review: This wine is full-bodied and has a woodsy quality.  I think the review is pretty accurate and the wine is fairly spicy.

I tasted this wine without food.


Name: Opera Prima Moscato
Variety: N/A
Region: N/A
Country: Spain
Year: N/A
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: This is an amazing value for an inexpensive Moscato sparkler that is great for many occasions. Its bright fruit aromas of lychee and lime are appealing and the flavors of honeydew, lime and lychee are delightful. Great for cake or fruit-based desserts.

My Review: I found this wine had a floralness to it that tasted of lavender. It was fizzy, being a sparkling wine, which I found refreshing. I also thought it was very sweet but I enjoy sweet wines so I really enjoyed it. On a color note, it had pink blush tint.

I tasted this wine without food.