Black Cats & Sassy Bitches

Black cats and sassy bitches sounds more like it has to do with ill behaved pets than it does with wine, but trust me this is still about wine.  The last two wines for the November tasting to be exact.

BLACK CAT

Zeller Schwarze Katz, or "black cat" wines originate in the village of Zell along the Mosel River Region Germany near the French border.  The wine labels of this Riesling blend often features the legendary arched black cat.   Legend has it a black cat fiercely guarded a barrel of Zeller wine that was cellared alongside many other varietal wine barrels. Locals and wine merchants concluded that the Zeller wine was special and hence naming it for its guardian.

Most people associate Germany with beer, perhaps that it is because it was the Romans not the Germans who are credited for the development of viniculture and wine making in ancient Germany. Regardless, the German wine industry is large and highly successful worldwide .  Zeller Schwarze Katz wines offer value and quality at a reasonable price. The wines are fairly popular in Germany and are also exported to many markets throughout the world.  It should be enjoyed as the Germans do, as an everyday wine with friends, family and food.

Varietal:  Zeller Schwartz Katz, Riesling-blend

Producer/Importer: Josef Friedrich

Region: Mosel Germany

Vintage:

Price: $

Tasting notes:

 Sight (Color/Clarity): Light golden

 Smell (bouquet, aroma): sweet white grapes

Taste (acidity, balance, body): light in taste, crisp and refreshing

Bottle presentation:

Label description: Arched black cat

Comparisons:

Overall rating (1-10): 8

Date consumed: November 9, 2011

Comments:

SASSY BITCH

Sassy  Bitch is a catchy name, but beyond that I was not impressed with this Chardonnay.  Sour grapes is the only way I can describe the feel and taste on my tongue.  Which is far from other reviews I have seen that describe it as an "attractive banana bouquet with traces of tropical fruits. It sits on the palate like a soft bushel of fruit and finishes with a subtle vanilla dollop." Or "nice tropical fruit flavors, a little creamy with baked pineapple flavors".  Like a bad first date maybe I should take the advice of the others and give the blond a second chance.

Sassy Bitch wines come in four varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Chardonnay.  All of their wines are from Chile and come with a modest price tag.  All four varietals are priced at $9.99.

Varietal:  Chardonnay

Producer/Importer: Sassy Bitch

Region: Central Valley Chile

Vintage: 2010

Price: $9.99

Tasting notes:

 Sight (Color/Clarity): light yellow

 Smell (bouquet, aroma):

Taste (acidity, balance, body): Sour grapes

Bottle presentation: Fuchsia and black label screaming SASSY BITCH

Winemakers notes: “Attractive amber color, intensive and brilliant. Pleasant bouquet with some tropical fruits, peach, banana, pineapple an flower notes. The palate has a nice body with a medium acidity, young and fresh.”

Comparisons: Has no buttery oak flavors of a traditional Chardonnay

Overall rating (1-10): 2

Date consumed: November 9, 2011

Comments: Almost wonder if this is how the wine really tastes or if we got a bad bottle.

Old Vine Red Lot 56

Owner and winemaker Chris Bilbro initially founded Marietta Cellars in 1978 naming his winery after his aunt Marietta Pardin. Marietta Cellars is located just outside the little town of Geyserville in one of California's premier wine growing regions, Sonoma County. There they continue to hand make their wines.

Old Vine Red is a red wine field blend dominated by Zinfandel with a splash of lesser-known red grapes to give it some added character and depth.  The term field blend comes from the days when vineyards were planted with a variety of grapes of unknown varietal for the purpose of making either a red or white wine not a specific type of wine. Each Old Vine Red is blended from scratch, recipe-less and Non-vintage.  Non-vintage, meaning the blend includes grapes from harvests in different years. Since a field blend is about blending, vintage doesn’t really make much difference.  The advantage of blending varietals and vintages is the potential for more consistent and complex wine. The winemaker relies on his palate and what he think tastes best, showing off a little of his personality at the same time, “walking the fine line between seriousness and fun”. The blends do change with each "lot" and the percentages are something of a secret. Old Vine Red is aged in French and American oak, and should drink well over the next few years.

Marietta wine is allocated on release due to demand and routinely sells out prior to the next relase.  Lot 56 in October 2011.

Varietal:  Zinfandel blend

Producer/Importer:  Marietta Cellars          

Region: California, Primarily Sonoma and Mendocino Counties

Vintage: Lot#56

Price: $9.97

Tasting notes:

 Sight (Color/Clarity): Slightly opaque, ruby red-purple

 Smell (bouquet, aroma): Jammy aroma of the zinfandel

Taste (acidity, balance, body): Moderately complex flavor including a little hint of sweet cherries, bold fruity jam, peppery spice and earthy herbal flavor. It is leggy, indicating high alcohol content. It is medium bodied and well balanced with a lengthy smooth finish.

Bottle presentation:

Winemakers Notes: “Old Vine Red is a proprietary red wine that is round, smooth, "Zinfandel-like," and noted for its balance, approachability, and consistency. It is primarily comprised of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Carignane as well as smaller amounts of Cabernet and Syrah. Various Italian varietals round out the blend.”

Comparisons: Fruitier than the Rex Goliath Zinfandel

Overall rating (1-10): 8.5

Date consumed: November 9, 2011

Comments: 13.5% alc vol.

Da Vinci Pinot Grigio

Italian winemakers harvest the Pinot Grigio grapes early as they tend to lose acidity as they hang. Pinot Grigio grapes are a mutation of the Pinot Noir.  The grapes are lightly pressed to release as little tannins as possible to produce the light flavored dry white wine.  Pinot Grigios should be consumed young. 

Da Vinci vineyards Pinot Grigio is grown primarily in the high altitude region of Delle Venezie, Italy. Da Vinci winemakers blend approximately 10% Chardonnay surmaturo grapes to intensify the tropical fruit flavors.  These grapes are left on the vine after the initial harvest to increase concentration and complexity.

I should preface this review with the disclaimer that I am not a big Pinot Grigio fan. Given that fact I reached out to my partners in wine ventures for a less bias opinion. Needless to say they had the same impressions I did about this particular Pinot Grigio, its less than average despite the less than average artist it is named after.  The concentrated tropical fruit flavors that the chardonnay grapes were to add were severely missing.  There was little to no complexity and I think the grapes lost all acidity. Maybe this wine would be good for cooking.....maybe.

Varietal:  Pinot Grigio

Producer/Importer:   Da Vinci         

Region:  Delle Venizie Italy

Vintage: 2009

Price:  $8.99

Tasting notes:

 Sight (Color/Clarity): light yellow straw

 Smell (bouquet, aroma): musty, a little like grandma’s attic

Taste (acidity, balance, body): flat, no signs of fruit.  Slightly metallic.

Bottle presentation: clear bottle, corked, label is off white with the Da Vinci drawing head of Leda.

Winemakers note: “DaVinci Pinot Grigio has a brilliant light straw color and a full, ripe palate. It is an extremely well balanced wine with a bouquet of floral aromas coupled with ripe flavors of fresh apple, citrus and tropical fruit flavors. This crisp, clean Pinot Grigio finishes with notes of minerals and a vibrant acidity.”

Overall rating (1-10):  4

Date consumed: November 9, 2011

Rex Goliath Zinfandel the World's Largest Rooster

You cannot deny that wines are often bought because of their label. What grabs your attention more than a giant rooster? Why would a wine honor a giant rooster?  "At the turn of the twentieth century HRM (His Royal Majesty) Rex Goliath was the treasured attraction of a Texas Circus. People came from far and wide to behold the 47 lb. bird, billed as 'The World's Largest Rooster.' Our label replicates the one of a kind, vintage artwork from the circus banner that hung above Rex's roost and we proudly honor HRM with our premium varietal wines." I think the winemakers attitude expressed on the label translates to the wine itself.  At the least for the bold jammy aromas that make your mouth just water.  The flavor was a little less bold with little lingering, but still enjoyable especially at its price.

Varietal:  Zinfandel

Producer/Importer:  Rex Goliath      

Region: California

Vintage:

Price: $5.99

Tasting notes:

 Sight (Color/Clarity): Garnet clear

 Smell (bouquet, aroma): fruity, berry jam

Taste (acidity, balance, body): a little bit of spice, raspberry jam, light for a zinfandel, flavor doesn’t linger.

Bottle presentation: Dark bottle boasts a giant rooster.

Winemakers Notes: “This wine screams Zinfandel! Rex Goliath Winery sourced fruit from throughout the state of California to make this wine. This is important because each viticultural area brings something unique to the blend. The old-vine fruit from Lodi provides an abundance of ripe blackberry and cherry flavors. The Central Coast provides earthy, spice, coffee/mocha notes. The dry farmed fruit from the Sierra Foothills provides the depth and complexity which really rounds out the flavor profile.”

Comparisons: Lighter than most Zinfandels

Overall rating (1-10): 8

Date consumed: November 9, 2011

Sommerau Castle Riesling

Sommerau, meaning summer meadow, seems an appropriate name for this wine.  Sommerau Castle Riesling is sweet and light, something that would be perfect for a picnic in the park (or meadow). It is also quite enjoyable even in November as a desert wine or aperitif.  It is one of the favorites of the night regardless of whether you prefer sweet or not so sweet wines.

PS According to Wine Enthusiast Magazine, the 2010 German Riesling harvest was limited.  If you like this year wine you better stock up quickly before it is all gone. On a side note 2009 was a good year for German Rieslings.

Varietal:  Riesling
Producer/Importer:  Sommerau Castle       
Region: Mosel Germany
Vintage: 2010
Price:  $9.99
Tasting notes:

 Sight (Color/Clarity): very light golden yellow

 Smell (bouquet, aroma): Carmel

Taste (acidity, balance, body): sweet Riesling, Carmel apples. Hint of citrus.
Bottle presentation: blue bottle with silver/white label
Label description: Sommerau meaning summer meadow. Has light fruity flowery aroma
Comparisons: Sweet Riesling
Overall rating (1-10): 9
Date consumed: November 9, 2011
Comments:

Bricco Riella Moscato D’Asti and Bartenura Molvasia: perfect for a toast

Wine night 2011 was kicked off in a very special way.  We started the afternoon with about 46 dozen roses, a few bundles of day lilies and calla lilies, and ended the evening on the sweet notes of Moscato (and other varietals as well).  What do roses have to do with wine night in the country? Nothing other than making flower arrangements for one of the EZ Street Saloon owner’s son’s wedding. The wedding was gorgeous by the way. 

We toast the new couple with glasses of Bricco Riella Moscato D’Asti and Bartenura Molvasia.  Both are delightful for celebrating. 

Varietal:  Malvasia

Producer/Importer:  Bartenura        

Region: Southeast Italy, Salento region

Vintage: 2010

Price: $12.99

Tasting notes:

 Sight (Color/Clarity): Rose'

 Smell (bouquet, aroma): sugary and fruity

Taste (acidity, balance, body): Sweet, fizzy, ripe raspberries and cherries

Bottle presentation: simple colorless bottle

Label description: “Bartenura Malvasia is produced with carefully selected grapes grown in the Salento region in southeast Italy. Rich flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and hints of ripe cherry are prominent in this slightly effervescent wine. Bartenura Malvasia is wonderful as an aperitif, with cheeses, and light entrees. Best Served Chilled.”

Comparisons: Similar to a Moscato but with a raspberry twist

Overall rating (1-10): 9

Date consumed: November 9, 2011

Varietal: Moscato D’Asti     

Producer/Importer:  Bricco Riella

Region: Piedmont Italy

Vintage: 2010

Price: $8.99

Tasting notes:

 Sight (Color/Clarity): very light straw

 Smell (bouquet, aroma): sugary

Taste (acidity, balance, body):Very sweet and fizzy, pretty typical Moscato

Bottle presentation: Green bottle

Label description:” Moscato d' Asti d.o.c.g. is moderately sweet and bears the musky scent that is typical of its grape of origin. It is delicate and intense at the same time. It has a straw-yellow colour, a fragrant bouquet and a delicately sweet-scented taste. The alcoholic content is low.”

Overall rating (1-10): 9

Date consumed: November 9, 2011

Warming Blackstone Reserve Merlot

Fall was definitely in the air this morning, a cool 45 degrees and that damp earthly scent in the air. Even my dog knows fall is in the air when we went for a walk at 6am.  A new spring in his step as he knows hunting season is just around the corner and the dog days of August are behind him.  While 6 am was a little early to be thinking of wine, the crisp noon hour isn't.  The entire day makes me think of the upcoming fall leaf colors and warming red wines.

With these thoughts in mind I chose to relive the Blackstone Sonoma Reserve 2007 Merlot.  This wine is not 100% Merlot of old, but a pleasant blend consisting of 85% Merlot,7% Cabernet Sauvignon,6% Ruby Cabernet, 2% Petit Verdot. The nearly half of the grapes comes from the hot climate Alexander Valley (45%) while Dry Creek Valley (22%), Sonoma Coast (15%),  Carneros (10%),  Sonoma Valley (2%),  San Joaquin County (6%) make up the rest.  After harvesting the grapes at the peak of ripeness they are cold soaked for 3-5 days to bring out the flavors of the fruit.  The primary fermenting takes place in the steel tanks. The wine is then aged in for 20 months in a combination of new and old oak barrels. Despite the complex blend of grapes and vineyards and the wine making process, the wine itself isn't overly complex.  The ripe fruits dominate the tastebuds with just a hint of oaky spices.

Varietal: Merlot 

Producer/Importer:  Blackstone
Region: Sonoma County
Vintage: 2007
Price: $19.99

Tasting notes:

 Sight (Color/Clarity):  clear light ruby edges with an opaque 

                   black red body

 Smell (bouquet, aroma): musty wood and ripe fruit

Taste (acidity, balance, body): hint of spice, cranberry and black cherry.

                   Slightly dry with a nice balance of acid and tannins. long finish.

Bottle Presentation: black bottle with an elegant classic black label

Label description: "Our Sonoma Reserve Merlot is an elegant, well-balanced wine with attractive aromas of cocoa, black currant, clove and toasted oak. The wine is full-bodied with layers of juicy black cherries, coffee, and clove, finishing with a velvety mouthfeel and a well-integrated structure. After pairing with beef or pork tenderloin, cassoulet, sausage, or beef ravioli, don’t try to subdue the subtle “Bravo” that might cross your lips." -Winery

Comparisons:
Overall rating (1-10): 7.5
Date consumed: November 10, 2010
Comments: acidity: 5.9 g/l, pH: 3.57, alc: 14.5%

Thoughts of last fall...Hogue Late Harvest Riesling

The crisp mornings have me craving wine again. Those who know me are probably thinking 'since when  have you stopped'.  I what I really mean is I am feeling more adventurous in wine, ready to mix it up from the summer sweet crisp whites. 

I have finally finished the blogs for February thru May 2011. Since wine tasting doesn't start for another two months (November 11th- mark your calendars) I think I will  re-live the wines from last fall. Starting with a sweetie....it's a late harvest so it is fall like...

Varietal: Riesling       

Producer/Importer:  Hogue

Region: Columbia Valley

Vintage: 2009

Price: $12.99

Tasting notes:

 Sight (Color/Clarity):  Light golden yellow

 Smell (bouquet, aroma): sugary

Taste (acidity, balance, body: Very sweet desert wine,  syrupy consistency.

Bottle Presentation:
Label description:

Eastern Washington's low annual rainfall and cool nights during the growing season make it the perfect area for producing consistently great late harvest wines. Hogue has developed a style with Late Harvest White Riesling that includes a moderate level of sweetness, richness, viscosity and crisp balancing acidity with just a hint of complexity from the noble rot, Botrytis cinerea. The Hogue Late Harvest White Riesling has aromas and flavors of dried apricot, tangerine, orange peel, vanilla, raisin, and powdered sugar. The wine has good sugar to acid balance. Pair it with fruit sorbets, poached pears or hot apple pie." -Winery

Comparisons: Taste similar to a Mascato, but thicker.

Overall rating (1-10): 8

Date consumed: November 10, 2010 and April 13, 2011

Comments:

Cabernet Sauvignon- Rosemount

I dont' think I have ever gone wrong with a Rosemount wine, and the 2008 Cab is just right.  It beautifully balances sweetness with acidity and tannins.  The smooth texture fills your mouth with an explosion of fruity flavor and leaves a lingering sensation of spiciness. 

Varietal:    Cabernet Sauvignon

Producer/Importer:  Rosemount

Region: Australia

Vintage: 2008

Price: $9.99

Tasting notes:

 Sight (Color/Clarity): deep ruby red around the rim, with darker body

 Smell (bouquet, aroma): fruity-sweet cherries

Taste (acidity, balance, body): smooth on the tongue, sweet cherries with a spicy finish.  balanced acidity and tannins

Bottle presentation: A slightly unique bottle that is rounded at the top, but square at the bottom.  Diamond shaped label.

Label description:  No label description.  Winemakers notes from the http://www.rosemountestate.com.au/ website state "A wine with a soft, fruit-driven palate with bright, expressive fruit and great texture.  Great mid-palate fruit flavors lead to a generous finish, supported by lovely, fine tannins."
Comparisons:

Overall rating (1-10): 9

Date consumed: May 11, 2011

Comments:

Pedro Ximenez- Cava de Chacras

The Pedro Ximenez grape originated in Spain and is used mostly in the production of fine sweet sherries.  When aged  it turns black giving the flavors of raisin, fig, and chocolate.  However, when used to make a white table wine, like what was sampled here, it transformations into a light acidic wine.

Varietal:  Pedro Ximenez

Producer/Importer:  Bodega Cacas de Chacras

Region: Mendoza Argentina

Vintage: 2008

Price:

Tasting notes:

Sight (Color/Clarity): light golden color

Smell (bouquet, aroma): similar to a chardonnay- vanilla and butter

Taste (acidity, balance, body): a little dry, a little acidic, buttery finish like a chardonnay.

Bottle presentation:

Label description:  "With a delicate yellow color, it's flavor is intense and fine with what reminds us of white flower blessed with the smooth flavor of butter and vanilla. It is fermented in French oak barrels. Fresh on the palate, it remains stimulating with a  long finish. Ideal serving temperature between 46 and 53 degrees Fahrenheit.  After uncorking allow it to breath for 15 minutes, and then enjoy."

Comparisons:

Overall rating (1-10): 4

Date consumed: May 11, 2011

Comments: 13.5% alc.

Black Tower Rivaner

Black Tower Rivaner has a smooth mellow attitude with a simple flavor that is slightly sweet and a little bit fruity. The aromas give just a hint of flowers and licorice. It is a pleasant wine to drink  glass or two with a meal or on its own. However, its simplicity may leave you wanting something more after awhile.


Varietal:   Rivaner (aka Müller-Thurgau)     

Producer/Importer:  Reh Kendermann Black Tower

Region: Rheinhessen Germany

Vintage: 2008

Price: $6-11

Tasting notes:

Sight (Color/Clarity): pale gold

Smell (bouquet, aroma): flowers and licorice

Taste (acidity, balance, body): medium dry, moderately acidic. lightly fruity.

Bottle presentation: Black bottle. Label has an old world German font. Natural Cork.

Label description: "Black Tower Rivaner is a deliciously smooth wine full of fresh fruit flavours of pineapple and ripe mango. Wonderfully easy to drink, it is equally enjoyable served chilled, on its own, or with a variety of food – any time, any occasion.Works well with spicy chicken tacos or sweet pork and chili stir fry."
Comparisons: Like the Liebfraumilch, but fuller bodied.  Similar to a typical for a Rhein wine. 

Overall rating (1-10):  7.5

Date consumed: May 11, 2011

Comments: Comes in a box too!
Müller-Thurgau is a variety of white grape created in 1882 by Hermann Muller from the Swiss canton of  Thurgau. It is a hybrid of Riesling with Madeleine Royale. Müller-Thurgau is also known as Rivaner (Austria, Germany, and Luxemburg), Riesling-Sylvaner (Switzerland), Johannisberg (Wallis canton in Switzerland) and Rizlingszilváni (Hungary).

Pacific Rim Sweet Riesling

Pacific Rim specializes in Rieslings (90% of wines produced).  The Riesling is the winemakers favorite for its versatility-that is a simple grape can be transformed in a million different expressions.  Pacific Rim's Sweet Riesling is a delightful refreshing Riesling from Columbia Valley.  The grapes used are slightly more ripe than what is used for a drier Riesling.  Steel tanks are used for the fermenting to allow the true Riesling flavors to come forward. The label calls this a medium sweet, but I think it lingers more toward a sweet wine. The result is intensely sweet to start but quickly balances.  As the wine develops in your mouth the flavors of crisp pear dance on the tongue with just the touch of the bubbly.  The wine finishes with the sweetness of pineapples and a little tartness of lemons.   

Varietal:    Riesling    

Producer/Importer:  Pacific Rim

Region: Columbia Valley

Vintage: 2009

Price: $10.00

Tasting notes:

Sight (Color/Clarity): light golden

Smell (bouquet, aroma): Sugary breeze

Taste (acidity, balance, body): Very sweet initially.  The middle has a crisp pear flavor. It finishes with pineapple and lemon.

Bottle presentation: Clear bottle with and oriental flare on the label. Screw cap.

Label description:"The wine is moderately sweet and refreshingly low in alcohol — less than 9% — with flavors of pineapple and peach. Our Sweet Riesling brings perfect balance to all fiery fare — especially Thai, Szechwan and Caribbean cuisine... or simply enjoy as an aperitif. "

Comparisons:

Overall rating (1-10): 8

Date consumed: May 11, 2011

Comments: Low in Alcohol (Alc9%) 

Other label info: Residual Sugar 8.4%  pH: 2.97  TA: 0.78

http://rieslingrules.com/

Ca’ Momi Moscato

I had all the anticipation of a sweet bubbly light refreshing Moscato and was thrown for a loopty loop when I tasted the Ca’ Momi Moscato.  It was light and bubbly, but lacked the sweetness I associate with Moscato.  It was almost more like a dry Riesling than a Moscato. At first I thought it was just me -were my taste buds off?  The EZ Street Saloon audience agreed it was unusually dry and for that reason we rated it lower.  Curiousity of course sent me looking online.  The reviews I found paint a very different picture- all describing it as creamy and silky and vanilla and floral. I think I better try another bottle, perhaps we just got a bad bottle- it happens.

Varietal: Moscato     

Producer/Importer:  Ca’ Momi

Region: California

Vintage: 2008

Price: $10.99

Tasting notes:

Sight (Color/Clarity): light golden

Smell (bouquet, aroma): fruity socks

Taste (acidity, balance, body): surprisingly dry, bubbly

Bottle presentation: California country.

Label description: “This beautifully integrated Muscat has hints of honey, narcissus, rose and melon aromas. The palate is silky, with a warm balanced spirit and a hint of orange blossom on the finish. This wine is like a sunny spring morning at Ca’Momi; luscious and aromatic, full of flowers. It makes you want to smile.”

Comparisons:

Overall rating (1-10): 3.5

Date consumed: May 11, 2011

Comments: 13.5% alc.  Not a typical Moscato- bad bottle perhaps?

Strawberry-Rhubarb

Three Lakes Winery is tucked away in northern Wisconsin near the Nicolet Forest in the town of Three Lakes.  Three Lakes Winery specializes in fruity wines, and is best known for its cranberry wine (a tasting for another time).  The Strawberry-Rhubarb wine was a delight for the up coming summer season.  It is sweet and refreshing with a slight tangy balance. This is a great desert wine.

Varietal:  Strawberry-Rhubarb      

Producer/Importer:  Three Lakes Winery

Region: Three Lakes, Wisconsin

Vintage:

Price: $9.95

Tasting notes:

Sight (Color/Clarity): Light rusty color

Smell (bouquet, aroma): Strawberries and vanilla

Taste (acidity, balance, body): Very sweet, strawberries are dominant with just a touch of the tangy rhubarb.  "Chewing" the wine brings out the spice of ginger and sweetness of vanilla.

Bottle presentation: Label has an illustration of a strawberry plant and rhubarb.

Label description:  Described as a semi-sweet wine with flavors of ginger,cherries and vanilla in addition to the obvious.

Comparisons:

Overall rating (1-10): 7

Date consumed: May 11, 2011

Comments: 11% Alc.  Sweeter than expected for a semi-sweet wine.

Renwood Sierra Foothills Zinfandel

Renwood winery now produces 100,000 cases of wines per year, including several labels of Zinfandel.  The Sierra Foothills Zinfandel is Renwood Winery's red label wine, less than premier from what I can tell.  My overall opinion of the 2007 puts it a little light for Zinfandel's style.  The color was that of a light garnet rather than the deep garnet red I tend to associate with Zinfandel. Even the fruity flavors that are characteristic of Zinfandel were subtle despite the open nose. The acidity was more noticeable than expected while the tannins were on the moderate side.  Although it is a little uninspiring for a Zinfandel, I would be interested in trying some of the other labels coming out of Renwood Winery.

Varietal:      Zinfandel       

Producer/Importer:  Renwood

Region:  Sierra foothills

Vintage: 2007

Price:

Tasting notes:

Sight (Color/Clarity): light garnet red

Smell (bouquet, aroma): strong spicy fruity

Taste (acidity, balance, body): spicy, acidic. light bodied and light on fruity flavor

Bottle presentation: black bottle with cute little birdie on the red and black label

Label description: "Sierra Foothills Zinfandel displays aromas of cherry, plums and nutmeg. The flavors mirror the aromas and give the wine a fresh fruit flavor with a spicy aftertaste. This lighter style of Sierra Foothills Zinfandel is smooth and luscious"

Comparisons:

Overall rating (1-10): 4

Date consumed: May 11, 2011

Comments: A little too lack luster of a Zinfandel for me, but I would be willing to try some of Renwood's other labels of Zinfandel.

Cupcake Malbec

The cool spring still lends itself to drinking red wine here in the northland.  Malbec from Cupcake is sure to warm the damp chills and relax the mind as we impatiently wait for summer to arrive.

Varietal:     Malbec   

Producer/Importer:  Cupcake

Region: Medoza Argentina

Vintage: 2010

Price: $13.99

Tasting notes:

Sight (Color/Clarity): Deep dark ruby red

Smell (bouquet, aroma): Berries and mocha

Taste (acidity, balance, body): A hint of spiced berries and licorice.  Balanced oaky flavor

Bottle presentation: white label with blue printing-a bakery style feel

Label description: "Known throughout the world for fleshy reds, Argentina and its signature grape Malbec don't disappoint. Grown at over 2,400 feet in the shadows of the Andes Mountains, our lush, well-structured wine offers generous plum and raspberry notes. A round, full palate with a touch of creaminess yields into flavors reminiscent of a dark chocolate flourless cupcake accented with fresh berries. Enjoy with aged prime beef with crumbled blue cheese or Cajun eggplant on the grill. Cupcake: Live deliciously. - Adam Richardson, Winemaker. Alc. 13.5% by vol. Product of Argentina. "

Comparisons:

Overall rating (1-10): 7.5

Date consumed: May 11, 2011

Comments:

D’Arrigo Chianti

Chianti is a red wine produced in the Tuscany region of Italy. Originally it was a blend of 70% Sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo and 15% Malvasia bianca.  Today a Chianti is a blend of of 75-100% Sangiovese. D'Arrigo Chianti was little on the dry side for a Chianti.  It had the taste of a merlot or shiraz, but lacked the full body.  It was still a good wine, although if you are interested in exploring more Chiantis look for the Chianti Classico label.

Varietal:  Sangiovese

Producer/Importer:  Benny d’Arrigo Geonature SRL vineyards

Region: Tuscany Italy

Vintage: 2008

Price:

Tasting notes:

Sight (Color/Clarity): ruby red

Smell (bouquet, aroma): hints of almond aromas

Taste (acidity, balance, body): medium body, light on the tannins, dry, hints of almonds, velvet finish. 

Bottle presentation:

Label description: “Ruby red with garnet reflex, bouquet is deeply vinous with hints of almond.  The taste is dry, slightly tannic and becomes velvety ageing.”

Comparisons: A little on the dry side for a Chianti. 

Overall rating (1-10): 8

Date consumed: April 13, 2011

Comments:

Sexto

Sexto meaning 6^th in Spanish is a blend of a blend of six different Spanish grapes, Grenache, Carignan, Tempranillo, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and the ancient grape Lledoner Pelut Noir.  It is the 6^th grape added the Lledoner Pelut Noir that gives the wine the panache the wine maker was looking for. 

Varietal:  a blend of six grapes: Grenache 33%, Carignan 30%, Tempranillo 20%, Syrah 5%, Cabernet Sauvignon 6%, and grape Lledoner Pelut Noir 6%.

Producer/Importer:  Sexto

Region: Terra Alta (northeastern) Spain

Vintage: 2007

Price: $8-11

Tasting notes:

Sight (Color/Clarity): moderate red

Smell (bouquet, aroma):  like a Pinot Noir

Taste (acidity, balance, body): Serious spice, smooth, not as full bodied as one would expect from a red

Bottle presentation: Dark Red label

Label description: “Sexto is fresh, fruit-laden, spicy and quite distinctive. This delicious wine captures the unmistakable flavor and character of northeastern Spain.”

Comparisons:

Overall rating (1-10): 7.5

Date consumed: April 13, 2011

Comments: Just a bit of silliness, but this wine was served with Kit Kats as our chocolate substitute.  Chocolate mellows the spiciness.

Sweet Red Weinkullerei Fritz Windisch Dornfelder

The Weinkullerei Fritz Windisch Dornfelder is one of the better Dornfelders tasted at the EZ wine tastings.  If you like sweet wines this is a wine you might want to check out. It is deeply sweet with the full essence of the grape.  I thought it tasted a little too much like grape juice, but the sweet wine drinkers in the crowd loved it.

Varietal:  Dornfelder

Producer/Importer:  Weinkullerei Fritz Windisch

Region: Rheinhessen, Germany

Vintage: 2009

Price: $8-11

Tasting notes:

Sight (Color/Clarity): Dark red

Smell (bouquet, aroma):  Sweet grape juice

Taste (acidity, balance, body): Sweet grape juice with soft tannins

Bottle presentation: Dark Red label

Label description:

Comparisons:

Overall rating (1-10): 9

Date consumed: April 13, 2011

Comments: If you prefer dry reds you will be disappointed with this selection, rated 3.

Wicked White- Middle Sister

Wicked White is the first Middle Sister wine I am not fully fond of.  The blend intriqued me as I like each varietal separately, but together they were less than satisfying.  The appearance was nearly colorless, the taste didn't come to being until well chewed, and the aroma was lacking.  The wicked here was at rest with little life at show.

Varietal:     Blend of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Gewurtraminer   

Producer/Importer:  Middle Sister

Region: California

Vintage:

Price:

Tasting notes:

Sight (Color/Clarity): nearly colorless

Smell (bouquet, aroma): none

Taste (acidity, balance, body): Not much at first, it did develop a little spicy finish.

Bottle presentation: Classic Middle Sister label

Label description:"After a second or two, lush melon and sweet pear melt on your tongue. A lingering note of minerals finishes the sip."

Comparisons:

Overall rating (1-10): 2.5

Date consumed: April 13, 2011

Comments:

Sweet tastes of April part 2: Leonard Kreusch Auslese

Auslese is a late harvest almost a desert type wine.  The Leonard Kreusch was pleasantly sweet and slightly crisp.  Its nose was of strawberries (litchi).  The flavor began with cantaloupe and litchi, it finished with an almost vanilla taste that only lingered briefly.

Varietal:     Auslese   

Producer/Importer:  Leonard Kreusch Sapphire Selection

Region: Rhinehessen Germany

Vintage: 2006

Price:

Tasting notes:

Sight (Color/Clarity): Medium golden

Smell (bouquet, aroma): Strawberry-litchi

Taste (acidity, balance, body): Sweet, cantaloupe and litchi, vanilla slightly crisp

Bottle presentation: Blue bottle very simple label

Label description: Quite full-bodied and decadent with rich, ripe fruit flavors of pear, apricot with a touch of litchi, followed by a hint of botrytisand mineral notes.

Comparisons:

Overall rating (1-10): 9

Date consumed: April 13, 2011

Comments:

Sweet tastes of April- Castello del Poggio Mascato d’Asti

Varietal: Mascato d’Asti

Producer/Importer:  Castello del Poggio

Region: Italy

Vintage: 2007

Price:

Tasting notes:

Sight (Color/Clarity): Very light golden

Smell (bouquet, aroma): light peach

Taste (acidity, balance, body): Sweet bubbly

Bottle presentation: Golden bottle, simple label with sketch of vineyard.

Label description:

Comparisons:

Overall rating (1-10): 9

Date consumed: April 13, 2011

Comments: Castello del Poggio Mascato d’Asti is a vibrant refreshing wine. 

I would be a great desert wine or one for celebrating with friends.

April A= Avant Chardonnay by Kendall Jackson

Avant by Kendall Jackson takes the A grade for the April tastes. The name Avant comes from the French word for "before". For the Avant Chardonnay that means steel fermentation to preserve the fruit flavors before oak has the chance to infuse much flavor. The wine master actually blends a wine that is fermented in steel with wine that is fermented in old used oak barrels. This softens the acidity and suppresses the oak influence. This chardonnay is full bodied and sophisticated in flavor. The initial flavors are mild sweet fruits which intensifies in the more crisp tart fruit flavors of lemons and green apples. Mid palate a moderate spiciness of cinnamon and cloves is presented. The finish is a long lasting buttery sensation. I have always enjoyed Kendall-Jackson’s Chardonnay. Their Avant Chardonnay has fully won me over.

Varietal: Chardonnay
Producer/Importer: Avant by Kendall Jackson
Region: California
Vintage: 2009
Price: $14.99
Tasting notes:
Sight (Color/Clarity): almost colorless, coats the glass well with significant hangtime before it legs.
Smell (bouquet, aroma): light
Taste (acidity, balance, body): slight hint of sweetness and a more tart fruity blend, moderate spice (clove    and cinnamon), nice long lasting buttery finish.
Bottle presentation: Classic Kendall Jackson seal with a siver band.
Label description: "This refreshing Chardonnay bursts with intriguing layers of fresh pineapple,bright green apple, crisp Meyer lemon, juicy pear and wildflowers. The wine’s refreshing acidity and sleek mineral notes are balanced by a rounded mid-palate and slight oakiness with along, pure fruit finish."
Comparisons: A little drier than Kendall Jacksons Vinters Reserve, but more sophisticated.
Overall rating (1-10): 9
Date consumed: April 13, 2011
Comments: I think this would complement any food you smother in butter, especially seafood.

Liebfraumilch: Beloved mothers milk

Liebfraumilch, German translation beloved mothers milk or our lady's milk is rooted in catholic tradition of the original vineyard Liebfrauenkirche or Church of Our Lady. It is a semi-sweet white wine. It is usually associated with low quality wines and can vary greatly from year to year and vineyard to vineyard. It is made of at least 70% Riesling, Silvaner or Müller-Thurgau grapes. Liebfraumilch can be produced in any of Germany's wine regions with the exception of the Mosel region. The Leonard Kreusch vineyards are located in the Rheinhessen region of Germany.

Liebfraumilch is probably the first wine I had been introduced to. My family has always had Liebfraumilch with our christmas eve dinner. Experts seem to advise this wine be drank before or after a meal not to be served at the table, but you be the judge.

Varietal: Liebfraumilch
Producer/Importer: Leonard Kreusch
Region: Rheinhessen
Vintage: 2009
Price: $5.99
Tasting notes:
Sight (Color/Clarity): light golden, clear
Smell (bouquet, aroma): fruity
Taste (acidity, balance, body): light on flavor and acidity, semi-sweet
Bottle presentation: Traditional catholic
Label description:
Comparisons: Similar to a Piesporter Michelsberg or a Zeller Schwarze Katz
Overall rating (1-10): 7
Date consumed: March 9, 2011
Comments:

Blüfeld Riesling

Pronounced Bloo-fell-d, its name reflects the blue slate bedrock of the premium wine region of Mosel Germany and its blue bottle draws your attention. Blüfeld is a medium sweet Riesling that is well balanced in acidity. It has a slight fizzy surprise that makes it dance on your tongue. Certainly a wine most will enjoy.

Varietal: Riesling
Producer/Importer: Blüfeld
Region: Mosel-Germany
Vintage: 2009
Price: $10.99
Tasting notes:
Sight (Color/Clarity): light golden, clear
Smell(bouquet, aroma): peaches and citrus.
Taste (acidity, balance, body): citrus and green apples, lightly sweet, moderately acidic (balanced)
Bottle presentation: Blue bottle. Bold and fun
Label description: “Crisp and refreshing, blüfeld has aromas of citrus, peach, and floral notes. It's flinty fresh with a juicy mid-palate, balanced acidity and a sweet, lingering finish.

The blue slate adds a delicious minerality to the wine, making it perfect for every day celebrations.”
Comparisons:
Overall rating (1-10): 8
Date consumed: March 9, 2011
Comments:

View from the bridge: Bridgeview’s Gewurtztraminer

Bridgeview is said to make “easy to like” wines, but it wasn’t the winner the group was looking for. Among the floral notes and fruity scents there was an obvious musty odor. The fruity crisp taste could have been pleasing, had it not left a strange bitterness in my mouth. I have had a few views from the bridge in the past (Riesling) and have been equally disappointed.

Varietal: Gewurtztraminer
Producer/Importer: Bridgeview
Region: Southern Oregon
Vintage: 2007
Price: $7.99
Tasting notes:
Sight (Color/Clarity): light golden, clear
Smell (bouquet, aroma):slightly flowery and fruity, noticeably musty
Taste (acidity, balance, body): fruity and tart apples, acidic middle, and a bitter ending.
Bottle presentation: Monotone-green bottle with a green label.
Label description: “Gewurztraminer, while hard to pronounce, is easy to love. Spicy and flavorful with a touch of sweetness and a refreshing finish. This wine makes a delightful accompaniment to many foods.”
Comparisons:
Overall rating (1-10): 4
Date consumed: March 9, 2011
Comments: The distributor said you can’t go wrong with bridgeview. I think we might disagree. Our view wasn’t what we expected.

Good Chardonnay

Is Good Chardonnay really a good Chardonnay? The tasters at EZ Street Saloon seemed to think was worth the drinking. It was easy to drink-not overly fruity or acidic. The label was a little comical-as if someone took their magic marker to make the label.

Varietal: Chardonnay
Producer/Importer: Good Chardonnay
Region: Valdadige Italy
Vintage: 2009
Price:
Tasting notes:
Sight (Color/Clarity): light golden
Smell (bouquet, aroma): fruity
Taste (acidity, balance, body): easy and balanced.
Bottle presentation: like a home label
Label description:
Comparisons:
Overall rating (1-10): 8
Date consumed: March 9, 2010
Comments:

Bellini di Canella

If you are looking for a great alternative to mimosas for your next brunch try Canella’s Bellini. It is made with two parts of the sparkling wine Prosecco (mmmmm) and one part Italian white peach juice.

Varietal: Bellini di Canella
Producer/Importer: Canella
Region: Italy
Vintage: Price: $13-14
Tasting notes:
Sight (Color/Clarity): frosty pink
Smell (bouquet, aroma): peaches
Taste (acidity, balance, body): Like a peach mimosa.
Bottle presentation:Champagne feel, simple
Label description:
Comparisons:
Overall rating (1-10): 8
Date consumed: March 9, 2010
Comments: