About WiNEZ

WiNEZ was a monthly event at EZ Street Saloon in South Range, WI. Unfortunately, due to lower turn out the owners had decided to stop hosting the event. The last wine night at EZ was held on November 12, 2014. But that is not to say the die hards won't be getting together for some wine tasting periodically at EZ Street Saloon. I will continue to blog the wines we have tasted pre starting this blog, along with our impromptu meetings, and maybe transform the blog into something more personal. We will see where it goes. I do know the blog will still be about wine!

So for my WiNEZ pals you can count on this blog to serve as an archive of what was consumed and a reference for your spending sprees. For those who are just curious about what the Northwest Wisconsinites are drinking here are some thoughts… but be warned I am by no means a wine expert-I only know what I like. Since I am not an expert I will try to include the winemakers label descriptions as well.

Salute! or as the Finnish would say Kippis!

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Naked Grape Moscato


If you are looking for information on the Naked Grape winery you won’t find too much.  Their website gives one line descriptions of each of the wines they make, and their location is the obscure tiny light grey print way at the bottom.  Don’t let this mystery of who they are keep you from trying what they have to offer.  We loved this Moscato.  The group as a whole is typically a sweeter wine consumer, but even the few of us that like our full bodied reds loved this one.  Maybe it is because this Moscato has some complexity and depth to it. I find Moscatos generally tend to have a lot of sugar sweet with only a light citrus flavor, the Naked Grape Moscato layers in a little tang with the fruity sweetness.  You can pull the layer of nectar off to reveal flavors of the peaches and oranges. Naked Grape Moscato is anything but naked. 
 

Varietal:  Moscato    
Producer/Importer:  Naked Grape  
Region: California
Price: $6.99
Tasting notes:
 Sight (Color/Clarity): light golden
 Smell (bouquet, aroma): peaches and orange blossoms
Taste (acidity, balance, body): sweet peaches and tangy orange
Bottle presentation: simple one color label.
Label description: “Moscato: Sweet white wine with aromas of peach and orange blossom.
Comparisons: nice depth for a moscato
Overall rating (1-10): 9.5
Date consumed: May 9, 2012

Saturday, March 16, 2013

DeLoach Cabernet Sauvignon


DeLoach Cabernet Sauvignon falls a little flat on flavor in our eyes.  According to the winemaker, Brian Maloney, “it standouts because the winery tamed its tannins in attempt to make it a bit softer and more approachable at a young age, while still respecting the varietal character of Cabernet Sauvignon.”  While we agree this is softer than typical Cabs, it is a little lack luster in what one loves about a Cab.  The aromas of fruit, chocolate and tobacco are subtle on the nose.  One has to think hard to taste the hidden tobacco, blackberries and hint of spice.  Not a bad Cab, just not a bold and flavorful Cab.

Varietal:  Cabernet Sauvignon          
Producer/Importer:  DeLoach         
Region: California
Vintage: 2009
Price: $13
Tasting notes:
 Sight (Color/Clarity): Light garnet
 Smell (bouquet, aroma): Fruity, hint of chocolate and tobacco
Taste (acidity, balance, body): Tobacco, blackberries, and a hint of spicy-but pretty flat on flavor
Winemaker's notes: This easy-to-drink Cabernet is classic in style. Aromas of black currant intermingle with fresh herbs de Provence, sure to entice you to the first sip. On the palate, lush, mouth-watering Santa Rosa plums mix with spicy black pepper, as the taste of rich caramel fills your palate. While soft upon entry, this well-balanced Cabernet firms up for a long, lasting finish.
Comparisons:
Overall rating (1-10): 8
Date consumed: April 11, 2012
Comments: 13.5% abv

Friday, March 15, 2013

Rodney Strong Chardonnay-eh


Rodney Strong Winery was established in 1959 in Healdsburg, California on the Sonoma Coast. The cool climate of the vineyard makes for ideal Chardonnay growing conditions producing enhanced concentration of flavor and acidity. Winemaker, Rick Sayer, fermented this Chardonnay 40% in French oak barrels, 60% stainless steal for 8 month. This Chardonnay had a nice aroma of tart apples, lemons with a hint of sweet vanilla and oak barrels.  It is crisp in acidity with strong sense of lemons and oak flavors.  It lacks the the buttery finish we are so accustom to with California Chardonnays.  It is not an exceptional Chardonnay, just sort of there.

Varietal:  Chardonnay
Producer/Importer:  Rodney Strong           
Region: Sonoma County
Vintage: 2009
Price: $13.99
Tasting notes:
 Sight (Color/Clarity): light golden
 Smell (bouquet, aroma): apples, lemons, and vanilla oak.
Taste (acidity, balance, body): lemony and oaky
Label description:Toasty vanilla and spice complexities, crisp apple and pineapple flavors, with a core of bright acidity and a long toasty finish.”
Comparisons: Kendall Jackson still holds the ranks in inexpensive Chardonnay’s.
Overall rating (1-10): 7
Date consumed: April 11, 2012
Comments: 13.5% abv

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Robertson Natural Sweet Red


Robertson Winery is located in the Western Cape of South Africa between the Breede River and the Langeberg Mountains.  Winemaker Francois Weich uniquely blends varietals to make Robertson Winery’s Natural Sweet Red wine.  Grapes are harvested early to ensure low alcohol content (8.32% abv).  We found this sweet red to be slightly above average, mostly because of its sweetness.  The wine had a slightly musty arom, while the flavor was dominated by ripe raspberries.  Not a bad everyday desert wine.

Varietal:  Sweet red blend     
Producer/Importer:  Robertson Winery        
Region: South Africa
Price: $5.99
Tasting notes:
 Sight (Color/Clarity): rose’
 Smell (bouquet, aroma): slightly musty
Taste (acidity, balance, body): Sweet raspberries
Bottle presentation:
Label description: “Fruity and soft with smooth sweet cherry and ripe berry flavours.”
Comparisons:
Overall rating (1-10): 7
Date consumed: April 11, 2012
Comments: 8.32% abv