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: