Wine Reviews: California Unoaked Chardonnay

Hey there wine nerds! I have been tasting a ton of wine this week (tough life right?!) so I have another wine review for you! This time I tasted an unoaked Chardonnay by Mer Soleil.

First things first. Let's review the white wine powerhouse that is Chardonnay. Chardonnay is the most widely planted white wine grape in the world - every body grows it. As a result, there is a ton of information and many different styles of wine made with Chardonnay. The grape originated in the Burgundy wine region of France, but is also grown most notably in Chablis, Champagne and California. Depending on the grape ripeness and the terroir, wines made with Chardonnay can be crisp with strong fruit flavors or buttery with notes of vanilla and baking spices. It is always interesting to be reminded that Chardonnay also is a major player in Champagne (as evidence of how versatile the grape really is)!

When it comes to California style Chardonnay, they couldn't be more different from it's Old World counterparts. Initially, California winemakers tried to mimic the Burgundy style of Chardonnay, which is more refined, fruit forward and restrains the emphasis of the oak. We can't talk Californian Chardonnay history without mentioning Chateau Montelena and the Judgment of Paris victory in 1976. This event put California Chardonnays on the map when Chateau Montelena beat out it's French competitors in a blind tasting. With this increase in demand, there was also a shift in style, where many California wine producers were harvesting riper grapes, using new oak barrels and aiming for a finished product with bold flavors. (Welcome the "butter bombs.")

If you like the heavily oaked styles of Chardonnay - more power to you - but I prefer the unoaked styles. Without the oak, the fruit flavors of the grape are more prominent and it generally pairs better with food. So let's check this individual review!

"C" is for Chardonnay!

Mer Soleil Silver Unoaked Chardonnay 2012.

Where it's from. Monterey, California. Specifically, the Santa Lucia Highlands, which is known for it's coastal climate.

Label says. Bright minerality, pink grapefruit and key lime on the nose with flavors of lemon zest and stone-fruit. This wine would pair well with salads, seafood or tomato-based dishes.

My Thoughts. I was so excited to try an unoaked Chardonnay that I may not have given this wine it's credit where credit is due. (Plus the bottle is so interesting - it's not glass but more like ceramic). Overall, this was a wonderfully drinkable wine. It was a bit strange to see California on the label but not get that bold, in your face, flavor that you might typically expect from California - but that is definitely a good thing. The flavor was fresh and definitely had fruit on the finish. The oak was not missed. :)

I would love to hear about your favorite producers of unoaked Chardonnay, especially those from the new world! Happy wining!

Cheers!

Benchmark Wine Tasting Class: Other Classic Whites

Hey there wine nerds! Welcome to the second installment of the benchmark wine series. For the newbies, I previously introduced a benchmark wine tasting series based on a tasting I did at Penn State University. Last time, I provided an overview on aromatic whites. Now, I will be discussing "other classic whites," or more specifically Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. We also tasted an Albariño just to mix things up.

This tasting couldn't be more interesting because I considered these grapes extremely different in flavor and character. When I think of Sauvignon Blanc, I think of bright citrus, spicy green pepper and high acidity. When I think Chardonnay, I think smooth vanilla, stone fruit flavors and full-body. However, now that I think a little more, the two grapes are similar in one curious way -- they are both very versatile. Both have adapted to a variety of locations and styles, resulting in a variety of selection for consumers.

Sauvignon Blanc.

I have said it before and I will say it again, Sauvignon Blanc is my favorite grape! If you drink Sauvignon Blanc, then you know it has those awesome citrus, herbaceous, or even grassy green pepper flavors. Thanks to the world wide web, I learned a fun new principle when it comes to the flavors of Sauvignon Blanc: the ripeness of the grapes plays a major role in the flavor profile. (Duh, but listen to this!) If the grapes are LESS ripe, the wine is more likely to taste like lime or green apple. While, if the grapes are MORE ripe, the wine will likely taste like flowery peach or citrus. The best regions for Sauvignon Blanc are Bordeaux, Loire Valley (specifically Sancerre), New Zealand, and California. When surfing the aisles at the wine store, you can also look for the following synonyms: Fume Blanc or Pouilly-fume and you will most likely be drinking Sauvignon Blanc. Looking for food pairing tips? A good general rule is "go green," since the herbaceous qualities of the wine will pair well with salads, but any herb based sauce would pair well also. Now that we have covered the Sauvignon Blanc basics, let's check out the wines I tried at the benchmark wine tasting:

BANCROFT ESTATE 2011

Where it's from. Marlborough, New Zealand.

My thoughts. I love NZ style Sauvignon Blanc because it's so distinct. The flavors can be grassy, spicey, or peppery. This particular bottle had a lighter style than I have experienced with most NZ Sauvignon Blancs, which was fine. It definitely had the spicey finished and white pepper notes tha I expected. Overall, this wine was delicious but, as the only NZ Sauvignon Blanc on the tasting, I was hoping for a bolder style. The room thought it would be hard to pair with food - but I argue it would go great with an arugula salad. (Don't knock it before you try it!)

Chardonnay.

Chardonnay and I have a love-hate relationship. Generally, I am not a fan of most those "butter-bomb" styles. But, the unoaked styles, generally out of the Old World, are quite lovely. Like our discussion above, the ripeness of the Chardonnay grape also changes dramatically with ripeness. MORE ripe and you may notice flavors of pineapple and other tropical fruit, LESS ripe and you may notice strong notes of lemon or green apple. Similar varietals include: Marsanne, Rousanne, Viognier, Semillion and Fiano (Italy). Check out the wines I tasted below:

KENDALL-JACKSON VINTNER'S RESERVE

Where it's from. California.

My thoughts.  Definitely not a favorite. If you like the buttery styles, you may like this, but it's definitely not for me.

HENRY FESSY CHARDONNAY 2010

Where it's from. Pouilly-Fuisse, France

My thoughts. This wine could give any ABCer a run for their money. (Anything But Chardonnay). It had a pungent aroma that I was sure would mirror the taste - but I was so wrong. The flavors were subtle and sweet. Definitely an interesting wine.

LOUIS LATOUR 2008

Where it's from. Côte-d'Or, Burgundy, France.

My thoughts. This wine may have been my favorite white, maybe even my favorite wine of the tasting. This producer is just awesome. Yes, it is a bit more expensive - around $40 a bottle - but arguably worth every penny. The wine had a very refreshing aroma, including aloe or mint. However, it had a smooth and round taste, with an almost tart finish. I loved the complexities.

Albariño.

This grape is lovely. If you are ever in the wine store looking for something a bit different in the white wine aisle, Albariño is a great option. It is most commonly grown in northern Spain, specifically the Rías Baixas region. This grape is interesting because it has a pronounced fruit-forward aroma. For our benchmark wine tasting, we tasted the 2010 Mar de Vinas Albariño from Spain. Another great wine! It had the fruit aromas and bright acidity that I was hoping for - so check this wine out!

That is all for this post on benchmark wine - classic whites!

Cheers!

What Gives Wine That "Buttery" Flavor?

"I love buttery Chardonnay." It's something I hear often. Both of my parents love buttery Chardonnays - but I couldn't be more opposite - I tend to steer clear of the "butter bombs," as I call them. But what actually makes the wine taste "buttery?" The answer may surprise you.

Photo Source. The "You're My Butter Half" Mural in Austin, Texas.

No its not oak barrels. It's actually malolactic fermentation.

While oak does contribute to the "buttery" notes in wine, it actually is more responsible for notes of vanilla, smoke or even coconut. But the real culprit (or champion depending on your view) is malolactic fermentation (MLF for short). What is MLF? It is the process used by wine-makers to convert malolactic acid to lactic acid. They do this to help soften the flavor of the wine. (Malolactic acid is tart, while lactic acid is softer). A by-product of MLF is diacetyl, or an organic compound with an intense buttery taste. The wine-maker can actually control the level of the "buttery" taste by choosing varying strengths of MLF.

So it's not completely the barrel's fault after all! 

Cheers!

Break out the Bubbles: NYE 2014

It's the final countdown for 2013! Whether you are ringing in the new year with friends and family at home or dressing up and dancing the night away, there is one thing you will definitely need - sparkling wine!

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I will be giving some brief thoughts here, but for those looking for more details - the blog has covered sparkling wine in detail before here. 

My philosophy on sparkling wine is straight forward - find a fresh, fun bottle at an affordable price. Sometimes it's a bit challenging, bargain prices for sparkling wine made in the traditional champagne style rarely go below $12-16 (most likely because the secondary fermentation process). But my go to wine will always be Cava. Cava is sparkling wine made in Spain. Another great option is Prosecco, a sparkler from Italy. Both of these styles are light and affordable.

Champagne (sparkling wine made in Champagne, France), on the other hand is more complex and expensive. Given the region's northern location, the grapes are picked with higher acidity producing the distinct taste. Champagne is made from a blend of three grapes Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The traditional production method, or méthode champenoise, is highly regulated. Basically, it allows only two pressings of the grapes, a primary fermentation, blending, a secondary fermentation and finalization. Most champagnes are fermented in steel tanks. It's common characteristics include flavors or apple, citrus, hazelnnuts, toast or bread dough.

Whichever option you choose, one thing I hope you take away is that sparkling wine can be used for more than special occasions. Its high acidity pairs well with food. Many wine professionals even argue that it is the best option to pair with you - but I will leave that decision up to you!

Happy New Year's Eve and Cheers!

French Wine 101

Dear Wine-Nerds & Friends! Get excited because two big things are happening in this post. First, I am happy to announce that the tradition of (co)hosting a holiday wine tasting party after Christmas lives on! So stand by for reviews of wine from that tasting. And second, we are finally providing an overview of the wines of France! (Please excuse my lack of proper punctuation on many of the French words, I was eager to get this post live!)

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This year's holiday wine tasting is French themed, so I have provided a general (and I mean general) overview of French wine below:

History of Wine-Making in France.  I think it goes without saying that the French are passionate about wine. But, as with most things in Europe, grapes were mostly likely introduced to the French by the Romans. However, the vast expansion of wine across the country can be attributed to Christian monasteries because they made wine for the sacrament (and for profit). Vineyards were even donated by rich patrons "seeking divine favor." But those monks definitely contributed to the history of French wine-making. For example, many wine-making break-throughs can be traced back to monasteries, such as the second fermentation process required for sparkling wine...  created by monk Dom Perignon. Since then, French winemakers have continued to develop their technique and produced much of the world's best wines - despite wars, down economies and politics generally.

Popular French Varietals.  To understand French wine, it is important to under the players. (aka grape varietals). 

• The major white grapes include: Ugni Blanc (aka Trebbiano, and used primarily in brandy production), Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Melon de Bourgogne (aka Muscadet), Semillon, Muscat and Chenin Blanc. 
• The major red grapes include: Merlot, Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Gamay, Pinot Noir, Cinsault, Pinot Meunier (frequently blended in Champagne) and Mourvedre.

Tips for Reading a French Wine Label.  France was the first country to devise a system for protecting the use of place names for wine regions and having a basic understanding of this system will definitely help you when facing the wall of wine in your local wine store. The system is administered by the INAO and mandates or prohibits certain wine-making procedures for any winery that plans to use the protected "appellation" or place name on it's label. There are four French wine appellations:

1. Vin de Table, the entry level appellation for general table wine. (Only about an 1/8 of French wine uses this designation).
2. Vin de Pays, typically reserved for wine with a geographical indication. (1/3 of French wine uses this designation).
3. VDQS or "delimited wine of superior quality," generally seen as temporary status for wines with potential to move up.
4. Appellation d'origine controlee (AOC) or "name of controlled origin," this appellation carries the high quality wines and most restrictive wine-making rules. 
   • Regional > District > Communal or Vineyard.

Photo Source

Take note that the established AOC regions (like Bordeaux or Burgundy) will have regional or even communal AOC regions within them. So when reading a French wine label you will frequently see two or even three terms that describe where the wine was made. Check out the graphic above.

French Wine Regions in Detail.  

(1) Bordeaux.  The classic red wine from Bordeaux is a blend of at least 2 grapes from the following list: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec. The classic white is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. Go hear for expensive, yet quality wines. 

SUMMARY: Look here for high quality red blends, but expect to pay for it.

(2) Loire Valley.  There are four key regional AOCs located in the Loire Valley: (1) Pays Nantais, (2) Anjou, (3) Touraine, and (4) the Central Vineyards (Pouilly-sur-Loire and Sancerre).  If you like Sauvignon Blanc, look for wines from Sancerre or Pouilly-Fume. Generally, Touraine isn't known for high quality wines, with the exception of Vouvray - a region that features whites made with Chenin Blanc. If you are interested in trying wine made with Muscadet, look for something from Pays Nantais.

SUMMARY: Look here for fun whites, try anything with Pouilly-Fume, Sancerre or Vouvray on the label.

(3)  Champagne.  This region supplies 15% of the world's sparkling wine (or 25 million cases a year). Champagne is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes. Here are some fast facts about Champagne:

• Blanc de Blanc, means the wine was produced only from Chardonnay.
• Blanc de noirs, means the wine was produced only with red grapes, most likely Pinot Noir.
• You will only see a Vintage for spectacular harvests from a single year (non-vintage is more common).

SUMMARY: Look here for expensive yet quality sparkling wine. However, look for "Cremant" on the label of sparklers from any other French region, this means the wine was made in the same style as Champagne, but made in another region. (Think store brand knock-offs, same formula without the brand name).

(4) Alsace.  This is a French region with strong German roots, known for growing mostly Riesling, Gewurtztraminer, and Pinot Gris. The region has a bad reputation for making only sweet wines - but ask your local wine store rep to point you in the direction of dryer styles, because they do exist! Most wines from this region pair well with spicy food.

(5) Burgundy (in French "Bourgogne").  The secret to Burgundy is easy, red Burgundy is made from Pinot Noir and white Burgundy is made from Chardonnay. But in Burgundy, much like the Loire Valley, it is important to learn the popular regional AOCs. The two most famous are: (1) Cote de Nuits and (2) Cote de Beaune. However, Chardonnay produced in Chablis is known for exhibiting greater minerality than the rest of Burgundy. The wines of Maconnais are known for their lighter style (you may see some Gamay based wines here as well).

SUMMARY: Look here for Pinot Noir or Chardonnay with French style. Note that to get quality you will have to spend a bit more than usual, but there are great bottles out there!

(6) Beaujolais.  Frequently considered part of Burgundy, Beaujolais is quickly becoming a region of notable wines. Be sure to remember Beaujolais and Beaujolais-Nouveau are different, the latter is a quickly bottled style of the Gamay grape meant to be consumed young. 

SUMMARY: Look here for the best versions of the fruity Gamay grape.

(7) The Rhone Valley.  Generally, this region is known for its red wine. Yet, it is best to discuss the Rhone in two regions: (1) The Northern Rhone and (2) The Southern Rhone. In the Northern Rhone, red wines are primarily made from Syrah and white wines are primarily made from Viognier, Marsanne and Roussane. While, in the Southern Rhone, red blends are the most popular, featuring Grenache (a personal favorite), Syrah, Carignan, Mouvedre and Cinsault. 

SUMMARY: Look here for interesting red blends featuring Grenache. The best regions are Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas. (Pricey but totally worth it).

PHEW!  So, that brings us to the end of my overview of French wine. As you can see, I barely scratched the surface and this post is already double the length of most others. Feel free to post questions in the comments below and I will happily answer them! 

Happy Holidays and 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!