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!