Tasting - Reserve Grand Veneur Cotes du Rhone

Name: Reserve Grand Veneur Cotes du Rhone
Variety: 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Cinsault
Region: Rhone Valley
Country: France
Year: 2010
Price: $14.95 / 750 mL, $38.95 / 3L

Critic Review:  "As for their other values, the 2010 Grand Veneur Cotes du Rhone Reserve (70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Cinsault) displays loads of ripe flavors. It is very concentrated for a Cotes du Rhone, and is actually an amazing wine. Classic garrigue, black cherry liqueur, lavender, licorice and spice box are all present in this fullbodied, intense, and rich Cotes du Rhone. This is a sensational effort to drink over the next 4-5 years, although it might last even longer."

My Review: This wine had an interesting aroma of cherries, with a lot of spiciness.  This wine tasted very similar to the smell.  The cherry taste was noticeable, as well as licorice.  This wine was very dry, with heavy tannins.  The spices were very strong as well.  I think this wine would taste a lot better paired with food, in order to balance the strong spicy taste.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Lobetia Tempranillo

Name: Lobetia Tempranillo
Variety: Tempranillo
Region: La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $9.95

Critic Review:  "Organically and naturally grown and made, this wine allows the varietal and the terroir to stand out cleanly. It shows a nice cherry color with a violet shade because of its youth. Red berries and cherries on the nose. On the palate it is fresh, slightly astringent, and harmonious with a long finish."

My Review: This wine gave off a fruity and earthy smell.  I could definitely smell cherries and some other fruits, such as cranberry.  This wine was enjoyable to drink, as it was soft, dry, and had a favorable amount of tannins.  I could taste the cherries and berries, as well as some raspberry.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Lobetia Chardonnay

Name: Lobetia Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $9.95

Critic Review:  "Organically and naturally grown and made, this wine allows the varietal and the terroir to stand out cleanly. Clean, bright color with a greenish-yellow tone. On the nose, exotic fruits like pineapple. Full flavored, fresh, with good acidity in the mouth, it finishes with tropical fruits."

My Review:  This was an interesting wine, as it was complex. I could smell pineapple and a slight hints of coconut.  This Chardonnay was very acidic with fruity flavors, such as melon and pineapple.  I could taste the pineapple distinctly.  I could also taste the coconut, which I think balanced the acidity.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Trattoria Busa Alla Torre De lele

Name: Trattoria Busa Alla Torre De Lele
Variety: Pinot Grigio
Region: Veneto
Country: Italy
Year: NV
Price: $7.95

Critic Review:  "Named after the famous restaurant in Italy! This is their house white wine! Coppery color from extended skin contact, round and rich texture with juicy melon aromas and flavors with a sweet fennel note on the ultra smooth finish. Great value Grigio! Drink now."

My Review:  I love Pinot Grigio, and I very much enjoyed this wine.  This wine smelled like apples and melons.  The taste was very smooth and refreshing.  I could taste green apple, which gave this wine a little bit of tart.  I could also taste grapefruits and melons.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Espiral Vinho Verde

Name: Espiral Vinho Verde
Variety: Alvarinho
Region: Minho
Country: Portugal
Year: NV
Price: $3.99


Critic Review:  "This Vinho Verde or "greenw wine" is excellent. Slightly sparkling with notes of green apple; it's low alcohol content makes it perfect for a hot summer day. Definitely worth trying for the price. Off-dr, slightly sparkling, very light and fruity. Excellent with chicken."

My Review:  Vinho Verde is currently my absolute favorite wine to drink, the Espiral being my actual favorite type.  This Vinho Verde is very cheaply priced, and is also my favorite.  It smells like green apples, and also tastes fruity, much like apples and maybe a little bit of pear.  It is light, crisp and a little bit tart.  One of my favorite things about this wine is that it is bubbly.  This Vinho Verde is perfect for warm days because it is refreshing, but I like to drink it all throughout the year.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Ksana Bonarda

Name: Ksana Bonarda
Variety: Bonarda
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2008
Price: $9.95

Critic Review:  "The bouquet is floral and lightly jammy, with berry aromas and a savory note or two. To the uninitiated, this is a great introduction to Bonarda. Finishes solid. Very sweet, berry smell with some rooty undertones. Kind of dry, makes your lips pucker."

My Review:  I have never tried a wine of this variety before.  It smelled very oaky (what I imagine is like the Oak Monster), and a little bit like berries.  I could taste the berries, but the dryness of the wine was overpowering.  There were A LOT of tannins and oak in this wine.  It made my mouth extremely dry after drinking.  I would probably not drink again.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Concannon Shiraz

Name: Concannon Shiraz
Variety: Shiraz
Region: Central Coast, California
Country: United States
Year: 2008
Price: $7.95

Critic Review:  "This is an extremely rich, full-bodied wine with a dark fruit core. Aromas of blackberry, blueberry, cassis and dark cherry are followed by more berry fruits and chocolate and mocha on the palate."


My Review:  This Shiraz had a nice smell of blackberries and blueberries.  The taste was very interesting, with a mixture of berries, cherries and chocolate.  I enjoyed this wine as it brought out many different tastes on my palate.  There weren't very many tannins, so it wasn't too dry.  This wine reminded me of chocolate covered cherries.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Chandon Sweet Cuvée

Name: Chandon Sweet Cuvée
Variety: Cuvée
Region: California
Country: United States
Year: NV
Price: $9.95

Critic Review:  "This wine is an innovative sparkling wine style revealing vibrant stone fruit and floral aromas with rich, luscious mouthfeel. This wine enlivens the senses and sparks spontaneous moments, complementing your passion for a good life."

My Review:  This sparkling wine smelled a little bit like flowers, but it didn't smell too great to me.  It kind had a funky smell to it, like an old person's home.  The smell kind of put off the taste of the wine.  I thought it tasted like the flowers that were present in the smell, and I didn't find it very appealing.  The flower taste was not overpowering, and I could taste a little fruitiness.  I did like that this was a sparkling wine, it made it a little more refreshing and crisp.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Black Ridge White Zinfandel

Name: Black Ridge White Zinfandel
Variety: White Zinfandel
Region: California
Country: United States
Year: NV
Price: $3.95

Critic Review:  "This fruit forward White Zinfandel displays fresh aromas and crisp flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry. It is incredibly food friendly and will pair well with burgers, sandwiches, fruit salad, and more."

My Review:  White Zinfandel has a less than favorable reputation in the wine world, since it is usually liked by people who don't drink wine.  I admit to drinking White Zin before taking this wine class, as it was a sweet and easy alternative to other, more complex wines.  Therefore, I was excited to try a White Zin for the first time since taking this class, and experiencing so many new types of wines on my palate.    The smell was alright, with a hints of raspberry, strawberry, and a little spiciness.  The taste was not too dry easy to drink.  It tasted heavily of strawberries, and was sweet, but not too sweet like some other White Zinfandels I have tasted.  I tried to be unbiased in my evaluation on White Zin, and not think about the bad reputation.  Overall, I personally don't really have a huge problem with White Zin, but this is probably because my palate hasn't evolved enough yet.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Wilson Daniels Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Wilson Daniels Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Central Coast, California
Country: United States
Year: 2010
Price: $7.95

Critic Review:  "Orange blossom and citrus permeate the aromas. Alluring flavors of orange and grapefruit dominate the palate. Bright acidity balances the plush mouthfeel, resulting in a clean finish."

My Review:  This wine had a nice citrusy smell, like oranges.  It also smelled like a light air freshener. The taste was very refreshing and fruity.  I could taste the citrus, but it also tasted a little bit like apple juice, which I enjoyed.  I would definitely drink this Sauvignon Blanc again, especially since it is so affordable.

I tasted this wine without food.

Movie Review - "Wine for the Confused"

            Wine for the Confused was a documentary for novice wine drinkers, staring and hosted by John Cleese and directed by David Kennard.  Cleese guides viewers through the basics of wine, including, but not limited to, wine making, wine tasting, wine terminology, the grape varieties and how to buy and store wine.  Cleese teaches beginning wine viewers about the world of wine by interviewing wine experts, visiting wineries and even hosting a wine dinner party.  This documentary is perfect for beginner wine lovers to learn the ins and outs of everything you need to know about wine. 

            John Cleese, a famous British actor and producer, is most notably known for his appearances in the Monty Python films.  He is a light-hearted host, whom uses his dry British comedy and wit to make this documentary enjoyable.  This film begins by addressing the common stereotypes about wine culture and discusses people’s opinions on wine.  One of the biggest problems is people are often afraid of the wine culture because they feel their knowledge of wine does not measure up to wine experts, or as some people call them “wine snobs.”  Cleese persuades the viewers to become knowledgeable about wine and form your own opinions on the tastes of wines.  We learned in wine class that everyone has different taste palates, and therefore, different opinions when it comes to wine.  Cleese further emphasizes that everyone must make their own judgment on whether they like a wine or not, and do not like wine critics tell you which wines to prefer over others.

            In order for wine novices to become accustomed to wine culture, Cleese recommends becoming familiar with descriptor words.  Descriptor words can be used to describe the smell and taste of a wine.  Cleese collaborates with a wine expert to discuss common wine descriptors.  One can use wine descriptors to describe a favorable or less than favorable wine, according to ones own opinion.  Among popular wine descriptors are words like: dry, acidic, sweet, bitter, tannins etc.  These words are helpful when trying to describe a wine to a friend, or figuring out which wine is complimentary to your palate.  As we learned in class, you must create you own opinions about wine, rather than taking the opinion of a wine expert as absolute fact.

            Cleese takes film viewers to a couple different vineyards in order to get a taste of the viticulture of the wine world.  Wine is grown absolutely everywhere in the world and a variety of grapes are used, reds and whites.  Cleese focuses on what he thinks are the 3 most popular white grapes: Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, and the 3 most popular red grapes: Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.  He discusses how these white wines and red wines were made, including their differences in acidity, tannins, color and tastes.  As discussed, it is important to know basic descriptions such as these in order to pick which wine to buy at the store when you have never tasted it before.

            One of the most interesting parts of the film, in my opinion, was when Cleese instructed viewers on what to think about when ordering wine at a restaurant.  He met with a sommelier and chef of a restaurant.  The sommelier recommends that you should tell the server what characteristics of wine you like and what you don’t like.  He suggests that expensive wine is not always the best wine, and that some servers might try to push you to order the expensive stuff.  The chef instructs Cleese on how to pair your wine with your food, and gives some interesting facts on how to compliment flavors.  This part of the film was very useful and informative for future wine/dinner pairings. 

            Throughout the film, Cleese hosts a wine tasting party, attended by a variety of people, including actor Brendan Fraser.  He had the guests describe the wines they tasted.  Most of them have had no instruction or education on wine, and therefore, their answers were often funny or confusing.  Towards the end, the guests do a blind wine tasting.  This was probably the most entertaining part of the movie, in my opinion.  Cleese had the guests taste a red and a white wine, and asked them to tell the difference.  For this blind tasting most of them got it right.  However, for the other tasting, Cleese has guests taste a variety of wines with different prices, ranging from really cheap to really expensive.  Guest had a harder time telling which wines were cheap and which were expensive.  This was entertaining to see their reactions when they found out the expensive wine was no better than the cheap wine to some people’s taste palates.  Once again, this reinforces the fact that everyone has their own tastes and opinions when it comes to their

wine preferences.

            I definitely recommend this Wine for the Confused to wine beginners, and anyone interested in knowing the basic wine concepts.  It’s an easy film to follow, and although it could get a little boring at times, there was comedic relief from Cleese.  This wine documentary definitely makes wine concepts and terms easier to understand and follow.  John Cleese was a great host, and he made wine concepts enjoyable and relatable to a wine novice in this laid-back documentary.

Tasting - Caprice de Bastor-Lamontagne

Name: Caprice de Bastor-Lamontagne
Variety: 60% Semillon, 30% Sauvignon Blanc, 4% Muscadelle
Region: Sauternes
Country: Spain
Year: 2004
Price: $7.95

Critic Review:  "Very clean, with lemon, mineral and honey aromas that follow through to a medium body. Shows vanilla, apple and melon flavors, with a medium finish. Lightly sweet."

My Review:  This wine had a very pleasant smell of honey and vanilla.  However, the taste was awful.  It did not even taste like wine to me.  It was extremely sweet and tasted like watered down juice.  I'm not even sure what type of food to pair with this wine, as it would probably make the food taste gross as well.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Torre Castillo Alegre

Name: Torre Castillo Alegre
Variety: 100% Monastrell
Region: Jumilla
Country: Spain
Year: 2010
Price: $9.95

Critic Review:  "4 months in new American oak barrels. Bright ruby-red. Dried cherry, pipe tobacco and rose aromas, with a hint of woodsmoke. Sweet and fleshy on the palate, with blackberry and cherry flavors complimented by licorice and a suggestion of dried herbs. The cherry and smoke notes repeat on the finish."

My Review:  This wine smelled...very weird.  It was one of the most unusually smelling wines that I have ever smelled.  It reminded me of mushy peas and baby food.  The taste was better and it did not taste like mushy peas.  This wine was very oaky, and thus, tasted like tobacco smoke, which was kind of unappealing to me.  This was a very weird tasting wine and left my tongue dry.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Wilson Daniels Merlot

Name: Wilson Daniels Merlot
Variety: Merlot
Region: Central Coast, California
Country: United States
Year: 2010
Price: $7.95

Critic Review:  "Made predominantly from Paso Robles grapes, the wine is fullbodied and silky yet robust, with aromas of black cherry and plum and a palate of blackberry, raspberry and blueberry jam laced with vanilla and toast."

My Review:  This wine smells strongly of blackberries and a little bit of alcohol.  The taste of this wine was definitely better than the smell, but it still wasn't all that great.  It tasted a little bit like blackberries and vanilla.  It was a little spicy, but had a bad aftertaste.  This wine was mediocre, but probably tastes better with food. 

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Bricco Dei Tati Rosé

Name: Bricco Dei Tati Rosé
Variety: 100% Barbera
Region: Piedmont
Country: Italy
Year: 2012
Price: $6.95

Critic Review:  "Fresh with aromas of strawberries, cherries, and rose petals, this an ideal wine with shellfish, salads, chicken, and appetizers."

My Review:  This wine had one of the best aromas I've ever smelled.  It smelled like roses, almost like a light perfume or air freshener.  The taste was very similar and enjoyable.  It tasted like strawberries and sour candy.  However, the fruity taste was not over powering, which made this wine very nice to drink, perhaps with a salad or light fare.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Smoking Loon Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Smoking Loon
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: California
Country: United States
Year: 2009
Price: $7.95


Critic Review:  "This bleached blonde beauty is reminiscent of fresh green apples, pineapple and has hints of hibiscus blossoms. The concentration of zesty lemon and gooseberry fills your mouth leaving notes of thyme and melon behind. The bright acid in this wine gives you a zing while the fruit keeps your mouth watering for more. This wine pairs beautifully with a grilled prawn salad with a grapefruit
vinaigrette, veggie spring rolls or grilled tilapia with mango salsa."

My Review:  This 12% Sauvignon Blanc had a nice smell of sweet citrus.  The taste was nice and refreshing as well.  I could vividly taste green apples and a little bit of lemon.  This wine would taste nice with seafood or on a hot day.

I tasted this wine without food.

Dinner - A Friend's House (College Themed Potluck)

           A couple of my friends hosted a wine and appetizer party last Thursday night.  Most of the people in attendance are in Boyer's wine class, but we even had a few other wine lovers join us.  There were about 17 of us in all, giving us a bountiful variety of wines and appetizers.  Our wine dinner happened to fall on the day of the unexpected snow storm that ended up closing down the Virginia Tech campus.  However, this did not stop our wine dinner from happening.  We are dedicated wine drinkers (especially on Thursday nights), and obviously we were not going to pass up free food.  So, everyone trudged their way through the snow to our friends house, and my parents took my snow boots home last weekend so that sucked.
           The theme of this wine/dinner tasting was somewhat of a "College Themed Potluck."  You might be wondering what a "College Themed Potluck" entails.  Well, it's our cheap version of a wine/dinner tasting, with a variety of random appetizers and wines.  And did I mention cheap wines?  All the wines were probably under the $10 range, but we really did have a wide variety of wines and foods.

           Among the food items were some Italian style appetizers, such as bruschetta, pasta salad and caprese.  There were cheeses and crackers, breads and chips.  There were a couple different dips, such as a tuna dip, a cheese dip and a mexican style dip.  There were some vegetables and fruits, and even macaroni and cheese.  Then there were desert items, such as cookies and croissants filled with chocolate.  I know cookies aren't the best thing to pair with wines, but that's what I brought (oatmeal chocolate chip and sugar cookies).  I was planing of making something nicer, but the snow storm hit and I couldn't make it to the grocery store, so whatever.  Among the wines, were a variety of reds, whites and a rosé.  Two of the wines that we had in the wine tasting that same day were there, the Veleta Tempranillo and the Cresta Azul.  There were Moscatos, Pinot Grigios, a Cabernet Franc, a Cabernet Sauvignon, and a red blend.  My contribution was Espiral Vinho Verde (from Trader Joe's), currently my favorite type of wine.
           The first wine I tasted was the Cresta Azul.  I had tasted this wine at the wine tasting earlier in the day, and I loved it!  It's a white wine with the variety of Macabeo, Parellada, Zarel-lo, and Moscatel.  This is a refreshing wine, with a crisp finish.  It tastes of peaches and vanilla, with a slight creaminess.  I paired this wine with the cheese, crackers and tuna spread.  The refreshing, clean taste of this wine is why I paired it with the cheese and tuna spread.  The cheese brought out the acidity in the wine and made it more crisp.  I figured this wine would pair nicely with seafood and I was correct.  The tuna spread brought out the refreshing, peachy taste in the wine, and actually made it taste sweeter.  In the future, I would pair this wine with some sort of fish.
           The second wine I tasted was the Veleta Tempranillo, which I had also had at the wine tasting earlier in the day.  I really enjoyed this Tempranillo earlier in the day, and the food pairings made the taste stand out even more.  This Tempranillo from Spain is smooth, acidic, and slightly spicy.  It tasted like pomegranate and fresh berries.  I paired this wine with the pasta salad.  I figured the italian dressing in the pasta salad would bring out the spices in this wine.  The pasta salad did in fact bring out the spices in the Tempranillo; however, I think it might have been a little too much for my taste buds.  This might have been because pasta salad might not be the best thing to pair with wine.  It overpowered the flavor of the wine, and toned down the smooth, slightly fruity taste.  Next time I would pair this wine with a meat, such as steak or lamb.
           The next wine I tasted was the Ecco Domani Pinot Grigio.  This is a very cheap Pinot Grigio, so I wasn't expecting much.  However, I really like Pinot Grigio, so I sucked it up.  Overall, it wasn't a bad cheap Pinot Grigio.  It was very smooth and tasted of tropical fruits.  I paired this wine with the caprese.  The caprese was mozzarella, a tomato, basil, and balsamic vinaigrette on top of a slice of bread.  The subtle taste of the Pinot Grigio was brought out by the caprese, specifically the balsamic vinaigrette.  It toned up the acidity and the crispness.  I liked this food pairing, but would also pair the Pinot Grigio with a fish or chicken.
           Lastly, I drank my Espiral Vinho Verde wine.  This Vinho Verde wine it from Portugal and is of the Alvarinho variety.  It is light, fruity and crisp, with a little bit of bubbly.  I drank this wine with the macaroni and cheese, but mainly because I just wanted to finish the bottle, not because I thought they would pair well together.  Boyer told us to always finish a bottle of wine once you open it.  The mac and cheese did nothing for the wine, and probably actually made it taste worse.  So, I ended up eating them separately.  Vinho Verde tends to pair nicely with seafood and light appetizers.
           Ultimately, I learned a lot from this wine dinner.  I learned that the flavors and tastes of the wine are different when pairing them with different foods.  In addition, the food brings out flavors in the wine that I didn't notice when drinking the wine without food, and vice versa.  The wine gave the food more savour to its taste, as well as added spiciness.  It was kind of a guessing game while trying to pair the wine with the food, and I really need more practice in that department.  We are definitely going to do this wine dinner party again in order to try even more wine and food pairings.  I am excited for all the possibilities!

Tasting - Ruta 22 Malbec

Name: Ruta 22 Malbec
Variety: Malbec
Region: Patagonia
Country: Argentina
Year: 2011
Price: $7.95

Critic Review:  "Stout and dense from the beginning, with blackberry and violet aromas. Despite being a bold and dark Malbec, this is fresh and composed, with sweet blackberry and cassis flavors. Good on the finish, with candied fruit and caramel sweetness."

My Review:  This Malbec wine did not have a pleasant smell.  It smelled way too much like hard liquor.  The taste was not very good either.  I could taste too much alcohol in this wine, and it was overpowering the other tastes.  I could taste a hint of blackberry and tartness, but the bitter and strong alcohol taste was too much for me to handle.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Chateau Serres Sainte Lucie Corbieres

Name: Chateau Serres Sainte Lucie Corbieres
Variety: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre
Region: Corbieres
Country: France
Year: 2010
Price: $4.95

Critic Review:  "Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre. Superb dark garnet color with a few reflections of dark orange. Intense nose of ripe fruits, spices, and roasted coffee. The palate is rounded and full, with silky matured tannins and hints of vanilla. This wine is rich and powerful with layers of tannins."

My Review:  This was a very interesting wine because the smell was awful, but I actually enjoyed the taste.  Right away, this wine smelled very revolting.  It smelled like bad breath and barnyard.  However, this wine actually tasted very pleasant, kind of like oranges and berries.  It was very smooth and had a good balance of spices and tannins.  It even had a very good after-taste.  I was very surprised by this good tasting wine since the smell was so disgusting.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Cresta Azul

Name: Cresta Azul
Variety: Moscatel, Macabeo, Parellada, Xarel-lo
Region: Catalunya
Country: Spain
Year: NV
Price: $5.95

Critic Review:  "Moscatel, Macabeo, Parellada, Xarel-lo. Peach, orange cream and vanilla flavors mingle in this softly bubbly white. Off-dry, but with crisp acidity and a clean finish."

My Review:  This wine smelled nicely of peaches and vanilla.  However, the taste was a little different.  I could taste vanilla, and a little bit of a peaches n' cream taste.  It was not bitter or tart at all, but rather crisp, sweet, and even a little bubbly.  I really enjoyed this wine, probably because it tasted like a Vinho Verde (my favorite type of wine right now), but it didn't have as much punch as a Vinho Verde.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Veleta Tempranillo Rosé

Name: Veleta Tempranillo Rosé
Variety: Tempranillo
Region: Granada
Country: Spain
Year: 2010
Price: $3.95

Critic Review:  "Fresh in flavor and crisp in texture, this dry rosé offers berry, tart cherry and light herbal flavors, with firm acidity and a clean finish. Focused and juicy."

My Review:  This wine had an aroma of fresh fruit and pomegranate.  The taste was smooth and acidic, and slightly spicy.  I could taste fresh berries, with a splash of pomegranate.  I enjoyed this wine enough to buy a bottle.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Veleta Brut Vino Espumoso Rosado

Name: Veleta Brut Vino Espumoso Rosado

Variety: Sparkling Brut Blend

Region: Grenada

Country: Spain

Year: NV

Price: $3.95

Critic Review:  "Rosé salmon with copper reflections. Slow rising fine bubble that forms “lace” and “rosary”. In the nose is complex and elegant with red fruit, citric, exotic, fresh flowers, and notes of dry fruits and dry flowers. Fresh, gentle, and alive. Perfectly integrated “perlage” with serious and subtle flavors of dry fruits, pomegranate and lemonade. Long lasting scent of flowers and herbs."

My Review:  This wine smelled very freshly of fruits and roses.  The taste was very subtle and refreshing.  It was a little tart, but also sweet.  So, to me, it kind of tasted like sour patch kids.  I enjoyed this wine and would drink it again, especially on a hot summer day.

I tasted this wine without food.

Movie Review - "Blood into Wine"

            We watched the movie Blood into Wine in my Geography of Wine class.  Professor Boyer claimed this movie was his favorite documentary wine film, and I soon realized why.  When I first heard that we were watching a “wine documentary,” I could not figure out how a film dedicated solely to the winemaking process could be entertaining.  For some reason, I thought it would be boring and mundanely educational.  However, I was definitely wrong about what type of film this was.  Blood into Wine turned out to be an enjoyable, and even comical, documentary about Maynard James Keenan and Eric Glomski, and their Caduceus brand wine out of Arizona.  Directed by Christopher Pomerenke and Ryan Page, Blood into Wine is a must-watch film for young or beginner wine lovers.

            Maynard James Keenan, the lead singer of the heavy metal rock band Tool, and his business partner Eric Glomski team up to create a winery.  Maynard becomes extremely interested in winemaking during his rock tours in Europe, the land of wine.  Maynard returned to the United States, and settled down in Phoenix, Arizona.  He started studying the winemaking industry and found Eric Glomski, whom had experience working in the wine business.  After some research, they started growing grapes in Verde Valley of Northern Arizona.  The film then goes on to document the initial wine growing process that Maynard and Glomski went through when starting their wine business, Caduceus Cellar.  It shows the audience the ups and downs of growing wine in Arizona.  The film also follows Maynard and Glomski as they attend autograph signings during wine presentations, and it shows wine tastings at the Caduceus wine store.  Famous wine critic, James Suckling, even appeared in the film to critique the Caduceus wine.           

            Throughout the film, we experience some comedic relief from comedians Patton Oswalt and Bob Odenkirk.  They “interview” Maynard through what I’m pretty sure was a made-up show.  They joke about him being a merely “D-list” celebrity, and mock his wine business and “disgusting” wine, even though they end up getting hilariously drunk.  Maynard also provides some humor, mostly through his very sarcastic and biting personality.  He is a very smart and polite person, but the film depicts his bottled up anger, possibly from his rocker days.  Personally, I think the wine business, although stressful, is actually having a relaxing and calming effect on Maynard.

            Maynard began studying wine in 1999, and soon after finding his business partner, Glomski, they began growing grapes in the unusual area of northern Arizona.  The early problems Maynard and Glomski faced where mostly due to the initial grape growing period.  Like most wineries, the first batch of grapes makes it or breaks it.  They needed a successful season of grapes, or they would have wasted a lot of money, time and effort.  Maynard himself gets down, dirty and involved in the grape growing process.  Luckily, they ended up producing a good batch of grapes, and named their vineyard Merkin Vineyard.  They then experimented with the grapes in order to perfect their uniquely tasting wine.

            There are two main points that the film wants the audience to follow.  The first intention of the film is to highlight Maynard’s duel personalities.  One lifestyle portrays is his “rocker” personality, and the other his “winemaker” personality.  Many people are in disbelief when they hear that Maynard is a winemaker as well as the lead singer of a heavy metal rock band.  These two professions do not usually mix or work together...at all.  However, Maynard specifically explains in this film that he was never keen on the “rockstar” lifestyle.  He favored a life away from the sex, drugs and rock and roll, and much preferred the winemaker lifestyle free from fame.  Many of his rock fans show up at his wine tastings and signings, and Maynard shows them his winemaker side of life.  Maynard is actually very serious about his winemaking, and this is seen through his winemaker personality.  Maynard even says he prefers the winemaking business to the rocker business, and he does not regret giving up his rocker lifestyle for the winemaker lifestyle.

            The second main point of this documentary is to show the audience that Arizona is an up and coming wine making state.  The audience gets to experience the vast, beautiful desert scenery known to Arizona.  Maynard and Glomski started their lush vineyard on a stretch of land in arid Arizona, in the Verde Valley.  The stretch of Arizona land is actually a desert, and not a place someone would think to plant grapes or make wine.  The Arizona desert landscape is not a typical environment for the winemaking business.  However, this documentary shows the audience that Arizona can actually produce some great wine; some may say it’s on par with California wine.  I don’t exactly remember which grapes were grown at Merkin Vineyards, but James Suckling tasted Maynard’s Cabernet Sauvignon, which he dedicated to his late mother, and gave it a favorable review.

            I would definitely recommend this film to a wine audience.  In addition, I would recommend this film to anyone at all because it might make someone interested in wine.  It highlights the up and coming wine industry in the unlikely state of Arizona, but not in a dragging educational fashion.  Oswalt and Odenkirk, and even the dry humor of Maynard, bring the comedic punch to this fascinating documentary.  Rocker Maynard, and the mostly forgotten about Glomski, make this film delightfully interesting and relatable by their unlikely business relationship.  This isn’t a typical clean-cut, sophisticated film about wine.  Some film critics claim this film is very sporadic, unfocused and random.  Well...duh.  The film is about a rocker turned winemaker, and that is pretty random.  Blood into Wine will not disappoint anyone looking for an out-of-the-ordinary wine film experience. 

Tasting - Emeri de Bortoli Sparkling Shiraz

Name: Emeri de Bortoli Sparkling Shiraz
Variety: Shiraz
Region: South East, Australia
Country: Australia
Year: N/A
Price: $9.95

Critic Review:  "A relatively light, fresh style of sparking Shiraz, with berries and hints of chocolate picking up just a touch of sweet vanilla on the finish."

My Review:  I am a huge fan of sparkling white wines, but this was actually the first time I have tasted a sparkling red wine.  The smell was sweet, and actually a little overwhelming.  The taste was much lighter and fruity.  I could taste strawberry and vanilla.  This sparkling red wine kind of reminded me of a less sweeter soda.  It was crisp and unusually tasteful.  I really enjoyed this sparkling red wines, and I look forward to trying more in the future.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Tres Ojos Garnacha

Name: Tres Ojos Garnacha 
Variety: 50% Garnacha, 50% Tempranillo
Region: Calatayud
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $6.95

Critic Review:  "This wine has a brick red color with a bouquet of red raspberries, spice and white pepper. The palate is incredibly concentrated and rich. The modern styles of Garnacha in Spain are continuously being perceived worldwide as wines of extraordinarily good quality. This wine is fruity, juicy and shows a great depth, ripe tannins, length but yet with wonderful elegance and lightness. Enjoy with sausages, roasted meats, aged cheeses etc."

My Review:  The smell was very oaky and spicy, and I did not like the smell at all at first.  The second smell wasn't as bad because I could smell more of the oak, but I was still not a fan.  This wine had a lot of tannins and was very dry.  It had a stronger taste than what I usually like.  I could taste raspberries, which I normally enjoy, but overall I did not like this wine...at all.  It was too spicy and dry for my taste, and had little balance.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Montebuena Tempranillo

Name: Montebuena Tempranillo
Variety: 100% Tempranillo
Region: Rioja
Country: Spain
Year: 2010
Price: $8.95

Critic Review:  "Ripe cherry and blackcurrant on the nose and in the mouth. Pliant and seamless in texture, with good heft and back-end energy. Finishes smooth and sweet, with fine-grained tannins providing shape and grip. Still on the young side but this wine drinks very well with an hour or so of decanting; it's an excellent value for Rioja."

My Review:  This wine had a very pretty deep-purplish red color.  It smelled strongly of blackcurrant and berries.  The taste was very similiar in the smell, as the blackcurrant and berries jumped out at me.  I could also taste cherries, and it tasted somewhat like a jam.  This wine was low on tannins and easy to drink.  I really enjoyed this smooth, red wine.  I have come to realize that I am definitely a fan of Tempranillo, as I have enjoyed all of them that I have tasted. 

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Sainte Victoire Cotes de Provence Rosé

Name: Sainte Victoire Cotes de Provence Rosé
Variety: Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault
Region: Provence
Country: France
Year: 2011
Price: $8.95

Critic Review:  "Bright salmon pink; typical of the fresh but warm Provence style. Refined and complex on the nose, with summer fruit and floral notes. Dry and crisp, with a delicate flavor and full texture."

My Review:  The smell was slightly fruity and floral.  To me, the wine tasted dry and bitter.  I could also taste the floral, which was prominent in the smell.  However, I thought this wine had a bad after-taste.  This wine was lacking taste and seemed very plain.  I did not really enjoy this Rosé.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Canyon Road Chardonnay

Name: Canyon Road Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: California
Country: United States
Year: 2011
Price: $6.95

Critic Review:  "Medium-bodied wine with notes of crisp apple and ripe citrus fruit with a hint of cinnamon spice. Delicious complement to grilled chicken, lighter pasta dishes or mild cheeses."

My Review:  This Chardonnay had a subtle smell of sweetness and citrus.  The wine was a little bitter, with a hint of sweetness and oak.  It was a very enjoyable, crisp Chardonnay.  I would definitely drink it again, maybe with a light appetizer.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Potluck Sweet Malbec

Name: Potluck Sweet Malbec
Variety: 100% Malbec
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2010
Price: $7.95

Critic Review:  "Deep red brilliant with violet hints. Complex, fruity, and predominant red fruits. Easy to drink, round with persistent sweetness, very well balanced with sweet tannins."

My Review:  This red wine smelled a lot sweeter and fruitier than most red wines, which was probably pretty obvious by the name.  I really enjoyed this wine as it was very fruity, with a distinct cherry taste. It was smooth, tangy and not spicy.  I would definitely drink this wine again because it was sweet and memorable, but not too sweet.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Domaine de Grange de Payan

Name: Domaine de Grange de Payan
Variety: 100% Granache
Region: Cotes du Rhone
Country: France
Year: 2011
Price: $8.95

Critic Review:  "Intensely spicy and precise, with lively red berry flavors and a hint of black pepper. The Grenache, which makes up the majority of the wine, is deeper and more powerful, offering cherry and black raspberry qualities lifted by zesty minerality."

My Review:  This wine, with a 15% alcohol content, has a strong smell of spices and pepper.  I was not too fond of the smell, and the taste was even worse, in my opinion.  It was a very bitter and dry wine.  I did like the blackberry taste, but the aftertaste was not very appealing.  I probably would not bother drinking this wine again.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Tinto Figaro

Name: Tinto Figaro
Variety: 100% Garnacha
Region: Calatayud
Country: Spain
Year: 2009
Price: $6.95

Critic Review:  "Figaro is 100% Garnacha, made from a selection of the best grapes grown in the oldest vineyards. While not truly an "oaked wine", a short stay in oak barrels provides a nice spicy flavor boost. Bright violet. Dark berry and cherry aromas show a jammy aspect. Supple and gently sweet, with good lift to its black raspberry and boysenberry flavors. Smooth and broad on the finish, leaving behind a hint of spiciness. Extremely easy to drink and an excellent value."

My Review:  This wine, with a 14.5% alcohol content, has a strong sweet aroma of berries and fruit.  It also had an oaky smell, but it wasn't too overwhelming.  This wine tasted lightly spiced, with sweet cherries and raspberries.  It was not acidic, but was dry with a clean and smooth finish.  I really enjoyed this easy to drink red wine, and would definitely drink it again.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Maipe Malbec Rosé

Name: Maipe Malbec Rosé
Variety: 100% Malbec
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2011
Price: $7.95

Critic Review:  "Intense pink color with violet hints. Fresh red fruit bouquet, strawberry and cherry flavors, balanced acidity, dry and lingering finish. Excellent with tuna or green salad, pasta, spicy Asian
dishes."

My Review:  This wine smelled strongly of berries and cherries.  However, I thought the taste was not as appealing as the smell.  This rosé tasted like cherries, but the taste wasn't very defining.  There just wasn't anything special about the taste of this wine, but it wasn't bad.  I would try this wine again paired with food because it would probably taste a lot better.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Cortenova Pinot Grigio

Name: Cortenova Pinot Grigio
Variety: 100% Pinot Gris
Region: Veneto
Country: Italy
Year: 2012
Price: $7.95

Critic Review:  "Brilliant straw color with emerald reflections. Fresh and floral bouquet with a hint of pears, apricots and bananas. Fresh and inviting with bright fruit and an easy drinking style with a pleasing hint of almonds in the aftertaste. Pairs well with seafood dishes, risottos with scampi, spaghetti with clams, sole in white wine  Perfect also as an aperitif."

My Review:  This wine smelled sweetly of ripe fruits, such as bananas and pears.  The taste was light, fruity and acidic.  This wine was clean and refreshing.  I am a big fan of Pinot Grigio, so I would drink this wine again.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Octave Vinho Verde

Name: Octave
Variety: Albarino
Region: Vinho Verde
Country: Portugal
Year: NV
Price: $6.95 (Vintage Cellar), $8 (Average)

Critic Review:  "Vinho Verde (an appellation, a literal wine type (green wine), a way of life) is the perfect summer refresher.  Tongue tickling spritz, light and tangy yellow fruits and a dryish, saline-tinged finish comprise the simple charms of VV. This fresh [wine] out does itself with all of the above in more abundance than its worthy predecessors. Low in alcohol (8%ish) and low in pretense Octave is the perfect casual mate for your summer fun!"

My Review:  I absolutely love Vinho Verde wine.  Octave gave off a beautiful aroma of green apples and honeysuckle.  The light bubbles give a light punch to the wine.  The taste is very clean and refreshing.  The wine tasted like green apples, pears and citrus.  Vinho Verde is a mellow wine that would taste great on a hot summer day; however, I drink it year around.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Monte Aman

Name: Monte Aman
Variety: 100% Tempranillo
Region: Arlanza
Country: Spain
Year: 2009
Price: $5.95

Critic Review:  "Fermentation of selected grapes in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature. Aging in American oak casks for 5 months followed by 3 months in the bottle before being released in the market. Inky ruby. Ripe cherry and plum on the nose. Smooth and fleshy, with deep dark fruit flavors complicated by bitter chocolate and anise. A spicy quality adds lift and focus to the weighty fruit. Offers an appealing mix of power and energy and drinks very well right now."

My Review:  I loved this red wine.  This wine smelled strongly of plums and oak.  The first thing that came to my mind when I tasted this wine was chocolate!  I had never tasted a wine where I had immediately thought of chocolate, until this wine.  The reason the taste of this wine is so potent is because it had been aged in American oak for a few months, giving it such a powerful flavor.  I could also taste the cherry, so this wine kind of reminded me of a dessert.  This wine was not too bitter or too dry, but was a perfect balance of both.  I would definitely drink this wine again.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Cortenova Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

Name: Cortenove
Variety: 100% Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Region: Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $6.95

Critic Review:  "100% Montepulciano d' Abruzzo. Deep ruby red color with violet highlights and a pleasant and fruity bouquet. Full bodied, soft tannins and good acidity. Excellent with pasta dishes and red meats."

My Review:  There was a very strong smell of oak, and even a little bit of formaldehyde, which was kind of off-putting.  So I wasn't a big fan on the smell, but I did like the taste of the wine.  It was not too dry, and had a nice balance of acidity and tannins.  This wine tasted fruity, like berries, and would pair nicely with pasta.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Maipe Chardonnay

Name: Maipe Chardonnay
Variety: 85% Chardonnay, 15% Viognier
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2012
Price: $7.95

Critic Review:  "Made from 85% Chardonnay, 15% Viognier. 30% malolactic fermentation, 30% was aged in French oak barrels. Brilliant yellow golden color with green hints. The wine is crisp and filled with white peach, pear, green apples flavors, toasty vanilla. Elegant and luscious wine, well balanced. Crisp and long finish. Pairs well with creamy soups, pork, veal, vegetables".

My Review:  There was a strong aroma of green apple, sweet pear, and oak.  This wine was a little bitter, and I could taste the sharp green apple.  This wine was clean and smooth.  I enjoyed this wine and would drink it again.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Villa d'Orvieto

Name: Villa d'Orvieto
Variety: Grechetto, Trebbiano, Malvasia
Region: Orvieto
Country: Italy
Year: 2011
Price: $6.95

Critic Review:  "It’s a blend of Grechetto, Procanico (Trebbiano), and Malvasia. Fresh and crisp, it has a beautiful, floral bouquet. It is wonderful with appetizers, fish, chicken, and salads."

My Review:  I really loved this wine.  It didn't have a very strong smell, but there were hints of apple, pears and flowers.  The wine tasted very clean, crisp and simple.  I could taste the light fruity flavors, and it was not overly sweet or acidic.  This wine would go great with appetizers and seafood.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Morada Sangria

Name: Morada Sangria
Variety: Sangria
Region: Spain
Country: Spain
Year: NV
Price: $4.95

Critic Review:  "Morada Sangria is a traditional Spanish drink made with red wine and citrus extracts. Garnet color and fresh on the palate.  Pasteurization preserves the color, aromas and flavors.  7% alcohol.  It is a very refreshing Sangria with around 85 grams of sugar.  Sangria is now one of the hottest items in the beverage industry and it's growing exponentially year to year.  Serve well chilled, on its own or with lemonade and slice of fruit like peach, banana or apple."

My Review:  The smell of this Sangria was very strong of fruits, mainly citrus.  It tasted very sweet, almost like juice.  I could taste bananas, blood oranges, lemons, and grapefruits.  However, I did not like this Sangria and would not drink it again.  It left a very bad aftertaste, kind of like stale orange juice.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Lost Vineyard Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Lost Vineyard Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon
Variety: 60% Shiraz, 40% Cabernet
Region: Argentina
Country: Argentina
Year: NV
Price: $4.95

Critic Review:  "It is dry and contains subtle tobacco undertones with a black licorice, cherry scent.  The oak is in the background.  Would pair well [with] hamburger or a steak rather than stand alone."

My Review:  There was a strong cherry aroma and I could smell a hint of oak, as well.  This wine was very dry and I could take tobacco and oak.  I could also taste a bit of cherry.  I did not really like this wine, and I would definitely pair this wine with food, such as steak.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Villa Pozzi Nero D'Avola

Name: Villa Pozzi Nero D'Avola
Variety: Nero D'Avola
Region: Sicily
Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $8.95

Critic Review:  "Very dark purple, with a reddish-violet edge, typical of this grape.  Black plums, a hint of licorice and subtle spice, not overly complex but appealing.  A big mouth full of juicy black fruit is well structured by tart acidity and soft but distinct tannins."

My Review:  This wine smelled of spices and plums.  This color was beautiful; it was a purplish-red.  This wine tasted very tart and sour.  There was an explosion of berry flavors and plums.  I liked this wine, but I would have preferred to taste this wine with food.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Tres Ojos Rosé

Name: Tres Ojos Rosé
Variety: 50% Tempranillo, 50% Garnacha
Region: Calatayud
Country: Spain
Year: 2009
Price: $1.95

Critic Review:  "This medium rose-colored rosado boasts a spicy red cherry/plum nose with a soft lush attack of red berry fruit flavors and a crisp dry finish.  Simple and refreshing and a natural for tapas."

My Review:  The aroma of this wine was very fruity; it smelled like berries.  This wine was semi-dry, especially for a rosé, and has a 14% alcohol content.  I didn't think there was much taste, but I liked the balance of acidity.  However, I thought this wine had a bad after-taste and it kind of burned my taste buds.  I wasn't a huge fan of this wine, but I would buy it for the price alone.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Les Perles Piquepoul

Name: Les Perles Piquepoul
Variety: Piquepoul
Region: Cotes de Thau
Country:  France
Year: 2011
Price: $7.95

Critic Review:  "Light and young, this is a straightforward but enjoyable selection that would be an ideal match for light fare such as grilled chicken salads or fluke.  Apple flesh, nectarine, and sweet citrus oil aromas and flavors appear on the nose and palate, while finish is infused with a flavor of green melon rind."

My Review:  This wine smelled very distinctly of apple and pear.  The wine itself tastes very acidic and bitter.  I could taste the apple, pear and melon in the wine.  I enjoyed this wine and would drink it again.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Gabriella Chianti

Name: Gabriella Chianti
Variety: 100% Sangiovese
Region: Chianti (Tuscany)
Country: Italy
Year: 2008
Price: $7.95 (Vintage Cellar) $20 (Average)

Critic Review:  "This beautiful wine has the very deep red, almost purple, color that you would expect in a Chianti.  The first thing you notice is the fruit, balanced by a bit of spice.  It's a good dry wine with a bold flavor.  Even with it's boldness, this Chianti is velvety smooth."

My Review:  This Chianti did not have a very appealing aroma.  It smelled like spices and, in my opinion, it smelled kind of like acetone.  However, it did taste better than it smelled.  This wine was very dry and smooth.  It had a bold taste, balanced with fruitiness and spiciness.  I would try this wine again, preferably with food.

I tasted this wine without food.