Wine for Easter Weekend

Name: Alterra

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Napa Valley
Country: US
Year:2010
Price: $16.99

My Review: 
I had this cabernet with with quiche I made. It had a ham, bacon, mushrooms, and spinach. . It went perfectly with dinner. It went really well it tasted like cherries. I think definitely prefer cabernets with food, because I feel that by itself it is just too bitter for me.

Critics Review:
Intense, Blackberry, Full-bodied
North Coast, CA- Winemaker Harry Parducci, Jr. has selected grapes from North Coast vineyards to produce this great-value Cabernet. Intense cassis and jammy blackberry fruit flavors finish with a hint of vanilla. Serve with grilled meats, lamb and beef.

Name: Sainte Victoire Cotes de Provence 
Variety: Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault
Region: Provence
Country:France

Year: 2011
Price:$8.95

My Review: Light and crisp! The summer fruit and floral notes definitely stood out. I would drink this again with appetizers.  

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.




Name: Naked      

Variety:  Riesling
Region: Columbia Valley,WA
Country: US
Year:2011
Price: $11

My Review:
I drank this wine by itself. It was very sweet, sweeter than I thought it would be be. I really enjoyed this wine!

Critics Review:
Although all of our wines are made with minimal intervention, grapes used in the Naked wine series are farmed as "au naturel" as possible. "Naked" is made with certified organically grown grapes in a certified organic facility. Very true to the varietal, these wines fit in perfectly with Joy's philosophy that it is best to leave Mother Nature alone - let nature take her course and then try to capture the natural essence of the vineyard in the bottle.

"This fresh organically grown Riesling bursts with pear aromas accented with mineral characters. A crisp, off dry finish captures the pure elegance of this varietal.” 
- Joy Andersen, Winemaker

Film Review - Blood Into Wine

Blood Into Wine is a documentary set mostly in Arizona. The story is mainly about the rock star/artist Maynard Keene from Tool. During this film we see and his journey of self discovery through wine and wine making. The documentary looks at Maynard’s life and journey through music and  his transition to wine. His love of the towns and hillsides in Europe encouraged and spurred him harvest grapes and start a vineyard in rocky northern Arizona. Maynard fell in love with a the small town called Jerome “ the wickedest city it the west”.

Maynard Keene and his business partner a wine expert and Eric Glomski really were pioneers of wine making in Arizona. They invested millions of dollars, years of risks to really make this work. The film takes there concept of theme of change and uniqueness and wine being much more than a wine but a form of self expression just like Maynard’s music. The film is informative also light-hearted and funny and it really gives you a different outlook on wine.

The Arizona location for a vineyard is unique with lots of reptiles, cactus deserts, canyons, Native Americans, cowboys. Hardly a place you have a vineyard. Criticism that Arizona was to hot but the main weather drawback was actually the snow and cold weather. But Maynard and everyone really keep referring to the uniqueness of the region. The peace and being able to see the moon and the stars was a big draw in. They grew the grape on a rocky slope where Eric believe once was an ancient lake bed. This territory may have contributed to the flavors. Variety of grapes that were grown and many different wines were made.

Tool was a rock band and Maynard decided he wanted to do something else. Maynard believes that art is a form of self discovery. This film really investigates Maynard transition for rock to wine making.

Eric, natural enthusiast and  the business partner of Maynard reallygave a different out look on wine.  He has a strong love of the land and earth “thinks it’s our responsibility to earth and our self to expand our senses”. Experience of taking what the earth brings and creating something that represents something. Our responsibility to develop our senses to get the most out of life. Really a one with the earth about it really about conserving naturally resources gave a different look on the wine while maynard took it very personally. Eric really had a extreme passiong for the earth the grapes. While maynard you kincondiser more a artist eash bottle could be lieka song for eri ceaxh bottle represents a speic point and place intime a mixture of things together into something wonderful. Differrenting perspectives

This documentary also looked at the processes in volved in winemakrinf. It  touched on pruning, bottling letting the wine set and we got to see a little bit what was going on as they explained it. We saw some of the wine growing  setbacks, with weather monsoons humidity raccoons snack s and gophers. We saw how grape are easy to grow you don’t need huge amounts of water like other crops such as cotton and corn. They also look at wine scores ad political and style driven and some of the controversy on these. They even have a wine critic come in and rate some of the caduesus wines.
 
One of the most touching moments of the documentary was when Maynard bottled his first bottle of Judith. He talks about his mother brain aneurysm when she was 31 how it was hard on him. He spread her ashes over the vineyard and that way his mom would get to travel the world. Really made this more emotional connection to the vineyard. And saw the personal and emotional attachement Maynard had with his vineyard.

          This movie as it relates to wine enthusiast, I think after being in this class and really learning about wine, regions and unique tastes gave me a better appreciation and understanding of what they were doing and the tastings’ could really apply what we learned in class to what was going on. The movie also has comic relief and funny clips to really make it easy to watch for someone who is not that interested in wine. I would definitely recommend this to a wine audience because it give you a different outlook on wine not just taste but on regions and personal preferences and the story and date behind each bottle.

Michael Shaps

Name:Michael Shaps

Variety: Petit Verdot
Region: Monticello, VA
Country: USA
Year:2009
Price:$26.95

My Review 
Had a very strong and salty smell. I feel like this wine had a visit from the Oak Monster!! I did not like this wine at all!


Critics Review
Becoming one of Virginia’s rising stars, Petit Verdot is well suited for the Virginia climate and soil. A small lot production of a very dark aromatic red, this wine has wonderful spice and floral notes. The color is reflective of the concentration of flavors. Having been in French oak for eighteen months, the wine is rich, with bold tannins, a lot of structure and depth. This is a young wine that has great aging potential.

Name: Michael Shaps
Variety: Cabernet Franc
Region: Monticello,VA
Country: USA
Year:2008
Price: $26.95
My Review:
I feel like this wine also had a visit from the Oak Monster, I really didn't like this wine either!!

Critics Review:
Made in a traditional old world style, this is a heavily extracted wine designed to highlight the aging potential of Cabernet Franc. The grapes were harvested at ultimate maturity (25 brix) and the wine went through an extended maceration for six weeks. This Cabernet Franc has rich dark fruit aromas and a hint of spice. The tannin extraction is evident, but does not overwhelm the wine. The concentration of fruit, balanced by oak provides for a lengthy finish. This wine will be evolving for the next ten years.

Vintage Cellar Wine Tasting March 24th

Name: Wineworks
Variety: Merlot/Malbec
Region: Charlottesville, Virginia
Country:USA
Year: 2011
Price: $15.95

My Review:
Had a very strong bitter taste!! Did not like this at all. My initial reaction was to spit this out!

Critics Review:
Our “Wineworks Purple,” the Merlot|Malbec is a fresh and invigorating pick. Full of luscious, bright fruits on the palate and a clean finish. This is a perfect wine to transition the seasons– with enough tannin to stand up to hearty Winter soups and a delicate complexity that will not overpower fresh Spring and Summer meals

Name: Wineworks    
Variety: Viognier
Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year:2012
Price: $15.95

My Review:
I thought there was a bit of a sour aftertaste to the wine.

Critics Review:
A bright floral and citrusy wine made from the official wine variety of Virginia. Made in stainless steel tanks to highlight the fruit character, this wine is like drinking in a Virginia Summer day. The aromatic intensity is very inviting; the palate is dry and crisp with enough acidity to match up to many food pairings.

Name: Shaps & Rocher   
Variety: Cote de Nuits
Region:Villages
Country: France
Year:2007
Price:$19.95

My Review:
I really didn't care for this wine at all. I thought it was really sour.

Critics Review:
A rounded,mouth filling wine. At the begining, it seems very soft, but then it is possible to discern rich tannins through the concentrated red fruits and black plums . The acidity is there all the time, a fine counterpoint to the seductive, rich fruits and dry tannins.

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


My Review:
I could taste some nutty flavors, like almonds. I smelled a little pear in the wine also. I thought it was pretty good, although it wasn't as sweet as I thought it would be.

Critics 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.

Name: Maize Malbec Rose  
Variety: Rose
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year:2011
Price:$7.95


My Review:
I thought this wine have a very berry taste to it. I didn't particularly care for this wine either. 

Critics 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.

Wines after SPRING BREAK!!

Name: Black Box
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: California
Country: United States
Year:2010
Price:18

My Review: 
It tasted and smelled like plum. It was really warm almost hot it.  It was kind of peppery and strong. It was a deep purple color very dark. I would not buy it again.

Critic Review:
Offering a lush display of dark berries, Our Cabernet Sauvignon’s smooth tannins create a soft, lingering finish. Spicy cinnamon and vibrant black currant aromas accompany warm notes of vanilla and toasty oak for an irresistible, approachable glass of wine. Delicious with filet mignon, roast duck, pork tenderloin or mushroom ravioli.

Name: Matua Valley Marlborough
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region:Marlborough
Country: New Zealand
Year:2012
Price: $11.99

My Review:

It was sweet a light green color. I got almost a lime citrus taste. It was bit tart, like a green apple.

Critics Review:
Soft in color with green hues, this Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc shows tropical and citrus fruits along with attractive herbaceous/varietal characters on the nose. The palate is generous and fruit driven with classical Marlborough acidity giving a fresh, clean palate and passionfruit finish.

Name: Bridge Road  
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: California
Country: United States
Year:2012
Price: $6.99

My Review: Smelled like like lemon lime. It was a light green tastes kinda of like a candy apple jolly rancher. The after taste was dry and salty. It was light bodied. 
Critic Review:
Crisp citrus flavors that are well-balanced on the palate with a smooth and clean finish. This versatile Chardonnay can easily be enjoyed as it is or with your favorite fresh dishes. Best served with pork, poultry dishes, salads and cream sauces.

Girls Night Out at Olive Garden!

Name: Cono Sur- Bicicleta
Variety:Pinot Noir
Region:South America’s Southern Cone,
Country: Chile

Year:2010
Price:$10.50

My Review:
My best friend and I asked the waitress what wine would best to drink with our Penne di Mare, which had a mix of scallops and shrimp, and this was the result. I'm getting really good at drinking red wines although I still prefer my usual fruity whites. I could definitely taste a hint of cherry.
Critic Review: 
Dressed in fresh purple red colour, this is a voluptuous Pinot Noir with rich fruit notes of cherry, raspberry, plum and strawberry – a red fruit party! – enhanced by subtle smoked hints. In mouth sweet fruit notes stand out, and its fine tannins give it a great texture and a mouth filling structure. Balanced and New World styled, this is a wine of personality and elegance. Sexy, pure and simple, it’s a young and refreshing Pinot.
Our Bicicleta Pinot Noir is a great choice for all sorts of pasta, grilled poultry, seafood and mild fish. It’s also excellent when accompanying dishes served with pesto sauces. If ordering in, mushroom pizza and sushi go great with this wine.

Vintage Cellar Wine Tasting March 2nd

Name: Monte Aman
Variety: Tempranillo
Region:  Southern Spain, Arlanza
Country: Spain
Year:2009
Price:$5.95
My Review:
It had a very strong smell of alcohol, which wasn't what I expecting. I smelled a hint of vanilla also. It was very chalky and more dry than I would prefer. I did not enjoy this wine very much
Critic Review: 
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." - Stephen Tanzer — 88 points

Name: Villa d'
Variety: Villa
Region: Orvieto
Country: Italy
Year:2010
Price:$6.25

My Review:
It was a tad bit sour for my taste, I also wasn't a big fan of this wine.
Critic Review: 
This is a fantastic white wine from Umbria, one of the most beautiful regions in Italy. Fresh and crisp, it has a wonderful floral bouquet.

Name: Cortenova
Variety: Montepulciano
Region: Abruzzo
Country: Italy
Year:2010
Price:$10.95
My Review:
Too dry, too salty, & too bitter! 
Critic Review: 
Cortenova Montepulciano d Abruzzo is made with 100% Montepulciano d Abruzzo Traditional vinification at controlled temperature. 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.

Name:  Sentinelle de Massiac
Variety: Sentinelle
Region:  Minervios
Country: France
Year:2010
Price:$13
My Review:
It had a very strong after-taste. It also smelled sweet, like berries.
Critic Review: 
This delicious Minervois is smooth and fruit-forward with subtle spice tones. From a boutique producer, they could have used some help with the label, but they sure got the wine down.
The “Sentinelle” cuvée is the more precocious of the two reds produced at Massiac. The tannins are more supple and the fruit a touch “sweeter”, more forward and less rustic than its companion. Fermentation and elevage are in tank. The wine is bottled within a year of the harvest. The blend is usually two-thirds Syrah and one-third Carignan. (Rosenthal Wine Merchants)

Name:  Belmondo
Variety: Moscato
Region:  Bardolino 
Country: Italy
Year:2011
Price:$8.49
My Review
The wine, while relatively straightforward, managed to be incredibly peachy and floral without tasting soapy, then had a nice level of acidity and a small amount of effervescence to balance out the body and sweetness. 
Critic Review: 
This sweet wine is light in color with floral aromas including notes of orange blossom, jasmine and honeysuckle. Flavors include peach, melon and spice.