Apothic Crush Red Blend

This was pretty good. It's a grocery-store level wine, which means you're probably going to get the same thing every time you buy it. That's what Americans are used to in our purchased drinks, so that's a positive if you're looking for that kind of consistency. Medium everything. Goes with about anything. Not expensive but not dirt cheap. You can do worse, for sure.

Simple Life Chardonnay

I find my enjoyment of Chardonnay varies wildly and I've settled on what appears to be a trend or pattern. California = good. European Chardonnay = not so good. I'm going to need to do more research but I think it is more process (barrels perhaps?) than grapes.

This one was nice. I don't really love Chardonnay in the first place so when I like one ok that probably means it's really good. Maybe.

Catching Up

When you don't need to do it for a homework grade you really let yourself fall behind sometimes.

Rather than do a full review of the wines I've tried since I completed my coursework, I'm going to put them all in this "Catching Up" post with mini-reviews beside each of the pictures.

I had this 2014 Codirosso Chianti with spaghetti and Italian sausage. It was good. Not quite as good as the earlier Chianti I tried but it was also around half the price, if I recall correctly.

Boxed wine had been on my "to try" list for awhile but I didn't want to try just anything at the risk of disliking it and wasting my money. My first decision, then, was to get a varietal that I generally like, so I chose Malbec. I did some searching online for boxed wine reviews and of the consumer-level wines, Bota Box seemed to be one of the all-around half-decent boxed brands so I went with the 2014 Bota Box Malbec from Mendoza Argentina.

It was good, not great but definitely palatable. What I like about it is that it is consistent. Since a box is three bottle's worth, I haven't finished it yet, and it's still as fresh as the day I opened it a week and a half ago. For a budget-conscious Malbec drinker you could do worse than averaging $6.67 per 750mL.





My first New Zealand Pinot Noir was this 2011 Cairnbrae from Marlborough, NZ. Smooth darkish fruits and low, mellowed tannins make this wine worth the wait. The price wasn't crazy. I think it was around 20 bucks. I have yet to have a wine from the southern hemisphere that wasn't good.

This was a ten dollar Malbec from Argentina. Pretty good stuff, especially for the price. In comparison to the boxed Malbec above the price was probably right.

Another Australian Shiraz, Rosemount Estate's Diamond Label from 2014. As you can tell from the empty bottle, I drank it all up. A little spice to go with a meal or solo. I honestly don't recall what I ate with this but I remember enjoying it. Good stuff. You can't go wrong crossing the equator to get your wine fix.

My first Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. Sweet and smooth, this 2014 white from Fernhook Estate in Marlborough, NZ, is a really nice wine. I liked the Loire Valley, France, Sauvignon Blanc a bit better but they've been doing it a LOT longer, too. This is good wine, though I didn't find the NZ wine prices to be very consumer-friendly; I think they're kind of trendy right now, and that reflects in a wallet-hit.

Back to America. California Pinot Noir from Sean Minor's 4 Bears winery on the Central Coast. I haven't tried a ton of California red wines but they seem a bit tannic for my tastes. This one, being a softer variety than the Cabs or the Zs, was decent, though I've enjoyed other Pinot Noirs a bit more.

Geography of Wine Course Complete

Big thanks to John, Katie, and Danielle for an awesome class. I am going to continue drinking wine and posting about it here but now it's just for fun, not for grade.

Dinner - 622 North (European Whites - Argentinian Reds)

From Left: Gouguenheim Malbec, Caligiore Reserve Malbec, Hugel Pinot Gris, Gabbiano Pinot Grigio

What better place to experience a wine - food pairing dinner than at a restaurant that specializes in wine? Our server Eric was incredibly helpful and, after understanding my assignment, recommended that I purchase a flight of wine. This way, he reasoned, I would save a little money and have an extra wine to pair or compare. 622 North is on Main Street in Blacksburg and in June when the majority of students are home for the summer, traffic, parking, and getting a table are a breeze.

We ordered the bruschetta as our appetizer and I decided to begin with the Gabbiano Pinot Grigio to pair with it. Once I saw the wines in the glasses I finalized my plan of action for pairing. In my limited experience I've yet to enjoy a wine that looks like this Pinot Grigio and so I wanted to get it out of the way early. I determined to save the Pinot Gris with its much more appealing golden color for the dessert round and pair one or both of the Malbecs with my entree.

Bruschetta

Eric thought it would be a good idea to have whites from the same grapes and reds from the same grapes, just so I have another point of comparison to make. He was right. I'll explain that as I go but for now, back to the appetizer round.

Pinot Grigio and Bruschetta

Gabbiano Pinot Grigio

As expected, and perhaps due to the bias of my earlier experiences with pale white wines from Italy, I found the rather chemical-smelling 2015 Gabbiano Pinot Grigio to be overly acidic and frankly kind of gross. The bruschetta helped it quite a bit, making it drinkable. I really liked the look of my other white, the Hugel Pinot Gris, and I confess that I took a sniff and sip of it at the end of the appetizer round just so I could have something I like before the main course arrived.



For my entree, I ordered the pork chop. I wanted to experience how the wine paired with the meat so I asked that the sauce and toppings be placed on the side. As you can see below, the chop was served with zucchini and yellow summer squash in a butter sauce.

Pork Chop Entree'

Gouguenheim

Entree' with Wine

The Malbec I chose to pair with the pork chop first was the 2014 Gouguenheim. This was only my second Malbec ever, and I enjoyed it as well as my first. The dark, fruity aromas reflected in the flavor and were appetizing and delicious when paired with the pork chop. There was a little bit of a tannic bite that lingered with the finish but I'm not complaining. It was a pleasure to drink with my meal.

The wine was so good, in fact, that it was gone before the pork chop, so there was nothing else I could do but start in on the second Malbec. The Calgiore Reserve from 2011 was even better than the younger Gouguenheim. Similar dark fruits on the nose and palate but milder tannins and a smoother finish. Paired just as well with the pork chop but could very easily stand on its own without food.

I think Ferris sums up the Calgiore Reserve Malbec best:

Calgiore Reserve

Wonderful meal with two awesome friends and two really good wines so far (and one 'meh' wine). Below is a picture of me with the two Malbecs, comparing aromas before finishing up the first one.

Jim Double-fisting Malbec

Creme Brulee

2011 Hugel Pinot Gris and Creme Brulee

For dessert we were all pretty full so we decided to share one. We ordered a cherry creme brulee, and I had one wine left to pair it with. The 2011 Hugel Pinot Gris from France was a night and day difference compared to the Pinot Grigio I had with the bruschetta. It paired well and, being smoother and creamier, was much more drinkable on its own than the earlier white. It went better with the creme sauce of the dessert than the cherries themselves, but overall, still a winning
combination. Appley-citrus or citrusy-apple? However you describe it, this is a well-balanced white that I would happily order and drink again.

Thank you to my friends Caroline and Marilyn for accompanying me on this wine dinner adventure and for helping take some of the pictures, as well.

Do You Come From A Land Down Under?

Name: Wolf Blass Yellow Label Shiraz

Variety: Shiraz

Region: South Australia

Country: Australia

Year: 2012

Price: $11.95

Critic Review: Sugar and spice, and everything nice. I know that describes ye ole Hemipsycho, but it applies to ye ole Shiraz from the Wolfe Blass Yellow line of label color.
Maybe leave the sugar part out.
Dry and spice and everything nice. That's better.
~https://www.vivino.com/wineries/wolf-blass/wines/yellow-label-shiraz-2012#user-reviews (several other brief consumer reviews, also)

From the Winemaker: Selected batches of fruit from premium South Australian Shiraz vineyards are brought together in a well-structured wine displaying attractive berry and spice characters supported by subtle creamy oak and finishing with fine, velvety tannins. ~https://www.wolfblass.com/en-au/wines/yellow-label/shiraz

They even have a PDF with a lot more detail about this wine:
~https://www.wolfblass.com/~/media/Files/WolfBlass/Tasting-Notes/Yellow-Label/Shiraz/Wolf-Blass-Yellow-Label-Shiraz-2012-Tasting-Notes.pdf

My Review: I've decided that I love wines from the southern hemisphere. The previous Malbec has nearly been topped by this delicious Shiraz from Australia. Aromas of plum and cherry with no real surprises in the flavor. As a novice wine drinker, I actually like when what I smell is what I taste, though I'm sure I'll appreciate the discovery of nuances in due time. Smooth-drinking with relatively mild tannic structure, this wine was good on its own and with my cheesesteak sandwich.

Argentina, Where Have You Been All My Life?

Name: Oasis del Cuyo Malbec

Variety: Malbec

Region: Mendoza

Country: Argentina

Year: 2012

Price: $6.95

Critic Review:

Dark fruit, plum, jam, vanilla, black pepper, medium body, velvety and lingering finish with cocoa background at the end. Love this Malbec, pay for $10 and taste like $30.

Written by Andrew Lee 
~https://www.vivino.com/wineries/oasis-del-cuyo/wines/mendoza-malbec-2012

From Cannon Wines:
Deep ruby color. Appealing red fruit nose with hints of tobacco. Medium bodied with a smooth and lush mouth-feel. Finishes dry with lasting flavors. Excellent choice for a young and fruity everyday wine. Enjoy as an aperitif or with meats and pasta dishes.
~http://www.cannonwines.com/wines/view/118

From the Winemaker:
The word CUYO comes from the indigenous Mapuche language which means “country of deserts”. Its name is associated today with the wine region in Argentina. The word OASIS is used for the pristine water lakes created by the snowmelt of the Andes Mountains. OASIS del CUYO wines are handcrafted from vines grown in the deserts of Mendoza. (from the label)

My Review: When I saw the dark purple color I expected something powerful and heavy. The aroma was a pleasant surprise. Sweet scent of jam while somehow simultaneously a bit smokey. This wine smelled unlike any I have reviewed so far. The tannins, though obviously present, aren't overwhelming. There's a bit of a peppery feel and taste that lingers in the finish. I really enjoyed this both alone and with my spaghetti (yeah, I eat spaghetti kind of a lot). Not that it's very important but this was also the first wine I've had with a clearly obvious synthetic cork. Truly unique in my experience so far. Loved it!

Italy, What Were You Thinking?

Name: Le Borgate IGP Lazio Chardonnay

Variety: Chardonnay

Region: Olevano Romano

Country: Italy

Year: 2014

Price: $6.95

Critic Review: "Apple juice for the alcoholic," and "Good cheese wine," are the extent of the reviews I could find on this specific Chardonnay. Therefore I'll post the winemaker's comments below, as well. ~https://www.vivino.com/wineries/borgate/wines/le-chardonnay-9999

Evidently this wine isn't very popular, even with the manufacturer. Their own website only has a placeholder with an "insert here" statement. No wonder. It's kind of gross. On to my review.
~http://www.vinicolaconsoli.it/product/chardonnay-igp-lazio

My Review: This is probably the worst wine I've had so far in this class. From the uninviting pale color to the first weak scent of peachy, grassy, nothingness, I had a feeling this would rival the earlier Pinot Grigio for worst wine award. Then I tasted it. A little citrus, maybe, to go with the peachy grass. Not too sweet. Not too acid. Not much of anything, honestly. Drinking it with my salad helped a little, but really this stuff just isn't very good. If you want a good Chardonnay, the Auspicion from California I reviewed a couple weeks ago was MUCH better.

World Tour Continues in France

Name: Thierry Delaunay "TYDY" Sauvignon Blanc

Variety: Sauvignon Blanc (Vin de Pays class)

Region: Loire Valley

Country: France

Year: 2014

Price: $11.95

Critic Review: Winemaker Thierry Delaunay exemplifies the best of the new generation of French wine makers and, while appreciating the traditional nuances of terroir and climate, Thierry has enthusiastically embraced modern winemaking techniques and styles. In other words, it’s right tidy. Tydy. In fact, if you were pressed into describing it in terms of home ware shops (this can happen), an accurate match would be Ikea. A slim little package that, when unpacked, creates a clean, refreshing ambience whatever the surroundings.

Thierry Delaunay is a fine example of the best of the new generation of French wine makers. Brought up by his father Joël to appreciate the traditional nuances of terroir and climate, Thierry has enthusiastically embraced modern winemaking techniques and styles. The diversity of different soils in the Domaine's vineyards explains the number of different red and white grape varieties: the clay and flint soils or ‘perruches’ give the red wines distinctive qualities, while the white and rosé wines, including Delaunay's award-winning Touraine Sauvignon, derive their style and delicacy from the finer, less stony soils.

Thierry is believes [sic] in making expressive fresh and racy wines that are a pleasure to drink and affordable for everyone.

The wine undergoes cool, temperature-controlled fermentation and short maturation in stainless steel.
It is crisp and fresh on the palate, with good balance and delicate fruit flavours.
~http://www.oddbins.com/tydy-sauvignon-blanc

My Review: This wine is a much lighter color than yesterday's big Texan white blend but color doesn't always indicate flavor. When I put my nose to the glass I could have sworn I smelled green apples, with perhaps some flowers in a delicate arrangement around them. The flavor seemed quite appley, as well, and for a moment I thought I might be drinking a classy cider from Foggy Ridge. I'm glad to have tried a French wine on this week's world tour. It's very drinkable on its own and didn't go badly with my baked chicken dinner. Had we done a less peppery chicken, it probably would have gone much better. Next time, perhaps a lemon chicken recipe to go with this good-value Sauvignon Blanc.

Purple Thunder from Down Under!

Name: Penfolds Thomas Hyland Cabernet Sauvignon

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Adelaide

Country: Australia

Year: 2012

Price: $9.95 (on sale from $14.95)

1. Critic Reviews: m+ depth garnet. cassis, black currant, eucalyptus, typical CS flavours from South Australia. jammy, powdery tannins, m+ bodied, a little hot in finish. it a fine table wine, but simple, no interesting points if regarded as a boutique wine.

2. Dark Burgundy color. Nose plant, Woody aroma, smoky and ripe fruit. Good astringency has decanted at least 1 h. We find the same flavors in the mouth. Lack of finesse and complexity. Little taste of SOAP in the background.(translated from French with babelfish.com)

3. Nice value here. Generous fruit, body and weight, juicy acidity. This fits nicely in between the Koonunga Hill and the Bin 9 wines. Actually, very close to the Bin 9. I would buy again.
~ All three consumer reviews from cellartracker.com; couldn't find any pro reviews.
~http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=1686300

My Review: I got six different bottles from the Vintage Cellar on Sunday, hoping to experience a bit of the world beyond what's generally considered typical wine territory. I followed up my white appetizer from Texas this evening with this Cabernet Sauvignon from down under. The deep purple color of this Australian Cab. is so dark that when I held it up in front of a window, I still couldn't see light through it. We're looking at DEEP purple. The aroma is what I have learned people call black currants (though I've never smelled or eaten black currants, personally). I thought there might be somewhat of a hint of licorice - not much - or something else in there, as well. The taste confirmed the black currants to me and the mouth feel was very tannic with additional flavors of black tea and lingering pepper on the tongue. I was hoping it would go well with the beef teriyaki but the pairing was only marginally ok. I'll probably drink what's left with some cheeses later in the week.

By the way, this week's world tour has France, Argentina, and Italy to come (Plus I have another bottle from Oz, as well - a Shiraz). Boyer has turned me into a nearly-daily wine consumer! :)

Texas, Y'all!

Name: McPherson Les Copains

Variety: White blend (45% Viognier, 35% Roussanne, 16% Grenache Blanc and 4% Marsanne)

Region: Lubbock, Texas

Country: United States

Year: 2012

Price: $16.95

Critic Review: Not much to say about the wine visually except that it is a bright canary color, has a medium depth and has moderate viscosity.

The wine is highly aromatic giving off honeyed stone fruit aromas of canned peaches and over ripe nectarines. There are also some pleasant non-fruit aromas of thai basil, lemongrass and assorted white flowers. The big, ripe and honeyed aromas are typical of the varietals and of the climate.

The primary structural component that jumps out on the palate is this borderline unctuous mouth feel that is not overly round or oily but lengthens the entire in mouth profile. The glycerol levels are perfectly matched with the full flavor of the wine and the moderate to high alcohol. The palate is more exotic in the way of Indian spices but also more savory with a Dijon mustard quality leading to a slightly briny finish. There are similar fruit flavors on the palate as on the nose with added citrus notes of Meyer lemon. The wine is medium-full in body, round, balanced and has medium plus alcohol levels.

The wine needs food and is more like a red wine disguised as a white wine in terms of its body and full flavor. The mouthfeel is something of note, which contributes to a long finish. The wine is highly aromatic with savory and tropical qualities. It is a lot of wine for the price making it a really great value and an everyday drinker if you like to have a glass of wine with your meals. ~Daniel Kelada, Texas Wine and Trail Magazine
~http://www.texaswineandtrail.com/texas-wine-review-mcpherson-cellars-texas-les-copains-viognierroussannegrenache-blanc-2012/

My Review: The deep golden color stood out and beckoned me, especially in comparison to the very pale Pinot Grigio I tried last week. I knew from the first fruity sniff of peachy-pineapple that this Texan was going to be a pleasure to drink. This is the type of wine you can drink too much of without noticing if you don't pay attention, because it is just sweet enough but has enough acid to be drinkable alone. Even better was how it paired with a sharp Welsh Cheddar cheese. After tasting it alone, I tried it with my go-to cheese, Fontina, but that cheese wasn't strong enough to hold up to this blend. The sharp cheddar, on the other hand, complemented it almost perfectly.

I feel like I'm slowly improving at this. I try not to read the critic review before trying the wine and writing my notes. I don't often get all the same aromas and flavors as the critics but I almost always get an "oh yeah, I got that, too, but couldn't place it" vibe after reading them.