Taste Two: Auspicion Chardonnay

Name: Auspicion "Foresee Your Future" Chardonnay

Variety: Chardonnay

Region: Graton, California

Country: United States

Year: 2013

Price: $9.99

Winery Review/Description: An ancient practice holds that we can predict the future by reading the movements of birds. Maybe. But why not get carried away and make a bit of your own good fortune? One sip of this crisp, fresh, and fruit foreward Auspicion Chardonnay and your future will instantly look brighter! Uncork and see for yourself.
From www.thewinebuyer.com: Great fruit character, finesse, and body in the palate. Flavors of ripe pineapple, golden apple, and pear are balanced by citrus notes and a smooth, creamy finish. A crisp, light-bodied wine meant to be enjoyed on its own or with lighter fare.

My Review: The first aromas gave me a light and fruity impression that I would describe as tropical. When tasted, the light-bodied flavor was more citrus-like with only a hint of the tropical remaining. Perhaps grapefruit with a lingering hint of pineapple. Very enjoyable,

especially since I didn't think I even liked white wines. The quality, though still obviously consumer-grade, is clearly a step or two up from the $3 Merlot of my previous tasting.

I tasted this first on its own, and then with some cheeses: fontina, camembert, and medium cheddar that I munched on while preparing a meal, The meal consisted of spring greens and baby spinach salad with ranch dressing, followed by pork chops simply pan fried with a side of peas. The chardonnay paired excellently with the cheeses and the salad, in my opinion, but only marginally well with the pork chops.

First Try Tasting-Oak Leaf Merlot

Name: Oak Leaf Vineyards Merlot

Variety: 100% Merlot

Region: Livermore and Ripon, California

Country: United States

Year: Not shown - 2015 probably

Price: $2.97

Critic Review: "The Oak Leaf Merlot has a sweet taste to it and lacked complexity. The most accurate word to describe its flat aftertaste is boring. There's a reason why merlot unfairly got a bad name in the movie "Sideways," but more on that another time."

MassLive - Wine on the Cheap - Real Cheap

http://www.masslive.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2012/11/wine_on_the_cheap_real_cheap.html

My Review: The first scent I noticed was fruity and somewhat bitter (is bitter a scent?). I'm still learning the lingo but if I had to pick a fruit/berry to call it, using the wheel as my helper, I'd say blackberry. Although the critical review calls it sweet with a boring aftertaste, to someone with almost zero wine experience like myself, it had ok flavor with an astringent feel that lingers after swallowing.

I had one glass without food, taking a few notes. Then I had two more with lasagna. It was much better with the food. What I find interesting is that I honestly didn't check the back label before deciding what to eat but I lucked out! The winemaker recommends pairing with, you guessed it... Lasagna!

I wanted to start cheap and I knew I wouldn't have time to hit Vintage Cellar this week or next so this $3 wine from Wal-Mart kicks off my tasting journey. There's nowhere to go but UP now! 

Time for a field trip. Geography of Wine can go international.
http://indy100.independent.co.uk/article/france-is-opening-a-theme-park-of-wine--byywU8q4QZ

Announcement: This blog is not yet awesome. Awesomeness shall ensue in due time.

Which do I currently know less about, blogging or wine? I am woefully inexperienced with both of these things. The modern art of blogging and the ancient art of wine (both making and consuming) are fairly new to me. I have promised awesomeness, however, so the bar has been set for the ultimate in learning and drinking fun!

Why don't I know much about wine? What kind of rock have I been living under? Well, my ex-wife was an alcoholic and so for many years I could neither have alcoholic beverages in my house nor drink them when out with my family. You're thinking, "What a nightmare!" Well, exes are exes for a reason, and while the alcoholism wasn't the primary one, I have to admit that it sure is a great feeling to not need to worry about that anymore so I can indulge my freedom to drink.

That said, I have had wine on occasion and even took the Chateau Morrissette tour and tasting a few years ago. I tend to prefer red wines like a Merlot or Pinot Noir but wonder if perhaps that's because I haven't really approached any others. If I broaden my scope, maybe that will broaden my appreciation for other types of wine. It can't hurt to try! (as long as I don't drive afterwards)

This is going to be fun for me. I hope to try a good number of wines and gain an understanding of where they're from, how they were produced, and most importantly, how to talk about them in a way that makes sense to other wine drinkers. Maybe I'll even become one of those snooty snotty guys!
( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzgA9kbrzzM )

Nah! I'll just become an awesome blogger instead.