Tasting - Oxford Landing Estates Chardonnay

Name: Oxford Landing Estates Chardonnay
Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Region: South Australia
Country: Australia
Year: 2013
Price: $10

Winery Review: A tantalizingly creamy yet crisp, clean Chardonnay. Pale golden straw in colour with vibrant green hues, it has lifted aromas of freshly cut white peaches, citrus and honeydew melon. Underlying hints of nougat, nutmeg and cinnamon spice add complexity to the bouquet.

My Review: This is a rare Chardonnay that I found to be worth my time. The smell was crisp with peaches, lemon, and melon dominating my nose. The taste was similar with the peaches and melon but also with green apple and a bit lighter on the citrus component. It was a bit silky on the finish and was of short-medium length. I enjoyed the complexity in this Chardonnay and was relieved to find one that I would want to try again.

Tasting - Oxford Landing Estates Viognier

Name: Oxford Landing Estates Viognier
Variety: 100% Viognier
Region: South Australia
Country: Australia
Year: 2014
Price: $10

Winery Review: A fresh and zesty Viognier that shows the classic flavors and aromas of white flowers, some musk and stone fruit. The first Viognier was planted at Oxford Landing in 1993, and the wines made from the fruit these vines produce just keep getting better and better.

My Review: This wine had a floral approach to the nose. Nothing big but it was notable. Some apricot and peach were noticeable. The taste was a bit acidic but kept that flavor profile that was with the aromas. Peach and apricot were the two stand outs on the palate. It had a pretty smooth finish but short. It was just okay.

Tasting - Oxford Landing Estates Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Oxford Landing Estates Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: South Australia
Country: Australia
Year: 2014
Price: $8

Winery Review: Pale straw in colour with a vibrant light green hue, this refreshingly crisp Sauvignon Blanc has zesty aromas of lemongrass, green papaya and freshly cut grass. The light and lively palate displays citrus clarity with layers of tropical fruit, lemongrass and passionfruit. A beautifully balanced wine with fine, crunchy natural acidity, leaving a refreshing, crisp finish.

My Review: This was an interesting little wine. The aromas weren't necessarily big but crisp. I was getting a lot of green fruit on the nose. The taste was interesting with some green apple working with possibly mango and lemon. It was well-balanced with nothing really dominating it. The finish was crisp but short with just a bit of acidity. 

Tasting - Zuccardi Q Malbec

Name: Zuccardi Q Malbec
Variety: 100% Malbec
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2012
Price: $20

Winery Review: Deep purple color, with bluish hues. Intense red and black fruits aromas, such as blackberries, cassis, and currant dried figs and blueberry jelly. French oak aging provides tobacco and chocolate hints. Soft and silky entry with great structure and firm, sweet tannins. Long finish.

My Review: The nose hits hard with this one. Big aromas come through with hints of blackberries, cherries, raspberries, and a jam/jelly component. The taste was similar to what I expect with Malbecs which is good. I got a bit of red fruit with hints of chocolate. It was silky on the palate and had a smooth finish. The tannins were pretty soft to allow just the right amount of complexity to this wine. I very much enjoyed this one and would go back to it.

Tasting - Buty Rediviva of the Stones

Name: Buty Rediviva of the Stones
Variety: 65% Syrah, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4% Mourvedre
Region: Walla Walla Valley, Washington
Country: USA
Year: 2010
Price: $53

Winery Review: 2010 delivered a profound expression of "the stones,” showcasing both the savory and sweet elements of great Walla Walla Valley syrah, the high-tone floral perfume of cabernet and the mid-palate weight and game notes of mourvèdre. The nose offers a complex mix of mineral, earth and leather layers, as well as beautiful black cherry, dark raspberry, anise and violet aromas. Though intense, there is a lovely perfumed quality, and uplifting acidity, that lead to a long, rich finish with a mineral and spice core.

My Review: This was a well-crafted wine and one of the most expensive I've tasted thus far on my wine journey. It had a great earthy nose with mostly black fruit and floral hints. The taste was just as beautiful. There were hints of cherry, raspberries, currants, and blackberries with some spice. The Syrah and Cab really come through for me on this. The spice from the Syrah is definitely there and combines well with the Cab's mid-palate complexity. It had a long, smooth finish that kept me licking my lips for more. Very well done.

Tasting - Anne Delaroche Cotes du Rhone

Name: Anne Delaroche Cotes du Rhone
Variety: 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, and 10% Mourvedre
Region: Rhone Valley
Country: France
Year: 2011
Price: $12

Winery Review: "This semi-opaque ruby, custom cuvée of 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 10% Mourvedre is made specifically for Fran Kysela. It exhibits very fresh, ripe dark red fruit with very good palate weight and depth and ends with rich fruit notes. Made from organically grown grapes. Incredible value!"

- I-WineReview (December 2013), 90 pts.

My Review: This GSM blend was quite nice. It had a good fruity but slightly earthy nose. The taste was primarily a mix of red fruit such as raspberries and hints of cherries. It had a certain spice to it with a peppery component. The finish had weight to it and went down smooth and lingered a bit. This was an enjoyable wine.

Tasting - Buty Semillion, Sauvignon, and Muscadelle Blend

Name: Buty Semillion, Sauvignon, and Muscadelle Blend
Variety: 62% Semillion, 21% Sauvignon, and 17% Muscadelle
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington
Country: USA
Year: 2012
Price: $25

Winery Review: The picture perfect 2012 vintage has yielded a wine with mouthfilling richness, alluring aromatics and abundant varietal character. Golden fig, apricot and peach notes from the sémillon combine with the sauvignon’s key lime, gooseberry and lemongrass notes and the muscadelle’s expressive floral aromas to create a complete and compelling whole. Lovely minerality, and enlivening acidity underscore the lush fruit, while adding dimension to the smooth, silky mouthfeel. Beautiful now, but also a true cellar-worthy white.

My Review: This was a very nice white wine blend. The nose was very floral with a lot of flavors working together. The apricot and lime were exceptionally noticeable on the palate. The taste was very silky and expressive. A lot of the same fruit were working together here too. It has a really nice complexity and is a change of pace white wine for me. The finish was nice with not too much acidity. Definitely worth the price point.

Tasting - Domaine Grand Veneur Blanc de Viognier

Name: Domaine Grand Veneur Blanc de Viognier
Variety: 100% Viognier
Region: Rhone Valley
Country: France
Year: 2014
Price: $20

Winery Review: The colour is clear and brilliant. A very intense nose of flowers, white peach and pear. On the palate, aromas are expressed with balance and an amazing freshness. A great example of Rhone white, single grape “Viognier”.

My Review: I was a bit excited to try this wine. I was curious to see the Rhone's take on this varietal. The was very floral with a white fruit aspect to it. The taste was well-balanced with a bit of a citrus component. The finish was crisp and short. A good wine but the price point is a bit much.

Tasting - Pieter Cruythoff Sparkling Brut

Name: Pieter Cruythoff Sparkling Brut
Variety: 66% Chardonnay and 34% Pinot Noir
Region: Swartland
Country: South Africa
Year: NV
Price: $13

Winery Review: Dry but fruity with a complex nose of tropical fruit and enhancing biscuit flavors. Crisp acid ensures a fresh, clean and very drinkable sparkling wine.

My Review: This wine started off with a bit of a fruity nose. Some melon and a little mango on the nose. The taste was really dry. It was almost too much so for me especially with the bubbles. I couldn't really pick too many flavors out except for some green apple. The finish was crisp and clean and short. Not too bad just not my cup of tea... or should I say glass of wine.

Tasting - Tisdale Pinot Grigio

Name: Tisdale Pinot Grigio
Variety: Pinot Grigio
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: NV
Price: $4

Winery Review: Our experienced winemakers have created this light-bodied Pinot Grigio with Citrus fruit notes and a refreshing finish. Perfectly paired with fresh salads, light pasta dishes or grilled chicken, we invite you to enjoy our exceptional wine and share in life’s endless possibilities.

My Review: The smell is subtle fruity. I get notes of citrus, melon, and pear on the nose. The taste is also pretty subtle in its flavors. I am getting green apple, pear, and light citrus. It is very smooth and easy to drink. The finish is short. This wine is not bad for its value but it’s not very exciting. It is a wine that doesn’t offend but won’t set the world on fire either. It is solid.

Winery Visit - Barboursville Vineyards

I visited Barboursville Vineyards this past Sunday, March 15, 2015 to participate in their wine tasting and tour their facilities. I had done wine tastings at wine/liquor stores before but never at a winery. I was also very excited to see how the process was completed. So now on to my first winery visit!

Barboursville Vineyards, Barboursville, Virginia

Barboursville Vineyards is located off of U.S. Route 33 in Barboursville, Virginia which is about 17 miles northeast of Charlottesville. The estate sits on 870 acres divided between two counties and 125 of that is devoted to the vines. Included on the site is two tasting rooms, an inn and multiple cottages, a restaurant, a Jefferson built mansion left in ruins, and processing facilities. 

Barboursville Ruins

The land was previously owned by former Virginia governor and US Senator James Barbour whom the winery and area bear his name. For a long time, from 1790 until 1884 to be exact, the only the Barbours lived on site in the 1804 Inn (then just a residence) and the Barboursville Mansion (of which Thomas Jefferson designed). The mansion burned down on Christmas Day 1884 leaving it in ruins. Eventually the land was passed around and sold to Gianni Zonin. He opened the winery in 1976.

The whole process from growing the grapes to bottling is done on site. After the grapes have been crushed, destemed, and possibly deskinned they are moved to these stainless steel vats. Here is where the grape juice is turned into wine. They are left to ferment in the vats. Once it reached the right point it is moved into a new vat via a pipe which leaves behind the debris. The red wines go through the same process but with two vat changes instead of one. After they are done fermenting they are then transferred to barrels for aging.

This room is connected to the room with the stainless steel vats. This makes it easier to move the barrels once they've been filled from the vats. Here is where the wines are allowed to age. They use primarily French oak with a little bit of American. They will rub a red substance around the middle of new barrels to signify that barrel is to be used for reds only. Eventually the substance will fade and that signals to the winemaker that barrel is pretty much used up and will not impart many flavors. 

A 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon from vineyard lot 337 in a new oak barrel

The Octagon Room

They had a special room dedicated to the aging of their signature wine called Octagon. Octagon is a Bordeaux blend of grapes and regularly retails for upwards of $50. This room is climate controlled and I could feel the difference in the air as soon as I walked in. 

The bottling and label machine

Foil machine

The labler

The next step is bottling the wine. The guide said that it is uncommon to find wineries that do their own bottling where the norm is having a company come out on a semi-truck and do it then. Barboursville uses Italian bottles to stick with their roots. The bottle moves down the assembly line where it's injected with nitrogen and filled with wine (the Pinot Grigio was to be bottled the next day) so that no oxygen would remain in the bottle. The bottle is then corked and foiled. Finally the label is applied to the bottle and it is put into a box to age longer before being shipped out. It takes 5 people to run this machine. 

Tuscan Tasting Room

The final part of the tour was getting to taste what Barboursville had to offer. I spent a long time learning about how the wine was made and now it was time to taste the fruits of their hard work. For $7 I got to taste 19 wines and keep the glass in which I was tasting. To my disappointment though the Octagon was not on the tasting list (though if I wanted I could spend $6 on just half a glass of it so that was a pass). 

• Brut Cuvee 1814 and Brut Cuvee Rose 1814: Collaborative effort from Barboursville and Tenuta II Bosco in Italy. Fruity nose but smells like a red wine (all Pinot Noir grapes). Really dry although the rose was a tad sweeter. They were just okay.
• 2013 Pinot Grigio: They called this their true Italian wine. Fruity and citrusy. Off-dry to sweet. Good flavors and not a bad little wine.
• 2013 Chardonnay: Stainless steel fermented creates a crisp Chardonnay. Lots of flavors working together with some acidity behind it. 
• 2014 Sauvignon Blanc: This came as advertised. Big aromas. Distinctive tasting notes including passion fruit. They is a really well made wine.
• 2013 Viognier Reserve: This was their signature white varietal grape. Aged in oak. It was light on the nose. Citrusy in taste and had light acidity on the end. I liked it but didn't think it was worth $22 price point.
• 2013 Chardonnay Reserve: Barrel fermented and aged for 8 months, this Chardonnay has really picked up some nice flavors. Oaky smell with light fruits on the taste. Big vanilla finish. I really liked this one especially more than the other Chardonnay. This was my favorite white wine that I tried.
• 2013 Vintage Rose: Light, floral nose. It was pleasant to drink. Not really memorable though. It was a three red grape blend.
• 2013 Riesling: Light and refreshing. Floral on the nose with citrus and orange coming through on the taste. This is an off-dry Riesling. Not a bad wine by any means but I kind of expected more. Good wine for the price point ($12) though.
• 2013 Barbera Reserve: This is where I think they really hit their stride. Earthy on the nose with hints of chocolate and plum. Raspberry and chocolate on the taste with a short finish. This was one of my favorites I tasted. Well crafted and worth the price point of $22.
• 2013 Sangiovese Reserve: They keep with the Italian motif here with the king of Tuscan wines. Vegetal and red fruit on the nose and a cherry taste. It is acidic on the finish. It was a good wine but was overshadowed by better wines.
• 2013 Merlot: Oak aged for a short time. Plum and cherry on the nose with a light, smooth, fruity taste. It had a short finish. I really liked this too and they do Merlot very well. Better wine than its retail.
• 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon: Oak aged. Nice wine. Herbal smell. Cherry and currants on the taste. Short finish. Quality wine. Kind of an also ran in the quest to be the best.
• 2012 Cabernet Franc Reserve: Here we come to the big boy. The red grape varietal that Virginia and Barboursville is becoming known for. I was excited to try this and was not disappointed. Cherry, plum, and fruity on the nose with a spicy, red fruit taste. The finish lingered. This was in my top two favorites if not the best.
• 2012 Nebbiolo Reserve: A very big red wine and a price to boot. Big, fragrant aromas. It has a taste of berries, tobacco, a light spice or herbal component. It finishes smooth. This was a fantastic wine.
• Cabernet Blanc: Enter the dessert wines. Fruity and citrusy on the nose. This blush wine was made from all Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a sweet taste that is pleasant. It has a crisp, short finish. Easy drinking, sit on the front porch during the summer evening sippin' wine.
• Rosato: Fruity smell. It has a super, super fruity taste. I also get hints of strawberries. The finish goes down smooth. 
• Phileo: This is where the line is drawn that separates the first two dessert wines from these two. Super fruity smell with an almost citrusy note. The taste is very sweet. It's like silk on the palate. The finish is very smooth. 8% residual sugar.
• 2010 Paxxito Malvaxia: This is a wine made from raisins. Grapes are set aside for 120 days to dry before crushing and pressing followed by 6 months of fermentation. This wine was absolutely HUGE. Big aromas such as apricot with the alcohol coming through. It had a super sweet taste which was similar to sipping liqueur. It was balanced and very smooth. 15% alcohol with 11% residual sugars. This was my favorite wine. 

Barboursville Vineyards was such a great place to visit. It is beautifully located and full of history. It truly is beautiful. It was a bit too cool and windy to venture out into the vineyards but they still looked nice from afar. I would like to go back at some point and taste more of their wine and eat at their restaurant. I had heard big things about this winery and they definitely lived up to it. I was highly impressed with Barboursville.

Tasting - Gnarly Head Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Gnarly Head Cabernet Sauvignon
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2012
Price: $8

Winery Review: Gnarly Head Cabernet Sauvignon embodies bold. It’s rich, fruit-driven, and dense, with a juicy core of dark fruit. Our winemakers carefully select grapes from California’s finest growing regions, choosing only the best fruit. Some say that Cabernet is the king of wines and our bold Gnarly Head Cabernet proudly wears the crown. Our dark, bold Cabernet has solid tannins and jammy fruit, with aromas and flavors of black cherry, currant, dried cranberry and black peppercorn followed by a trio of clove, earth and light toast. Gnarly Cabernet Sauvignon is a worthy companion to the heartiest meals, be sure to try it with grilled lamb, New York strip steak with roasted potatoes, baked manicotti or some bold blue cheese.

My Review: This wine had very fruity aromas. The major smells that came forward were black fruits, jam, and vanilla. The taste was very fruit forward. I got hints of black fruit, oak, and vanilla. It has solid tannins and is actually a somewhat complex wine. It has a medium-long finish and goes down smooth. This is a great value wine and would definitely drink this again. 

Tasting - Hindsight 20/20 Proprietary Red Blend

Name: Hindsight 20/20 Proprietary Red Blend
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2012
Price: $25

Winery Review: We are proud to release our first Proprietary Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Aged in a combination of new and neutral oak, this is our vision of what red wine from Napa Valley can be. Blending wines for balance, weight, mouth-feel and finish is the biggest challenge we have; it’s also the most fun. Using these 5 varietals of 100% Napa Valley wine, we were able to assemble a wine with the weight and mouth-feel to compete with the big boys. This is a lush and full-bodied wine with layers of flavors and aromas of dried cherries, coffee, cocoa, minerals and oak. This wine explodes on the mid-palate, leading to a long lingering finish.

 
My Review: The smell is big. There are aromas of cherries, blackberries, cocoa, and vanilla. The taste was just as dynamic with hints of black fruit, red fruit, cherries, and an oaky component. It was a very complex wine with layers of flavors. It was a full-bodied wine and smooth on the palate and the finish. This was a very enjoyable wine with many flavors all working together. This wine is an all-around solid red blend.

Tasting - Coca i Fito Negre

Name: Coca i Fito Negre
Variety: 50% Syrah, 30% Grenache, and 20% Carignan
Region: Catalonia
Country: Spain
Year: 2007
Price: $40

Winery Review: Intense, brilliant violet. Aromas of fresh strawberries coupled with more mature notes of forest berry fruits, herbal (tea leaf) and chocolate. On the palate, red and black berry fruit character predominates, backed with mineral notes. Structured, with soft, well-rounded tannins. Noticeable length, with excellent aromatic development as the wine aerates.

My Review: This was very well developed wine. The smell was earthy with a bit of berries, licorice, and lots of vanilla. Red and black berries were the main taste components with vanilla being the dominate flavor. The vanilla was almost overpowering but gave the wine a nice structure. The tannins are very light and lead to a nice mouth feel. It has a long, quality finish. This wine has definitely gotten better with age. It was quite a delight to taste. 

Tasting - Domaine Durieu Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Name:  Domaine Durieu Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Variety: 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre, 3% Cinsault, and 2% Counoise
Region: Rhone Valley
Country: France
Year: 2012
Price: $30

Winery Review: The 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape is 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre and the rest Cinsault and Counoise, all of which was brought up all in concrete tank. It’s medium to full-bodied, supple, textured and a little bit sexy, with loads of mulled dark fruits, garrigue, pepper and incense aromas and flavors. It’s ready to go and should drink nicely through 2022.

My Review: The aromas on this weren’t that strong. It was fruity but was tough to detect. I got primarily black fruit from the smell. The taste was blackberries, licorice, some pepper, and currants. But the flavors weren’t popping out. They were kind of muddled around together. This was a good wine but it could benefit from some aging. I would like to go back and taste this in a couple years and then compare it. It is solid on the palate and nice finish but just missing a component.

Tasting - Mas du Colombel Faugeres

Name: Mas du Colombel Faugeres
Variety: Grenache
Region: Rhone Valley
Country: France
Year: 2012
Price: $15

Winery Review: The 2012 Mas du Colombel Faugeres is an incredible value. It has intense aromas of ripe red fruit and a rich mid palate with good length and soft tannins. It's made in a finesse-driven style that’s a joy to drink. In addition, it’s far from simple and has a layered profile of complex fruit, earth and spice.

My Review: The nose is fruity. A lot of blackberries, currants, and black fruit in general are present. The taste was much of the same fruit. The mild tannins in this wine are what made it though. It has a pleasant mouth feel and nice taste on the palate. The tannins provide just enough acidity to make this a well-rounded wine. The finish was medium-long and comes with a complexity. It was big on the fruit which I enjoyed. It was a delicious wine.

Tasting - Freixenet Cava Cordon Negro Extra Dry

Name: Freixenet Cava Cordon Negro Extra Dry
Variety: Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada
Region: Catalonia
Country: Spain
Year: NV
Price: $8

Winery Review: A dry sparkling wine that whispers just a hint of sweetness, Cordon Negro Brut Extra Dry pleases a variety of palates. Earthy, fruity, and blessed with peach, melon and candied citrus essence, this cava leads up to a long, smooth finale of intoxicating flavors and aromas.

My Review: The aromas of this wine are pretty earthly. I'm getting smells of leather, peach, apricot with a little citrus. The bubbles in this wine were just so overpowering. It is super dry with little to no sweetness. I'm getting very little melon and citrus notes but is it just not enjoyable at all. This wine gets a big pass from me.

Tasting - Risata Moscato d'Asti

Name: Risata Moscato d'Asti
Variety: Moscato
Region: Asti
Country: Italy
Year: 2013
Price: $14

Winery Review: Risata Moscato d'Asti is fresh, fragrant, and frizzante with vibrant, flavors and aromas of ripe stone fruit, tangerines, and honey. The wine is concentrated and flavorful, but not overly rich or heavy; sweet, yet balanced.

My Review: This moscato is pretty fragrant. It is fruity up front with citrusy, melon, peach, and stone. The taste is very fruity fruity and sweet. It has a very silky mouth feel. I get notes of honey, orange, melon, and citrus fruits. The finish is very smooth but short. It is very easy to drink but not complex at all. Seems like a wine for a non-wine drinker. Quality product though.

Tasting - Blue Moon First Peach Ale

Name: Blue Moon First Peach Ale
Variety: Ale
Region: Colorado
Country: USA
Year: 2015
Price: $8 / 6 pack

Brewery Review: With one foot in winter and the other in spring, we crafted this Belgian-inspired Brown Ale with the first peaches of the season and coriander. It has a tart taste balanced by caramel malts for the cooler days and peach notes for the warmer ones.

My Review: The first smell was pretty hoppy. Not the typical orangish smell associated with Blue Moon. The color was also a different color, close to red-orange or pink. A lot different than the brilliant orange color with a normal Blue Moon. The taste was as described. It was a bit hoppy but the peach taste definitely came through in earnest. It was actually very delicious to drink. I'll definitely be disappointed when this one goes away.

Tasting - Dark Horse Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Dark Horse Cabernet Sauvignon
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2012
Price: $9

Winery Review: The 2012 Dark Horse Cabernet Sauvignon has bold flavors of blackberry and cherry supported by firm tannins, brown spice and a dark chocolate espresso finish. This Cabernet Wine was carefully aged to develop dark fruit flavors and dark roast aromas.

Dark Horse Cabernet is made from a blend of hand-selected grapes grown predominantly in the Lodi and Delta winegrowing areas of California's Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys.

My Review: The smell is somewhat fruity. I get blackberries and generally black berries with vanilla. The taste was pretty bold but not too much. Very nice body. I get blackberries again with cherries and more black fruit. Very smooth drinking. It has a medium long finish. This is a very good wine especially for the price. 

I tasted this wine with a ribeye cooked medium rare. The steak helped cut through some of the tannins and made this much smoother. I thought it was sweeter too. Very nice pairing. 

Tasting - Childress Vineyards Three Red Table Wine

Name: Childress Vineyards Three Red Table Wine
Variety: 47% Cabernet Franc, 39% Merlot, and 14% Malbec
Region: Yadkin Valley, North Carolina
Country: USA
Year: NV
Price: $10

Winery Review: Three Red is a smooth blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec with a slightly sweet finish. Vibrant aromas of raspberry and violets dominate the nose while the finish displays soft, lush tannins and a silky mouth feel. Three Red is the perfect wine before dinner, or with your favorite grilled meats and pasta dishes featuring a marinara sauce.

My Review: What a marvelous wine! The color is medium red to red-orange. I could see through it a bit. The smell was fruity mainly consisting of raspberries and red fruit. The taste was of raspberries and cherries with a bit of an oaky component. There are some tannins there which just work great with this wine and its sweetness. It has a solid body and is silky on the palate. The finish is smooth and is of medium length. This wine is middle ground, not too sweet and not too dry. I absolutely love this wine and will come back for more!

Tasting - Alamos Malbec

Name: Alamos Winery Malbec
Variety: 90% Malbec, 6% Syrah, 4% Bonarda
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2013
Price: $9

Winery Review: A classically Argentine wine, our Alamos Malbec blends the deeply concentrated plum flavors of the country’s signature variety – Malbec – with small portions of Syrah and Bonarda to add dark cherry and blackberry flavors. Well-integrated hints of brown spice and vanilla contribute layers of complexity. A full structure, firm tannins and a long finish make this Malbec unforgettable. 

My Review: The smell is earthy but with a fruit kick. I get hints of black fruit, plum, spoiled fruit, and vanilla. Upon tasting I get more black fruit with raspberries and cherries. I also get lots and lots of vanilla. The tannic component isn't forefront but it is there. It has nice body and is smooth on the palate. It lingers a bit and leaves a vanilla taste on the palate. This is a very good wine and I've thoroughly enjoyed it. The more I drink the better it becomes. Highly recommended and a fantastic entry point into the Malbec varietal.