Tasting - Bodegas Ondarre Rioja Rivallana Crianza

Name: Bodegas Ondarre Rioja Rivallana Crianza
Variety: 100% Tempranillo
Region: La Rioja
Country: Spain
Year: 2015
Price: $16

Winery Review: At the time of release, this wine showed a bright cherry red colour. On the nose, aromas of red berries and oaky notes. On the palate, crisp tastes of strawberry combined with gentle aromas of oak. Elegant mouthfeel, a full body and a fresh and fruity aftertaste. This wine still has plenty of life in it and should drink very well for the next 7 years. In terms of food pairing, vegetables, rice and pasta, seasoned fish and white meats, as well as fresh and medium cured cheese.

My Review: The nose is not super fruity. There are cherry and raspberry notes present but they are mixed with roasted wood and polish. Earthy flavors dominate the palate. Notes of bell pepper mix with black cherry and cranberry. It is a bit toothy on the mouthfeel. It has a long finish that is a bit hot. It is an okay wine that is a bit overrated.

Tasting - The Last Wine Company The Walking Dead Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: The Last Wine Company The Walking Dead Cabernet Sauvignon
Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2016
Price: $12

Winery Review: Don’t let this wine catch you unaware, The Walking Dead Cabernet Sauvignon opens with notes of blackberry with nutmeg and mocha spices. This full-bodied wine reveals flavors of dark cherries and currants which pool on the palate, giving way to notes of mocha and spice. Fine, chocolaty tannins hold the long smooth finish.

My Review: The nose is heavy on the black fruit predominantly black cherry. Present are hints of licorice, plum, and shoe polish. The taste is very, very cherry forward. Blackberry and plum come through next on the palate with a bit of currant. It finishes nicely which is long and smooth. Solid wine that is more than just a comic/TV series tie-in that it’s promoting.