Tasting - Vinselekt Michlovský Latitude 49

Name: Vinselekt Michlovský Latitude 49
Variety: 100% Modrý Portugal

Region: Mikulovská
Country: Czech Republic
Year: 2012
Price: 450 CZK

Winery Review: Fruity aroma with an expression of small forest fruits and black berries harmoniously tuned plum stone, original velvety and balanced tannins.

My Review: This was my first crack at a Czech wine. It was big and bold. The nose had big aromas and it was pungent. It smelled fruity with hints of red fruit specifically raspberries and licorice. The taste was of raspberries, blackberries, and black fruit in general. It was a hot wine and was kind of watery on the palate. It had a long finish and a tannic aftertaste. The fruity quality isn’t sustained due to the heat the wine packs. I did enjoy this wine and was a good introduction to Czech wines.

Tasting - Malesan Bordeaux Red

Name: Malesan Bordeaux Red
Variety: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc

Region: Bordeaux
Country: France
Year: 2014
Price: €5.87

Winery Review: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc; the 3 most emblematic varieties of the appellation Bordeaux, assembled to a surprising Malesan red! Malesan red is aged in oak barrels for six months, giving it time to work its intensity and tannins. A dress with a deep red, with beautiful garnet. A fragrant nose, fruity aromas sustained by a thin and discreet woodwork. A mouth, soft, fruity and slightly vanilla. Perfect on stews, red meats such as duck breast ... Without forgetting the cheeses and chocolate desserts.

My Review: Since I was in France I had to try the local flare. This Bordeaux was cheap and such a pleasant experience. The nose was earthy with hints of mushrooms, blackberries, and licorice. The taste also had some earthy tones with hints of dark berries and a bit spicy which comes from the Cab Franc. It was super smooth with an easy finish. This was great little wine and a quality find. This would pair well with some mature cheese.

Tasting - Barros Porto Ruby Port

Name: Barros Porto Ruby Port
Variety: Port

Region: Porto
Country: Portugal
Year: NV
Price: €6.50

Winery Review: Matured in oak; a sweet, elegant, richly flavoured but nonetheless fresh-tasting ruby port. Vanillin and spice-tinged berries and plums caress the nose. Delicious served with fruit, ice cream or cheeses!

My Review: I was in Porto and I had to get Port wine! This wine is very fruity on the nose with hints of red fruit specifically raspberries with a tinge of chocolate. On the palate more raspberries came through as it was still very fruity. I also got chocolate. This wine was also very hot which makes sense since it is 19.5% alcohol. It is smooth but super sweet so I cannot have too much in one sitting. This would pair well with a chocolate mousse.

Tasting - Apothic Red

Name: Apothic Red Winemaker’s Blend
Variety: Zinfandel, Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $10

Winery Review: A masterful blend of rich Zinfandel, smooth Merlot, flavorful Syrah and bold Cabernet Sauvignon creates layers of dark red fruit complemented by hints of vanilla and mocha.

My Review: This was a great red wine for the price point. It is much better than expected. It has a dark ruby red color. The nose is fruity with a slight oakiness and vanilla notes. I also get some red fruit especially strawberry and raspberries. The red fruit also comes through on the palate with a slight vanilla taste. It is a very fruit forward wine. It was smooth from start to a finish that was short. This was a very nice wine and would buy again.

Tasting - Gnarly Head Authentic Black

Name: Gnarly Head Authentic Black
Variety: Petite Sirah blend

Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $10

Winery Review: True to its name, Gnarly Head Authentic Black opens with brooding aromas of black cherry, black licorice and vanilla providing a powerful entrée to this big, robust Petite Sirah-based blend. Dark and inky in the glass, concentrated flavors of boysenberry and dark chocolate are framed by hints of baking spice on the finish. Styled to stand up to the heartiest of dishes, boldly pair this full-bodied wine with venison chili, meat lover’s pizza or grilled rib eye steak.

My Review: This is a very good wine especially at this price point. The nose is big filled with raspberries, black fruit, and vanilla. The taste is much the same. It’s bold and very fruity with more blackberries and cherries. This is a very fruit forward wine. The heat comes through a bit but not as much as you would expect from a 14.5% wine. The finish is smooth and short. Delicious.

Tasting - Woodchuck Pumpkin

Name: Woodchuck Pumpkin
Variety: Pumpkin and Apple

Region: Vermont
Country: USA
Year: 2015
Price: $12

Brewery Review: Private Reserve Pumpkin is a rare and limited run cider that features pumpkin in its most pure form. No spices, no frills, just delicious pumpkin. The naked pumpkin profile plays perfectly against the red culinary apple varieties used in this cider. It is a unique cider that is unlike any other on the market.

My Review: The pumpkin taste in this cider is very subtle. It is subtle to the point where I question if it is there. The apple is coming through most with a little bite/tartness. It is very smooth though. At 6.9% alcohol it doesn’t taste like I’m drinking alcohol. It is very good though. I would definitely buy again. This is a treat when it comes around.

Tasting - Crane Lake Petite Sirah

Name: Crane Lake Petite Sirah
Variety: 100% Petite Sirah
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $5

Winery Review: This wine is ruby-purple colored; notes of blackberry, plums and spice predominate the nose and flavors. The tannins give a soft, full mouth feel.

My Review: This wine has a great nose to it. Blackberry notes, butter, oak, and spice plays with the senses. The taste is really subtle but delicious. More blackberry comes through on the palate with spice on the back end with a general fruitiness. This is not a big, boisterous wine but a smooth, soft one. Gentle on the short finish with a nice mouth feel. Solid value wine. Definitely worth more than its price.