Sunday, April 8, 2012

Vintage Cellar Wine Tasting 4/5

gPG Garganega Pinot Grrigio (2010) $8.95- This Pinot Grigio comes from Italy
Vintage Cellar Description- gPG is from the delle Venezie regions of northeastern Italy. A clean and crisp palate with plenty of texture and weight follows aromas of apples and zesty lemons. It's perfect with grilled white fish or light risotto.
My description- This wine had a very fruity smell with hints of citrus.  There was a slight alcohol smell, as if the wine had not had time to mellow out.  The wine tasted like the color yellow.  It was bright and very light across the palate.  There were hints of lemons, like the Vintage Cellar review stated, as well as burn on the way down from the alcohol.

Oveja Negra Syrah-Cab Rose Reserva (2010) $6.95- This wine came from Chile
Vintage Cellar Description- Oveja Negra Reserva Rosé is bright cherry-red in color and has an attractive nose with aromas of raspberries and strawberries as well as plum and a bit of green apple. Crisp and juicy on the palate with a slight sweetness that accompanies the red fruit flavors. Pleasing natural acidity with medium high intensity, nice persistence, and a fresh finish.
My description- This wine had an unappealing smell.  It smelled like it was burnt and musky.  The taste was complete different then the smell.  This wine was smooth and fruity.  It was very light on the palate and did not leave a heavy feeling on the tongue.
Varas Vinho Tinto (year not given) $21.95- This red wine comes from Portugal
 Vintage Cellar Description- This smooth Portuguese red is a blend of Castelão (45%), Tinta Roriz (25%), Tinta Barroca (20%) and Pinot Noir (10%). The vineyards are located near Lisbon, planted in sunny gentle slopes of clay and limestone soils. The wine was aged in oak barrels.
My description- This was my favorite wine of the tasting.  This wine smelled like cracked black pepper, all spice and dark fruits.  It had a very intriguing nose.  The taste of this wine was spicy.  It had a good tannic structure and seemed full-bodied.

Montebuena Rioja Crianza (2007) $6.95- This 100% Tempranillo comes from Spain
Vintage Cellar Description- 100% Tempranillo. Dark red. Spicy red berries and cherry on the nose, with hints of cracked pepper and dried rose. Crisp and dry on the palate, with spicy red currant and cherry flavors, light tannins and a fresh, energetic finish. An excellent value, and surprisingly elegant for this price point. 
My description- This wine smelled exactly like cherries.  The taste of the wine was slightly bitter.  It was not as complex as the Varas and left me feeling like there should be something more.  I picked up on the fruity hints when tasting the wine, but overall it was a little lackluster.

Cantina di Casteggio Moscato di Pavia (year not given) $7.95- This sweet wine comes from Italy
Vintage Cellar Description- Bright, light golden color. Very aromatic nose of ripe apricots, sage, honey and a slight minerality.  Medium bodied, sweet and fruity with flavors of apricots and tangerine. Well balanced acidity and medium finish with layers of sweet and citrus fruit.
My description- this wine smelled like sugar, honey and slightly fruity.  It was actually a very light tasting wine.  It was citrus-y with hints of tangerine, like the Vintage Cellar description stated.  It was also not over-poweringly sweet like the smell indicated.


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