Zeppoli's Wine Dinner 4/29

The Zeppoli's Wine dinner tonight focused on all French wines.  There was a mix of wines from all across the country, representing the varying styles that are common to a particular region.

Chateau Gaillard Touraine Sauvignon Blanc ($11.99) Year not provided-
Zeppoli's Descritpion: Pale yellow with green hints.  Very characteristic of its variety, flowery, delicate.  Fruity, dry, supple and silky.  White from pure Sauvignon grape, this fresh wine exhales perfume of the grape.  This wine's crisp acidity with notes of grapefruit would be delicious with bouillabaissee or cheese, canapes, olives cake or asparagus.
My notes: This wine smelled very much like citrus.  That was the overwhelming smell that hit my nose.  This wine was very light and crisp.  The citrus elements in the nose of the wine was very noticeable in the taste of the wine.  The hints of citrus was the identifying element of the wine.

Chateau Suau 2010 Bordeaux Blanc Sec ($10.99)-
Zeppoli's description:  Fermented in stainless steel tanks, aged on fine lees for three months.  This expressive, refreshing and aromatic wine reveals honeysuckle and white peach aromas.  It has an excellent depth of fruit as well as a long finish with a nice acidity.  delicious as an aperitif or when served with shellfish, seafood and grilled fish.
My notes:  This wine smelled like it was burnt.  There was a harsh alcoholic smell that overpowered the nose.  The taste of this wine could not have been different from the smell.  This was a light floral tasting wine.  It was a quite pleasant wine.

Prochaine 2009 Chardonnay Vin de Pays d'Oc France ($10.99)-
Zeppoli's description: An unusual and delectable lightly oaked Chardonnay from the Languedoc region of France.  This wine is aged on the lees from a Viognier fermentation with constant stirring (battonages).  These Viognier lees gives the wine distinct, easy to enjoy, flavors of pineapple, mango, and passion fruit.
My notes:  This wine had a very floral smell.  However, it tasted very buttery with hints of vanilla.  There was a slight floral taste that came through, recalling the wine of the wine.  This was the most surprising wine white, because it was not a normal French chardonnay.  It tasted very much like a California chardonnay.

All of the food and wine that we were able to sample

Manoir Du Carra 2010 Beaujolais noveau ($10.99)-
Zeppoli's description: Just barely three weeks old, this fresh fruity red from the granite hills of Beaujolais comes entirely from Gamay grapes.  Beaujolais Nouveau day is November 19th this year and is a celebration of harvest and a festive event.  This bistro style wine should be consumed in copious quantities in the first full year of its life.
My notes:  This wine smelled like something was slightly off.  It smelled almost as if it had rotted.  The wine tasted fruity and tangy.  This was my least favorite wine of the tasting.  It just was not a wine that I could ever picture myself drinking.

Jean-marc burgaud 2010 Beaujolais Villages ($14.99)-
Zeppoli's description:  The Burgaud 2010 Beaujolais-Villages les Vignes de Thulon offers a sappy, exuberant, and ultimately gripping profusion of ripe but tart-edged and prominently seedy blackberry.  A mouthwatering salinity helps to render this simple but pure and intensely-fruited recent bottling irresistible.  Plan to enjoy it over the next could of years.
My notes:  This wine smelled like grilled meat.  The image that came to mind when tasting this wine was a juicy steak.  The wine tasted slightly spicy with a nice balance of fruit.  There were hints of meat in the taste of the wine as well.  Also, the after taste of the wine was tangy.  It was a very confusing taste to this wine.

Georges DuBoeuf 2010 Morgon Descombes Burgundy ($15.99)-
Zeppoli's description:  Shows perfect balance and a sumptuous bouquet of black currant, plum, violets and old-fashioned roses.  Elegantly smooth on the palate, revealing several layers of fresh red berries, especially cherries.  The silky, prolonged finish signals completely ripened fruit.  "Impressively powerful, structured wine that has spice, richness, plenty of firm tannins as well as a punch of sweet lum and red cherry flavors.  There is an edge of acidity that suggest aging potential"
My notes:  This wine smelled like dark fruit.  It was slightly sweet with a hint of nail polish remover.  The taste of this wine was kind of burnt, bringing out the nail polish remover to the taste of the wine.  It was also peppery.

Charles Thomas 2009 Cotes de Rhone Rouge ($11.99)-
Zeppoli's description: 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre.  Clear ruby wine with overtones of red berry fruits.  Round and supple with a smooth aftertaste.  A god all round red wine for meat courses, poultry and light cheeses.  Best drunk now while fresh with a good keeping up to 4 years.
My notes-  This wine smelled like spices.  The spiciness was reflected in the taste of the wine.  There were also some earthy, vegetable quality in the taste of the wine.  

Clos de sixte 2004: Lirac ($11.99)-
Zeppoli's description:  88-90 Robert Parker: "The 2004 Lirac Clos de Sixte has a dense ruby/purple color and exhibits a Syrah-like character in its blacker fruit-dominated aromatics and flavors.  With medium to full body, ripe tannin, and good freshness as well as definitive, it should drink well for 6-8 years."  50% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre
My notes-  This wine smelled very fruity.  The nose was dominated by scents of dark fruits.  The dark fruit elements were also very dominant in the taste of the wine.  There was a slight spicy bit at the finish of the wine.  The tannic structure of this wine was very nice.

Chateau Suau 2009 "Cadillac" Merlot/Cab ($15.99)-
Zeppoli's description:  The wine is made from 45% Merlot, 55% Cabernet Sauvignon.  Grapes are weighted, destemmed then sorted on a table in the cellar.  Fermentation in thermo regulated stainless steel tanks.  Aging from beginning of November, after malolactic fermentation, in 100% French oak barrels (30% new oak) during 12 months.  Fleshy, fruity and ample in mouth, this wine is attractive both with its ripe fruits aromas melted with roasted hints as well as its nice.  Structure and elegant, pleasant finish.
My notes:  This wine smelled like fruit.  It was a pleasant smell, that was inviting me to drink it.  The wine tasted kind of like blackberries and other dark berry fruits.  The blend of the fruity flavors along with the noticeable alcohol burn at the end of taste, created a nice medium-bodied wine.

Chateau Grimard 2010 Bordeaux ($11.99)-
Zeppoli's description:  This right bank Bordeaux estate is located in Lugon, just outside France.  The vineyards are well situated on a south-east slope and the clay/limestone/sandsoils provide an ideal growing environment in which Merlot thrives... (80% merlot/20% Cabernet Franc).  Sourced from vines that are at least 25 years old, the fruit was fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks.  Displaying round and ripe Merlot aromas and flavors, the bouquet of red fruit and well-balanced tannins combine on a fresh and supple finish.  A classic Bordeaux, offering a deep red-purple color, a lush bouquet, and ripe plummy-cassis fruit with good structure, showing the promise of the 2000 vintage.
My notes: This wine smelled very spicy.  There were also hints of pepper on the nose of the wine.  It tasted like heavy, dark fruits.  This wine was the most tannic of the tasting and the structure of the wine was very aggressive on the palate.

I could not wait to start eating so I missed the opportunity to photograph my food.

Fork and Cork 4/28

This past weekend I attended the Fork and Cork festival with my roommates, brother, sister-in-law, and other friends.  It was a really fun day and I was able to taste wines from eight different wineries. 

I visited: Notaviva Winery in which they pair wine with different music, Naked Mountain Winery, Molliver Vineyards, Well Hung Vineyard, White Rock Vineyards, Stanburn Winery, Veritas Vineyards, and Unicorn Winery.  The wineries and vineyards were very nice and descriptive about the wines that they were offering for tasting.

The crowd at Fork and Cork

As the day got nicer more people came out and the lines for tastings got longer

At each winery or vineyard there was one wine that stood out from the rest.

Notaviva Winery: 2009 Cantabile Cabernet Franc.  Notaviva Description-   Subtle notes of tobacco and spice drift from the glass as you swirl our debut "Cantabile" Cabernet Franc. Aptly named Cantabile from the musical term for "full of expression" this wine greets your palate with graceful tones of currants and berries.  Best paired with string quartets or cello concertos. Pour, listen, relax and enjoy. 80% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot, 7% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 9 months in French oak. Goes well with medium weight beef dishes - we've enjoyed it with medallions in a mushroom gravy and bleu cheese mashed potatoes.
My notes- This wine was nicely balanced in both taste and smell.  It was rich with hints of dark fruit.  The taste didn't linger on the palate creating a sticky effect, it was a rich Cabernet Franc without being too heavy.

Naked Mountain Winery: 2011 Chardonnay/Riesling.  Naked Mountain Description- With a distinct nose of pear and peach blossoms, this much anticipated vintage of our Chardonnay/Riesling doesn’t disappoint. Full of hibiscus, honeysuckle, and ripe tree fruit, this semi-sweet wine is the perfect spring or summer sipping wine. Pair this with a deck and the sunset for a perfect ending to any day. Also great for spicy Thai food or a fruit salad.
My notes- This white wine blend was crisp and light.  There were hints of citrus on the nose, which were detectable on the palate.  It was a nice wine for a quiet day and was easy to sip on.

Well Hung Vineyard: 2010 Merlot-Verdot.  Well Hung Description-

• Swirl: Deep garnet legs
• Sniff: Earthy, leather and coffee
• Sip: Rich plum with cocoa and mushroom
• Savor: Full cherry finish

Food Pairing: perfect complement to beef and lamb dishes, as well as Italian food and wild mushrooms

My notes- This was a perfectly balanced red wine.  There were both fruity and spicy elements that created a full bodied taste to the wine.  The smell of this wine was rich and there were elements of dark fruits.  This was one of my favorite wines of the day.

 

White Rock Vineyards: Moon Glow.  White Rock Description- 100% Traminette – Granny Smith Apple tones make a refreshing wine for this hot summer

My notes- This wine was very smooth and refreshing.  It was not too sweet but the fruity elements gave it a naturally sweet finish.  It also did not leave a lingering finish on the palate.  just like the description stated, it would be best for sipping on a hot summer day.

 

Stanburn Winery: 2010 Chardonnay.  Stanburn Description- Contains 100% Chardonnay and is fermented in stainless steel, then finished in neutral oak barrels. This wine has a smooth texture with a light, crisp, and slightly fruity aroma. It pairs well with grilled seafood, poultry dishes, and pineapple desserts.

My notes- This was my favorite wine of the day.  It was light and crisp.  It was a wine that you could drink all day.  I think the aging process is what made the wine, since it put the emphasis on the fruit and not really on the oak.  I liked that there was minimal oak-y finish on the wine.

 

Veritas Vineyards: Saddleback Chardonnay 2011.  Veritas Vineyards- The 2011 Saddleback Chardonnay is modeled after the “old world” style from Chablis, France. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks and matured in primarily neutral French oak barrels for 4 months. The nose is clean and showing aromas of apple, pear, honeydew melon and kiwi. The Saddleback Chardonnay is medium bodied and layered with ripe tree fruits continuing with soft impressions of toast and spice from oak aging. Saddleback Chardonnay is a perfect wine to compliment light fish and shellfish dishes, or even poultry with citrus sauces.

My notes- This chardonnay was a nice blend of fruit and oak aging.  There were hints of apple in the taste of the wine, that gave it more depth.  It was a crisp and fresh wine.  I liked that there were hints of other fruits in the wine.

 

Unicorn Winery: Table Rock White.  Unicorn Description- Aromas and flavors of citrus, honey, strawberries, and mango; perfect on a hot summer day.  Enjoy with spicy food.

My notes- This winery was a bit of a miss overall, but this wine was the shiny light.  It had a nice blend of sweet and spicy elements.  I enjoyed that this wine was slightly spicy for a white wine.  There was a nice diversion from the norm, that I really liked.

 

My sister-in-law really wanted her picture taken with her friends

 

Vintage Cellar Wine Tasting- 4/19

Poysdorfer Saurussel Gruner Veltliner (2010) $7.95- This wine came from Austria
Vintage Cellar description- Crisp lime flavors, white pepper and lentils, followed by a mouthful of mineral notes and gooseberry. A long lingering finish. A great accompaniment to any Asian or fresh seafood dishes.
My description- This wine smelled very citrus-y with hints of lemon.  There was also a floral smell that gave balance to the nose of the wine.  The taste of the wine was very tangy.  It was a little overpowering.  There was so much zesty, tangy, mouth puckering effect that it made the wine not enjoyable.

Oak Vineyards Chardonnay (2010) $5.95- 750 mL, $10.95- 1.5 liter- This wine is from California
Vintage Cellar description-  This light straw-colored Oak Vineyards 2010 Chardonnay expresses smokey aromatics with nuances of apple and lemon zest that continue onto the palate where they flourish into citrus, orange blossom, and smoked oak flavors until meeting a crisp, medium finish.
My description- This wine smelled very musky.  There were hints of oak and also a slight burnt smell that made the wine seem like it would not taste pleasant.  The taste of the wine was actually quite light.  It went right across the palate and wasn't heavy.  I could pick up on the oak-y smell of the wine in the taste.

Canyon Road Pinot Noir (2010) $6.95- This wine is also from California
Vintage Cellar description- This Pinot Noir expresses tantalizing flavors of ripe cherry and wild raspberry, and finishes with brown, vanilla spices and a smooth finish.
My description- This wine smelled like cherries and chocolate.  It was very warm and inviting.  This was a very crisp wine and light on the palate.  There were also hints of dark fruit in the taste.  It gave the wine a nice balance.

Cortenova Primitivo (2010) $7.95- This wine is from Italy
Vintage Cellar description- Dark, ruby-red color with violet highlights. Intense and fragrant bouquet with a rich array of red and black fruit aromas and flavors. Harmonious and velvety on the palate. Great balance and structure.  Excellent with grilled or roasted meats, game and cheeses.
My description- This wine smelled like pepper and spices.  There was also a nice blend of fruit in the smell, to balance out the spicy qualities.  The wine was rather spicy, the hints of black pepper were very noticeable.  It was also a bit musky and it lingered on the palate.

Morada Sangria (year not provided) $4.95- 1 Liter- This sangria comes from Spain
Vintage Cellar description- A traditional Spanish drink made with red wine and citrus extracts. Garnet color and fresh on the palate.  Serve well chilled, on its own or with lemonade and slices of fruit like peach, banana or apple.
My description- This sangria smelled exactly like Sprite the soft drink.  There were also hints of lemon that were quite powerful.  It tasted like thick syrup.  It was also very, very sweet.  The lemon that came through on the hose was also present in the taste of the sangria.

Zeppoli's Wine Dinner 4/15

The Zeppoli's wine dinner highlighted items that are regularly on the menu as well as bottles of wine that are stocked in the wine store.

All of the fantastic food and wines that we would be sampling

My loaded plate

We tasted nine wines which included the house wines of Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon

Musanti NV Brut Sparkling Wine Pendes- from Spain ($7.50)
Zeppoli's Description- Lemon blossoms, green apple, toast and honeydew melon are front and center in this crisp refreshing Spanish Sparkler.  Silky supple with lingering flavors, yet a tingle of crisp acid on the finish.  A combination of traditional cava grapes but this wine is not made in the traditional methode champenoise (which is required by Spanish law to be called Cava).  This is made with the Charmat process and may only be called 'Spanish sparkling wine'.
My notes- This wine smelled like rubbing alcohol.  There were also hints of lemon and citrus on the nose.  It was a very crisp wine.  There was a long finish that dragged out the citrus elements that were present in the smell.

Mars and Venus Chardonnay (2006) from the Central Valley, Chile- $8.99
Zeppoli's Description- This Chardonnay is juicy and fresh with pineapple and citrus notes and a silky smooth texture.  Serve it with roasted chicken, shellfish or pasta dishes in a light cream sauce.
My notes- This wine had a very fruity nose.  The most noticeable scents were of berries and a sweet, almost sugar smell.  This wine tasted pretty much exactly how it smelled.  There were fruity notes with hints of citrus.  It was also a very smooth, light wine.

Rubus (2009) Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley, California- $11.99
Zeppoli's Description- This wine has hints of tropical fruit, pear and New Towan ripened apples.  The wine is barrel fermented, but not overtly and is balanced just like a Joe Swann or Sonoma-Cutrer wine.  This is Chardonnay for the lover of white burgundy-flavorful, balanced and delicious.
My notes- With this wine you could really smell the oak from the aging process.  There were also noticeable buttery smells.  The wine was tart, crisp and lemon-y notes.  There was also a slight burn to the after taste of the wine.

Borrealis (2010) "The Northern Whites" from Willamette Valley, California- $12.99
Zeppoli's Description- Te aroma practically covers the full fruit spectrum with notes of papaya, quince, yellow apple and hints of grapefruit and lime made all the more exotic with whiffs of jasmine and sandlewood.  On the palate it starts with a slightly sweet expression of ripe fruit with a crisp and balance and evolves to a delicious fresh finish of grapefruit and lime.
My notes- This wine had a fruity nose.  It smelled sweet and of apples that was mentioned in the Zeppoli's description.  It was a very sweet wine with a tangy apple taste.

San Elias (2010) Cabernet Sauvignon- $7.99
Zeppoli's Description- "This wine has a nice purple color and the bouquet practically jumps from the glass; smoky, meaty notes; soon ripe cassis and black cherry emerge; the palate is similar, with the fruit taking the lead; nice tannins and acidity perk the fruit up again near the finish, which is crisp yet lingering.  A top value wine."  Beverage Dynamics 88 points
My notes- This wine smelled like black pepper and different spices.  The taste of this wine was very smooth.  It was slightly spicy, as the smell indicated.  This was also a very crisp wine.  Not too overwhelming on the palate.

Kenwood (2009) Yulupa Cabernet Sauvignon from California- $11.99
Zeppoli's Description- 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot.  Deep in color with rich, ripe-fruit aromas of cherries and plums followed by fragrant notes of cinnamon and cocoa nibs.  Full-bodied, with a rich lingering finish.  Aged 20 months in french and American oak.  Delicious with any pork, beef or lamb, this Cabernet Sauvignon also pairs well with a variety of pasta dishes.
My notes- This wine smelled on dark fruits.  There were also floral notes in the smell.  This wine was rather smooth.  The taste of the wine had cherry elements, which were picked up in the smell.  There was a tart finish.

Rubus (2009) Old Vine Zinfandel from Lodi, California- $12.99
Zeppoli's Description- Ruby red in color, with red fruit, rasberry, and spice on the nose.  This wine is medium in body, with notes of ripe cherry, cedar box, cinnamon, anise, black pepper, and hint of smoke on the palate.  It has a long, silky finish.
My notes- The wine had strong pepper smells with hints of cinnamon.  There was also an odd smoky smell to the wine.  This wine tasted of dark fruit, cinnamon and pepper.  There was depth in the flavor that gave the mouth a pleasing quest to make out the flavors.

Mars and Venus Merlot (2007) from Central Valley, Chile- $8.99
Zeppoli's Description- Smooth, rich and well balanced with berry and cocoa flavors framed by a sturdy structure-a real wine drinker's Merlot.  It is perfect with pizza, pasta or even a good steak!
My notes- This wine smelled fruity, however there was a slight smell of alcohol that made gave the wine an unsettling smell.  The smell was completely different than the taste of the wine.  This wine was very smooth and had a good balance of flavors.  There were hints of spice that gave the wine depth.

Trentadue (2009) Block 500 Merlot from Sonoma County, California- $18.99
Zeppoli's Description- 96% Merlot, 1% Montepulciano, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot.  The wine's characteristics are typical to the Estate fruit with aromas and flavors of dark stone fruit, black licorice and earth.  Further aeration reveals layers of blackberry, herbs, cedar and tobacco.  On the mouth the wine is complex and full-bodied with ripe, balanced tannins, a juicy middle and long smooth finish.  The low pH and tannin structure will support several years of aging.
My notes- This wine smelled of pepper.  There were hints of smokiness that added depth.  The wine had a good body with slight hints of fruit.  There were also notes of pepper in the taste.  This wine left a spicy after taste.

 All of the wines we tasted

Attimo Winery Visit 4/13

This small winery in Christiansburg was quite lovely.  The tasting took place in the sitting area, which was very nicely decorated.

The winery was surrounded by grape vines.

The tasting consisted of eight wines, some of which were made on property and some that are made off the property.

Sonnet 98 (2010)- Vidal Blanc
Attimo Winery notes- dry, crisp, floral, hints of fresh greens
My notes- this was my favorite wine of the entire tasting.  It smelled musky, but as it continued to open with air it brought out more floral elements.  The taste of this wine was very smooth.  There was brightness in the taste along with a slight sweetness.  There was a nice balance between the sweetness and dry tones.

I do (2010)- Traminette and Petit Manseng grapes
Attimo Winery notes- semi-sweet, distinct citrus notes
My notes- The smell of this wine had hints of citrus, apples, and some floral elements.  The smell was very inviting and made me want to taste it.  This wine was sweet with a slight burn at the back of the my throat on the finish.  In the taste I could also pick up the citrus elements that were present in the nose.

Deep Silence (2010)- Cabernet Franc
Attimo Winery notes- This is a Bordeaux style wine, aged in American oak for nine months.  Dry red, intense berry flavors and light smoky pepper finish.
My notes- This wine smelled like pepper and dark fruit.  The wine tasted tight, as if the tannins had not yet mellowed.  It was tart but there it was also fruity.  It needs time to get smoother.

Me enjoying the wine at Attimo Winery

My roommates and I enjoying the atmosphere and wine at the Attimo Winery

AD 325 (2010)- Chambourcin
Attimo Winery notes- This is an Old World style wine that is aged in a mixture of clay and concrete.  Dry red with bold flavors and cherry undertones.
My notes- This wine smelled spicy and there were noticeable hints of pepper.  There was also a slight fruity smell.  This wine was smooth.  There was a slight smoky taste that came through the finish of the wine.

Sudden Downpour (year not provided)- Apple/White Blend
Attimo Winery Notes- This wine is aged in bourbon barrels.  Sweet, apple wine with bourbon notes and earthy tones.
My notes- This wine smelled sweet but it also smelled kind of burnt.  It tasted like a sweeter verison of Mott's apple juice.  There was a slight burn that came through at the finish of the wine.  There is also hints of cinnamon that gave the wine a nice balance.

Masquerade (2010)- Chardonnay
Attimo Winery notes- This wine is named Masquerade because it is masked in oak.  Dry, smooth and oakey.
My notes- This wine smelled like lemon and citrus.  It was a very crisp tasting wine.  There was also a tart taste to the wine.  The tart taste was probably came from the citrus elements in the smell.

Vortex (2010)- Cabernet Sauvignon
Attimo Winery notes- This wine is aged in French oak for 11 months.  Dry red, rich with black currant flavors and French oak notes.
My notes- This wine had a redder color than the Masquerade wine.  It had a very fruity smell that was blended with the smell of spice and pepper.  The wine was very smooth and fruity.  It was slightly tart, which gave the wine a nice balance.  It was the tannic of the wines we tasted.

Seduction (2010)- Tinta Madera, Tourigo Nacional, and Souzao grapes
Attimo Winery notes- Sweet, vintage ruby port.  Direct from Portugal, hints of rasberry and raisins.
My notes- This wine smelled like dark liquor and licorice.  It tasted like dark liquor.  The wine was sticky and covered my palate in a way that was not appealing.  There were also hints of smokiness in the taste as well.

 The view from the tasting room that looks out to the grapevines.

Vintage Cellar Wine Tasting 4/12

Sierra Cruz Sauvignon Blanc (2011) $6.95- This white wine comes from the Maule Valley, Chile
Vintage Cellar Description- This Chilean Sauvignon Blanc just oozes with bright citrus flavors and a nose of herbs and grass.  Stylistically, it is a cross between the herbal, grassy wines so prevalent in Sonoma County and the riper, more fruit forward products of New Zealand. Match it with pasta sauced with arugula, pine nuts, mushrooms and parmesan.
My description- This wine had very floral notes in the nose.  The taste of the wine was very crisp and light.  There were hints of apple in the taste as well.  There was a nice balance in the acidity of the wine that is balanced but the sweet notes of the apple.

Lost Vineyards Chardonnay (year not provided) $3.95- This wine comes from Argentina.
Vintage Cellar Description-  Pale golden color. Perfumed peach, pineapple, and nougat aromas. Round and soft with a fruity-yet-dry medium body. Tangy apple skin and lemon zest notes lift the fruit nicely on the finish.
My description- This wine smelled very oaky.  It was also very creamy and buttery in its smell.  When tasting this wine there were hints of vanilla.  However, there was a tart finish at the end that was a bit odd.

Sierra Cruz Carmenere (2009) $6.95- The first red wine of the tasting comes from the Maule Valley, Chile
Vintage Cellar Description- As a member of the cabernet sauvignon family, carmenere (pronounced car-men-yare) originated in Bordeaux as one of the grapes permitted for use in the red blends of that storied region. Chilean winemakers have embraced it and several wineries in that country produce it as a single varietal. The ’09 Sierra Cruz is a very pleasant, soft, mediumbodied wine that has fresh cabernet-like aromas and flavors of spice, dark fruit and black pepper. It is a great value and also would be a nice match with marinated and grilled skirt or flank steak.
My description- This wine smelled very much like black pepper.  It was slightly overwhelming.  The wine tasted kind of spicy.  There were also hints of earthy tones.  It was pretty well balanced, however the black pepper was a bit off putting.

Senda 66 Tempranillo (2008) $8.95- This wine comes from Spain
Vintage Cellar Description-  90 Points, Robert Parker  “The 2008 Senda 66 spent 8 months in new French oak. Purple/black in color, it sports a fragrant nose of spice box, lavender, blueberry, and blackberry.  Smooth-textured, layered, and remarkably rich on the palate for its humble price, this lengthy effort will drink nicely over the next 5-6 years.”
My description- This was my favorite wine of the tasting.  It had a very rich, deep red color.  This wine smelled very much like cherries.  It was a very smooth wine, that went across the palate.  There was a nice structure of tannins, that balanced the wine.

Opera Prima Sweet Wine (2010) $5.95- This sweet wine comes from Spain
 Vintage Cellar Description- Flowery and sweet smelling, then round and fairly smooth in the mouth. The flavor package of tropical fruits galore is pleasant and shouldn’t offend anyone. Finishes clean and easy. A mango boat of flavor.
My description- This wine had a floral nose.  It had citrus tones that balanced out the sweetness of the wine.  There were also hints of pine needles that gave the wine an interesting finish.

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.