week 5 - shine Gewürztraminer

 

Name: Heinz Eifel Shine Qba Gewurztraminershine Gewürztraminer

Variety of Grapes: Gewurztramine

Region/Country Of Origin: Rheinhessen, Germany

Price: $11.95

Vintage Year: 2020

Shop: https://vintagecellar.com/shop?productid=59781d7ad05b43555ed33dd4optionid=bdfda9fd4497eceee46ebc756184a0c72144ca67e3dff28cab8e0cf1c036d593

Shop Review: Made from grapes harvested on the sloping hillsides of Germany’s prime wine growing regions of the Rheinhessen. Produced in an off-dry style with exotic aromas and flavors of lychee,rose petal, passion fruit and ginger.

Wine Folly's Notes: Treasured for its intense floral aromas, Gewürztraminer has thrived for centuries around Germany. Quality examples are ageworthy, but most are best enjoyed in their youth to preserve acidity.

• Lychee 
• Rose
• Grapefruit
• Tangerine
• Ginger
  

My Personal Review: It was a very fruity smelling wine, and had notes of lychee or rambustan that made me feel very nostalgic for the fruits I get back home. It also smelt a little citrusy, and fruity. The same can be said about its taste too and it is a sweet incredibly light bodied fruity wine. It was a little sour at the end which complemented its sweetness I genuinely enjoyed this one and would reach for a bottle of this again!

week 5 - catena cabernet sauvignon

Name: Catena Cabernet Sauvignon

Variety of Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon

Region/Country Of Origin: Argentina, Mendoza

Price: $20

Vintage Year: 2019

Shop: https://www.totalwine.com/wine/red-wine/cabernet-sauvignon/catena-cabernet-sauvignon/p/8287750

Shop Review: Wine Advocate-Mendoza, Argentina - "...a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot...The palate is medium-bodied with moderate alcohol and notable freshness. The tannins are fine-grained, and the finish is clean, long and fresh."

Wine Folly's Notes: The world’s most popular wine is a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc that originated in Bordeaux. Wines are concentrated and age-worthy. The rich flavor and high tannin content in Cabernet Sauvignon make it a perfect partner to rich grilled meats, peppery sauces, and dishes with high flavor

• Black Cherry 
• Black Currant 
• Cedar 
• Baking Spices 
• Graphite
  

My Personal Review: This is honestly the best cabernet sauvignon I tried so far! I can definitely smell the berry (black current) and taste it too. It doesn't feel like a punch to the face like the wine I tried during week 1, and is very balanced and honestly one of my favorite wines I tried this semester. It is dry and not very sweet, but its very pleasant. I would drink this again! I did not try this with any food but I think this is definitely up for me in the future.

week 4 - beliveau estate merlot estate reserve

Name: Beliveau Estate Merlot Estate Reserve

Variety of Grapes: Merlot

Region/Country Of Origin: VA - Roanoke - North Fork of Roanoke, United States

Price: $24.95

Vintage Year: 2019

Shop: https://vintagecellar.com/shop?product-id=639b9922416df174ca57e6c8&option-id=593f14488bbeda91c6c4133ee1a7d5d54857f4d0a49d5bc0a9514294159add88

Shop Review: (From their free weekly wine tastings) One year in French oak gives this Merlot a creamy nose with traces of soft pepper. With traditional flavors of light red fruit, this wine is made for roast duck or lean cuts of beef.

Wine Folly's Notes: Merlot is loved for it’s boisterous black cherry flavors, supple tannins, and smoky or chocolaty finish. It’s often found in a Bordeaux blend with Cabernet Franc. Merlot tastes great alongside roasted foods like pork shoulder, roasted mushrooms, or braised short ribs. Try complementing the fruit notes with chimichurri sauce!

• Cherry
  
• Plum 
• Chocolate
• Dried Herbs
• Vanilla
  

My Personal Review: Trying this wine was surely an experience. The instant I smelt this wine after swirling it in my glass, I could smell the spiciness and cherry, and this was the first time I was truly confident with the spicy note I sensed. I tasted red berries, herbs and the spice notes. It was also mildly vegetative. It was dry without being overwhelmingly so, medium body and very well balanced. 

 

The reason I loved this wine was because the notes remind me of a childhood favorite dessert my parents got me every year for Christmas - a 'Kerala Style Fruitcake' and it tasted like a drier, more tannic wine version of this. I really would love the chance to bake this sweet in the future (and perhaps make it just a tad more sweeter than I remember to complement the Merlot just right), and even maybe try soaking all the fruit in this wine along side a heavier liquor too! I would drink this wine again in the future solely for the nostalgia, but it was a great wine regardless! 

week 4 - beliveau estate sandy ridge vidal blanc

Name: Beliveau Estate Sandy Ridge Vidal Blanc

Variety of Grapes: Vidal Blanc

Region/Country Of Origin: VA - Roanoke - North Fork of Roanoke, United States

Price: $24.95

Vintage Year: 2021

Shop: https://vintagecellar.com/shop?product-id=639b9a050e9ada630d5447e4&optionid=1aa8791a6a2ad3fbbd061db678d36b1924159cba80eec6c2c323336f5e898b35

Shop Review: (From their weekly wine tasting menu) This unique batch of Vidal Blanc has savory notes of pistachio with underlying perceived sweetness of classic apple and caramel. Early harvesting results in a subtle nose and tasting profile. This picnic pairing is great with pork and sauerkraut as the weather warms.

Wine Folly's Notes: A late harvest sweet wine that can only be made when grapes naturally freeze in the vineyard. Popular varieties include Riesling, Vidal Blanc, and Cabernet Franc. Ice wines are perfect with fruit tarts, cheesecake, ice cream, and soft and pungent cheeses such as Brie and Camembert. 

• Pineapple
• Lemon Curd
• Honey Suckle 
• Apricot 
• Lychee

My Personal Review: Since I did the dinner blog this week with my friends, I decided to pay vintage cellar a visit over the weekend to try some new vines out. This was the first one on the lineup for last week and it was an instant favorite. It had a strong vegetable and grassy note. The first thing I tasted when I tried it was a nutty, grassy note, and I was able to identify these flavors from a wine wheel I had on hand. It is mildly acidic and a little sour and dry, and not overly sweet. It had a pleasant mouthfeel and a light body. It was quiet nice, and I will definitely be purchasing this in the future to enjoy with some light, nutty snacks (or sweets) and cheeses. 

week 3 - 19 crimes snoop dogg cali red blend

Name: 19 Crimes Red Blend

Variety of Grapes: Shiraz 86%, Merlot 7%, Cabernet 7%

Region/Country Of Origin: South Eastern Australia, Australia

Price: $20

Vintage Year: 2021

Shop: https://19crimes.com/products/red-blend

Shop Review: Our red blend bears the same traits as those banished to Australia. Defiant by nature, bold in character. Always uncompromising. It's a taste you'll never forget.

Wine Folly's Notes: A rich, powerful, and sometimes meaty red wine that originated in the Rhône Valley of France. It’s the most planted grape of Australia, where it’s called Shiraz. Darker meats and exotic spices bring out the fruit notes of Syrah. Try it with lamb shawarma, gyros, Asian five-spice pork, and Indian tandoori.

• Blueberry 
• Plum 
• Milk Chocolate
• Tobacco 
• Green Peppercorn

My Personal Review: This smells alot sweeter and less smoky and more berry like than the other wine I tried this week, and tastes sweeter too. This also has a stronger berry note than the yellow and is alot more palatable than the last one. I would drink this on its own or pair it with food. My friend that I was drinking wine with had some Gouda and since it pairs well with shiraz and it tasted pretty good and loved the combination. It still has a bitter/sour after taste that I find unpleasant but it isn't enough to deter me away from a second glass (and is worse than the yellow tail variety). Again, I would pair this with indian and mediterranean food.

week 3 - yellow tail shiraz

Name: Yellow Tail Shiraz

Variety of Grapes: Syrah/Shiraz

Region/Country Of Origin: South Eastern Australia

Price: $6.99

Vintage Year: 2021

Shop: https://drizly.com/wine/red-wine/shiraz/-yellow-tail-shiraz/p1471 (I actually bought this at Food Lion, but I was unable to find the listing online)

Shop Review: Made in South Eastern Australia, [ yellow tail ] Shiraz is a red wine that brings the flavors and essence of the region to your glass, ensuring a smile with each sip. This shiraz is everything a great wine should be with its easy to drink, smooth taste and bold flavor profile. Featuring vibrant flavors of red berries with hints of rich vanilla, licorice and spice, this red wine is full bodied and silky smooth. Shiraz wine is often referred to as the classic Australian red wine, and it’s easy to see why with its bright, bold flavors and easy approachability. Enjoy this red wine at just below room temperature and pair with hearty foods like braised beef, lamb, smoked cheeses and mushrooms. Take an adventurous approach to this bottle of wine and use it to mix up a delectable sparkling shiraz sangria, perfect for sharing with friends. [ yellow tail ] wine is wonderful for livening up casual dinners with loved ones and bringing a lighthearted spirit to any and every event and celebration. This [ yellow tail ] wine bottle is 1.5 L and has a 13.5% ABV. Great quality wine can be affordable and good fun too. We like our wines to be vibrant, flavorsome and approachable, making everyday moments even more enjoyable. A wine for any occasion, [ yellow tail ] is easy to choose, drink and enjoy. [ yellow tail ] Shiraz is a youthful and vibrant red wine. Soft and juicy on the palate, flavors of ripe cherries and blackberries provide for a long and delicious finish giving great structure and a nice weight. Concentrated red berry fruit is complemented by subtle licorice, sweet blueberry, and subtle spice notes derived from the oak.

Wine Folly's Notes: 

A rich, powerful, and sometimes meaty red wine that originated in the Rhône Valley of France. It’s the most planted grape of Australia, where it’s called Shiraz. Darker meats and exotic spices bring out the fruit notes of Syrah. Try it with lamb shawarma, gyros, Asian five-spice pork, and Indian tandoori.

• Blueberry 
• Plum 
• Milk Chocolate
• Tobacco 
• Green Peppercorn

My Personal Review: I wasn't a huge fan of this wine from the get go, but it definitely is far from the worst wine that I have had tried. It has a generic berry note in its smell and is very dry in taste. I think the bitterness of the aftertaste can be translated into a dark chocolate/tobacco taste. I'm genuinely upset about how this wine is supposed to pair well with Tandoori and Mediterranean flavors (which are my favorite foods) and I don't have any to pair with this. I will definitely revisit a shiraz wine with food (although I think I might splurge on a wine with better reviews).

week 2 - karl-josef piesporter michelsberg riesling kabinett

Name: Karl-Josef Piesporter Michelsberg Riesling Kabinett

Variety of Grapes:Riesling Kabinett

Region/Country Of Origin: Mosel, Germany

Price: $18

Vintage Year: 2020

Shop: https://www.wine-searcher.com/find/karl+joseph+piesporter+michelsburg+riesling+kabinett+bernkasteler+mosel+germany/2020/usa-va-y

Shop Review: "Juicy lime and gooseberry notes abound in this very fruity, easy drinking kabinett. Off dry and blossomy in style, it's a bold, primary sip with just a hint of slaty minerality on the finish for elegance. Anna Lee C. Iijima" - 87/100, Wine Enthusiast

Wine Folly's Notes: An aromatic white variety that can produce white wines ranging in style from bone-dry to very sweet. Germany is the world’s most important producer of Riesling. 

Off-dry Riesling wines make a great pairing to spicy Indian and Asian cuisines and do excellently alongside duck, pork, bacon, shrimp, and crab

It has notes of lime, green apple, beeswax, jasmine, petroleum. 

My Personal Review: smoky smell, sour, do not taste the apple here, dryer

This wine smelt a little smokey and a hint of apple. It tasted quite sour and more dry than the previous wine. I think this did have a hint gooseberry like the website description.While I did not like this as much as the previous one I tried, I do think it would pair well with certain foods and it has a time and place in wine. I would definitely drink this again. 

I paired this with the same spicy sandwich with the mango habenero sauce and it tasted good with that too!

week 2 - chateau ste michelle riesling harvest

Name: Chateau Ste Michelle Riesling Harvest 

Variety of Grapes: Riesling Grape

Region/Country Of Origin: Washington

Price: $8.99

Vintage Year: 2021

Shop: https://www.totalwine.com/wine/white-wine/riesling/chateau-ste-michelle-riesling-harvest/p/109676750

Shop Review: Washington- Loaded with fresh Jonathan apple-flavored fruit, the sweetness is nicely balanced by the fresh, natural acids. Highlights of cinnamon and caramel add further pleasure to a wine with wide appeal.

Wine Folly's Notes: An aromatic white variety that can produce white wines ranging in style from bone-dry to very sweet. Germany is the world’s most important producer of Riesling. 

Off-dry Riesling wines make a great pairing to spicy

Indian and Asian cuisines and do excellently alongside duck, pork, bacon, shrimp, and crab

It has notes of lime, green apple, beeswax, jasmine, petroleum. 

My Personal Review: It has an apple and grape flavor when initially smelling it. It is a sweet wine with a strong apple note. It also has a sour flavor that I think is reminiscent of limes, but I think that might be a stretch. It is more sweet than dry. We did not decant this like the other red wines we tried since that was Wine Folly's recommendation, but as I was writing this and sipping the wine over time, the smell and taste definitely got better. I really like this one, and I'm super glad I got to try it. 

I paired this with a sandwich that had a really spicy sauce (mango habanero) and it was really good! I would definitely try this with indian food in the future like how wine folly suggested.

week 1 wine review: dear mom - oregon rosè

Name: dear mom - oregon rosè

Variety of Grapes: 50% Malbec and 50% Syrah

Region/Country Of Origin: Oregon, US

Price: $4.50 for 1 can (I purchased this as a 4 variety sampler mystery set from Vintage Cellar for $17.50)

Vintage Year: Not Vintage (blend of wines)

Shop: Vintage Cellar 

Shop Review: We wanted our rose' to represent our commitment to making "wines of the south." In this case, the southwest Oregon. This delicious wine is certainly more representative of a rose' you might find in Cahors or thereabouts. 

The rose' is 50% Malbec, and 50% Syrah grown in the incomparable Applegate Valley. The darker fruit of Malbec and Syrah produced a richer pink complexion, and the wine is less an exercise in austerity than last year - this wine is all about fruit. 

The rose’ is 100% dry but the first thing you notice is the presence of a mouthful of bright fruit. The nose shows fresh picked strawberries with the stem still attached. Vibrant with a subtle floral tone. The palate is bright with characteristics of strawberries and watermelon sorbet. The acidity on the finish is 100% refreshment and makes you wish for just one more sip.

Wine Folly's Notes: n/a (doesn't have one specifically for rose)

My Personal Review: Visually, it is a very very faint salmon color, and not as appealing as a true white/red wine, but it wasn't unpleasant by any means. The smell was milder than the previous Cabernet Sauvignon that I tried, and it had immediate strawberry and floral notes that I picked up on in my initial sniff after swirling it around in my glass. I also did taste the sourness of the strawberries, although very dilute. I didn’t taste any of the fruity notes, but that was also an issue I had with the last wine I tried, so I think that will simply come with practice. 

If this was my only wine option in the future, I would drink it, but it is definitely lower down the list than I would like to rank it. I didn't try pairing this with any foods.

week 1 wine review: freakshow - cabernet sauvignon

Name: Freakshow - Cabernet Sauvignon 

Variety of Grapes: a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc

Region/Country Of Origin: Geyserville, California, US

Price: $5.50 for 1 can (I purchased this as a 4 variety sampler mystery set from Vintage Cellar for $ 17.50)

Vintage Year: 2020

Shop: Vintage Cellar 

Shop Review: The fruit for this brute of a Cab comes from the original super freak, Michael Phillips vineyard located only a medicine balls toss away from the winery. Surprisingly nimble and elegant, showing great balance, strength, and poise. This Cabernet has a bouquet of dark cherry and roasted spices. Full bodied and mouth filling with gobs of blackcurrant, blackberry, charred oak, vanilla and cassis. Mild tannins with a mellow, long finish.

Wine Folly's Notes:

• Black cherry
• Black currant
• Cedar
• Baking spices
• Graphite

My Personal Review: It has an incredibly pretty and aesthetically pleasing deep red color that I can truly appreciate. The smell after swirling the wine is very 'traditional' for a red wine - if I were to imagine what a red wine would taste like, this would be it. A very flavorful wine, and in my opinion, I hold that to a fault. Because of the intense flavor you get when you first sip the wine, I found it close to impossible to actually discern any sort of notes and the only thing I could sense was that it was incredibly full-bodied and dry. It had a very sour taste to it, and if I really thought about the taste I could probably swing by it being berry like, but I am not sure if that is because I looked at the notes listed in the Wine Folly text beforehand. After letting it sit for roughly 50 minutes, the strong, almost pungent smell subsided, but it still was unpleasant to drink. 

I didn't intend to pair this with any food but ended up experimenting with goldfish and some taco bell hot sauce, and it honestly improved my experience with this wine by a lot. I think that the strong spicy flavors from the hot sauce cancelled out the stronger unpleasant notes from the wine perfectly. I know, from the Wine Folly book, that this is not the typical pairing you would do with a full-bodied red wine, but I can't say I wouldn't do it again if given the chance.