Name: Laurenz und Sophie
Country: Niederosterrich, Austria
Grape(s): Gruner Veltliner
Vintage: 2007
Colour: a light bright lemon colour. Quite bubbly too??
Smell: This had a very busy aroma. There were lots of levels and notes that made our initial introduction into this Austrian wine quite exciting. We had earthy, damp notes. There was smokiness as well along with a fruity citrus hint, particularly gooseberries. With all these aromas, my flavour expectations were a bit confused.
Taste: A dry, low acidity and light body. This was a very fruity flavour. We could taste gooseberries, green apples and grapefruits. Disappointingly this had a very short length. It also had this fizzy flavour aswell….weird!!
Conclusion: It was a good wine.
WINDEX: 7 out of 10.
Final Comments: Again this was a first for me. I had never drunk wine from Austria and so as a first impression it was really good. It tasted from very springing and fresh and was ready to show itself off. This was would be great either as stand alone sipping wine or even as part of a meal.
Showing posts with label 7 out of 10. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 7 out of 10. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
2008 Chilean, Central Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon
Name: Sunrise
Country: Chile
Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2008
Colour: a beautiful dark crimson colour that smiles when the light catches it…its really pretty.
Smell: This wine has a number of aroma levels to it. On first impressions it speaks volumes of black pepper spiceness but as the aroma develops in your nose you begin to capture fruit hints of black berries and plums. I even picked up a mild buttery scent…this was quite a bouquet of scents.
Taste: This was an off dry, low acidity, low tannin light bodied wine. Its flavours were set in black pepper and black berries. The length of the drink was short but the after taste was delicate and pretty.
Conclusion: A good wine.
WINDEX: 7 out of 10.
Final Comments: I really liked this cabernet sauvignon. It was a pleasure to drink and completely glugable. I would really recommend this. The label spoke of notes of chocolate but I couldn't taste it....I guess it depends on who's chocolate you are comparing the tast with. I think its one of those wines that if you didn’t know what to buy and you saw this brand and grape then you know you were being safe and would happily serve it up at a party. IN addition to that they price well. They are not overally expensive. This is the second variety from Sun Rise vineyard from Chile. I am really impressed with all their characteristics. I look forward to tasting their Merlot and thier Chardonnay.
According to their website this is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Carmenere. The Merlot has a similiar consistency with 90% Merlot and 10% Carmenere.
Country: Chile
Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2008
Colour: a beautiful dark crimson colour that smiles when the light catches it…its really pretty.
Smell: This wine has a number of aroma levels to it. On first impressions it speaks volumes of black pepper spiceness but as the aroma develops in your nose you begin to capture fruit hints of black berries and plums. I even picked up a mild buttery scent…this was quite a bouquet of scents.
Taste: This was an off dry, low acidity, low tannin light bodied wine. Its flavours were set in black pepper and black berries. The length of the drink was short but the after taste was delicate and pretty.
Conclusion: A good wine.
WINDEX: 7 out of 10.
Final Comments: I really liked this cabernet sauvignon. It was a pleasure to drink and completely glugable. I would really recommend this. The label spoke of notes of chocolate but I couldn't taste it....I guess it depends on who's chocolate you are comparing the tast with. I think its one of those wines that if you didn’t know what to buy and you saw this brand and grape then you know you were being safe and would happily serve it up at a party. IN addition to that they price well. They are not overally expensive. This is the second variety from Sun Rise vineyard from Chile. I am really impressed with all their characteristics. I look forward to tasting their Merlot and thier Chardonnay.
According to their website this is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Carmenere. The Merlot has a similiar consistency with 90% Merlot and 10% Carmenere.
Monday, April 6, 2009
India, Maharastra - Chantilli, Merlot, 2005
Name: Chantilli – Chateaux indage
Country: Maharashta, India
Grape(s): Merlot
Vintage: 2005
Colour: reddish with with brown tinge around the edges
Smell: very clean, light, fruity scent, very pleasant. 1st hint is black current but on another 2nd level there is a ck ppery scent….very nice. Quite a friendly smell.
Taste: Off dry, low acidity, low tannin, light body and a medium length.
Conclusion: A good wine…one that could compete well with other new world wines.
WINDEX: 7 to 8 out of 10.
Final Comments: I was surprisingly impressed with this wine. I had set myself for sharp, bitter tasting urine which was going to completely unpalatable however, the complete opposite was experienced. This was a very impressive wine. I would happily serve this up at a dinner party. The initial thought of ‘indian wine’ would be a negative set of words but I am sure on smell and taste the drinker would be surprised. This was back on my wine shopping list for round 2 as I only bought one bottle…however, on returning this wine was sold out. If folk have caught on to this quiet surprise then at Dhs. 15 a bottle…it’s a hot seller. Hmm…may be I should keep this too myself. Have bought the Indian white from this same vineyard….I am looking forward to opening that bottle.
Country: Maharashta, India
Grape(s): Merlot
Vintage: 2005
Colour: reddish with with brown tinge around the edges
Smell: very clean, light, fruity scent, very pleasant. 1st hint is black current but on another 2nd level there is a ck ppery scent….very nice. Quite a friendly smell.
Taste: Off dry, low acidity, low tannin, light body and a medium length.
Conclusion: A good wine…one that could compete well with other new world wines.
WINDEX: 7 to 8 out of 10.
Final Comments: I was surprisingly impressed with this wine. I had set myself for sharp, bitter tasting urine which was going to completely unpalatable however, the complete opposite was experienced. This was a very impressive wine. I would happily serve this up at a dinner party. The initial thought of ‘indian wine’ would be a negative set of words but I am sure on smell and taste the drinker would be surprised. This was back on my wine shopping list for round 2 as I only bought one bottle…however, on returning this wine was sold out. If folk have caught on to this quiet surprise then at Dhs. 15 a bottle…it’s a hot seller. Hmm…may be I should keep this too myself. Have bought the Indian white from this same vineyard….I am looking forward to opening that bottle.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Uruguay, Ariano, Merlot, 2005
Name: Ariano
Country: Uruguay, Canelones Province
Grape(s): Merlot
Vintage: 2005
Colour: Crimson /ruby colour on the light side of these colours
Smell: Very berry aromas which were quite light. It smelled very clean and had fresh crisp finish.
Taste: Dry, low acidity, low tannin with a light body to it. Flavours were more on the vegetable flavour and oaky touches. Mummy mentioned that for her they had a buttery/creamy finish.
Conclusion: An good wine
WINEDEX: 7 out of 10 for Muscat grape but 8 out of 10 for Uruguay
Final comments: This was my first Uruguayan Red and I have to say I was impressed. This was a light bodied merlot which would be great drunk on its own or with a poultry dish. The label advises that it has a more herby scent so we pulled out some sage, thyme and mint to bring back those smells but to be honest my nose picked up the fruity berry area. Again as a Uruguayan wine I was impressed…it does stand out and was very glubable. I also want to challenge this wine to its neighbouring countries….I think a South American Merlot drink fest is on the cards. Well Done Uruguay.
Country: Uruguay, Canelones Province
Grape(s): Merlot
Vintage: 2005
Colour: Crimson /ruby colour on the light side of these colours
Smell: Very berry aromas which were quite light. It smelled very clean and had fresh crisp finish.
Taste: Dry, low acidity, low tannin with a light body to it. Flavours were more on the vegetable flavour and oaky touches. Mummy mentioned that for her they had a buttery/creamy finish.
Conclusion: An good wine
WINEDEX: 7 out of 10 for Muscat grape but 8 out of 10 for Uruguay
Final comments: This was my first Uruguayan Red and I have to say I was impressed. This was a light bodied merlot which would be great drunk on its own or with a poultry dish. The label advises that it has a more herby scent so we pulled out some sage, thyme and mint to bring back those smells but to be honest my nose picked up the fruity berry area. Again as a Uruguayan wine I was impressed…it does stand out and was very glubable. I also want to challenge this wine to its neighbouring countries….I think a South American Merlot drink fest is on the cards. Well Done Uruguay.
Jordan - Grands Vin de Jordan - Machareus Region, Madaba, Chardonnay & Sauvignon Blanc 2003
Name: Grandes vins de Jordanie
Country: Jordan – Machareus region, Zumot Vineyard of Madaba
Notes: A jordan wine which is situated on one of the best lands in this area.
Grape(s): Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2003
Colour: Light golden lemon colour
Smell: A light earthy aroma which is a strong indication of the chardonnay grape in this blend. The scent is not very pronounced. You do really have to sniff this drink to pull in the aromas. I was expecting more heavier aromas given that it was 5 years old
Taste: An off dry mild grapefruit flavour, light in intensity – The length of the drink was also quite short. A nice taste which was quite distinct from its aromas.
Conclusion: This was a acceptable wine.
WINEDEX: 7 out of 10
Final comments: This was my first Jordanian wine I had ever tried. My initial thoughts were that this was going to taste vile. Jordan is not exactly famed for wine. However, I have to say that I was quietly impressed. Given that it was already 5 years old I was expecting stronger more intense flavours but not at all it had a short length and really tasted like it was only a few years old…if that. It held all the characteristics of a chardonnay and a sauvignon blanc. It was unpleasant at all and really held its own. I would buy this again and I would serve this up to folk at a dinner party because of its blend it would smell and taste great for both Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc drinkers. I saw on the Zumot website that they have a red which is a blend of pinot noir and Cabernet sauvignon so I look forward to drinking that one.
Country: Jordan – Machareus region, Zumot Vineyard of Madaba
Notes: A jordan wine which is situated on one of the best lands in this area.
Grape(s): Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2003
Colour: Light golden lemon colour
Smell: A light earthy aroma which is a strong indication of the chardonnay grape in this blend. The scent is not very pronounced. You do really have to sniff this drink to pull in the aromas. I was expecting more heavier aromas given that it was 5 years old
Taste: An off dry mild grapefruit flavour, light in intensity – The length of the drink was also quite short. A nice taste which was quite distinct from its aromas.
Conclusion: This was a acceptable wine.
WINEDEX: 7 out of 10
Final comments: This was my first Jordanian wine I had ever tried. My initial thoughts were that this was going to taste vile. Jordan is not exactly famed for wine. However, I have to say that I was quietly impressed. Given that it was already 5 years old I was expecting stronger more intense flavours but not at all it had a short length and really tasted like it was only a few years old…if that. It held all the characteristics of a chardonnay and a sauvignon blanc. It was unpleasant at all and really held its own. I would buy this again and I would serve this up to folk at a dinner party because of its blend it would smell and taste great for both Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc drinkers. I saw on the Zumot website that they have a red which is a blend of pinot noir and Cabernet sauvignon so I look forward to drinking that one.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Spain - Navajas Crianza, Rioja, 2005
Name: Navajas Crianza
Country: Spain
Region: Rioja: Denominación de Origen: Calificada
Notes: A "crianza" is wine aged for at least two years, at least one of which was in oak. Navajas is a family-run estate, situated just outside the small town of Navarrete in La Rioja Alta.
Grape(s): Tempranillo 85%, garnacha 15%
Vintage: 2005
Colour: Ruby
Smell: Fruity scent initially but then you start to smell a more sweeter constituation with a vanilla or buttery aroma. Daddy said he interpreted some of the smells as being like oily fish….hmm..interesting.
Taste: A really nice early spring in its taste – real fruity flavours and hints of watermelon were something I picked up on. A nice rounded flavour with an off dry flavour and overall a medium body
Conclusion: This was a good wine –
WINEDEX: 7 out of 10
Final comments: I don’t really know a lot about Spanish wine - I am more of a new world drinker, but I wasn’t disappointed with this wine. It stood nicely on it own and was a great flavour. I would by this again and try more from this region for sure.
Country: Spain
Region: Rioja: Denominación de Origen: Calificada
Notes: A "crianza" is wine aged for at least two years, at least one of which was in oak. Navajas is a family-run estate, situated just outside the small town of Navarrete in La Rioja Alta.
Grape(s): Tempranillo 85%, garnacha 15%
Vintage: 2005
Colour: Ruby
Smell: Fruity scent initially but then you start to smell a more sweeter constituation with a vanilla or buttery aroma. Daddy said he interpreted some of the smells as being like oily fish….hmm..interesting.
Taste: A really nice early spring in its taste – real fruity flavours and hints of watermelon were something I picked up on. A nice rounded flavour with an off dry flavour and overall a medium body
Conclusion: This was a good wine –
WINEDEX: 7 out of 10
Final comments: I don’t really know a lot about Spanish wine - I am more of a new world drinker, but I wasn’t disappointed with this wine. It stood nicely on it own and was a great flavour. I would by this again and try more from this region for sure.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
New Zealand - Cape Campbell - Sauvignon Blanc - 2007
Name: Cape Campbell
Country: New Zealand
Notes: New Zealand wine really is one of my favourite's when it comes to new world wines. There is just something fresh and invigorating about a new zealand wine. I have never been disappointed with one. I find most New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs do have similiar citrus flavours that sometimes make the wine sooo good I can't help but drink it quickly. Its just so good. They all hold that citrus backbone with a few twists of their own distinct flavouring. Its always nice to open a bottle of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and wait to see what the citrusy flavour is shared with. The other great thing about a New Zealand Sauvignon blanc as I always find a a wine that is an easy introduction into drinking white wine. Very few people do not like the flavour - and so those that aren't sure about what to drink - this is always a good starting point.
So - what have we here? This particular Savvy I had never bought before however, I did start with certain expectations and intended on see them and looking to surpass them. It promise of citrusy, "spark up your taste buds" wine was kept. And I wasn't disappointed. That whole New Zealand flavour came through and with its own unique characteristics as well.
Vintage: 2007
Grape(s) Sauvignon Blanc
Colour: It had a lovely light lemon/golden colour - Very pretty indeed.
Smell: It was very fragrant but it was light and fruity. What I was expecting. You could instantly tell you were going to have citrus flavours of grape fruit, gooseberry...etc.
Taste: Yummy. my expectations were met. Grapefruit flavour was very distinct followed by a gooseberry hint. The citrus flavours were just fantastic. It was definately on the dry side of wine with quite high acidity level as well because the flavours of grapefruit/gooseberries and hints of green applies were quite sharp. But all that was expected from this wine. It had a light taste initally which did pack a wee punch but also sat on the margins of having a medium body. Overall its length was short...its didn't last long in the mouth.
Country: New Zealand
Notes: New Zealand wine really is one of my favourite's when it comes to new world wines. There is just something fresh and invigorating about a new zealand wine. I have never been disappointed with one. I find most New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs do have similiar citrus flavours that sometimes make the wine sooo good I can't help but drink it quickly. Its just so good. They all hold that citrus backbone with a few twists of their own distinct flavouring. Its always nice to open a bottle of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and wait to see what the citrusy flavour is shared with. The other great thing about a New Zealand Sauvignon blanc as I always find a a wine that is an easy introduction into drinking white wine. Very few people do not like the flavour - and so those that aren't sure about what to drink - this is always a good starting point.
So - what have we here? This particular Savvy I had never bought before however, I did start with certain expectations and intended on see them and looking to surpass them. It promise of citrusy, "spark up your taste buds" wine was kept. And I wasn't disappointed. That whole New Zealand flavour came through and with its own unique characteristics as well.
Vintage: 2007
Grape(s) Sauvignon Blanc
Colour: It had a lovely light lemon/golden colour - Very pretty indeed.
Smell: It was very fragrant but it was light and fruity. What I was expecting. You could instantly tell you were going to have citrus flavours of grape fruit, gooseberry...etc.
Taste: Yummy. my expectations were met. Grapefruit flavour was very distinct followed by a gooseberry hint. The citrus flavours were just fantastic. It was definately on the dry side of wine with quite high acidity level as well because the flavours of grapefruit/gooseberries and hints of green applies were quite sharp. But all that was expected from this wine. It had a light taste initally which did pack a wee punch but also sat on the margins of having a medium body. Overall its length was short...its didn't last long in the mouth.
Conclusion: This was a good wine. It did everything you would expect from a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. It was citrusy, you wanted to drink more of it and it had a warmth to it which made it feel comfortable and "feel at home". We had a roast chicken with this meal and had squeezed some lemon over the chicken as well as put the lemon wedges and garlic into the chicken cavity. The wine compliemented this dish very well.
Windex: 7 out of 10
Final comments: My favourite New Zealand Wine is Montana Marlborough and this has remained top of the pile for about 5 years. I enjoyed this Cape Campbell sauvignon blanc but it still not as great as my montana marlborough.
Windex: 7 out of 10
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