Tasting - Josh Cellars Chardonnay

Basic Information

Name: Josh Cellars Chardonnay

Varietal: Chardonnay

Region: Eastern France

Country: France

Year: 2021

Price: $14.99

Review

"Our Chardonnay is a great balance of bright citrus and honey with a touch of oak character and hints of juicy peach. Crafted with care so that no single flavor overpowers another, this wine is simply delicious. Pairs beautifully with shrimp, steamed mussels, creamy pastas, roasted chicken, and grilled vegetables." Winemaker notes, found at (https://www.joshcellars.com/product/josh-cellars-chardonnay/)

Wine Folly

Aromas: could not find

Flavors: yellow apple, starfruit, pineapple, vanilla, butter

Varietal: most widely-planted white grape variety

Retrieved from (https://winefolly.com/grapes/chardonnay/)

My Review

This wine was delicious! Perfect amount of dry for me, and the dryness mixed well with the buttery taste. I enjoyed the hints of fruit, and got some pear and citrus notes as well as apple.

I did not taste this wine with food, but I definitely will try it with food at some point.

Tasting - Escher Haus Riesling

Basic Information

Name: Escher 

Varietal: Riesling

Region: Rheinhessen

Country: Germany

Year: 2021

Price: $9.99

Review

"Lavender and violet notes are lavishly floral against a backdrop of ripe, juicy peaches on this sunny off-dry wine. Zingy citrus acidity gives the palate backbone and a bracing finish. A great value wine to enjoy throughout the summer season." Critic Tasting Note, found at (https://www.wine-searcher.com/find/eschner+haus+riesling+rheinessen+germany/1/usa-va-y)

Wine Folly

Aromas: honey, honeycomb, beeswax, petrol, ginger, citrus blossom, rubber, diesel fuel

Flavors: apricot, nectarine, peach, apple, pear, pineapple, lime, Meyer lemon

Varietal: "This aromatic wine offers primary fruit aromas of orchard fruits like nectarine, apricot, honey-crisp apple, and pear. Besides fruit, you’ll often smell things like honeycomb, jasmine, or lime peel, along with a striking aroma that smells similar to petrol or petroleum wax"

Retrieved from (https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/the-tasters-guide-to-riesling-wine/)

My Review

The aroma of this Riesling was very pleasant and of sweet citrus and honey.  I did pick up on the waxy aromas as well, but they were not too pronounced and contributed to the aroma well.  The taste was of a sour apple, with hints of citrus and sweeter fruits.  I enjoyed this wine and will drink it again!

I did not taste this wine with food.

Drink This Now! - Activity 14

 

Basic Information

Name: Campo Viejo Rioja Garnacha

Varietal: Grenache/Garnacha

Region: Rioja

Country: Spain

Year: 2020

Price: $11.00

Review

"Floods of fruit on the nose, strawberry, raspberry, cherry and blackberry, enhanced with floral notes of violet and lilac. Subtle notes of sweet spices and toast enhance and wrap the fruit. Soft, silky and fresh mouth feel that is intensely fruit. Lasting fruit and freshness finish." Winemaker Notes, found at (https://www.campoviejo.com/product/garnacha/)

Wine Folly

Aromas: floral, sweet spices, toast

Flavors: stewed strawberry, grilled plum, leather, dried herbs, blood orange

Varietal: rich, flavorful red wines and deep, ruby-tinted rose

Retrieved from (https://winefolly.com/grapes/grenache/)

My Review

I enjoy the strawberry aroma combining with the plummy, fruity flavors. It brings a fruity taste with a lot of depth and variety, and the medium-bodied nature of the wine complemented the fruity sweetness.

I tasted this wine with cheese and meat. They both complemented the wine and brought out the flavors well.

Drink This Now! - Activity 14

1) First, we tasted the wine immediately after opening.  The aroma was of strawberries and floral notes. To me, it tasted very plummy and jammy, whilst also leaving a drier but pleasant aftertaste. There were some herbal notes, with orange zest too, but my mouth felt very dry after.

2) After 2 hours of allowing the wine to sit and "open up", we tasted it again. It was much softer, and the fruity and floral flavors were much more vivid, with the herbal flavors peeking out. The wine was not as dry anymore and felt like much more of a natural reach for me. 

3) We tried this wine with a smoked gouda cheese. It brought out more of the herbal and spiced flavors of this wine and allowed for a different perspective on the flavor profile. These flavors with this cheese were delightfully contrasting.

4) We were unable to keep the wine overnight, so this step was not applicable.

5) We tried this wine with some salame as well, which seemed to melt in with the taste of the wine, creating a whole new experience. The meat brought out the fruity flavors again, but with a more buttery and pleasant mouthfeel.

Tasting - California Roots Rose

 

Basic Information

Name: California Roots Rose

Varietal: Pinot Noir

Region: California

Country: United States

Year: 2020

Price: $5.00

Review

"This Rose wine has aromas of fresh berry and citrus flavors impart the taste of summer anytime of the year. This medium dry wine is a well-balanced blend of Zinfandel, Syrah, Merlot, Grenache and Muscat grapes. Winemakers cold ferment the juice and age the wine in stainless steel tanks to maintain the wine’s fresh, fruity delicate aromas and crisp acidity." Description, found at (https://www.target.com/p/ros-233-wine-750ml-bottle-california-roots-8482/-/A-53329126)

Wine Folly

Aromas: red fruit, flower, spice

Flavors: cherry, raspberry, mushroom, clove, hibiscus

Varietal: light-bodied with a long, smooth finish

Retrieved from (https://winefolly.com/grapes/pinot-noir/)

My Review

This wine has a very pleasant balance between sweet and dry, leaning more on the sweet side. I also taste some strawberry notes, which are nice. I do think that it has some harsh flavor notes arising from acidity, but once you are past that it is a pleasant wine for the price.

I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting - Tilia Cabernet Sauvignon

Basic Information

Name: Tilia Cabernet Sauvignon

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Mendoza

Country: Argentina

Year: 2021

Price: $10.99

Review

"Intense ruby red color. Fresh nose of wild berries and spices. Mouthfilling and lush, this wine has a big presence on the palate. Full yet soft, with gentle, sweet tannins. Red fruit, cassis marmalade and pepper flavors. Subtle chocolate oak hints." Winemaker Notes, found at (https://www.wine.com/product/tilia-cabernet-sauvignon-2021/1109490)

Wine Folly

Aromas: green peppercorn, graphite, dark chocolate, bell pepper

Flavors: black cherry, black currant, cedar, baking spices, graphite

Varietal: dry, full-bodied

Retrieved from (https://winefolly.com/grapes/cabernet-sauvignon/)

My Review

I definitely taste the darker and drier flavors of red wine in this wine after tasting primarily light wines. This wine is dry, but the full-bodied dark fruit flavors make it taste semi-sweet. I like this wine and will definitely enjoy it again!

I did not taste this wine with food.