2009 Domane Wachau Federspiel Terrassen Gruner Veltliner Wine Review

I’m a relative novice when it comes to wine evaluation and tasting so no making fun ;0) As a wine newbie I’m always exploring something new, whether it’s a new grape, winery, or region. I’ve found this is the best way to expand my knowledge base and to branch out of my comfort zone. Knowing nothing about Austrian wine, the Gruner Veltliner (or GruVe if you want to be super cool) from Domane Wachau was a delightful surprise.

The first thing I noticed was how clear the wine looked as well as the spicy aromas of black and green pepper. My first impression was the soft rich texture. The first sip was fantastic. It was full bodied and crisp with hints of green apple and peach. There was a tight medium finish with grapefruit. The wine would have been better served (pun intended) if it was accompanied by a meal than by itself. Overall, the wine was well balanced in terms of its sweetness, acidity, and level of alcohol. You’ll be glad you gave this bottle a chance.

4 out of 5 corks

Original Review at: http://blog.wine.com/post/Staff-Pick-2009-Domane-Wachau-Federspiel-Terrassen-Gruner-Veltliner.aspx

2007 Lafond Chardonnay SR Wine Review

It's been awhile (again) since I've reviewed a wine, but me thinks I'll be writing more that I'll be working at wine.com. As all my readers know...(hi Mom!) I dislike Chardonnay; it's a grape that I've never liked. A lot of people have told me that I have not found the right one yet.

So the ten thousand dollar question: is this bottle the one that can sway my viewpoint? Unfortunately no, but I was pleasantly surprised by this bottle. The nose was light with rosey notes. The acidity was medium with a creamy butter and honey finish. I think this bottle had a little too much oak, but nonetheless, a great value buy or a wine you want to impress your friends with. This wine would go great with Thursday night watching The Office!

3.5 out of 5 Corks

2003 Poggio Salvi Brunello di Montalcino Wine Review

This was a very pleasant surprise after tasting the Chateauneuf. Pleasant is an understatement, this wine (sangiovese) totally stole the show. The tannins were firm and had a long finish that coated my mouth with spicy/tobacco flavors with complex hints of black cherry and mushrooms. If this was opened 3-6 years later I think this wine would be even tastier.

4.5 out of 5 Corks

2004 Château de la Gardine Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine Review

This was the first wine I tried when my friend and I went to the Toast of the Town because this table had the most potential of being great of all the wine I saw on the entire wine. I was very excited to taste this wine because I haven't had a chance to try an aged (relatively) Chateauneuf. I have some in my cellar but I haven't opened them yet.

There were hints of black cherry and blackberries with a medium tannins and finish. The wine should've been decanted before being offered to the public in order to get a good understanding of the wine.

3 out of 5 Corks

2008 Hooked! Riesling Rudi West Collection Wine Review

I tasted this wine right after the Undone Riesling and I personally thought the Undone was better. I prefer dry Rieslings rather than sweeter ones, which what the Undone is; a sweet Riesling. My impressions of the finish was it had a lemony-butter structure with moderate acidity.

2.5 out of 5 Corks

2007 PJ Valckenberg Riesling Undone Wine Review

This is a multi-dimensional low cost dry Riesling with high acidity. On the nose there were hints of pears and had tastes of sour apple/lemon on the finish. If you bring this bottle to a BBQ everyone will enjoy it and think it cost more than what you actually (I think it retails between $7-12).

One caveat to all the Toast of the Town reviews, I definitely had my full that night and consequently, my reviews will lack brevity.

3 out 0f 5 Corks

2008 Rodney Strong Pinot Noir Wine Review

Ah, again I have not posted in awhile. My bad on this one; been busy with work, girls, and finding a new place to live. I’m happy to say all of those aforementioned have been alleviated. I’m 100% up to speed with work, I found a place in San Francisco, and as for girls…that’s a mute point.

Anyway, on the vino! The look was a bit dull and the nose was very straightforward. Needless to say the nose didn’t win me over. The taste was sweet with hints of vanilla and raspberry along with dry tannins. There was way too much alcohol and fruit and if it was a blind tasting I would’ve sworn it was a Zinfandel. I think the Bevmo taster gave this bottle 89 points, which is total rubbish. You’re better off trying something different from another country than drinking this.