Sunday, March 27, 2016

Tasting - Crane Lake Riesling

Name: Crane Lake

Variety: Riesling
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95
Expert Review: "The trademark German red grape varietal Dornfelder has a lovely purity of soft red berry fruit. Integrated soft tannins combined with forward fruit flavors make for a perfectly balanced everyday sipping wine. Great with grilled red meat, sausage and chicken. Best served slightly chilled."

My Review: The smell had a lot of white fruit. Apple, pear and I got get a hint of lemon. I could also get traces of honey. The taste was very white fruit like. Pear, apple, apricot and slight lemon. Overall, very crisp and tasty wine.


I did not pair this with food

Tasting - Crane Lake Shiraz

Name: Crane Lake

Variety: Shiraz
Region: California
Country:USA
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95
Expert Review: "Beautiful ruby appearance, with blackberry and pepper notes. Tannins and fruit marry well for a soft finish. This wine pairs well with sharp cheddar cheese and hazelnuts. Also try it along with roast lamb at Easter time, veal marsala, or grilled salmon."

My Review:  This wine had a lot of dark red fruit incorporated into the smell, including plum, raspberry, black berry and pomegranate. The taste was slightly dry and I could taste the spices. The fruits were still there, black berry and especially plum.


I did not pair this with food

Tasting - Georges Duboeuf

Name: Georges Duboeuf

Variety: Nouveau
Region: Beaujolais
Country: France
Year: 2015
Price: $12 Sale 5.95
Expert Review: "George Duboeuf is THE king of Beaujolais.  His wines are full of pop, charm and great flavor and his Beaujolais Nouveau is no exception.  A cornucopia of expressive fruit wrapped in an almost-bubblegum-like frame; it is the flagship Nouveau."

My Review: The smell I got from this was red fruit. Raspberry, pomegranate and plum. This wines taste was similar to the smell. Red fruits like plum, black berry and a hint of earth to top it off.


I did not pair this with food

Tasting - Maipe

Name: Maipe

Variety: Torrentes
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2014
Price: $14 Sale $7.95
Expert Review: "The wine has a spring-like nose of fresh white peaches, pears, green apple, green melon and hints of jasmine and rose petals. On the palate, it has a beautiful structure and acidity along with fruit flavors and plenty of body. Well-balanced, this wine displays a pleasant freshness with citrus notes and a long finish."

My Review: The smell was incredible, I got peach, pears and even some apple. as well as other white fruits. The taste was like the smell, very fruity, more specifically, white fruits. melon. peach, etc. It also has a floral taste to it. Overall, great wine. 


I did not pair this with food

Tasting - Tonnino

Name: Tonnino

Variety: Pinot Grigio
Region: Sicily
Country: Italy
Year: 2014
Price: $14 Sale $ 7.95
Expert Review: "Tonnino’s exotic example of Pinot Grigio has a straw to pale gold color. It is fresh and clean on the nose with fruity notes of pear, green apple and white peaches. The palate is true to the nose with a fresh acidity, coriander and lime notes followed by a crisp finish. This wine pairs well with youthful aperitifs, clams or mussels, pastas and risotto dishes."

My Review: Had a very fruity smell, more specifically, white fruits. Smelled like white grape juice, pear, mango, and peach. The taste had an explosion of white fruits just like the smell. Slightly dry with  a lot of peach and pear flavor.


I did not pair this with food

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Winery Visit - Barrel Oak

Barrel Oak Winery is located in Delaplane Virginia, in good old Faquier County. This dog friendly winery was one of the first I attended when I turned 21. What brought me to this great place was its scenery, you could see the beautiful building from I-66. What also drove me here was word of mouth. This winery has gained so much attention in Nova, people from Arlington, Alexandria, DC, Maryland, make the trip annually just to get away from the city and enjoy some great wine.

My girlfriend and I go to this place about 2 times a month and sometimes more, especially her. She loves this place so much, she bought a membership there. She gets free tastings up to 4 people and she gets free cases of wine every once in a while, and she gets to go to the membership only parties. A great purchase in her mind.

Now for the wine I tasted that evening. I got there around 5pm, and it was surprisingly empty. It's usually ridiculously crowded, and dogs running around everywhere. But sometimes it being less crowded is better.

The wines we tasted were some of the usual ones:

          1. Bowhause White 2015
          2. Estate Chardonay 2014
          3. Bowhaus Red 2014
          4. Syrah 2014
          5. This was supposed to be Meritage but they ran out so they gave us a Cab Franc 2013
          6. Goldie 2013
          7. Chocolate Lab

The first wine, Bowhouse White, smelled of tropical fruits, like peach, mango and so on, I could even smell the sugar, I knew from then it was gonna be a very sweet wine. However, after tasting it, it wasn't overwhelming sweet. it was crisp, sweet, tasted like a white tropical fruit punch. This would be the perfect summer sipping wine.

The second wine, Estate Chardonnay, had some very intense smells. It was like smelling one of those sour warhead candies. I got a lot of granny smith apple, and pear. After tasting this wine, my smelling power did not let me down, I got all of this from the taste. Sour, apple, and some pear and very crisp. you could tell this was fermented in a stainless steel tank.

The third wine, Bowhaus Red, smelled of oak, and red fruits like plum, raspberry, blackberry. The taste was that. plum, oaky, dry and some berry elements to it. From what my server said, they do age it in oak before bottling, which gave it all that oak smell and flavor.

The next wine was the Syrah, this was a beautiful dark red color. The smell I got from this was dark cherries and more dark cherries and this isn't a bad thing, I also got a hint of dark chocolate. The taste had both of these elements and some, I got a hint of cranberry and some other red fruits, and the tannin level was pretty high, it coated my palate, this would be great with a big juicy steak.

Next was supposed to be the Meritage, but they were out of stock so they gave us a Cab. Franc. They do not make this wine, they said it was made somewhere in California, I didn't get a chance to look at the bottle. The smell was oaky, and like the last one, a lot of dark cherries. The taste was similar. cherries and oak. The server tested me on the tannin level, low medium or high, I said medium and got it right. this class is turning me into a wine expert.

The sixth wine was the Goldie, this was a great wine. We loved it so much we got a bottle after the tasting. The smell was divine, right away I got a hint of flowers melon, mango, peach, and I could smell the sugar. The taste was even better, sweet, citrus, refreshing, and crisp. I got a lot of melon, which I love, I could drink this all day. 

Finally, the Chocolate Lab. This wine isn't for everyone, everyone who goes with us either loves it or hates it, I personally love it. Smelling this wine you get a huge hit of the obvious, chocolate. You also get a floral smell. The taste is crazy, it's so sweet, it can be overwhelming to some, but I like it. You right away get more chocolate and even some whisky. This is the true definition of a dessert wine.

Overall, I'm never disappointed with Barrel Oak. On weekends they usually have live bands and food vendors come in, brick oven pizza and BBQ. The place is a blast, it's always lively and very pet and children friendly. This winery is doing so well they have decided to create a brewery there, it starts this April or May they said.

We were planning on taking a tour that day, but because it was late, they weren't doing tours. However, I have taken one before there, and its quit the sight. Thousands of barrels of wine in the basement, next time I go I will take pictures of the basement.





Funny fat cat.
Great name, "Dog"




Tasting - Peter Mertes

Name: Peter Mertes

Variety: Sweet Red Dornfelder
Region: California
Country: USA , Germany
Year: 2014
Price: $12 sale $6.95
Expert Review: "The trademark German red grape varietal Dornfelder has a lovely purity of soft red berry fruit. Integrated soft tannins combined with forward fruit flavors make for a perfectly balanced everyday sipping wine. Great with grilled red meat, sausage and chicken. Best served slightly chilled."

My Review: I love sweet red wines and this one was my favorite of the tasting. The smell was outstanding, I got strawberry, raspberry, and other red fruits. The taste was slightly sweet and crisp, not too much tannins, which I like. The taste of the fruit made this very refreshing, I could drink a whole bottle.


I did not pair this with food

Tasting - Castello Sonnino

Name: Castello Sonnino

Variety: Chianti Montespertoli
Region: Chianti
Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $15 sale $8.95
Expert Review: "A blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Trebbiano and Malvasia del Chianti. Rich and modern, with a dark, saturated color and aromas of graham cracker and lemon rind. A juicy palate packed with plum and raspberry is carried by a creamy texture that’s rather toasty in terms of flavor. The finish is round, full and chocolaty."

My Review: This dark red wine had a lot of red fruit smell to it. I got plum, raspberry and dark cherries and even some dark chocolate right of the bat. The taste was similar. dark fruits were the story here and the dark chocolate taste was very delightful on top of the dark fruit taste.


I did not pair this with food

Tasting - Bolla Bardolino

Name: Bolla Bardolino

Variety: Bardolino
Region: Bardolino
Country: Italy
Year: 2013
Price: $18 Sale $ 9.95
Expert Review: "A blend of 60% Corvina, 30% Rondinella, 10% Molinara this bright ruby red wine has hints of black cherry on the nose.  It is soft and fruit-forward, with black-fruit flavors followed by a bright and fresh finish. Serve it as the Italians do – young and lightly chilled. Pairs perfectly with fleshy fish, beef, lamb, red-sauced pastas and pizza."

My Review: I first noticed the beautiful ruby color, when I smelled it I got a great amount of dark cherries and a hint boutique. The taste was similar to the smell, cherries and flowers, and very soft. 


I did not pair this with food

Tasting - Tentuta le Velette

Name: Tenuta le Velette

Variety: Orvieto Classico
Region: Orvieto
Country: Italy
Year: 2011
Price: $18 Sale $6.95
Expert Review: "The Berganorio Orvieto is a subtle wine with a bright palate. It shows white flowers on the nose and light citrus notes in the mouth. Its neutral character means it can accompany a wide range of foods. A blend of 30% Trebbiano, 30% Grechetto, 20% Malvasia, 15% Verdello, and 5% Drupeggio. The estate has 103 hectares on the hill opposite the hill town of Orvieto."

My Review: This light wine was very enjoyable to the nose, I got a hint of flowers as well as white fruit like peach, white grape juice. The taste was not disappointing, hint of citrus, the flowers from the smell and the white fruits I smelled.


I did not pair this with food

Tasting - Aveleda Praia

Name: Aveleda Praia

Variety: Praia
Region: Vinho Verde
Country: Portugal
Year: 2013
Price: $10 Sale $8.95
Expert Review: "A blend of 40% Arinto, 30% Loureiro, 20% Trajadura and 10% Azal. Full of fruit, a lasting peach flavor targeted with laserlike acidity through the finish. It has the bite of salty ocean air and a lot of zing. For langoustines."

My Review: From the smell I got a lot of white fruit, peach, mango. The taste was like the smell fruity (peach, mango) and like the expert said, it was crisp and had an ocean like feel to the wine, very enjoyable.


I did not pair this with food

Sunday, March 6, 2016

Tasting - Dona Sol

Name: Dona Sol  

Variety: Shiraz, Petite Syrah and Symphony
Region:  California
Country:USA
Year: 
Price: $6.95
Expert Review: "Shiraz has a unique jammy fruit character that is well represented in the Sweet Red. Both on the nose and on the palate, jammy fruit, like strawberries, cherry pie and red licorice, entices the senses and pair well with cheeses and desserts."

My Review: I got a lot of strawberry smell from this wine. The taste had a lot of strawberry, cherry, and a hint of flowers, and was sweet. The wine was very good and I loved how it was sweet, very good for dessert. 


I did not pair this with food

Tasting - Velvet Crush

Name:  Velvet Crush

Variety: Merlot, Cabernet, Sauvignon and Petite Sirah
Region: California
Country:USA
Year: 
Price: $6.95
Expert Review: "Velvety smooth texture just like its name. Soft tannins and lush dark fruit character. Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah bring backbone and character, while the Merlot balances out the blend for a soft, smooth texture."

My Review: The smell was dark cherry, sticks, and earthy. The taste was like the smell, cherry, and earthy and dry but pretty smooth. I'm not a big red wine drinker but was not bad. Would pair well with a nice steak.


I did not pair this with food

Tasting - Grand Cru

Name:  Grand Cru

Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $6.95
Expert Review: "This ruby-colored wine has aromas of raspberry, cherry and a hint of vanilla. Flavors of cherry and plum lead to a soft velvety finish. This wine can be enjoyed by itself. It is also an excellent accompaniment with Brie, goat cheese and smoked salmon. Lamb shanks and pork tenderloin are a favorite main dishes to pair with this wine."

My Review: I enjoyed the smell of this wine. I got a lot of dark cherry, black berries. The taste was dark cherries, a little floral taste as well. Overall, great wine.


I did not pair this with food

Tasting - Prime Brume

Name:  Prime Brume

Variety: Garganega
Region: Soave
Country:Italy
Year: 2014
Price: $11 sale $6.95
Expert Review: "Pale color. Fruity, floral minerally inviting aromas of passion fruit, white grapefruit, spice poached pear, and papaya with a lean, racy, bone-dry medium body and a smooth, complex, long lemon, passion fruit, raw hazelnut, and wet stones finish with no tannins and light oak. From the tantalizing nose full of exotic fruit, citrus and minerality thru to the long, crisp finish, this soave can seamlessly go from cocktail hour thru to vibrantly flavored dishes."

My Review: Another great white wine. I got a lot of lemon, pear, and grapefruit when I smelled this. The taste was similar to the smell. Lots of fruit, dry and crisp. Overall, very enjoyable wine.


I did not pair this with food

Tasting - Quintas Melgaco Blue

Name:  Quintas Melgaco Blue

Variety: Vinho Verde
Region: Vinho Verde 
Country: Portugal
Year: 2013
Price: $10 Sale $ 5.95
Expert Review: "Refreshingly crisp white wine from Portugal--Vinho Verde is soft, light and refreshing, and is an uncompromising and ideal wine for everyday pleasure. Its bright color and pineapple aromas are followed by citrus notes. The palate is clean and fresh. Vinho Verde is an excellent accompaniment to fish and shell fish, white meats and salads."

My Review: The smell from this wine was so refreshing. I got a lot of fruit smell, like mango, apple, and pineapple. The taste was similar to the smell, mango/pineapple, very crisp and citrus flavors. Overall great wine and maybe a new personal favorite.  


I did not pair this with food