Tasting-Vintage Cellar Thursday 2/26/15

I did not have a chance to upload my blog from the Vintage Cellar Thursday Wine tastings last week (free wine tasting and all for $10, I was hoping I would find something good!) February 26, I've put all 5 together for easy reading.

Mars & Venus
Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Regular Price $10 Sale $5.95
La Mancha, Spain

Cellar Notes: Citrus and gooseberry aromas are mild but typical of the variety. A basic citrus palate delivers modest tangerine and nectarine flavors which lead to a mild, pithy finish showing light citric notes.

My notes: Immediately I could smell the apricot, it was light and not overpowering. The feeling overall was very light, what I would expect from a Sauvignon Blanc. It had a good fruity component but outside of that I was not impressed, there was not a lot. Maybe it would be better in the summer and being nice and cold. It was okay. 

Takutai

Pinot Gris 2009

Regular Price $21 Sale

$6.95

Nelson, New Zealand

Cellar Notes: Since this wine weighs in at 14%, the fruit was clearly very ripe. That ripeness is reflected in the flavors as well, which feature nectarine and honey accented by hints of white pepper. It’s full bodied and lush, with a long finish that mingles the sensations of sweet and spicy.

My notes: The smell was rotten and there was no taste. That is all I have to say. For obvious reasons smell really sets me off and will ruin a wine for me. So maybe there was full body and a hint of spice, but honstly after I smelled it and hated it, so the rest just didn't matter. 

Yellowtail Reserve

Merlot 2010

Regular Price $12 Sale

$6.95

South Eastern, Australia

Cellar Notes: Round, velvety and mouthfilling, this is a satisfying Merlot at a bargain price. Aromas of black cherries and herbs fold in hints of cinnamon and mocha, while the flavors are generally fruity, but with a slightly tomatoey note. Soft on the finish. Drink now. 

 

My notes: We all know the stigma with Yellowtail, so I was surprised it was on the tasting list, but I stayed open minded. Right away I noticed a delicious chocolate covered fruit smell, which I've noticed I like in wine (which does not surprise me). Honestly I loved it, the black cherries were noticable, very smooth with a great body. I loved it, which I was very surprised. Especially for that price, it's great. Reserve changes a lot. 

Crane Lake

Petite Sirah 2013

$5.95

California, USA

Cellar Notes: Shows a certain rustic simplicity now, with youthfully jammy flavors of blackberries, cherries and currants, sprinkled with cocoa and pepper and wrapped into dusty tannins.

My notes: I don't think I have eer had a petite sirah, but it a had a caramel smell, it was sweet very sweet. With a candied fruit or dried cranberries taste and it was just too sweet for me. It tasted almost fake, I was not excited by the candied taste, if it had more fruit body and real taste, I may enjoy it more. This is what I expect from a desert wine, so maybe I would enjoy it at the end of the night. 

Crane Lake

Riesling 2013

$5.95

California, USA

Cellar Notes: Punchy lime and lemon mark this off-dry Riesling with a staccato rhythm, adding edge to honeyed tones of peach and honeysuckle. Exceptionally priced, it’s satisfying and elegant.

My notes: It seemed like almost a desert wine, which was definitely how the pourer described to be and that was all I could taste. Similar to a Orange Muscat, I smelled a sweet orange. It had an almost carbonated feel to it. What surprised me though, was that it was not a sweet as I was expecting. It had the feel and the smell which reminded me of a desert wine but was not one. It was smooth and ended well, I was surprised by how much I actually enjoyed. Still too sweet but dryer than expected.