Wine #1: Torrent Bay
Torrent Bay, Chardonnay, Nelson, New Zealand, 2009, $6.95
Smell: Beer and cheese, a hint of stinky feet, and pre-packaged lunchmeat. For me, not the most appealing smell in terms of something to drink...or at all, for that matter.
Taste: Tart and then a little cheesy. At the very end, it was a very little bit smokey. Overall, not my cup of tea.
Established Review: "Fleshy, melony aromas cuddle some fresh oak. The palate has decent acidity so there’s freshness along with weight, resiny oak flavors, lemon and green apple." Vintage Cellar (side note: clearly, I'm getting some different smells and flavors!)
Wine #2: Lost Vineyards
Lost Vineyards, Vinho de Mesa Tinto, Portugal, no vintage, $3.95
Smell: Cranberry juice cocktail, raspberry, strawberry, and a bit of pepper
Taste: VERY peppery, a little woody. Not really getting much of the fruit that I smelled
Established Review: "Pours a light garnet color with a nice crisp zest, with aromas of cranberries and orange peel on the nose. Drinks smooth with a briary of mild cherries, wild strawberries and raspberries along with a note of rhubarb. Pairs particularly well with wild game and heavy fish such as salmon." Vintage Cellar
Wine #3: Ebano
Ebano, Tempranillo, Ribera del Duero, Spain, 2007, $7.95
Smell: Definitely smell the alcohol, but after that, a little plum
Taste: Light and tart. Bitter towards the back of my mouth. Pretty dry.
Established Review: "The 2007 Ebano 6 is 100% Tempranillo aged 4 months in French oak. Dark ruby red in color, it displays a pleasant bouquet of cedar, spice box, violets, black cherry, and blackberry. Medium- to full bodied on the palate with savory flavors and plenty of spice, this racy, vibrant Tempranillo has enough structure to drink well over the next 5-6 years and is a very good value." Robert Parker via Vintage Cellar
Wine #4: Zonin
Zonin, Pinot Grigio, Italy, 2009, $5.95
Smell: Honeysuckle, pear, and apple
Taste: Tart apple, creamy and a hint of toast at the end. Very delicious! Plus, at that price for that size bottle, it would have had to have been pretty sub-par for me to not get it!
Established Review: "Delicately fruity bouquet, with outstanding finesse and marked hints of almond blossom and peaches. Elegant, soft and well structured fruit on the palate, with remarkable freshness and a clean, persistent aftertaste." Vintage Cellar
Wine #5: Estrella
Estrella, Chardonnay, Napa, California, 2010, $5.95
Smell: Pear, fruity, peach, and floral
Taste: Tart at the beginning, then very oaky and buttery. I can definitely see the difference between the oaked California Chardonnay and the "naked" Chardonnay. I don't know that I have a strong preference for one over another, I suppose it would depend on the situation. Overall, though, I liked this one!
Established Review: "Intensely flavored and balanced with layers of vanilla, butter and pear, followed by apple, banana and oak." Vintage Cellar
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