Week 12 Wine Tasting

This was kind of an off week, I was tired and not feeling well when I went to the tasting. Correspondingly, I wasn't really feeling any of the wines. I guess it just goes to show how subjective these things can be! Anyhow, here goes:




Wine #1: Sierra Cruz (the first)

Sierra Cruz, Sauvignon Blanc, Maule Valley, Chile, 2011, $6.95

Smell: I smelled citrus and melon, but not a lot of the grassy-ness that I was anticipating with a Sauvignon Blanc.

Taste: Very light and tangy, not a whole lot of different flavors going on.

Established Review: "This Chilean Sauvignon Blanc just oozes with bright citrus flavors and a nose of herbs and grass. Stylistically, it is a cross between the herbal, grassy wines so prevalent in Sonoma County and the riper, more fruit forward products of New Zealand. Match it with pasta sauced with arugula, pine nuts, mushrooms and parmesan." Vintage Cellar

Wine #2: Lost Vineyards

Lost Vineyards, Chardonnay, Argentina, no vintage, $3.95

Smell: Sweet, definite banana scent, and some vanilla. Smelled more like a dessert wine, to me.

Taste: Not a lot of flavors, and nothing like the way it smelled. It was extremely light, had a little heat, and a small tang. Kind of like a glass of water with a squirt of lemon juice.

Established Review: "Pale golden color. Perfumed peach, pineapple, and nougat aromas. Round and soft with a fruity-yet-dry medium body. Tangy apple skin and lemon zest notes lift the fruit nicely on the finish." Vintage Cellar

Wine #3: Sierra Cruz (the second)

Sierra Cruz, Carmenere, Maule Valley, Chile, 2009, $6.95

Smell: Oaky and meaty

Taste: Not too heavy, a hint of wood and spice. Smooth mouthfeel.

Established Review: "The ’09 Sierra Cruz is a very pleasant, soft, mediumbodied wine that has fresh cabernet-like aromas and flavors of spice,  dark fruit and black pepper. It is a great value and also would be a nice match with marinated and grilled skirt or flank steak." Vintage Cellar

Wine #4: Senda 66

Senda 66, Tempranillo, Spain, 2008, $8.95

Smell: Lighty, plummy

Taste: Very dry! Like trying to eat 3 saltines in a minute. Had a little vanilla and spice, and a hint of oak and toast developed on the very end.

Established Review: "The 2008 Senda 66 spent 8 months in new French oak. Purple/black in color, it sports a fragrant nose of spice box, lavender, blueberry, and blackberry. Smooth-textured, layered, and remarkably rich on

the palate for its humble price, this lengthy effort will drink nicely over the next 5-6 years." Robert Parker via Vintage Cellar

Wine #5: Opera Prima

Opera Prima, unknown white blend, Spain, 2010, $5.95

Smell: Floral, pineapple

Taste: Very sweet and floral

Established Review: "Flowery and sweet smelling, then round and fairly smooth in the mouth. The flavors package of tropical fruits galore is sweet and shouldn't offend anyone. Finishes clean and easy. A mango boat of flavor." Vintage Cellar