[2.5 stars, out of 5]
This was a rather ordinary wine that we enjoyed this past weekend with a dinner of homemade pizza. The label noted that the wine was "vino de la terrra de Castilla y Leon," so from the largest region of Spain, located in the Northwest quadrant of the country. Kelly picked up this little bottle at the Wegman's in Gainesville, but I don't recall how much she paid.
The 2005 Rivola is a blend of 60% tempranillo and 40% cabernet sauvignon. The wine was dark, clear red in color, with no discernable nose except a faint woodsy smell. Our three tasters found this wine to be a bit dry, and moderately oaky with blackberry and plum flavors. Overall, we thought it could have more concentrated flavor and perhaps could age a bit more. Still, it was easy to drink and not at all offensive.
Showing posts with label blend. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blend. Show all posts
11.08.2008
Jacob’s Creek Shiraz Cabernet (Australia, 2005)
2 stars (out of 5)
The best thing I can say about this blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon is that it wasn’t unpleasant. But it wasn’t exactly pleasant either… it was really simply nondescript. Our tasters couldn’t isolate any distinct flavors, except to say that it tasted like wine. Someone even mentioned box wine (I won’t say who). While I wouldn’t object to drinking it, I certainly wouldn’t purchase it again.
The best thing I can say about this blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon is that it wasn’t unpleasant. But it wasn’t exactly pleasant either… it was really simply nondescript. Our tasters couldn’t isolate any distinct flavors, except to say that it tasted like wine. Someone even mentioned box wine (I won’t say who). While I wouldn’t object to drinking it, I certainly wouldn’t purchase it again.
11.06.2008
Clayhouse Vineyeards Adobe Red (California, 2006)
4.5 stars (out of 5)
The third of our “Thanksgiving tasting panel,” Clayhouse Vineyard’s Adobe Red was a delightful sip. This 2006 blend is 58% Zinfandel, 17% Syrah, 13% Petite Sirah, and 12% Malbec. Deep plum in color, it had chocolate and coffee in the nose. Subtle flavors were tobacco and dark cherry, with a burst of strawberry on the finish. Tasters reported that this wine was soft, with light flavor that dissipates quickly. I would note that this will probably be the red wine at our Thanksgiving table: it was luscious and easily drinkable, with subtleties that will pair well with lots of flavors.
The third of our “Thanksgiving tasting panel,” Clayhouse Vineyard’s Adobe Red was a delightful sip. This 2006 blend is 58% Zinfandel, 17% Syrah, 13% Petite Sirah, and 12% Malbec. Deep plum in color, it had chocolate and coffee in the nose. Subtle flavors were tobacco and dark cherry, with a burst of strawberry on the finish. Tasters reported that this wine was soft, with light flavor that dissipates quickly. I would note that this will probably be the red wine at our Thanksgiving table: it was luscious and easily drinkable, with subtleties that will pair well with lots of flavors.
10.11.2008
Folie a Deux Menage a Trois (2007)
4 stars (out of 5)
Besides loving the name (come on, how could you not??), this wine has recently become one of our favorites under $15. A food-friendly blend of merlot, zinfandel, and cabernet, this wine tastes like fresh summer strawberries and has a spicy finish -- sort of like berries all grown up. Delicious with a wide variety of Italian food, the Menage a Trois can also stand up to hearty summer barbecued meats and spicy sausages.
Besides loving the name (come on, how could you not??), this wine has recently become one of our favorites under $15. A food-friendly blend of merlot, zinfandel, and cabernet, this wine tastes like fresh summer strawberries and has a spicy finish -- sort of like berries all grown up. Delicious with a wide variety of Italian food, the Menage a Trois can also stand up to hearty summer barbecued meats and spicy sausages.
10.07.2008
Truth, Lindsay's Cuvee (2005)
3.5 stars (out of 5)
Also part of a wine dinner, this interesting red blend is abundantly oaky and allows the drinker to really taste the barrel. The accompanying lamb tenderloin and autumn root vegetable melange complemented strong flavors of currant and white pepper. Can;t find out much info about the blend online, only that it's produced by Axios Wines, a self-proclaimed "super premium Napa Valley wine brand."
Also part of a wine dinner, this interesting red blend is abundantly oaky and allows the drinker to really taste the barrel. The accompanying lamb tenderloin and autumn root vegetable melange complemented strong flavors of currant and white pepper. Can;t find out much info about the blend online, only that it's produced by Axios Wines, a self-proclaimed "super premium Napa Valley wine brand."
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