Catena Chardonnay, 2009

Catena 2009 Chardonnay is from Mendoza, Argentina.  I found it to have a nice fruit profile with a hint of minerality, an enjoyable acidity, and although oak aged, it was not very noticeable.  In fact, some customers tasting the wine (this was not one of my tastings) kept asking the pourer if it was oak aged or stainless steel fermented.  Although not my favorite, I would still drink and enjoy it.  

Winemaker's Notes:  Honeyed  stone fruit flavors with a rich, unctuous mouthfeel, citrus notes, pear and fig flavors with a strong minerality and a crisp finish.

Catena Cabernet Sauvignon, 2008

Catena 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon is from Mendoza, Argentina.  On my palate the tannins are light and the flavor is oak, pepper and cherry with a hint of coffee.  An enjoyable wine that would pair nicely with red meat or is enjoyable on its own. 

Winemaker's Notes:  A dark purple color with tones of garnet.  The nose offers intense aromas of ripe black currant fruit with layers of eastern spice, cedar, and a touch of fresh herbs.  The mouthfeel is full and rich with layers of cassis and notes of roasted espresso and graphite.  The finish is bright and fresh with finely grained tannins.

Lois Gruner Veltliner, 2008

If you are looking for a change from the white wine you typically enjoy, I suggest you try Lois.  This is from Fred Loimer winery in Austria and it is a Gruner Veltliner*.  Last night I opened a bottle of  Lois, 2008.  On my palate it had a hint of minerality with lemon and frizzante.  It was crisp and clean, pairing easily with food.  I think if I was given this  wine in a blind tasting I would have thought it was a Pinot Grigio.  I enjoyed this with my sushi.   

Winemaker's Notes:  (not available)

*Gruner Veltliner is a grape indigenous to Austria, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.

ChocoVine and ChocoVine Raspberry

Let's switch it up and talk about a fun and different wine.  Whether you call it “the poor man’s Baileys” or “adult Yoo-Hoo” it’s still French Cabernet  and dark chocolate from Holland ... CHOCOVINE.

I do not do tastings for ChocoVine but I have spoken to many customers who have had both ChocoVine and ChocoVine Raspberry, and I have tried them myself (of course).  There is not one customer that I’ve spoken to that does not like it.  Either they are repeat customers that cannot get enough or they’ve tried it, liked it and once was enough (I'm in the latter group).

If you enjoy Bailey's Irish Cream then you might like this.  It's just not as creamy.  I think ChocoVine Raspberry is a little more decadent and prefer it over ChocoVine.  Next out will be ChocoVine Espresso. I hear it will be in the stores quite soon and is the best of the three.  When I see it, I'll try it and review it.  

If you try either of these serve it COLD.  Whether its straight from the refrigerator, or over ice.

If you'd like to make cocktails with Chocovine  go to their website - http://chocovine.com/cocktails.htm.

Jacobs Creek Pinot Grigio, 2009

I was excited to try Jacobs Creek Pinot Grigio (Classic Range) from Australia. Typically I enjoy Italian and domestic Pinot Grigios so something new would be exciting. 

I find Italian and domestic Pinot Grigios to have a mild grapefruit and citrus fruit profile.  A nice change from Sauvignon Blancs.  The 2009 Jacobs Creek Pinot Grigio is all TART, lemon tart.  There was nothing subtle about it (see Winemaker's Notes).  Because it was so tart no other flavors came through.  I'm not use to having a wine make me pucker.  On the plus side for me - this was not overly acidic.  On it's own it wasn't for me, but pairing with food where the primary ingredient is lemon or acidity based then it would be great as it would balance out the flavor.

Winemaker's Notes:  Appealing aroma’s of fresh red apple and quince fruit, which are highlighted with a subtle background of lemon citrus and honeysuckle. The palate is fresh and lively revealing lemon citrus and fresh apple fruit flavours, these are complimented by a zesty natural acidity and soft lingering finish.

Layer Cake Primitivo 2008

Layer Cake 2008 Primitivo* is from Puglia, Italy.  This is a nice jammy wine with black cherries, dark fruit, spice and the tannins are pleasant not harsh.  It warms  your mouth.  Layer Cake Primitivo is very popular with customers.  If you enjoy rich reds this is one you must try and you won’t be disappointed.

Winemaker’s Notes:  Inky black fruit, spice and white pepper, jammy black cherries, plums, blackberry fruit, truffles, tar and espresso.  Warm and rich in the mouth with a creamy texture; the ripe fruit is well supported by the deep structure of the wine.

*Primitivo is also known as Zinfandel.

Kung Fu Girl, 2010

I enjoy Rieslings.  My favorite has always been Dr. Loosen from Germany and within the last couple years I've added Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling (Washington State) to my list.  However, as with all wines, I have to try new ones.  Hence, 2010 Kung Fu Girl, by Charles Smith Winery.

All I can say is MISTAKE.  There was no aroma, no flavor.  It was like drinking water.  Based on the winemaker’s notes, at best I’ll give you wet stone.  Save your money.

Winemaker’s Notes:  Aromatic, smooth, vibrant and tasty. Think tangerine, pineapple, wet stone, key lime, clove, and nectarine.