For Christmas I was given a bottle of Snoqualmie 2008 Naked Riesling. I finally opened it last night.
Snoqualmie 2008 Naked Riesling is from Horse Heaven Hills in the Columbia Valley, Washington. This is 100% organically grown Riesling grapes. I must admit I did not get any of the aromas or flavors described in the winemaker's notes (below). I found the aroma more tropical (banana and lychee) and the flavor ... I just could not put my finger on it. It was almost like a Muscate. This wine was interesting. Good. But, interesting. I'm going to have to taste the latest vintage (2010) to see how they compare.
Winemaker's Notes: Organically farmed and produced, this Riesling offers bright aromas of spicy pear and apple, with a hint of mineral carried through on the palate. The off-dry finish is clean and soft and the pure elegance of the varietal is fully captured in this bottling. A perfect aperitif or wine pairing with assorted cheeses.
While doing my wine tasting at a Kroger, a customer asked the Kroger wine consultant for a late harvest Pinot Noir. My ears perked up as I had not heard of a late harvest Pinot Noir (just late harvest Rieslings). The Kroger wine consultant told me it was actually pretty good wine and her customers that enjoyed sweet white wines enjoyed this wine as well. I was intrigued and had to taste it for myself.
Legacy 2010 Late Harvest Pinot Noir ($9) is from Murfatlar Winery in Romania. As it is a late harvest wine, the grapes are left on the vine for a longer period of time allowing them to build up more residual sugar. This was pretty good and a great alternative for those who enjoy sweet white wines that want to begin transitioning to red wines. The color was a dark garnet. Aroma black currant with plum and some earthiness. Flavor was slightly jammy with a hint of molasses. Smooth. If you enjoy sweet wines you may want to give this one a try.
Winemaker's Notes: (Not available.)
I enjoy wines from South Africa. They are a nice change of pace with a hint of grassiness in the flavor profile. While wandering the wine section of Costco I came across Jam Jar Moscato. I wondered if a Moscato from South Africa would have a hint of grassiness or be your typical sweet Moscato. Only one way to find out - I had to taste it. I'm glad I did. What a nice surprise.
Jam Jar 2011 Moscato ($8 in Costco) is from South Africa and 100% Muscat grapes. The aroma is fruity and peach. The flavor also peach and I'd say the Winemaker's Notes are spot on with apricot, lychee and orange blossom. If I didn't know this was a Moscato I would have guessed this was a late harvest riesling. It was not overly sweet and I would drink this with a meal.
Winemaker's Notes: This charming, easy-drinking Moscato offers juicy flavors of peach, apricot, lychee and orange blossom. A lively jolt of acidity keeps it fresh, fruity and fun. Fancy enough for a special occasion toast, yet sweet-natured enough to enjoy every day, this bright and cheerful bottling is sure to capture your heart.
I had a tasting on Pinot Evil Pinot Noir ($5 on sale, regularly $7) from France. This is a non-vintage wine. The aroma was cherry (as stated in the Winemaker's Notes). The flavor ... flavorless (notice no flavor profile mentioned in the Winemaker's Notes) with a tart finish. Not tannic. Mouth feel was thin. To say this was underwhelming is being generous. Yes, I did sell wine, but most customers did not enjoy this. I spoke with a couple other women that were doing a tasting on this wine and it was not well received at their tastings either.
Winemaker's Notes: France is an ideal location for wine, especially when it comes to Pinot Noir. With a cool climate, France has one of the best growing regions in the world for pinot noir grapes. From I’lle de Beauté, France this Pinot Noir is light-bodied, has a lovely ripe cherry nose that cascades into a smooth, velvet finish. Enjoy this wine with roasted duck, rosemary-garlic pork or with friends when you just monkey around.
Dang! Thought I was on a roll with reviewing wines, but alas, I slacked off.
I love my wine tastings - meeting great customers, having enjoyable conversations, and tasting different wines. The down side ... for 3 hours I talk about food and wine, and look at the food and wine that surrounds me. Needless to say, I get hungry and want to taste every new wine that's come into the store, not to mention those wines that customers recommend to me. So much wine, so little time!
With that said, after looking at an intriguing label on a new wine in the store, I had to taste it. I know customers will be asking me about it and I want to be prepared.
NxNW 2010 Riesling ($13) is from King Estate Winery in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, Washington. I must say this was a very nice Riesling and very different. Complex. NxNW is a dry Riesling. The aroma I detected was floral and lemon. The flavor was mineral with a hint of fruit and a tart citrus finish. There were moments where I would have thought this was a Pinot Grigio. At one point while I was tasting I had a few wasabi peas. Wow! It was a great pairing and really smoothed out the wine. Crisp. Refreshing. Balanced. I'd say the Winemaker's Notes are spot on. I may have only been able to pick out a few of the aromas and flavors, but everyone's palate is different so I know there are those of you who will pick out other flavors. If you enjoy a drier Riesling, give this one a taste.
Winemaker's Notes: Appearance - pale straw with golden hues; Aroma - banana, pineapple, guava, lemon, floral minerality; Flavor - banana, pear, apple, lime, lemon zest, tangerine, minerality; Mouthfeel - dry and crisp with some weight and well balanced lingering acidity.
One night I was at a loss on what wine to taste and review. Looking in my wine refrigerator I decided on a Shiraz. This had been recommended to me by a Kroger Wine Consultant.
Ballast Stone 2008 Shiraz is from McLaren Vale, Australia. It is 100% Shiraz and aged for 15 months predominately in American oak with a smaller percentage in French oak.This is a full bodied wine with a deep purple color. Aroma - jammy blackberry, tobacco, coffee, and charred wood. Flavor - charred wood, coffee, pepper, leather, and earthy. Low tannins. Balanced. This was delightful.
Winemaker's Notes: "Deep violet red in colour. Berry, cassis & traces of cigar box on the nose; solid, rich, robust palate of up front black and brambleberry fruit throughout the balanced, well structured palate with leather, coffee bean & earthy nuances and a trace of black pepper.
Food pairing: Oxtail ragout with homemade ribbons of fettucine plus a generous helping of our Shiraz and I am set for a “big night in!”."
Yesterday I reviewed Folie a Deux 2009 Zinfandel. When I tasted that wine out, I was also tasting out Terra d'Oro Zinfandel. Both were popular with customers. However, customers did have a preference for one over the other; it all depended on if they enjoyed a medium body wine with fruit (Folie a Deux) or a fuller body wine with dark fruit and (Terra d'Oro).
Terra d'Oro 2008 Zinfandel ($16) is from Amador County, California. It is aged for 16 months in a combination of Hungarian, French and American oak. The aroma was baked dark fruit. Flavor was baked dark fruit, almost jammy, with spice. Low tannins. Smooth. Enjoyable and easy to pair with food.
Winemaker's Notes: The 2008 Terra d’Oro Amador County Zinfandel demonstrates the classic Sierra Foothills characteristics that are unique to this region. The nose is rich and super spicy with dark fruit and berries. The palate is smooth and showscases flavors of nicely ripened blackberries and plums. Spice lingers on the finish, making it a great wine to accompany a multitude of dishes. Try pairing with a lamb burger topped with goat cheese. Enjoy!
Also from Terra d'Oro is their Zinfandel Port. I reviewed this on January 11, 2012.
Snoqualmie 2008 Naked Riesling is from Horse Heaven Hills in the Columbia Valley, Washington. This is 100% organically grown Riesling grapes. I must admit I did not get any of the aromas or flavors described in the winemaker's notes (below). I found the aroma more tropical (banana and lychee) and the flavor ... I just could not put my finger on it. It was almost like a Muscate. This wine was interesting. Good. But, interesting. I'm going to have to taste the latest vintage (2010) to see how they compare. 
