Columbia Crest Riesling, 2007 and Sirius Bordeaux, 2008

Nothing like jumping right back into routine.  Monday I had a tasting.  Sampling wine from a 2 oz. plastic cup sure  doesn't yield the aroma one gets from a wine glass.  Both wines were new for me; I never tasted them. One wine customers enjoyed and the other  met with mixed reviews.

Columbia Crest Grand Estates 2007 Riesling is from Washington State. I was not able to get aroma out of the plastic up, but the flavor was a mild stone fruit with some minerality.  Not as fruity as some rieslings that I've had and not as dry as a dry rielsing.  This would pair easily with food since it does not have any competing flavors nor heavy acidity.  Great for a hot summer day as well.  Customers enjoyed this wine.  

Winemaker's Notes: Bright aromas of orange zest and apples are complimented by a hint of minerality. Rich, lingering flavors of pear and mandarin orange are accentuated by crisp acidity, leading to a lively, vibrant finish.

Sirius 2008 Bordeaux (red) is from winery Maison Sichel in France and is a blend of 65% Merlot , 35% Cabernet Sauvignon.  The aroma (even in a plastic cup) was cherry.  Flavor did not have fruit on the palate, and was a tad bitter (even customers commented on this).  Tannins were light.  This wine met with mixed reviews; most customers did not enjoy.  Neither did I.


Winemaker's Notes:  (Not available)