Tasting - Ca’ Bea Sangue di Guida

Name: Ca' Bea Sangue di Guida
Variety: 45% Uva Rara 10% Barbera
25% Croatina
Region: Oltrepo Pavese
Country: Italy
Year: 2014
Price: $9.95











Shop Review: Off-dry with a slight fizz, offering bright berry and mineral notes. Medium-bodied, with a clean, fresh palate and fruity finish. This is a rare, sweet red wine that is wonderful with desserts such as dry pastries, cookies and cakes.

My Review: Extremely dark in color. Smelled like some sort of pastry. This wine was also slightly carbonated. Not a huge fan of carbonated wines, but this was actually nice!

Tasted without food.

Tasting - Alvarez de Toledo Mencia Roble

Name: Alvarez de Toledo
Variety: Mencia Roble
Region: Bierzo
Country: Spain
Year: 2009
Price: $14.00










Shop Review: “The 2009 Alvarez de Toledo was bottled just a week before the wine was presented but seems to be showing no symptoms of distress. Balsamic, leather, and black fruits are the principal notes struck by this suave effort that over-delivers in a big way. Like its older sibling, it can be enjoyed now but will have more to say in 2-3 years.”

My Review: This wine immediately smelled like a barn. Earthy flavors for the few flavors I could taste. Dry with a lot of Tannins. Medium body. Not terrible. I still have not found an amazing wine from Spain, but this one I enjoyed more than others I have had.

Tasted without food.

Tasting - Codirosso Chianti

Name: Codirosso
Variety: 90% Sangiovese, 7% Canaiolo,
3% Colorino
Region: Tuscany
Country: Italy
Year: N/A
Price: $13.00











Shop Review: "A heck of a value in Chianti, this delicious blend of 90% Sangiovese, 7% Canaiolo and 3% Colorino offers up notes of licorice, new saddle leather, black cherry and berry fruit, loamy soil undertones and a touch of pepper and herbs. It is medium-bodied, savory and best drunk over the next several years."

My Review: Strong aroma of dark berries. Perhaps a slight flavor of chocolate. Very dry with not much of a finish.

Tasted without food.

Tasting - The Royal Old Vines Steen

Name: The Royal
Variety: Chenin Blanc
Region: Western Cape
Country: South Africa
Year: 2015
Price: $8.95











Shop Review: "The 2015 Chenin Blanc offers loads of melony fruit interspersed with hints of honeysuckle and peach. It is delicious, crisp, fresh, lively, and a dead ringer for a good Loire Valley Chenin Blanc. Drink it over the next year."

My Review: This is a grape South Africa has grown for over 400 years. This wine was similar to the Barão de Figueira Vinho Branco, but slightly more bitter and less acidic. Dare I say, maybe even the slightest bit flabby.

Tasted without food.

Tasting - Barão de Figueira Vinho Branco Siria

Name: Barão de Figueira
Variety: Vinho Branco Siria
Region: Beira
Country: Portugal
Year: 2014
Price: $12.00











Shop Review: This wine is soft and rounded. It has lemon and light spiciness along with cool acidity. It is an easy wine that is ripe with apple and fresh lemon juice and ready to drink.

My Review: This wine was fantastic. I still believe I'm more of a white wine person. Very crisp and clean finish. Sweet, with a strangely pleasant metallic scent.

Tasted without food.

Tasting - Crane Lake Riesling

Name: Crane Lake
Variety: Riesling
Region: California
Country: United States
Year: 2015
Price: $5.95











Shop Review: Pale golden color. Ripe and dried peaches on the nose. Minerals and dried peach flavors. Nicely balanced, leaning towards lime acididty.

My Review: I have actually had Crane Lake before (admittedly purchased at a gas station, just to see what that experience would be like). Not bad! Nice, sharp finish. Sweet with flavors of pear and cantaloupe.

Tasted without food.

Tasting - Vinedos Real Rubio Rioja Crianza

Name: Vinedos Real Rubio Rioja Crianza
Variety: Tempranillo, Graciano
Region: Rioja
Country: Spain
Year: 2010
Price: $16.00











Shop Review: Lightly baked berry aromas vie for attention with leather, spice and mild earth notes, and the result is disjointed. On the palate, this is tight as a drum initially, but more expansive as it unfolds. Cherry, plum, raspberry, vanilla and woodspice flavors finish pure, clean and easy. This is a fine yet manageable Rioja that’s not trying too hard. Drink through 2016.

My Review: The aromas of this wine did not seem pleasant to me. Smelled like sweat. Medium body, pretty dry. Not great to me. I have not had many wines from Spain, but I have yet to taste a really fantastic Spanish wine.

Tasted without food.

Tasting - Barao de Figueira Tinto Reserva

Name: Barao de Figueira
Variety: Tinto Reserva
Region: Beira
Country: Portugal
Year: N/A
Price: $10.00











Shop Review: From vineyards at 2000 feet elevation, this is a rich and spicy wine that has a pure streak of fruit freshness and a firmly tannic core. It is perfumed from Touriga Nacional in the blend, with red berry and black plum flavors coming through strongly along, balanced by acidity. It will be better from 2017.

My Review: Medium body. This wine was also very dry and tannic but an overall nice experience due to it being well balanced. Tasted of dark berries.

Tasted without food.

Tasting - Garnacha de Fuego Old Vines Grenache Rose

Name: Garnacha de Fuego
Variety: Rose
Region: Aragon
Country: Spain
Year: 2014
Price: $10.00











Shop Review: The Garnacha de Fuego Rose is a solid effort that has a light salmon color to go with notions of cherry blossom, orange peel and herbs de Provence. Medium-bodied, supple, fresh easy-drinking, and an outstanding value at $3.

My Review: This wine was extremely dry and I did not get much flavor at all. Definitely floral notes though. Maybe would have been better slightly chilled.

Tasted without food.

Tasting - Villa Vitas Ribolla Gialla

Name: Villa Vitas
Variety: Ribolla Gialla
Region: Venezie
Country: Italy
Year: 2014
Price: $18.00











Shop Review: The 2014 Ribolla Gialla shows more minerality, nice quince, white currant and citrus oil notes, a dry, refreshing mouthfeel and a fragrant bouquet.

My Review: Light aroma of pear. Light body, dry yet fruity with some kind of citrus flavors.

Tasted without food.

The Winery at Bull Run

The Winery at Bull Run in Centreville, VA

On a beautifully warm March day, I went to visit the Winery at Bull Run with some friends I've known since kindergarten and our families.

The whole group at the end of the day filled with some fantastic wines.

Upon arrival, we, of course, did a tasting. 8 wines, 4 red and 4 white. Our server was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about these wines (and also a bit jealous that I get to take a college class on wine). After debating the meaning of legs on a wine, we began. While tasting the Riesling, he told us that the shape of the bottle affects the taste of the wine, which is why most whites have more of a gradual widening, whereas reds just immediately get wide beneath the cork. 

He also talked about the Virginia terroir and how the soil here lightens merlot grapes. He also taught us about a grape variety called Meritage (pronounced like Heritage, since it American, not French), which was basically America's response to Bordeaux. Strong, tannic, and great with bold flavors and meals.

The initial wine tasting. I believe in this photo we are holding the Stainless Steel Chardonnay.

After the tasting, there was much discussion over which wines to buy. For me, it wasn't even a question. The oak barrel Chardonnay was by far my favorite. Nothing better than an oaky, vanilla Chardonnay. The mothers, though, preferred the Norton: a strong, dry, tannic red while my sister went with a glass of Rose (amateur).

At the table, enjoying some great wine and catching one another up on how the semester is going.

When we sat down, we also decided to order some bread and cheese to have with the wines, which was a fantastic decision. I am unsure what kind of cheese was ordered, but I do know that it paired perfectly with the Chardonnay I was drinking. The richness of the cheese accentuated the sharpness and nice, acidic finish of the wine. Delicious.

Cheers to a great day!

In the end, I ended up leaving with a bottle of the stainless steel Chardonnay and a complimentary Bull Run wine glass! Win! It was a great day filled with the best friends, discussion, and wine a man could ask for. Can't wait to go back!

Tasting - Bull Run Barrel Select Chardonnay

                         

Name: The Winery of Bull Run
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Virginia
Country: United States
Year: 2015
Price: $29.00











Shop Review: A Virginian-style Chardonnay, with lovely aromas of ripe pear, honeydew melon, and red delicious apples. This medium bodied Chardonnay has crisp flavors of apple and pear followed by subtle oakiness and spicy notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and turmeric mid-palate, and a long lingering vanilla spice finish.

My Review: Strong flavors of oak. Before tasting this wine, I had tasted the same Chardonnay aged in stainless steel. The oak barrel Chardonnay was much softer with a less sharp finish. As usual, I preferred the oaky one. Also had flavors of vanilla. By far, my favorite wine that day.

Tasted without food.

Tasting - Bull Run Riesling

                           

Name: The Winery of Bull Run
Variety: Riesling
Region: Virginia
Country: United States
Year: 2016
Price: $30.00











Shop Review: With a nose of lilac, butterfly bush flower blossom, and tropical fruits, this crisp, medium-bodied Riesling has a refreshing wet limestone minerality throughout. Dry apricot, peach, honey, red delicious apple, mango, and ripe kiwi flow through the mid-palate making this Riesling a delightful balance of a fruit and acidity.

My Review: Smelled tart, with green apple flavor. Crisp, acidic finish. I was also informed while tasting this wine that the bottle shape will affect the flavor of the wine. This wine also strangely reminded me of a medicine I used to take as a child.

Tasted without food.

Tasting - Bull Run Meritage

                           

Name: The Winery of Bull Run
Variety: Meritage: 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Petit Verdot, 25% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc
Region: Virginia
Country: United States
Year: 2014
Price: $34.00











Shop Review: Rich and savory, well-focused and nicely proportioned, with savory herb, ripe dark berry, black licorice, cedar, espresso and tobacco flavors. Full-bodied, ending with a graceful mix of tiered flavors and texture. Drink now through 2020.


My Review: Meritage is apparently America's response to Bordeaux. Firm tannins, with strong flavors of dark berries, black currant. Also, had a very cool aroma of pine trees. Nice experience.

Tasted without food.

Tasting - Bull Run Norton

                            

Name: Bull Run
Variety: Norton
Region: Virginia
Country: United States
Year: 2015
Price: $34.00











Shop Review: The Winery at Bull Run’s 2015 Norton is a medium-bodied, yet earthy wine, with balanced acidity and hints of minerality. Aromas of cooked black cherry, pomegranate, mixed berry pie, and evergreen forest are followed by blackberry and Montmorency cherry on the mid-palate. With medium tannins, this Norton finishes well with cinnamon, spice, and leather. The 2015 Norton is easily age-able until 2021.

My Review: Smelled sweet, but that was actually just the scent of fruit because the taste was dry and Earthy. Medium to full body with flavors of pomegranate and a nice tannic feeling.

Tasted without food.

Tasting - Bull Run Delaney Blend

                        

Name: Bull Run Delaney
Variety: 50% Riesling, 25% Vidal, 15% Traminette, 5% Petit Manseng
Region: Virginia
Country: United States
Year: 2015
Price: $32.00











Shop Review: Named for the oldest daughter of the Hickox family, the 2015 Delaney exhibits fragrant floral aromas as well as white peaches, dried apricots and subtle hints of ginger. Soft lilac and a touch of exotic lemongrass meet your palate along with pineapple, tropical fruits and nectarine that linger on your tongue, leaving you with a long sweet finish.

My Review: Strong, pleasant floral aromas. Tasted of citrus, possibly lemon. Very, very sweet. This would be a great summer wine to have outside. I absolutely loved it.

Tasted without food.

Tasting - Alvaro Domecq Aranda Cream Sherry

Name: Alvaro Domecq Aranda Cream
Variety: Sherry
Region: Jerez
Country: Spain
Year: N/A
Price: $20.00











Shop Review: Golden-brown in color, this has heady aromas of cola, nut, nutmeg, root beer and caramel. A pure, creamy palate of cinnamon apple, mocha, coffee and chocolate. It's quite smooth and balanced, and very long on the finish.

My Review: I am not super familiar with sherry, but this was not bad! This sherry tasted like maple syrup and caramel. Delicious for dessert.

Tasted without food.

Tasting - Layer Cake Garnacha

Name: Layer Cake
Variety: Garnacha
Region: Calatayud
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $18.00











Shop Review: The Layer Cake Garnacha from Calatayud, Spain is rich and powerful, yet clean and balanced. Layered with aromas of ultra ripe black fruit. On the palate, the wine shows intense dark fruit with abackground of rich dark chocolate and fresh ground coffee with a long creamy finish.

My Review: This wine was amazing. It tasted like chocolate covered berries. Dry and tannic with a fruit finish. I'll take this over a real cake any day!

Tasted without food.

Tasting - Fossi Rosso Sangiovese, Merlot, Primitivo and Negroamaro

Name: Fossi Rosso
Variety: Sangiovese, Merlot, Primitivo, and Negroamaro
Region: Fiesole
Country: Italy
Year: N/A
Price: $18.00











Shop Review: A blend of Sangiovese and Merlot with a touch of Primitivo and Negroamaro. It will remind those who have traveled to Italy of one of the local house wines they consumed while there.  Simple, juicy, and perfect for drinking with or without food, it’s packed with bright cherry, strawberry and cranberry fruit aromas and flavors.

My Review: Flavors and aromas of dark berries. Very dry and tannic. Pleasant red wine that need no be consumed with food. Nice.

Tasted without food.

Tasting - Nugan Pie In The Sky Chardonnay

Name: Pie in the Sky
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Southeast
Country: Australia
Year: 2013
Price: $15.00











Shop Review: Aromas of poached peach, fig and pineapple with biscuity notes. Tropical, medium bodied style with peach and melon flavours complimented by zesty acids, savoury nuances and a crisp, dry finish. Perfect partner with many styles of modern cuisine including those with an Asian or Mediterranean twist.

My Review: Smelled of pear and tasted of pear. Dryer than most chardonnays I've had. Light-to-medium body.

Tasted without food.

Tasting - Invino Si Pinot Grigio

Name: Invino Si
Variety: Pinot Grigio
Region: Lombardy
Country: Italy
Year: 2014
Price: $14.00











Shop Review: Pavia, in the Lombardy region of northern Italy where viticulture dates back thousands of years is home to the Si Pinot Grigio vineyards. The wine is creamy on the palate with a crisp, dry character, fresh citrus and pear flavors and an elegant finish.

My Review: This modern bottle contains a very classy wine. Full body with light citrus flavors. I love a full white like this. Fantastic!

Tasted without food.

Tasting - Prime's Ruby Port

Name: Prime's
Variety: Port
Region: Oporto
Country: Portugal
Year: N/A
Price: $18.00











Shop Review: Ruby color; red fruit aromas; pleasantly sweet and balanced taste. As the wines used to produce Prime's Ruby Port age, they gain smoothness and elegance while retaining their fruitiness, intensity and youthful ruby color. They are then blended together for balance and consistency.

My Review: Smelled like brandy. Strong flavors of jam and raisin with a lot of sugar. As with any port, this went great with a brownie I had later!

Tasted at first without food, then later with dessert.

Tasting - Lindeman’s Bin 80 Cabernet Merlot Magnum

Name: Lindeman's
Variety: Cabernet Merlot
Region: Southeastern
Country: Australia
Year: 2015
Price: $18.00











Shop Review: Medium red in color with ruby hues. On the nose aromas of dark red berries, blackcurrants and ripe plums, while the palate is  medium bodied, with dark red berries and a soft tannic finish.

My Review: Tasted of dark berries and has an aroma of black currant. Sweet and fruit with flavors of raisins. Very enjoyable.

Tasted without food.

Tasting - Domaine du Poujol Coteaux du Languedoc Grenache Cinsault

Name: Domaine du Poujol
Variety: Coteaux du Languedoc Grenache Cinsault
Region: Southeastern
Country: Australia
Year: 2011
Price: $13.00











Shop Review: Mineral and berry notes make for a savory blend of flavors in this fine-grained red. Dried berry fruit dominates, with accents of white pepper and dill seed. Delivers lively acidity on the finish. Drink now through 2018.

My Review: This wine finally gave me the experience of tasting car tires and diesel fuel. Flavors I never believed actually existed in wine. Also had a rubbery flavor with hints of pepper. Interesting!

Tasted without food.

Tasting - Pazo de Monterrey Godello

Name: Pazo De Monerrey
Variety: Godello
Region: Monterrei
Country: Spain
Year: 2014
Price: $15.00












Shop Review: Clean, minerally, slightly green in aromatics and oh so approachable and nice. For an under-$15 white, this Godello from Monterrei excels with layered flavors of apple, minerals and natural spice. The finish is long and hints at fresh herbs like thyme and tarragon. Potentially superb with garlic shrimp or calamari over fresh greens.

My Review: Never had Godello before. Aroma of pear and grape. More herb flavors, with a bit of apple. Much of the flavor seemed to be masked for some reason. Perhaps should have been cooler. Light to medium body.

Tasted without food.

Tasting - Domaine de la Foret Rosé de Mediterraneé Greanche Cinsault

Name: Domaine de la Foret
Variety: Rosé de Mediterraneé Greanche Cinsault
Region: Provence
Country: France
Year: 2015
Price: $9.00












Shop Review: In color, this is almost white. There is some attractive acidity and the soft wine will slip down easily with just a touch of red currant. The result is a lightly mineral wine that is refreshing and good for an apéritif.

My Review: Nice. Light and refreshing. Sweet, yet tart with herbaceous flavors and hint of grass. Would be nice to drink outside on a spring afternoon.

Tasted without food.

Tasting - Coastal Vines White Zinfandel

Name: Coastal Vines
Variety: White Zinfandel
Region: California
Country: United States
Year: 2013
Price: $15.00











Shop Review: Coastal Vines White Zinfandel is a light and fruity salmon-pink wine. Sweet, floral aromas of jasmine and roses burst into bright flavors of apricots, cantaloupe, and orange blossoms.

My Review: Smelled like candy! Some fruity flavors. Citrus. Melon, perhaps. Overall, very sweet to the point that it overwhelmed the senses and covered up a few of the flavors. Probably would have been better served chilled. (Magnum on sale though, so I couldn't resist!)

Tasting - Cortenova Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

Name: Cortenova
Variety: Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Region: Abruzzo
Country: Italy
Year: 2013
Price: $7.95












Shop Review: Wild berry, chopped mint, sun baked earth and violet aromas meld together on this solid savory red. The juicy straightforward palate doles out ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, anise and cinnamon alongside chewy tannins.

My Review: Another Earthy and fruity scent. Floral flavors I can't quite pinpoint. Also lots of tannins. Would probably go well with a creamy, smooth cheese..on its own, it was still good though!

Tasting - Rosemount Diamond Label Pinot Noir

Name: Rosemount
Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: Southeast
Country: Australia
Year: 2014
Price: $15.00











Shop Review: On the nose fragrant red berry fruits; red cherries raspberries; supported by sweet earthy spice notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. The palate is bright and lively with  flavors of cherry and raspberry are supported by a soft creamy texture, providing a long and elegant finish.

My Review: Strong Earthy aromas. Lots of tannins, but very smooth. Medium body with a slightly fruity finish. Nice!

Tasting - Valminor Albarino

Name: Valminor
Variety: Albarino
Region: Rias Baixas
Country: Spain
Year: 2015
Price: $19.00












Shop Review: Gloriously aromatic with jasmine and flint notes; very scented. Full and fleshy palate, a mineral follow-through and intense, harmonious finish. A very lovely Albarino that is so pure.

My Review: Strong, bitter aroma with green apple scent. This wine also had a sharp finish. Very acidic. Not bad.

Tasting - Yellow Tail Unoaked Chardonnay

Name: Yellow Tail
Variety: Unaoked Chardonnay
Region: N/A
Country: New Zealand & Australia
Year: N/A
Price: $7.00











Shop Review: Wow, who would ever call Yellow Tail understated? But here it is. Nice but light aromas of orange, grapefruit, apple, earth and flowers. Lemon, grapefruit, apples, and a little lime on the light palate. Good acidity, pleasant finish, and decent minerality.

My Review: This wine had aromas of apple and citrus. Very acidic with a prickly-feeling finish. I was not a huge fan, but I happen to love oaky, buttery Chardonnays, which this was not.

Tasting - Jam Jar Sweet White

Name: Jam Jar
Variety: Sweet White
Region: Western Cape
Country: South Africa
Year: 2015
Price: $15.00











Shop Review: This charming, easy-drinking Moscato offers flavors of peach, apricot, lychee and orange blossom. A lively jolt of acidity keeps it fresh and fruity. Fancy enough for a special occasion toast, yet sweet-natured enough to enjoy every day.

My Review: Not much of an aroma. The sweetness was overwhelming, but still pleasant. Definitely seems like it would be enjoyable if the flavors came out more.

Tasting - Fox Creek Shiraz

Name: Fox Creek
Variety: Shiraz
Region: McLaren Vale
Country: Australia
Year: 2012
Price: $23.00

Shop Review: Bright purple. Exotic, expansive aromas of black and blue fruit preserves, vanilla and cola, along with a peppery overtone and a hint of violet pastille. Broad, fleshy, appealingly sweet boysenberry and cherry liqueur flavors show excellent depth and a seamless texture. Finishes juicy and long, with building spiciness, an echo of blue fruit and round tannins.

My Review: Amazing. Best wine of the day. Earthy aromas such as dirt. Stirred up pleasant images of being in a forest on a cloudy spring morning. Tannic with tastes of blackberry. 

Tasting -Candoni Buongiorno Syrah

Name: Candoni Buongiorno
Variety: Syrah
Region: Puglia
Country: Italy
Year: N/A
Price: $15.00











Shop Review: Black ruby color. Mild, spicy, earthy aromas of spiced berries and plum with a supple, bright, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a tingling, brisk earth and cinnamon finish with dusty, coating tannins and moderate oak. A sturdy, earthy red for the table.

My Review: Aromas of cherry and raspberry. Very tannic and dry with a medium-to-full body. Yet another delicious syrah. Very enjoyable by itself or probably with a big, fat steak.

Tasting - Maipe Torrontes

Name: Maipe
Variety: Torrontes
Region: Salta
Country: Argentina
Year: 2016
Price: $13.00











Shop Review: Spring-like nose of fresh white peaches, pears, green apple, green melon and hints of jasmine and rose petals. On the palate, it has a beautiful structure and acidity along with fruit flavors and plenty of body. Well-balanced, this wine displays a pleasant freshness with citrus notes and a long finish.

My Review: The smell reminded me of a blue moon (the beer), probably due to its citrus flavors. Slightly bitter with strong taste of apple. Also very acidic. I loved it!

Tasting - Oxford Landing Viognier

Name: Oxford Landing
Variety: Viognier
Region: South Australia
Country: Australia
Year: 2014
Price: $13.00












Shop Review: This wine may not be quite as rich or expressive as the other Viogniers in the Yalumba stable, but it's still an attractive effort. Pineapple and apricot flavors pick up hints of gingery spice on the vibrant finish.

My Review: This viognier had that classic scent of cat urine, which is hard to explain if you've never experienced it. Light body with a peach aroma. Clear flavor of apricot.

Wine and Cheese Pairing

On a warm and sunny day in the beginning of February (never thought I'd say that), my friend and I decided to dive into the ultra classy world of cheese with wine.

The Wine

Name: Raymond
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Napa Valley, California
Country: United States
Year: 2014
Price: $10.95

Upon pouring this wine, it was apparent that tine bits of cork had fallen in the wine. Did not affect the flavor at all though. There was a mixed fruit aroma involving apple, pear, and a variety of citrus. Light to medium body with a very slight hint of honey. Also, when we tried this Chardonnay, it was not chilled and there was seemingly not much going on. The sweetness was almost overwhelming everything. Later that night when I went to have another glass, it was a whole different wine and the flavors came out much stronger.

Name: Cape Barren
Variety: Shiraz
Region: McLaren Vale
Country: Australia
Year: 2014
Price: $10.95

This wine smelled like candy, and though it tasted like raspberry, it was also very tannic and slightly Earthy. Did not really taste sweet at all, but I was a big fan of this Shiraz!

Name: Sinols Rosat
Variety: Grenache (60%) and Carignan (40%)
Region: Emporda
Country: Spain
Price: $9.95

Smelled of peaches. This wine reminded me of a beach; it had a very tropical flavor combination. Tart, with cherry some other berry flavors. This wine clearly should have also been chilled to better bring out the flavors.

The Cheese

Since this is not a blog about cheese, I'll keep this part simple.

Smoked Gouda: As the name suggests, this cheese tasted straight off the barbecue. It was smokey, salty, and reminded me of charcoal. Tasted like bacon.

Asiago: One of the greatest cheese I've ever tasted. Pungent, yet sweet with a very full mouth taste. Wonderful!

Cacio De Roma: Made from sheep's milk. This was very similar to the Asiago, but not nearly as sweet. Tasted very fatty, hence it was extremely smooth.

Wines with cheeses, (the Root: 1 wine was tasted just for fun, and is not included in this blog).
"My body says no, but my grade says yes" -Me, after consuming copious amounts of cheese

The Pairings

Raymond Chardonnay

Asiago: Delicious! Especially after being chilled. The sweetness of the cheese perfectly complimented the sweetness of the wine. Made the wine go down very smooth and created a sensation of a fuller body.

Gouda: Another good match. The smokey-ness of the cheese brought out the contrasting, sweet flavors of the wine. It was like having some sort of grilled barbecue dinner with a sweet wine for dessert.  Great!

Cacio de Roma: Not good at all. The cheese was far too pungent and it made the wine taste way too sweet. Just a weird, bitter mess.

Trying the wines outside since it was such a beautiful afternoon.

Sinols Rosat

Asiago: Again, sweet cheese with sweet wine. Fantastic.Very smooth wine with my favorite cheese. They complimented each other well.

Gouda: No good. The smokey cheese clashed big-league with the sweetness of the wine. It was like eating a burnt candy.

Cacio De Roma: This pairing was average. Definitely made the wine smoother, but also made it seem less sweet. The bitterness of the cheese was not great with this wine.

Pairing the Sinols Rosat with Smoked Gouda

Cape Barren Shiraz

Asiago: I expected this to be one of the best pairings, but it turned out quite the opposite! It made the wine taste more acidic. It was an amateur screw-up: the big, beautiful red wine with an overly salted cheese. Not great!

Gouda: Made the wine much sweeter. Softened the tannins to bring out more of the fruity flavors. Also, the strong pepper-y flavors of the cheese canceled out the spiciness of the wine exposing new flavors.

Cacio De Roma: The slight bitterness of the cheese made the wine taste beautifully sweet and smooth. Like the Gouda, the cheese reacted with the tannins to soften the overall feel. Excellent!

Overall, a great experience. Something I had never tried before but can not wait to do again soon. Now, I must go because I believe there is a pint of chocolate ice cream and a glass of port in the kitchen calling my name. 

This is me imagining myself as a Roman emperor with my loyal servants dangling fruit above my head.

Tasting - Crane Lake Gewurztraminer

Name: Crane Lake
Variety: Gawurztraminer
Region: California
Country: United States
Year: 2015
Price: $5.95











Shop Review: This floral wine has notes of rose, peach, and apricot, with a smooth, lingering finish. This wine pairs well with both smoked Gouda and Munster cheeses. Also try it along with roast pork, turkey, red snapper or sautéed abalone.

My Review: Fruity and floral aromas. Dry, with tastes of pears and oranges. Definitely had a very smooth finish. Peaceful.

Tasted without food.

Tasting - El Ganador Malbec

Name: El Granador
Variety: Malbec
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2015
Price: $12.00

Shop Review: Garnet color. Aromas of black cherry, plum jam, rich dark soil, and violet honey with a lightly tannic, lively, dry medium-to-full body and a tingling, complex, medium-long black cherry, rich garden soil, crushed plum, and cinnamon toast finish with medium tannins and moderate oak. Dense, dark and chewy with earthy complexity, balancing the luscious jammy fruit qualities of new world with earthy qualities of old world wines.

My Review: This wine had a smokey scent. Very Earthy with definite tastes of soil and dirt. Moderately dry with some tannins and a hint of fruit. Interesting taste, never had an Earthy wine before. 


Tasted without food.