Tasting –JOSH CELLARS Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Name:  JOSH CELLARS Cabernet Sauvignon

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

Style: Red

Volume: 750 ml

Alcohol: 13.5%

Region:  California

Country: United States

Price: $16.99

Winery review:

Our Cabernet Sauvignon was the first wine we made. This is the wine that started it all, setting the exacting standards that we hold ourselves to for all of our varietals. Round and juicy, our Cabernet Sauvignon has flavors of blackberry, toasted hazelnut and cinnamon, complemented by hints of vanilla and toasted oak. We love pairing this wine with well-seasoned meats like beef, pork, or lamb, and indulgent chocolate desserts.

My review: 

This wine is really good and tasty.  It is perfect and delicious! The cap for this bottle of wine is screw cap, it is very easy to open. This wine has blackberry and cherry aromas. It has a faint fragrance.  Light oak and silky tannins compliment the initial flavors and add layers of various intensity.  I like this wine and I will definitely recommend this wine to friends.

Tasting – Marqués de Riscal Rioja Reserva 2016

 

Name:  Marqués de Riscal Rioja Reserva 2016

Variety: Tempranillo Blend, Tempranillo

Style: Red

Volume: 750 ml

Alcohol: 14%

Region:  Rioja, Northern Spain

Country: Spain

Price: $19

Winery review:

Marqués de Riscal Reserva is one of the most famous wines in Spain, due to its long history, consistent high quality and also for the many literary references it has inspired over the years. Very versatile and a faithful example of a Rioja wine, Marqués de Riscal Reserva has been enjoyed for generations by wine lovers all over the world, and praised by celebrities from the world of the arts and culture such as Ernest Hemingway, Salvador Dalí or Frederick Forsyth. Famous for its bottle wrapped in a metallic gold mesh, today it can be found in over 100 countries, and it is regarded as a benchmark for Rioja red wines.   This wine stands for the dreams of the previous generations at  Marqués de Riscal.

My review: 

The packaging of this wine is very nice, I was attracted by the packaging at first sight.  When I first tasted it, I loved its balanced texture. It has a very complex flavor with a very strong aroma.  I can feel the intense fruity, black pepper aromas. This wine goes well with ham and mild cheeses.

Wine Dinner at Home #3

 

Dinner­ - Take out from Lin Yue Chuan

Lin Yue Chuan is a very famous and convenient restaurant for Chinese students.  It is located the Main St, Blacksburg.

For this wine dinner at home, we choose this restaurant. We have three main courses today.  I'm planning to serve a different wine with each course.  I will explain why I picked the wine to go with a particular dish.  I will include which wine flavors go best with what flavors in the food.

First course – Fried lamb with cumin

Wine served with Cambria West Point Chardonnay

Winery Review:

On the nose, our West Point Chardonnay has aromas of orange blossom and lemon zest with hints of honey and graham cracker.  Thanks to this white wines bright acidity and creamy texture, take one sip and you won't be able to stop sipping on the flavors of creamsicle, honeysuckle– accented by a hint of oak on the finish.

My Review:

It's one of my favorite dishes.  This Chardonnay is another one of my favorites. Pleasant nose of caramel apple. It has a buttery, layered finish with hints of vanilla and a touch of tartness at the end. It has a very balanced texture and goes well with lamb.

Second course -Fried prawns with pepper sauce

Wine served with Harveys Winery Bristol Cream Sherry

Winery Review:

This Cream Sherry is the number one selling Sherry in the world. A unique blend of four different styles; Oloroso, PX, Fino and Amontillado. This wine shows a mahogany color with gold hints. On the nose delicate, fruity, fresh and aromatic with notes of raisins and hints of caramel. On the palate smooth, creamy and elegant higlighting the fruitiness of the PX and the evolved vinosity of the Oloroso. Serve chilled. Perfect with ice and a twist of orange. Also try in alcoholic milkshakes.

My Review:

A lovely fortified red wine from Spain.  This is a classic sherry label. There is a strong nutty taste just in the mouth. Although it is a sweet wine, I don't think this wine is very sweet. It's smooth and not too syrupy with a nice acidity. I think it is perfect for dinner with prawns or fish.

Third course – Tenderloin On Iron Plate

Wine served with Philip Carter Cabernet Franc

Winery Review:

The Nomini Hall Cabernet Franc bolstered by Petit Verdot and Merlot. Enjoy its bright cherry, blackberry, and raspberry aromas with vanilla, mocha and anise appeal. This version of our estate Cabernet Franc demonstrates more finesse than its predecessors with increased barrel time allowing the tannins to evolve and a solid acid backbone which drives the wine to a crisp, cleansing finish.  The wine starts with an intense aromatic profile of fresh ripe red cherries and cranberries with a light pepper note on the finish.  The wine has a nice elegance on the palate and demonstrates a classic Cab Franc from Virginia.  This wine will compliment any number of dishes from hamburgers to pork tenderloin.

My Review:

I love this Cabernet Franc, I bought it from ABC. It is smooth, bright with cinnamon, cherry and vanilla. And it is medium with medium to high acid and medium rounded tannins. I think it goes well with this dish. I love the light texture. Overall, this is great wine dinner experience with Lin Yue Chuan take out! 

Tasting – DAOU Vineyards Pessimist Red Blend 2018

Name:   DAOU Vineyards Pessimist Red Blend 2018

Style: Red

Volume: 750ml

Alcohol: 15.2%

Region:  Central Coast, California

Country: USA

Price: $24.99

 

Winery review:

The 2018 Pessimist is inky and dark aubergine in color. A powerhouse vintage with a plethora fruit showcasing blueberry, boysenberry, plum and strawberry. Smoky notes of truffle and roasted coffee are accompanied by accents of floral consisting of lavender and lilac, highlighted by underlying nuances of buttered toast, vanilla, and a breath of cool wintergreen. A veritable cascade of juicy berries, red cherries and huckleberries flood the palate while a river of lush fruit flavors overflow its banks. Voluptuous and robust while tempered with grace and elegance; a true gentle giant. The purity of fruit is elevated by its silky texture and hints of kirsch and cassis, olive and fennel. This wine displays a well- rounded and balanced finish that offers essences of blueberry and cranberry with prodigious persistence.

My review:

It is beautiful Dark red wine. Notes of plum and vanilla. It has a very rich texture, a very strong cherry flavour. I like it very much and would buy it again. A pessimist is never disappointed!

Tasting – Catena Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

 

 

Name:   Catena Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Style: Red Wine

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon

Volume: 750ml

Alcohol: 13.5%

Region:  Mendoza

Country: Argentina

Price: $18.99

 

Winery review:

The Catena wines are a special assemblage of High Mountain Estate Vineyards made by fourth generation vintner, Laura Catena and chief winemaker, Alejandro Vigil. Although we have found that most of the Catena wines are consumed shortly after release, we are pleased to see that they age beautifully for ten to twenty years. Through decades of study and exploration within Mendoza's high altitude mountain terroirs, the Catena family has identified special locations for its Estate vineyards. From the marriage of these historic vineyards emerges a wine of unique character that has natural balance, concentration and a distinct varietal identity.

 

My review:

I bought this wine at the grocery store, It is a affordable everyday white. This Cabernet Sauvignon is an elegant wine with silky tannins that provide structure and a long and persistent finish. It is good to pair this Cabernet with red meats like steak or lamb.

Tasting – Stella Rosa Rosso

 

Name:   Stella Rosa Rosso

Style: Champagne & Sparkling Wine

Volume: 750ml

Alcohol: 5.5%

Region:  Piemonte

Country: Italy

Price: $13.99

Winery review:

Stella Rosa Red contains natural carbonation. The juice is fermented in Charmat-style, pressurized tanks. As the alcohol is created, so is the carbonation. Once the desired sweetness is achieved, the wine is centrifuged and bottled. The alcohol level stays at approximately 5.5% and contains 10% residual sugar. Its natural acidity and low pH strike the perfect balance with the wine’s natural sweetness. It is not cloying or heavy.

 

My review:

Sparkly candied berry red with some nice effervescence.  Semi sweet with a nice berry finish.  Low alcohol and slight effervescence makes it a great dinner wine with fresh vegetable and spicy meals.

Tasting – Stella Rosa Stella Black

 

Name:   Stella Rosa Stella Black

Style: Champagne & Sparkling Wine

Volume: 750ml

Alcohol: 8.5%

Region:  Piemonte

Country: Italy

Price: $19.99

 

Winery review:

Seductive, rich, and full bodied with a hint of sweetness. This refreshing wine reveals a deep, red color and is combined with natural flavors of ripe blackberry, blueberry, and raspberry.

 

My review:

I bought this bottle of wine from ABC. Between 1-10, its a 5, semi-sweet. It has a very strong fruity flavour and flavors of blueberries and blackberries. It is a sparkling red wine. Good balance as well. I would definitely drink this again!