Wine Tasting: Monchiero Carbone, Mon Birone, Barbera d’Alba, Piedmont, 2010

Tonight's wine is an Italian Barbera I picked up while browsing at the local wine shop.

Tasting Notes:
Beautiful ruby red in color with black cherry and sweet cranberry on the nose.  Abundance of semi-tart raw red fruits up front with tannic pomegranate and liquorice finish.  A punchy acidic early, but with time fades to provide a nice balance.

Final Thoughts:
It's a very nice wine.  Medium complexity with an interesting bold initial flavors that dulls a bit during the finish.  The early acidity provides a bit of pizzazz, though as it fades the body of the wine comes forward.  Enjoyable.

Wine Tasting: 2013 EnRroute Chardonnay

It's been a while since I've found time to write up some wine tasting notes.  Actually, I haven't had time to research many new wines to try either.  Have been just enjoying several good wines that I've tried before.

Today's wine is 2013 EnRoute Chardonnay from California's Russian River Valley.

Tasting Notes:
Light straw in color with a petite lemon and grapefruit aroma.   While the aroma may be petite, the flavors are immense and quite vivid!  This chardonnay packs a punch.  Booming lemon with a mix of honeydew and lemongrass.  A soft buttery oak softens and adds a bit of creaminess, though it's very understated, but adds depth and complexity.  The complexity does not stop there as it also carries quite of bit of acidic punch that blends well with the staunch flavors packed into this chardonnay.

Final Thoughts:
Wow, that took me by surprise!  I was not prepared for that at all.  The wine is wonderful, but definitely give it some air prior to consuming.  Out of the bottle, the acidity is very overpowering.   It becomes much more balanced after about 15 minutes.   This is definitely a wine to try!

Wine Tasting: 2015 Elouan Pinot Noir

Tonight we are back with the finicky varietal.  A Pinot Noir out of the coastal hills of Oregon.

2015 Elouan Pinot Noir

Tasting Notes:
A dark rich crimson color.  Scents of blueberry, licorice, and sea stones.   Very lively cranberries, with a light peppery tobacco tar essence.  Late flare of orange zest as it moves into the pungent finish to complete a terrific balance.

Final Thoughts:
Considering what a good Oregon Pinot Noir is known to go for.  This is not just a fantastic wine, it's a fantastic bargain!  I suppose that is what you should expect from a product created by a member of the Wagner family.

Wine Tasting: 2012 Mullan Road Cellars Red Wine Blend

Tonight's vino is a Columbia Valley, Washington red blend that consist of 51% Cabernet, 37% Merlot, and 12% Cabernet Franc.

2012 Mullan Road Cellars Red Wine Blend

Tasting Notes:
Ink like in color, and aromas of bountiful red fruit and spices.   Black cherry, and relaxed blueberry with hints of ginger and allspice.  Initially fruit forward, yet a wet earthen mossy flavors tame the bouquet of fruitiness to leave you analyzing the depth of it’s complexity.  Finish isn’t substantial and slightly more subdued that I would hope for.  Tannins and acidity just a touch off.

Final Thoughts:
This is a good wine.  Just not spectacular.  In my personal opinion, I do not believe the QPR is there for this wine at around the $40US range

Wine Tasting: 2013 Orin Swift Department 66 Grenache

A tough day at work deserves a great wine to enjoy!

Today's wine is a 2013 Orin Swift Department 66 Grenache. (D66)

Tasting Notes:
Beautiful dark maroon in color. Gravel and dried fruits in the nose. On the palette a very adventurous almost sweet balsamic like flavors without the high acidity and stewed fruit flavors. Long finish and very well balanced.

Final Thoughts:
A stunningly bold out of the gate makes this wine a real eye opener. It is fantastic.

Wine Tasting: 2015 De Morgenzon Chardonnay

This evening we are going with a very nice South African Chardonnay with dinner.

Tasting Notes:
Quite light in color with mellow citrus and rubber scents. Very lightly oaked and lemony with a dry honeydew essence with late hints of earthen overtones. Decent finish and acidity to make this an enjoyable vino with dinner.

Final Thoughts:
As they say, South African wines are some of the best values on the market today.  This one is no different.  It's quite delicious and at a good price.

Wine Tasting: 2013 Luke Goldschmidt Cabernet Sauvignon

Couple of long days at work and tonight.  Just a tasting and then I'm going to kick back and just enjoy the wine.

Tasting Notes:
Dark garnet in color with black cherry, raisin, and licorice on the nose.   Cranberry, dates and lavender on the palette.   Comes off as a bit thin, but the abundance of power flavors surprises and the long finish keeps your attention.   Nice acidic balance.

Final Thoughts:
Not a home-run, but yet.  Still quite good and well worth the $22US.