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.

Wine Tasting: 2014 Predator Old Vine Zinfandel

Tonight's wine was an interesting story.  I purchased this wine to "top up" my Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel wine that I'm making. (yes, I'm a home winemaker!)   Topping up is something you do to fill the wine container so their is minimal air in on the wine.  Oxygen turns wine to vinegar, I must minimize my wine's exposure.

2014 Predator Old Vine Zinfandel

Tasting Notes:
Medium bodied and crimson in color.   Very interesting cranberry, kiwi, and bubblegum on the nose.  Juicy pomegranate and black cherry with a dried fruit medley.  Bold, but not overly heavy, fruit forward with a long and nicely balanced finish.

Final Thoughts:  This wine was an eye opener.  I wasn't expecting too much, I just wanted to good enough to top up with.  Very flavorful, juicy, without being a heavy jammy wine, but still jammy like you expect from a great Zinfandel.  I like it!

Wine Tasting: 2009 Château La Cardonne

I've been slacking a bit and not taking or posting my notes.  It's been quite busy, but I need not let that stop me.

Tonight Vive la France!

2009 Château La Cardonne

Tasting Notes:
Deep currant in color, with scents of pomegranate, cherry and a wet slate. Flavors of black cherry, sage, Brazil nuts, with a late tobacco finish.

Final Thoughts:
Bit acidic early, so even at seven years old, it still needed a few minutes to breath.  Better paired than on it's own.

Wine Tasting: 2014 Columbia Crest Horse Haven Hills Reserve Chenin Blanc

Tonight's wine is a wine I've been really excited to try and I'm happy to say it did not disappoint!

2014 Columbia Crest Horse Haven Hills Reserve Chenin Blanc

Tasting Notes:
Light straw in color with scents of pineapple and lemongrass.  Flavors of lemon, lime, pear and light apricot.  Light, lively, just beautiful.

Final Thoughts:
I'm a huge fan of Chenin Blanc and this is a good one.

Wine Tasting: 2014 Columbia Crest Grand Estates Limited Release Gold Red Blend

I ordered a dozen wines from the Columbia Crest Wine Club.  Tonight I am tasting the Grand Estates Limited Release Gold Red Blend.

Tasting Notes:
Medium+ body and dark garnet in color with medium legs.     Nice fragrances of blueberries and radishes.  Up front savory flavors of cranberry and red plum followed up by a late sour cherry.  A smooth, but not silky texture and a mellow acidic finish.

Final Thoughts:
Very good for $12US.  Much better than most $12 off the shelf American wines you find.