Black Star Arcturos Sur Lie Chardonnay 2011: Review

Black Star Farms

Old Mission

Traverse City, Michigan, USA

Blackstarfarms.com

Isidor’s Choice and Capella Vineyards

$22.99 a bottle From Bavarian Inn Frankenmuth

They are overpriced for it should be around $16.00

13% abv

Appearance: very light straw

Aroma: citrus skin, pear, and mineral water

Flavors: citrusy acidity, a tangy grapefruit peel tantalizes the tongue; crisp apple and white grape to add a little balance, nice touch of floral, lingering tart feel on the aftertaste

Mouthfeel: the acidity is very crisp from start to finish

To the Point: this might be a nice one to age a few years; the acidity should mellow with time and the flavors should shine.

Twist off cap

   

L Mawby Conservancy: Review

Extra Dry Sparkling Wine

Methode Champenoise

L. Mawby

Leelanau Peninsula

Suttons Bay, Michigan, USA

12% abv

$21.99 Westborn Market

Lmawby.com

Cuvee 189

en tirage - May 2010

degorgement - January 2011

The Detroit Tigers are heading to the World Series so I had to open this bottle and enjoy a little bubbly like the players are doing in the club house.  Go TIGERS!  Forgive me for all the things I said about you during the regular season.  Well, they did look like crap at times during the regular season.

How about the TV announcers talking about those Tigers and how they came together and played great baseball in the post season - Oh, they didn't! All we heard in the last two or three innings of the game was all about the Yankee Stankees.

The Detroit Tiger were up to bat in the 8th inning and there was dead silence while Young was batting.  To break the dead silence they had to chime in about Derek Jeter.  REALLY - the Detroit Tigers are heading to the World Series and three outs away and they bring up Jeter.  These announces will probably go to the Yankees room after the game and hang out with those losers because they love them.       

Appearance: light straw, nice head, plenty of bubbles

Nose: nice sweet fruits; apples, pear,

Flavors and Mouthfeel: tart apple, sweet pear, dry lemon bread, very dry on the palate and finish, smooth with a fine fizzy feel

To the Point: a nice bubbly for the price, set up the fruit and chocolate fountain and this should be a winner.  

2009 Treana Red

Treana Winery

Hope Family Wines

Paso Robles, California, USA

Blend: 70% Cab Sauvignon; 30% Syrah

15% abv

I don’t have my receipt but, I think it was around $40.00 a bottle

Appearance: deep garnet

Aroma: dark berries, that remind me of black currant and boysenberry, little brown spice,

Flavors: the black currant comes through, dark berries, little tart cherry, and a little dusting of brown spice

Mouthfeel: smooth, stylish, classy mouthfeel.  Firm body.  The tannins seem under control.  The flavors seem to linger on the palate. 

To the Point: a very pleasing wine to drink.  Factor in the price and it is worth what you are paying for.  

Ramos Pinto Porto 20 Years

Twany Port

No Vintage on Bottle

Quinta do Bom Retiro

Produced and bottled by:

Adriano Ramos Pinto

Portugal

19.5% abv

750ml bottle

Appearance: shiny copper with amber edges

Aroma: nutty for sure, reminds me of almond and hazelnut, also vanilla and oak, brown spice, toasted caramel,

Flavors: roasted caramel, roasted almond, touch of hazelnut, dried cherries and candied fruit, oak backbone with toasted vanilla shining through,

Mouthfeel: smooth, the alcohol is not showing (have to be careful for it is tasty), touch of sweetness on the delivery, dry on the mid and finish, pleasing complexity,