Freixenet Sparkling Wine: Review

(Fresh-eh-NET)

Freixenetusa.com

Cordon Negro

Brut Sparkling Wine

Spain

12% abv

Under $20 a bottle

The Black Bottle Bubbly

Appearance: ultra-pale straw, tons of bubble when fresh,

Aroma: very light and crisp red apple with a hint of citrus meat; pour a glass and let the bubbles hit the nose – that nasal fizzy blast is much more interesting than the nose of this sparkling wine.  Once the wine has settled in the glass there’s not much at all to the aroma.

Flavors: follows the nose with the apple and citrus meat; lemon bitterness on the finish

Mouthfeel: very crisp, light, a citrusy bitterness builds on the aftertaste making for a dry feel, super fizzy at first and mellows a bit with time … look at the bubbles coming from the bottom of the glass … how fast they are rising will dictate how fizzy the carbonation will feel. 

To the Point:  it’s an okay sparkling wine, I would say it is not one for sitting around to just enjoy by itself … it should be good to go with a fresh salad with mandarin oranges … pair it with a tropical chicken breast or white fish. 

   

Crew Meritage 2007: Review

Colchester Ridge Estate Winery Inc. (CREW)

Harrow, Ontario, Canada

Colchesterridge.com

13.4% abv

Appearance: light crimson body with a crystal edge; this is going to be a lighter bodied Meritage in weight and flavor … I’ll bet

Aroma: nice berry on the nose … then not much else … a bit of tobacco

Flavors: plum, raspberry, red current, light dry green spice, little dusty earth

Mouthfeel: too thin on the delivery, little acidity on mid and finish, berry bowl on the finish but light in feel, mild-medium overall in body,

To the Point: I bought this a couple of years ago and had one bottle and to me it was on the thin side for a Meritage and thought a couple of years of aging might … just might help it a little … so I saved the other bottle.  I would have to say, it didn’t help.  If you like a lighter bodied red this will work for you.  If you know what you are drinking … this is not that impressive.  The berry flavor is nice and if you are eating a burger this bottle should do the trick then.   

fogdog 2008 Pinot Noir: Review

Sonoma Coast

Freestone Vineyards

Freestone, California, USA

13.5% abv

$45.00 from Mitchell’s Seafood Restaurant

Appearance: deep garnet body with ruby edge.  With the darker body this Pinot should have some body weight.

Aroma: berry bowl mix, wild berries and blueberries, little floral, touch of dry green spice with a hint of bay leaf. 

Flavors: berry bowl mix, just take your pick … red current, black raspberry, cranberry, blueberry, cherry, black berry; splash of coffee, pinch of earth, duo tone of wood – oak upfront and cedar spice on the finish

Mouthfeel: tart cherry and cranberry, slight coffee bitterness, so the acidity is at work without dominating, don’t let the ‘tart’ and ‘bitter’ words scare you here for the mouthfeel is suave like, firm body that reminds me of a pair of knee high boots and skin tight jeans, little alcohol warmth and spice on the finish, the flavors linger for a short time on the palate.

My Strength Rating: 6 – medium-full (see my strength rating scale in the right margin)

To the Point: this Pinot has some character; it’s not your smooth supple Pinot, firm and compact comes to mind while tasting this Pinot; looking for a bolder Pinot – this is the one – not big time bold but it sure has some style.  Dinner at Mitchell’s I had Ginger Salmon.  Back home in my lounge I paired it with a CAO Black Cigar and finished off the bottle.  

Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin 2008: Review

Gnarlyhead.com

Gnarly Head Cellars

Manteca, California, USA

14.5% abv

$7.60 a bottle

I have had this bottle floating around for a while so it is time to do a review. 

Appearance: deep garnet body with a purple edge

Aroma: dark berries, nice spice box … dry green spice with a dash of pepper

Flavors: black current, boysenberry, plum, oak on the mid and late, toasted vanilla, hint of roasted marshmallow, black licorice, nice earthy tone, dash of pepper on the finish

Mouthfeel: earthy feel, the dark berries coat the palate, light bitterness on mid and late, semi-smooth feel, medium-full body,

To the Point: this is proof you can get a good tasting wine for under 10 bucks, I enjoyed this wine, I would buy this again, a good medium-full bodied wine to have at your next party for those who enjoy a red wine with some body.  

De Loach Pinot Noir 2009

DeLoachVineyards.com

Central Coast

Santa Rosa, California, USA

13.5% abv

Cost: $30 from a restaurant; I would guess around $15 retail

Appearance: rich ruby body with a lighter crystal ruby edge

Nose: red berries, light spice, touch of wood

Flavors: mild notes of strawberry, sweet cherry, red currant, pomegranate, light dry herbal leafy earthiness

Mouthfeel: smooth, delicate, supple, gentle red berries linger on the palate, mild in body

My Strength Rating: 2

To the Point: a tasty light bodied inexpensive Pinot; pair with salads, veal, white fish maybe sea bass or how a swordfish.