Tasting - Reserve Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône

Tasting -  Reserve Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône

Name: Reserve Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône

Variety: 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Cinsault

Region: Rhone Valley

Country: France

Year: 2010

Price: $14.95

Review: Displays loads of ripe flavors. It is very concentrated for a Cotes du Rhone, and is actually an amazing wine. Classic garrigue, black cherry liqueur, lavender, licorice and spice box are all present in this fullbodied, intense, and rich Cotes du Rhone. This is a sensational effort to drink over the next 4-5 years, although it might last even longer.

My Review: Dang this wine looks expensive! That was my first though at least. In the overall scheme of things fifteen bucks really isnt that much to pay for a wine but for a college student I better know its something I want to drink before dropping the cash. There were a ton of flavors working in this wine. Cherry and spice were the major two I noticed. If I were to buy this wine I would decant it for some hours before drinking.

Tasting - Lobetia Tempranillo

Tasting -  Lobetia Tempranillo

Name: Lobetia Tempranillo

Variety: Tempranillo

Region: La Mancha

Country: Spain

Year: 2011

Price: $9.95

Review: Organically and naturally grown and made, this wine allows the varietal and the terroir to stand out cleanly. It shows a nice cherry color with a violet shade because of its youth. Red berries and cherries on the nose. On the palate it is fresh, slightly astringent, and harmonious with a long finish.

My Review: Unfortunately I do not have much to say about this wine. I did not like the taste.

Tasting - Lobetia Chardonnay

Tasting -  Lobetia Chardonnay

Name: Lobetia Chardonnay

Variety: Chardonnay

Region: La Mancha

Country: Spain

Year: 2011

Price: $9.95

Review:  Organically and naturally grown and made, this wine allows the varietal and the terroir to stand out cleanly. Clean, bright color with a greenish-yellow tone. On the nose, exotic fruits like pineapple. Full flavored, fresh, with good acidity in the mouth, it finishes with tropical fruits.

My Review: Generally I prefer my Chardonnay's to emit more buttery flavors. However  this wine had nice fruity flavors and balanced acidity. I would definitely give this wine a try. Personally I have turned to other white wines for fruity flavors. Although this Chardonnay is a good option for those who are fruit forward.  

Tasting - Trattoria Busa Alla Torre Da Lele

Tasting -  Trattoria Busa Alla Torre Da Lele

Name: Trattoria Busa Alla Torre Da Lele

Variety: Pinot Grigio

Region: Veneto

Country: Italy

Year: Non-Vintage

Price: $7.95

Review: Named after the famous restaurant in Italy! This is their house white wine! Coppery color from extended skin contact, round and rich texture with juicy melon aromas and flavors with a sweet fennel note on the ultra smooth finish. Great value Grigio!

My Review: This white wine was fairly good. I thought the flavors were modest and not overpowering. In many Pinot Grigios I notice strong acidity in the finish. This wine was smoother than others which was a nice touch. For the price I would buy this wine.

Wine Dinner - 622

Thursday evening my good friend Ryan Wilson and I went to knock out our wine dinner. We were debating where to go for the dinner but eventually decided on "622". The restaurant is located at 622 North Main Street in Blacksburg. When we arrived I realized I probably shouldn't have worn gym shorts and a t-shirt. Its probably more of a polo and slacks style restaurant. Check out these digs...

Street view of the restaurant.

Tables inside the restaurant were set up
to provide a nice dining experience.

So my friend and I chatted it up with the hostess, trying to figure out if the restaurant would allow us to do what we needed for class. We told her we were looking to try around three wines that would pair well with three different appetizers. She hooked us up with a waiter who had served students in the class before.

The waiter was really cool, but he never introduced himself so I don't know his name. He recommended we  try a few different combinations. They are as follows:
1. Sauvigion Blanc with Polenta
2. Chardonnay with Shrimp Scampi
3. Barolo with a Caprese Pizza    

The Polenta shown to the left was described as crispy strips of smoked gouda polenta with creamy leeks and curry bbq sauce. The Sauvigion Blanc contained aromas of crisp apples and green grapes. Paired with the Polenta it matched the crispiness and stripped the dryness of the fried coating. The finish of the wine contained tart acidity.

 The shrimp scampi contained sauteed shrimp, butter, tomato, pepperocini, proscuitto, and lemon gastrique. The Chardonnay smelled of oak and butter. It had a smooth and clean finish. The wine would have paired extremely well with the buttered shrimp alone. However, the peppers in the scrimp scampi were polar opposites in flavor to the Chardonnay. I enjoyed the wine but not with the peppery flavor of the food.

The Caprese pizza was made with fresh mozzarella, marinara, balsamic reduction, and sweet basil. The Barolo emitted flavors of raspberry and blackberry. It blended very well with the tomato sauce in the pizza. There was also a loose dryness of the wine paired with the pizza.

Tasting - Concannon Shiraz

Tasting -  Concannon Shiraz

Name: Concannon Shiraz

Variety: 100% Shiraz

Region: Central Coast

Country: USA, California

Year: 2008

Price: $7.95

Review: This is an extremely rich, full-bodied wine with a dark fruit core. Aromas of blackberry, blueberry, cassis and dark cherry are followed by more berry fruits and chocolate and mocha on the palate.

My Review: Just a strong red wine. Its what I picture when I think of reds. Definite aromas of blackberry which I am partial to. The taste did not resemble the smell. It would not be something I would purchase.

Tasting - Ksana Bonarda

Tasting -  Ksana Bonarda

Name: Ksana Bonarda

Variety: 100% Bonarda

Region: Mendoza

Country: Argentina

Year: 2008

Price: $9.95

Review: The bouquet is floral and lightly jammy, with berry aromas and a savory note or two. To the uninitiated, this is a great introduction to Bonarda. Finishes solid. Very sweet, berry smell with some rooty undertones. Kind of dry, makes your lips pucker.

My Review: This wine definitely makes your lips pucker! I really am reluctant to try red wines and this one reminded me why. The wine had a flavor of jam, a high viscosity, and a dryness that just ruined the wine for me.

Tasting - Black Ridge White Zinfandel

Tasting -  Black Ridge White Zinfandel

Name: Black Ridge White Zinfandel

Variety: 100% Zinfandel

Region: Central Valley

Country: USA, California

Year: Non-Vinatge

Price: $3.95

Review: This fruit forward White Zinfandel displays fresh aromas and crisp flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry. It is incredibly food friendly and will pair well with burgers, sandwiches, fruit salad, and more.

My Review: This wine was pretty darn good. It was very sweet. I had never tried a white zinfandel before. The bartender said that the variety was very popular in America. I would image that there are much better wines in this variety. I simply think the price reflects the taste in this one. I would gladly pay an extra ten bucks for a white zinfandel I would enjoy more.

Tasting - Chandon Sweet Cuvée

Tasting -  Chandon Sweet Cuvée

Name: Chandon Sweet Cuvée

Variety: Sparkling

Region: California

Country: United States

Year: Non-Vinatge

Price: $9.95

Review: This wine is an innovative sparkling wine style revealing vibrant stone fruit and floral aromas with rich, luscious mouth feel. This wine enlivens the senses and sparks spontaneous moments,
complementing your passion for a good life.

My Review: Floral scents were immediately noticeable in the smell of this wine. This was a moderately good tasting wine. I thought the flavors were nice, however, I could not pair a distinct item to the flavor. I would recommend trying this wine.

Tasting - Wilson Daniels Sauvignon Blanc

Tasting -  Wilson Daniels Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Wilson Daniels Sauvignon Blanc

Variety: Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Central Coast

Country: USA, California

Year: 2010

Price: $7.95

Review: Orange blossom and citrus permeate the aromas. Alluring flavors of orange and grapefruit dominate the palate. Bright acidity balances the plush mouth feel, resulting in a clean finish.

My Review: This wine had a very pleasant aroma. Citrus scents dominated the mix. Orange was the immediate flavor I received from the wine. There was a slight amount of acidity paired with a clean finish, two characteristics which I generally notice in Sauvignon Blanc's.

Tasting - Caprice de Bastor Lamontagne

Tasting -  Caprice de Bastor Lamontagne

Name: Caprice de Bastor Lamontagne

Variety: 60% Semillon, 36% Sauvignon Blanc, 4% Muscadelle

Region: Sauternes

Country: France

Year: 2004

Price: $7.95

Review: Very clean, with lemon, mineral and honey aromas that follow through to a medium body. Shows vanilla, apple and melon flavors, with a medium finish. Lightly sweet.



My Review: There is only one thing to say for this wine and that is overpowering! The taste was nice. The problem was that it was such a strong taste. If the flavors were watered down the wine might me something I would be interested in. It was simply too strong.

Tasting - Torre Castillo Alegre

Tasting - Torre Castillo Alegre

Name: Torre Castillo Alegre 

Variety: 100% Monastrell

Region: Jumilla

Country: Spain

Year: 2010

Price: $9.95

Review: 4 months in new American oak barrels
Bright ruby-red. Dried cherry, pipe tobacco and rose aromas, with a hint of woodsmoke. Sweet and fleshy on the palate, with
blackberry and cherry flavors complimented by licorice and a
suggestion of dried herbs. The cherry and smoke notes repeat on
the finish.

My Review: This wine was extremely interesting. The pipe tobacco flavor and smell was overpowering for my taste. I really enjoyed the unique flavor of this wine however it is not something I would purchase for myself.

Tasting - Wilson Daniels Merlot

Tasting - Wilson Daniels Merlot

Name: Wilson Daniels Merlot

Variety: Merlot

Region: Central Coast

Country: USA, California

Year: 2010

Price: $7.95

Review: Made predominantly from Paso Robles grapes, the wine is full-bodied and silky yet robust, with aromas of black cherry and plum and a palate of blackberry, raspberry and blueberry jam laced with vanilla and toast.

My Review: The wine had a strong smell. The taste was rich with blackberry and blueberry flavor. The vanilla taste predominated at the end. Overall I thought the wine was noticeably cheap.

Tasting - Bricco Dei Tati Rosè

Tasting - Bricco Dei Tati Rosè

Name: Bricco Dei Tati Rosè

Variety: 100% Barbera

Region: Piedmont

Country: Italy

Year: 2012

Price: $6.95

Review: Fresh with aromas of strawberries, cherries, and rose petals, this an ideal wine with shellfish, salads, chicken, and appetizers



My Review: I am usually a big fan of the Rosè style. However this wine was lacking. The strawberry flavor was nice. However the cherry flavor predominated. I wish it were the opposite. I think, all in all, there are much better options than this particular Rosè.

Tasting - Smoking Loon Sauvignon Blanc

Tasting - Smoking Loon Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Smoking Loon Sauvignon Blanc

Variety: Sauvignon Blanc

Region: California

Country: United States

Year: 2009

Price: $7.95

Review: This bleached blonde beauty is reminiscent of fresh green apples, pineapple and has hints of hibiscus blossoms. The concentration of zesty lemon and gooseberry fills your mouth leaving notes of thyme and melon behind. The bright acid in this wine gives you a zing while the fruit keeps your mouth watering for more. This wine pairs beautifully with a grilled prawn salad with a grapefruit vinaigrette, veggie spring rolls or grilled tilapia with mango salsa.

My Review: The initial smell appealed to me. The green apple scent was very noticeable. It was also overpowering in the taste. The acidity of this white wine seemed stronger due to the green apple taste. Overall there are better sauvignon blancs available for purchase. Don't settle for this one.

Tasting - Ruta 22 Malbec

Tasting - Ruta 22 Malbec

Name: Ruta 22 Malbec

Variety: Malbec

Region: Patagonia

Country: Argentina

Year: 2011

Price: $7.95

Review: Stout and dense from the beginning, with blackberry and violet aromas. Despite being a bold and dark Malbec, this is fresh and composed, with sweet blackberry and cassis flavors. Good on the finish, with candied fruit and caramel sweetness.

My Review: I could pick up on the taste of blackberries in this wine. I liked that a lot. I did not notice any caramel sweetness on the finishing pallet though. Again this wine was just okay. Nothing about the five wines I tried really impressed me.  

Tasting - Château Serres Sainte Lucie Corbières

Tasting - Château Serres Sainte Lucie Corbières

Name: Château Serres Sainte Lucie Corbières

Variety:  Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre

Region: Corbières

Country: France

Year: 2010

Price: $4.95

Review: Superb dark garnet color with a few reflections of dark orange. Intense nose of ripe fruits, spices, and roasted coffee. The palate is rounded and full, with silky matured tannins and hints of vanilla. This wine is rich and powerful with layers of tannins.

My Review: This was probably the best wine I tried out of the five. I would not rate it highly among other red wines I have tried. There was an apparent coffee flavor which was something I had not seen in a wine before.

Tasting - Cresta Azul

Tasting - Cresta Azul

Name: Cresta Azul

Variety: Moscatel, Macabeo, Parellada, Xarel-lo

Region: Emporda

Country: Spain

Year: Non-Vintage

Price: $5.95

Review: Peach, orange cream and vanilla flavors mingle in this softly bubbly white. Off-dry, but with crisp acidity and a clean finish.



My Review: The wine was okay in taste. You could definitely pick out the orange cream sickle flavor in the wine which was neat. But the wine overall was severely lacking. It had no real great qualities. The finish was interesting in that there was no aftertaste.

Tasting - Veleta Tempranillo Rosado

Tasting - Veleta Tempranillo Rosado

Name: Veleta Tempranillo Rosado

Variety: Tempranillo

Region: Granada

Country: Spain

Year: 2010

Price: $3.95

Review: Fresh in flavor and crisp in texture, this dry rosé offers berry, tart cherry and light herbal flavors, with firm acidity and a clean finish. Focused and juicy.


My Review: This Rosé improved on the previous one however something was still apparently missing. The flavors just didn't sit well on the pallet  The price kind of says it all with this wine. You get what you pay for. This wine is dirt cheap and tastes like it only costs 4 bucks.

Tasting - Veleta Brut Vino Espumoso Rosado

Tasting - Veleta Brut Vino Espumoso Rosado

Name: Veleta Brut Vino Espumoso Rosado

Variety: Tempranillo

Region: Granada

Country: Spain

Year: Non-Vintage

Price: $3.95

Review: Rosé salmon with copper reflections. Slow rising fine bubble that forms “lace” and “rosary”. In the nose is complex and elegant with red fruit, citric, exotic, fresh flowers, and notes of dry fruits and dry flowers. Fresh, gentle, and alive. Perfectly integrated “perlage” with serious and subtle flavors of dry fruits, pomegranate and lemonade. Long lasting scent of flowers and herbs.

My Review: This wine did not impress me. I usually find that I enjoy Rosés however this was not one. The scent of herbs was apparent as the wine seemed to have more of an earthy smell. Overall I would not recommend this wine.

Winery Visit - Chateau Morrisette

Just yesterday Blacksburg was blanketed in snow and today its sixty degrees and sunny. So with the nice weather my good friend Ryan Wilson and I decided to make the drive out to Floyd, Virginia to check out the Chateau Morrisette winery. While we were there we received a brief tour of their production process, tasted several different wines they produced, and photographed the hell out of the whole experience!

The drive to the winery took approximately an hour from Blacksburg. However we decided to forgo some of the paved roads and instead took the scenic route as we climbed the mountain leading to the winery via gravel and dirt roads! Upon our arrival we knew we had hit the big time. I mean just look at this place! I'm a nerd for architecture/construction and this building did not disappoint. So we went inside and wandered around before we met our tour guide, Will. 

Our tour guide, Will, told
us that the building took
over two years to construct
and was built with reclaimed

timer from the St. Marie River.

The thick beam running the
ceiling behind me was originally
one piece but had to be cut into
three sections for transport!

Check out some of these photos from inside the building!

The chandelier walking in made
for a beautiful entrance. Of course wine
bottles were stacked all over the place. 

This is half of the bar where we
did our wine tastings. Bottles of all
their wines were available for purchase. 

So our man Will gave us a brief tour. I was hoping to see some of the actual vineyards but instead he showed us the equipment used to produce the wine. This was fine with me though because being an engineer I really like to learn about the processes involved with production. Will had told us that David Morrisette started making wine as a hobby in 1978; however, he could not sell it due to prohibition. He gave much of his wine away but soon realized the great demand for the product. So he took viticulture classes at Mississippi State University and soon after graduating, he returned to Virginia to be the first winemaker at Chateau Morrisette. Anyway here are some photos of the production equipment. 

This was the de-stemmer. After
harvesting, the grapes are thrown
into this container where stems and
other debris are removed 

This machine was the bladder
press. A rubber bladder is inflated
which squeezes the grapes and
extracts the juice. 

These giant stainless steel
vats were used for fermentation.
The vats shown on the right were
used for red wines. Those shown on
the left were used for white wines
but could also be used for reds.

The barrels shown in the photo
were specifically used for Chardonnay.
The barrels allow for micro-breathing
of the wine. The Chardonnay is left
in these barrels for 8 months and then
mixed with fresh Chardonnay press to
create a 4 month blend.

After the tour came my favorite part - The Tastings. The tasting only cost eight dollars per person! We tasted a total of 12 different wines. The wines included the following:

1. 2011 Dry Rose
2. Liberty
3. 2011 Cabernet Franc
4. 2008 Merlot
5. 2009 Petit Verdot
6. The Black Dog
7. Angel Chardonnay
8. Blushing Dog
9. Muscadine
10. Blackberry Wine
11. Peach Wine
12. Apple Wine

All of the wines that I tasted were considerably better than anything I have tried at the Vintage Cellar so far this semester. I ended up buying three of the fruit wines: the blackberry, the peach, and the apple.

The blackberry wine was sweet and smooth. The blackberry juice is imported from Oregon and processed at Chateau Morrisette. The wine should be served chilled and pairs well with grilled or spicy food.

The peach wine was sweet and contained fruity aromas of ripe peaches as one might guess. The acidity of the wine was clean and balanced the sweetness nicely. The wine had a light pleasant finish. For someone who really enjoys summertime fruit, this wine is just perfect.    

The apple wine was delicious! It is made from Virginia apples and is bursting with vibrant fruitiness. The wine provides a clean and crisp finish. The wine should be paired with pork, game, poultry, various cheeses, or assorted nuts. 

He are some finishing photos from the trip!