Thursday, March 3, 2016

Velvet Crush Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon & Petite Sirah

Name: Velvet Crush Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon & Petite Sirah 
Variety: Blend: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon & Petite Sirah
Year: Non-Vintage
Country: USA
Region: California
Price: $18
Wine Critic Review: "Velvety smooth texture just like its name. Soft tannins and lush dark fruit character. Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah bring backbone and character, while the Merlot balances out the blend for a soft, smooth texture."- The Vintage Cellar
My review: This smooth red smelled like dark berries and hints of floral.  Th taste was a bit more tannic, woody, and resinous.  I thought this blended red was pretty good.   

This wine was not consumed with food.

Grand Cru Pinot Noir 2013

Name: Grand Cru Pinot Noir 2013
Variety: Pinot Noir
Year: 2013
Country: USA
Region: California
Price: $6.95
Wine Critic Review: "This ruby-colored wine has aromas of raspberry, cherry and a hint of vanilla. Flavors of cherry and plum lead to a soft velvety finish. This wine can be enjoyed by itself. It is also an excellent accompaniment with Brie, goat cheese and smoked salmon. Lamb shanks and pork tenderloin are a favorite main dishes to pair with this wine" -The Vintage Cellar
My review:  On the nose, this Pinot Noir had an aroma of dirty, wet socks and a burnt match.  The taste was a bit more earthly and hints of cherry and plum.  I did not like this wine by itself, but I think it would taste a lot different if I tried it with food.    

This wine was not consumed with food.

Prime Brume Garganega 2014

Name: Prime Brume Garganega 2014
Variety: Garganega
Year: 2014
Country: Italy
Region: Soave
Price: $11
Wine Critic Review: "Pale color. Fruity, floral minerally inviting aromas of passion fruit, white grapefruit, spice poached pear, and papaya with a lean, racy, bone-dry medium body and a smooth, complex, long lemon, passion fruit, raw hazelnut, and wet stones finish with no tannins and light oak. From the tantalizing nose full of exotic fruit, citrus and minerality thru to the long, crisp finish, this soave can seamlessly go from cocktail hour thru to vibrantly flavored dishes."- 91 pt Tastings.com
My review: This smooth wine had a citrus and geranium smell and a taste of melon and grapefruit.  I did not detect much complexity to this wine, but would like to try it again.  

This wine was not consumed with food.

Quintas Melgaço Blue Vinho Verde 2013


Name: Quintas Melgaço Blue Vinho Verde 2013
This wine was not consumed with food.


Variety: Vinho Verde
Year: 2013
Country: Portugal
Region: Vinho Verde
Price: $10
Wine Critic Review: "Refreshingly crisp white wine from Portugal--Vinho Verde is soft, light and refreshing, and is an uncompromising and ideal wine for everyday pleasure. Its bright color and pineapple aromas are followed by citrus notes. The palate is clean and fresh. Vinho Verde is an excellent accompaniment to fish and shell fish, white meats and salads." -The Vintage Cellar
My review:    This fresh white wine smelled like walking through a flower garden.  None of the floral smells were especially unique.  The taste of this white wine was hints of pears and flowers.  I thought this was an okay wine.