Penelope's wine blog

N ame:  Gruet Blanc de Noir Variety: Pinot Noir Sparkling Blend Region: California Country: USA Year: 2015 Price:  $15 for a tasting of 6 wines W i nery Rev ie w :   Green apple skin and lime peel are tart on the palate, but supported by a well structured mousse. The aromas are ripe, with green apple, peach, and a hint of birthday cake.- F.A. (10/1/2017) 86 My review: When I smelled this wine, I found a fruity aroma. Possibly citrusy scent. Upon tasting this wine, I definitely was able to tell it was acidic. I did not like that this wine was sparkling. This wine was not my favorite, but it was not bad by any means. I was very interested (and disappointed) with this wine because I had never tried a wine that was Pinot Noir and was white since they did not use the skin. It was interesting to try, but disappointing that I did not enjoy it. I did not sense anything except the fruitiness that was seen in the professional review. When I tried this wine, I had a litt...

N ame:  Poppy Cabernet Sauvignon Variety:  Cabernet Sauvignon Region:  California Country:  USA Year:  2015 Price:  $12 for a flight of 3 glasses W i nery Rev ie w :   This wine displays blueberry, black cherry and currant flavors with nuances of licorice, violets and cigar box all wrapped together with a dash of vanilla and mocha. Medium to full-bodied, well-balanced, with soft tannins, this wine shows tremendous dimension, with a seamless finish that lingers throughout the palate. My review:  When smelling this wine, I senses a smell of chocolate possibly? I definitely think I smell flowers, cherry, and oak. Tasting the wine tasted a little bitter to me. I did not taste much spice, if any at all. I thought the wine was very smooth. I could not tell what the bitter taste was, perhaps raspberry. I am unsure though. I did like this wine though. I was excited to see that there was also cherry sensed in the professional review. I did not rea...

Name:  McManis Merlot Variety: Merlot Region:  California Country: USA Year: 2014 Price: $4 for a small glass W i nery Rev ie w : T his medium-bodied wine has bold aromas of black pepper, tobacco and clove that merge with straightforward cherry and herb flavors for a nicely complex profile. It has way more depth and interest than the price tag would suggest. J.G. (8/1/2016)- 88 My review: When I smelled this wine, I could tell that it smelled strong. I think I smelled grape, raspberry, and tobacco. The first smell I sensed was tobacco. When I tasted this wine, I could smell spiciness and minerals. I thought that this wine was pretty strong tasting, but I still liked it. I was happy to see that the winery review also sensed tobacco and spice, even though I could not tell that the spice was black pepper. I liked this wine a lot.  I did not try this wine with any food. 

Name:  Bearitage Old Vine Zinfandel 2015 Variety: Red Zinfandel Region: Lodi Old Vine, California Country: USA Year: 2015 Price: $18 W i nery Rev ie w :  Haraszthy Family Cellars Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel is a delicious medium-bodied wine exhibiting blackberry, raspberry and cherry aromas & flavors. The harvest was very even-ripening which is not typical of Zinfandel. The wine has a very slight, smoky aroma that integrates beautifully with the delicious roundness of the fruit. There is a hint of cinnamon, sweet plum and a nicely balanced acidity in the lingering finish. Grapes were harvested beginning in late August and ending in late September. My review: When I smelled this wine, I smelled plum, oak, and tobacco. I also think I may have smelled some type of berries, possibly blackberry, strawberry, or raspberry. I could tell from the smell that I was going to like this wine a lot. When I tasted it the first thing I tasted was spice. After tasting again, I tasted ...

Name:  Field Recordings Cabernet Franc Variety:  95% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot Region: Paso Robles, Central Coast, California Country: USA Year:  2015 Price:  $12 for a flight of 3 glasses W i nery Rev ie w :   A rustic punch of blueberries, black cherries and red currants with a touch of mint and rosemary. Drink with friends after putting in a hard days work. My review:  When I tried this wine, I went to Blu and ordered a wine flight that in cluded a merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and a cabernet franc. I chose this wine because I have been wanting to try cabernet franc, but never had before. When trying this cabernet franc, I smelled maybe plum or blackberry, possibly even apricot. I couldn't tell for sure what aromas I was smelling, but I could tell from the scent that I would like this wine. Upon tasting it, I thought it had a weird taste that I had never had in a wine before. It gave me a little sour feel in my jaw. I could detect a hint of spi...

Name:  Anciano Reserva Tempranillo Variety:  Tempranillo Region:  Valdepenas, Central Spain Country:  Spain Year:  2005 Price:  $15 W i nery Rev ie w : A subdued raspberry aroma are sets up the elegant palate, with perky red-plum and raspberry flavors. It finishes dry, clean and slightly complex. M.S. (11/1/2012) My review: When I tried this wine I sensed a plum flavor. I thought it was pretty smooth and I did not taste any spice. When smelling the wine I thought it smelled fruity. I liked the taste of this wine a lot. I think I may have sensed some oaky flavor also. Compared to the review I was happy to see they also tasted plum as I did. I did not sense the raspberry flavors though.  I did not try this wine with food.