My Birthday Blind Wine Tasting Featuring Sonoma County Wines

Happy Birthday Blind Wine Tasting hosted by Becky and Mike

Featuring 3 wines from Sonoma County

My birthday flowers!





Wine #1: St Francis 2007 Merlot

Tasting comments:

Santiago “Makes you pucker”

Wine #1

Meghan “Tongue stuck to the top of my mouth”

Wayne “Alcohol forward. Strong tobacco.”

Elizabeth “Dark berry and almost a chocolate taste”

Karen “Peppery”

Lauren “Spicy”

Mike “I don’t get the spice”

Bob “Not bitter. Not bad.”

Becky “Dry”

Linda “I taste the chocolate”

Wayne “If you taste chocolate the odds are it’s a Cab Sav. I’m leaning towards a Merlot.”

Becky “The olive tapenade smoothes out the wine”

Meghan “I think the saltiness helps smooth it out”

Wayne “Try the wine with the Havarti”

Various cheeses for pairing

Becky “Really good. Gives me more of my vanilla”

Andy “Deep”

Bob “Sassy”

Wayne “Silky, Sultry, Stimulus”

Meghan “It’s ok”

Elizabeth “Is that Satisfactory?”

Meghan “Yes”

Bob “Scrumptious”

Bryan “Good with the bean hummus but not by itself”

Stephen “A little too peppery”

Winemaker notes:Characteristic cherry and chocolate light up the palate of this classic Sonoma County Merlot. Flavors of coffee and luscious plum in the mid palate solidify its structure and give it depth, while its round, generous tannins deliver a bold, lengthy finish.

Blend: 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec and 2% Petite Verdot

WINE #1 SCORING:

Bob 7, Karen 7, Mike 7, Becky 7.5, Andy 7, Elizabeth 6.5, Wayne 7, Linda 6.5, Meghan 5, Santiago 6, Bryan 5.5, Stephen 6.5, Lauren 6

Wine #2:  90 Cellar + Pinot Noir Lot 62

Tasting comments:

Bryan “Milder”

Wayne “Pinot Noir”

Wine #2

Bob “Becky, it’s one of those smells” said with a ‘stanky’ face

Linda “Fruity”

Andy “Soft and Sly”

Meghan “Very light smelling”

Bob “It came out of a sock drawer”

Stephen “I don’t like it”

Meghan “It’s neutral. Not sweet, not sour. Not anything.”

Santiago “A bland pairing wine. Better with food”

Mike “Not an old wine”

Elizabeth “Somewhat subtle”

Andy “Balanced and fruity”

Mike “What’s the fruit?”

Andy “Grapes”

Karen “I say cherry”

Lauren “Currants”

Wayne “Becky, do you know what the fruit is? Blackberry.”

My birthday napkins :)

Meghan “Best pairing this with the pate”

Wayne “Good with the fatty food”

Winemaker notes:Brilliant ruby red in color with placid aromas of red raspberry, pomegranate, and cranberry with a delightful spark of exotic spices and freshly baked pastries. Once sipped, all the flavors harmoniously unite to create a Pinot Noir that's ideal for slowly sipping alone or generously pouring to friends. 

WINE #2 SCORING

Bob 4, Karen 4, Mike 6, Becky 7, Andy 7, Elizabeth 6, Wayne 5, Linda 6, Meghan 5, Santiago 5, Bryan 6.5, Stephen 5, Lauren 6

Wine #3:  The Forager Pinot Noir

Tasting comments:

Becky “This is darker”

Wine #3



Wayne “Beautiful color”

Bryan “Not as harsh as the other two. Smooth”

Karen “Smells amazing”

Bob “THIS is your Pinot Noir”

Becky “A caramel burnt taste”

Wayne “Black cherries, currants and vanilla”

Meghan “Velvety”Andy “What she said”

Bryan “Silky”

Santiago “Definitely black cherry”

Elizabeth “Black cherry with a hint of vanilla”

Linda “Very good. Smooth”

Bob “I agree with the vanilla. Tastes creamy”

Santiago “Sabroso! I give it a 7”

"Premature scoring!" everyone yelled.

Meghan “That’s a common problem”

Salami and Toasted French bread

Stephen “Smooth”

Mike “Smooth. Goes good with strawberries”
Lauren “Smooth. Also lots of vanilla”

Karen “Too fruity”

Winemaker notes:

There's considerable depth here, as the palate expands to reveal layers of complexity. Mineral and earth spice notes accent the finish. This Pinot Noir is open, bright, and accessible while maintaining a certain sophistication. Spicy cherry & dark raspberry nose. Taste more of the same berry/cherry fruits along with cinnamon, black tea, violets and vanilla. French oak aged, small percentage new.  Big flavor, smooth tannins, moderate acidity. Excellent wine to pair with stronger-flavored fowl. 

WINE #3 SCORING

Bob 7.5, Karen 6.5, Mike 7, Becky 8, Andy 7.5, Elizabeth 7.5, Wayne 8, Linda 8, Meghan 7, Santiago 7, Bryan 8, Stephen 7.5, Lauren 8

Before the ‘big’ reveal Wayne said “I guess Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet”

Close…but no cigar Wayne! J



"Blinders" for our Wine Bottles
Yes, the socks are clean!



Italian Reunion! Some excellent wines from Tuscany

“Italian Reunion” A Blind Wine Tasting hosted by Karen and Bob

 

Wine #1: I Perazzi Morellino di Scansano – La Mozza 2010

Tasting comments:

Becky “Wow! Smells good. Tastes even better.”

Bob “Pretty good”

Karen “Smooth. Deep berry start. Finishes dry. Yay!”

Elizabeth “Not pucker your mouth dry”

Wayne “Plum”

Bob “Plum good!”

Wayne “A good drinking wine”

Mike “Smooth”
Becky “It’s interesting after the meat”

Bob “Bitey after the olive”
Sean “I like it a lot with the swiss”

Wayne “I’m going out on a limb – Sangiovese grape”

Karen “I say Brunello”

Becky “I like it with the sundried tomatoes”

Jess, Linda “Smooth”

Andy “Delicate but tasty”

Becky “A ‘metallic’ taste with the camembert”

Winemaker notes:85% Morellino (the local name for Sangiovese in Maremma), 5% Syrah, 5% Alicante, 2% Colorino, 3% Ciliegiolo The foundation of the La Mozza winery, was created to be unlike most typical Morellino di Scansano. The blend, which includes Mediterranean varieties, is more expressive and better demonstrates the potential of Maremma's terroir. I Perazzi is named after the pear-like fruit that grow on our estate and are depicted on the label. Dark berries and cherries notes are mixed with black licorice tones. This wine is very soft, gentle, balanced and a true crowd pleaser. Great with tomato based pasta sauces and pizzas.

WINE #1 SCORING:

Bob 8, Karen 8.5, Mike 7.5, Becky 8, Andy 8, Elizabeth 8, Wayne 8.5, Linda 9 Jess 8.5, Sean 7.5

Wine #2:  Castello di Selvole Sangiovese - Toscana

Tasting comments:

Bob “Not a lot of odor”

Karen “It does have a really nice smell. But it’s light”

Bob “Fruity. Cherry fruity”

Karen “It has a ‘fizz’”

Andy “Grape fruity”

Karen “Definitely cherry”

Andy “OK. Cherry”

Jess “I see where she gets the fizz”

Karen “Tart”

Linda “Weak finish”

Wayne “Alcohol up front on the smell”

Becky “I get the tart right away”

Wayne “Spice”

Jess “The swiss takes away the bite”

Becky “Really good with the dried tomato”

Wayne “Reminds me of some NY wines”

Becky “Really good with the olives”

Jess “Makes the wine interesting”

Elizabeth “It’s fine. I really liked the other one”

Wayne “Is it a Chianti?”

Bob “Only the sock knows”

Winemaker notes:

Red, ruby intense colour. Persistent and pleasant fruity flavour. In the mouth, a taste of

red fruits, vanilla, and coffee. The balanced acidity, evolved and mature tannins together with a long finish, leave the mouth pleasantly dry. Service temperature: 18 degrees centigrade. Open one hour before drinking.

WINE #2 SCORING

Bob 6.5, Karen 7, Mike 6, Becky 6.5, Andy 6.5, Elizabeth 5.5, Wayne 6.5, Linda 5.5 Jess 6.5, Sean 5.5

Wine #3:  Morellino di Scansano – Castello Romitorio

Tasting comments:

Wayne “A beautiful color”

Karen “Oh man. We had the best one first!”

Andy “It just needs to breathe a little first”

Bob “Dry”

Karen “Alcohol-y”

Wayne “Let it breathe – I think you’re right Andy”

Karen (after aerating) “A LOT better!”

Mike “I don’t like the smell”

Andy “The socks or the wine?”

Wayne “I’m making a guess – a vina noble – Montepulciano”

Elizabeth “Smells like mold”

Karen “Root cellar”

Wayne “Wine of the earth”

Andy “Really complex and interesting once it breathed”

Wayne “After breathing, the complexity changed and layered the wine”

Sean “I wanted to say a whole bunch of words. It’s bad”

Winemaker notes:

The grapes utilized in the Morellino are a blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. The combination of altitude, southwestern exposure, and rich volcanic soil create in Scansano one of Italy’s most unique micro-climates. A nose of fresh flowers, earth and distinct notes of plum. On the palate, bitter cherries open into a round and steady finish.

WINE #3 SCORING

Bob 6.5, Karen 7, Mike 5, Becky 6.5, Andy 7.5, Elizabeth 6.5, Wayne 7.5, Linda 6.5, Jess 6.5, Sean 3

Wine #4:  Rocca di Frassinello – Maremma Toscana 2009

Tasting comments:

Sean “It’s actually not bad. Spicy.”

Bob “Smells a lot better than the last 2”

Karen “The best smeller”

Wayne “If Yankee Candle could get this smell they would have a hit on their hands”

Karen “Wayne & I don’t want to taste it because it smells so good”

Linda “Tastes as good as it smells”

Elizabeth “Deep. Full mouth wine.”

Karen “Similar to the first wine”

Wayne “Flavorful mouth with a wonderful finish. In my wheelhouse”

Linda “Stays longer”

Andy “Saucy, insouciant, forward yet restrained.”

ANDY T-SHIRT à “Wine night is not just for breakfast anymore”

Karen “It’s in Wayne’s wheelhouse?!? It’s in Karen’s wheelhouse too! I like it better without the chocolate”

Becky “I’m getting a lot of fruit”

Karen “It’s dry”

Winemaker notes:

A wine of great character. Deep ruby red in color, with good berry fruit and floral notes, hints of minerals, and nice elegant spicy tones. Medium-bodied, with fine, velvety tannins and a medium-to-long finish. Wine suitable for ageing, but so very pleasant due to the soft tannins that it can also be drunk young. It pairs well with all red meat dishes and mature cheeses.

WINE #3 SCORING

Bob 7, Karen 9, Mike 6.5, Becky 7.5, Andy 8, Elizabeth 8.5, Wayne 9, Linda 8, Jess 7.5, Sean 7

note: Wayne’s score was influenced by Karen!!

Back to our "Blind" taste test!!

Blind Wine Tasting hosted by Elizabeth & Andy

This week we went back to the “Blind” tastings where we cover the wines with (clean!) socks so that we are not influenced by the name or price of the wine.

Check out the sample sock ------> 

Wine #1: Chateau Ste. Michelle Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Columbia Valley

Tasting comments:

Becky “It looks to be a white wine”

Mike “She’s peeking!”

Jess “Smells crisp”

Bob “It’s that pear taste. I’m going to guess a Pinot Grigio – but maybe not!”

Elizabeth “Crisp”

Andy “Refreshing”

Bob “The brie makes it crisper”

Elizabeth “It’s not brie…it’s camembert”

Becky “It’s good with the camembert”

Karen “It’s fizzy”

Winemaker notes:“The cooler vintage led to a more herbal style of Sauvignon Blanc with aromas of grass, fresh herbs and grapefruit with a clean, fresh finish. The mostly stainless steel fermentation makes this a crisp wine that would pair well with dishes with cream sauce.”

- Bob Bertheau, Head Winemaker

WINE #1 SCORING:

Bob 5, Karen 3, Mike 8, Becky 7, Andy 6, Elizabeth 7, Jess 7, Bryan 6

Wine #2:  Chateau Ste. Michelle 2010 Merlot Columbia Valley                                                

Tasting comments:

Bob “Very good. A peppery finish.”

Elizabeth “Spicy”

Bryan “Very spicy”

Jess “The initial taste is mild”

Becky “I agree. The very first taste is kind of watery; mild”

Mike” Mild. Plain”

Bryan “I don’t like it that much”

Elizabeth “I like it. It’s spicy. I like it best with the Camembert cheese.

Bryan “I like it best with the Campo cheese because I can’t taste it”

Bob “Not bad”

Karen “Not dry”

Winemaker notes:

“We craft this wine to be our complex yet approachable Merlot. The wine offers aromas of black cherry, leather and spice with layers of rich dark red fruit flavors and a long, smooth, sweet finish. A touch of Syrah adds a jammy fruit character. I think of this wine as a great ‘any day red.’”

- Bob Bertheau, Head Winemaker

WINE #2 SCORING

Bob 6, Karen 6, Mike 5, Becky 5.5, Andy 6, Elizabeth 6, Jess 6, Bryan 4.5

Wine #3:  Chateau Ste. Michelle 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Indian Wells

Tasting comments:

Elizabeth “I smell spice in it, but not as much”

Becky “You get the spice quick”

Bob “It’s a nose turner!” (said with a “stank” face)

Karen “Tastes musty”

Andy “Tastes raw”

Bob “We haven’t used that word before!”

Karen “Rough”

Mike “Bad taste in the back of the throat”

Bob “Ewww”

Elizabeth “I’m slightly disappointed. I was expecting more” (Elizabeth cheated and knew what the wine was!)

Andy “Next time don’t buy it at Quickie Mart”

Elizabeth “You told me to keep the cost down”

Andy “Got better over time”

Winemaker notes:

“The Indian Wells Cabernet is our warm climate, ripe, jammy “New World” style of Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine really typifies the Wahluke Slope region with dark fruit aromas and flavors with hints of vanilla. Vineyards in the area are more than a decade old now and showing character and complexity.”

Bob Bertheau - WINEMAKER

WINE #3 SCORING

Bob 5, Karen 5, Mike 5, Becky 5, Andy 6, Elizabeth 5, Jess 5, Bryan 4.5

Note: This is one of our “go to” wines! We were quite surprised when it scored it so low.

Wild Horses (wine) couldn't keep us away! Another fun wine night!

Friday May 24, 2013 hosted by Becky & Mike

Wine #1: Forefront Pinot Gris 2011

First taste comments:

Bob & Karen simultaneously “Pear!”

Elizabeth “Citrus-y”

Andy “Grapefruit”

Becky “Yes!”

Wayne “An apple finish”

Elizabeth “I taste lemon”

Bob “Makes me feel like Tonto”

Mike “Refreshing”

Bob “I like it”

Elizabeth “Crisp”

Jess “Yes. Crisp.”

Becky “Tart”

Sean “Not bad”

Winemaker notes:A bright bouquet of honeyed pear, dried white flowers and clean wet stone spring from the glass of our 2011 Pinot Gris. On the palate, bright flavors of crystallized lemon, ripe golden apple and honeydew melon abound, enhanced by a subtle hint of jasmine and quince. Finishing crisply with clean minerality and lemon zest, this wine would be a delight when paired with fresh oysters or a triple-cream Brie and baguette.

Food #1 – Pretzels with Honey Mustard Dip

Comments:

Becky “Good with the food!”

Jess “Takes the tart out”

Bob “Better”

Elizabeth “Smoothes it. Takes the acid out.”

Sean “Tastes better with the mustard.”

Food #2 – Chicken Salad with Red Onion and Dried Cranberries on Toasted French Rounds

Comments:

Kara “I like this food, but I like the wine with the mustard better”

Jess “Brings the tart back”

Bob “Bob-tart”

Becky “Gives the wine more taste”

Brian “The chicken was underwhelming with the wine. Not strong enough”

Bob “It’s better to be unsatisfactory than nonperforming”

WINE #1 VOTES

Wine alone: Andy, Wayne (Wayne “Because the wine wouldn’t taste good with anything”)

With Food #1: Brian, Mike, Bob, Kara, Karen, Elizabeth, Bryan, Sean, Becky, Jess

With Food #2: No votes

Wine #2:  Wild Horse Merlot 2010

First taste comments:

Sean “Bland”

Becky “Has a dry finish”

Elizabeth “A little dry. Tastes like Plum.”

Karen “Smells good.”

Wayne “Cloves”

Elizabeth “Cherry”
Andy “I’ll say black Currant because every red seems to have it”

Wayne “Big tannin finish”

Sean “I could get drunk off this. Easy to drink. Can drink it like water.”

Winemaker notes:

Our 2010 Central Coast Merlot has aromas of fresh red fruit, cedar, hints of rose petal, and blackberry cobbler followed by a plush and extremely balanced finish. Pair this yummy wine with gnocchi dumplings with marinara sauce or mini filet mignon kabobs.

Food #1 – Provolone & Spicy Brown Mustard on French Round

Comments:

Andy “Good combination of flavors”

Elizabeth “Takes away the acidic flavor”

Karen “Dry now. No tart.”

Food #2 – Filet Mignon Kabobs

Comments:

Wayne “I like the wine with the meat”

Bob “Meat with tomato, then wine. Very good!”

Bryan “Really good with the mushrooms”

Wayne “The Wine complemented the kabob”

WINE #2 VOTES

Wine alone: Sean (ditto Wayne’s quote regarding Wine #1)

With Food #1: Bob, Brian

With Food #2: Karen, Mike, Becky, Andy, Elizabeth, Jess, Kara, Bryan, Wayne

Wine #3:  Wild Horse Pinot Noir

First taste comments:

Becky “Look at how dark it is!”

Elizabeth “Has a nice aroma”

Bob “Tastes like last week’s Midnight”

Bryan “Really sweet.”

Jess “It is sweet!”

Kara “I don’t like it”

Wayne “The sweetest Pinot Noir I have ever tasted”

Sean “Tastes like a combination of Kool-Aid and Wine”

Wayne “A warm sangria”

Becky “After it sits in your mouth there is a smoky flavor”

Andy, Jess “Yes!”

Winemaker notes:

Our 2011 Pinot Noir has beautiful aromas and flavors of black cherry, pomegranate, and cranberries. This wine has bold aromas of raspberry and cherry that transcend into the mouth with a lush, delicious finish.

Food #1 – Swiss Fontina Cheese

Comments:

Becky “Takes the sweet out”

Kara, Wayne “Good Cheese”

Jess “Does take the sweet out!”

Bryan “It’s nice that it does”

Sean “Neutralizes the Kool-Aid”

Andy “The cheese goes well with the wine. Restrained. Subtle”

Elizabeth “The cheese enhances the wine”

Sean “The cheese saves the wine”

Food #2 – Vanilla Honey Graham Cookie with Honey Goat Cheese and Fig

Comments:

Elizabeth “I don’t know how it will taste with the wine, but this is amazing!”

Karen “Makes the wine awesome!”

Kara “I don’t know if I want to drink the wine this is so good”

Wayne “Makes the wine outstanding”

Becky “Makes the wine dry”

Andy “Great with the wine”

Jess “Really changed the taste!”

WINE #3 VOTES

Wine alone: no one

With Food #1: Sean

With Food #2: Everyone else

After we finished with the Pairings we enjoyed a little more wine.....thanks mostly to Wayne! My favorite of these was the Four Vines Zinfandel - an affordable and tasty wine.

And Jessica just had to see how good salami and wine went together.....