Tasting - Zentas Malbec

Name: Zentas Malbec
Variety: 100% Malbec
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2011
Price: $8.95

Winery Review: This Malbec presents a nice deep red color. The nose offers intense and ripe aromas of red fruits, such as dark cherries, plums and raspberry. Om the palate it is fresh and fruity with soft tannins and a nice finish. Pleasant and easy to drink.

My Review: I was surprised I like this wine at all. Usually not a huge red wine drinker. Nice red color, more impressed with this than the others I tasted. Very rich and strong aromas. Not a spicy red but fruity which I was not expecting. Bitter towards the end. I had this without any food.

Tasting - Chateau Mas Neuf Rhone Paradox

Name: Chateau Mas Neuf Rhone Paradox Rouge
Variety: Syrah (50%), Grenache (15%), Mourvèdre (20%), Carignan (15%)
Region: Chateau
Country: France
Year: 2009
Price: $11.95

Winery Review: Intense garnet colour. The nose reveals red fruits (raspberry, red currants) combined with subtle hints of eucalyptus and bouquet garni. Aromas of very ripe fruit, leather and bouquet garni. The palate is sensual and is distinguished by a good balance of freshness. The aromas of very ripe fruit, leather and bouquet garni indicate full ripeness of the grapes resulting. With its subtle tannins the Mas Neuf Rhone Paradox can be tasted now or could be laid down in the cellar for 2 to 5 years.


My Review: A dark color but not as dark as the winery review leads to be. I was surprised by the smell of this red wine because it had hints of fruit and fresh aromas. I would assume that is the eucalyptus coming through mentioned in the winery review. Heavier taste with leather coming through for me more than fruit which is surprising because the of the fruit smell. Very strong after taste that is not for me.  I can see why it was suggest for beef. I tasted it without food though so maybe a food pair will change my mind.

Tasting - Old Coach Road Chardonnay

Name: Old Coach Road Chardonnay Half Oak
Variety: 100% Chardonnay 
Region: Nelson
Country: New Zealand
Year: 2009
Price: $14.95

Winery Review: This is a delightfully satisfying wine full of ripe chardonnay fruit characters intertwined with smooth, supple, spicy oak. The palate is full and textured, with a clear definition and long lasting flavors.
My Review: Yellow color, very strong smell. Very dry and mouth puckering at the end. Has a long lasting dry taste. Does have a slight kick from the oak. Not very acidic as I thought it would be. Ok but not my favorite of the day. I tasted this with out food.

Tasting - Chateau Mas Neuf Rhone Blanc

Name: Chateau Mas Neuf Rhone Paradox Blanc
Variety: 65% White Grenache, 35% Roussanne
Region: Chateau
Country: France
Year: 2010
Price: $11.95

Winery Review: Brilliant yellow colour. The up-front nose uninhibitedly reveals fresh fruit aromas (yellow peaches) that combine with hints of white flowers. The palate develops fully with a fresh tonic finish.

My Review: Typical fruity white wine smell. Not that impressed with the color but it is yellow. Fruit tastes but a little dry and bitter at the end. Not a lot of fruit in the taste after first sip.

Tasting - Old Coach Road Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Old Coach Nelson Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Nelson
Country: New Zealand
Year: 2011
Price: $14.95

Vintage Cellar Review: Fresh, lively and intense varietal fruit with delicious passionfruit flavors in the mouth. Old Coach Road Sauvignon Blanc Wine is nicely integrated and has a long lingering finish.

My Review: I really like this wine. Nice color but not very yellow. I could tell it was fruity from the smell but it was not too strong. Very light clean taste fruity taste. Maybe a tad bitter/ dry at the end but enjoyable. I tasted this with no food.