Wine Reviewed
Terra Vega Kosher Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 13 % alcohol about $17.

In the absence of marketing materials we’ll start by quoting from the back label. “This deep ruby red coloured Cabernet Sauvignon shows violets, cassis, and black cherry aromas along with a delicate and sweet touch of vanilla coming from the aging in oak barrels. In the mouth it is very rich in fruit, fullbodied, with soft tannins. The result is a classic Cabernet Sauvignon perfect to match food or to drink by itself.” And now for my review.

At the first sips this wine had lots of body, featuring the taste of chocolate. Japanese rice crackers sadly Wasabi-less weakened this wine. There were no tannins. In response to a boxed Baked Ziti Siciliano liberally doused with grated parmesan cheese the Cab weakly filled my mouth. I tasted the shadow of metal.

This review of a Chilean  Cabernet Sauvignon continues on my web site at
http://theworldwidewine.com/Wine_articles/Elsewhere_wine_articles/chilean_cabernet_sauvignon.php

A California Collection Cabernet Sauvignon

They do a lot of Napa Valley wine. But not at this price...

Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine Reviewed
Beringer California Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 13.5 % alcohol about $10.

We’ll start by quoting the marketing materials. “Tasting Note : Inky purple; notes of plum, blackberry, and vanilla; palate follows nose with dark fruit character and a soft vanilla and chocolate finish. Serving Suggestion : Serve with slow-cooked veal shank.” And now for my review.
At the first sips this wine was somewhat thin and fleeting. But later it lengthened and offered pleasant sweetness. Japanese rice crackers sadly Wasabi-less stiffened this drink a bit. A boxed Baked Ziti Siciliano liberally doused with grated parmesan cheese thinned the Cab. I couldn’t help but think of Gertrude Stein’s famous quote about a city that I choose not to name,– “There’s no there there.” To be fair, this liquid was refreshing.

This review of a Beringer California  Cabernet Sauvignon continues on my website
at http://theworldwidewine.com/Wine_reviews/Weekly_cheap_wine_reviews/Y2012/wine_lovers_bargain_review_cacs.php

A Canadian Rosé

Sheep in the Vineyard

As the summer is waning it seems to be time for another rosé. We haven’t reviewed many from Canada. Today’s offering carries the VQA designation often found on medium-priced or more expensive Canadian wines. The Featherstone Estate Winery occupies 23 acres (about 10 hectares) of rolling hills in the prestigious upper Twenty Mile Bench of the Niagara Escarpment in Ontario. The owners use no insecticides and have made a major commitment to “green” methods such as using falcons to deal with bird pests and sheep to eat excessive grape leaves and fertilize the grapes as well. They did not identify the grapes used in this wine. The companion wine is an Argentine Syrah rosé at two thirds the price.

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.

Wine Reviewed
Featherstone Rosé 2009 VQA Niagara Peninsula 12.5 % alcohol about $15.
In the absence of marketing materials let’s start by quoting the back label. “This is a vibrant rosé that combines the amiable characteristics of red grapes with the refreshing dry aspects of a white wine. Aromas of cherries, roses and the refreshment of spring are here. Serve slightly chilled, it is a tasty accompaniment to light vegetarian meals and most chicken or fish dishes.” And now for my review.
At the first sips this wine was long and slightly metallic. When paired with Wasabi-covered peanuts its acidity increased a bit. An omelet perked up with dried basil, black pepper, chilies, and garlic powder intensified this libation’s metallic taste. It was dark. A side dish of zesty guacamole rendered the contents of my glass nicely round. In the presence of a tomato, cucumber, red pepper, and radish salad our Canadian friend became very bright with a touch of metal and good sweetness. Fresh blueberries for dessert made this wine lemony.

This review of A Canadian Rosé continues on my web site at
http://theworldwidewine.com/Wine_reviews/Near_weekly_15_dollar_wine_reviews/Y2012/canadian_rose.php

 

 An Argentine Syrah Rosé

Wine Reviewed
Santa Julia Syrah Rosé 2011 12.5 % alcohol about $10.

In the absence of marketing materials let’s start by quoting the back label. “This Santa Julia Syrah Rosé is a dry rosé with deep pink colours, intense, ripe red fruit aromas and a soft spice finish. Is ideal to serve chilled as an aperitif or as an accompaniment to poultry, paella, cold dishes or vegetables.”

And now for my review.
At the first sips this wine offered refreshing acidity and strawberries. When paired with Wasabi-covered peanuts its acidity sharpened and it was round. An omelet perked up with dried basil, black pepper, chilies, and garlic powder gave this libation a pleasant sweetness but its fruit was light. A side dish of zesty guacamole infused spices into my glass. A tomato, cucumber, red pepper, and radish salad imparted good acidity and some metal into our Argentine friend. Fresh blueberries for dessert made this wine round and dark.

This review of  An Argentine Syrah Rosé continues on my website at
http://theworldwidewine.com/Wine_reviews/Weekly_cheap_wine_reviews/Y2012/wine_lovers_bargain_review_asro.php

An Israeli White Blend

Wine Reviewed
Recanati Yasmin 2011 12.4 % alcohol about $12.

In the absence of marketing materials we’ll start by quoting the back label. “A harmonious, flavorful white from the sun-kissed Mediterranean vineyards of Israel. Yasmin is the perfect all-occasion wine. With its enticing aromas and flavors of tropical fruit, Yasmin is a stylish wine ideally paired with appetizers, fish, poultry and vegetarian entrées.” And now for my review.

At the first sips this wine tasted rich. It was burnt and oaky with good acidity. Wasabi-covered peanuts rounded it. A barbecued chicken thigh in sweet and sour sauce rendered this liquid light and I tasted toast in the background. When paired with wings the wine enveloped the sweetness of the meat. The side dish of crushed tomatoes, mushrooms, and onions over quinoa provided toasty oak, which was not overdone. Dessert was homemade fruit compote. All I got was a little bit of light oak.

This review of An Israeli White Blend continues on my web site at http://theworldwidewine.com/Wine_reviews/Near_weekly_15_dollar_wine_reviews/Y2012/israeli_white_blend.php

 

An Argentine White Blend

Can you get fine wine from this area at this price?...

Trapiche Astica

It seems to me that I haven’t reviewed a Sauvignon Blanc in quite some time. Today’s offering isn’t a varietal, it’s blended with Semillon in undisclosed proportions. The Trapiche winery claims to be Argentina’s largest exported premium brand. Their website talks about biodynamics (more organic than organic) but this is not an organic wine. They exploit over 1000 hectares (2500 acres) of vineyards and get grapes from 200 producers. At this price we may assume our bottle is not a single-vineyard product. The companion wine is an Israeli Sauvignon Blanc blend at half again the price.

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.

Wine Reviewed
Trapiche Astica Sauvignon/Semillon 2011 13 % alcohol about $8.

We’ll start by quoting the marketing materials. “Tasting Note : Pale straw yellow colour; intense peachy/grassy, slightly tropical nose; dry on the palate, with citrusy/peach fruit flavours, herbal notes, moderate acidity and finish. Serving Suggestion : Casual fare, finger foods, grilled fish, asparagus au gratin, pork skewers.” And now for my review.
At the first sips this wine was pleasantly sweet offering raw acidity and a wisp of citrus. Wasabi-covered peanuts tamed its acidity and imparted a metallic taste. A barbecued chicken thigh in sweet and sour sauce reinforced this liquid’s sweetness. The drink’s acidity worked well in cutting the meat’s grease. When paired with wings a touch of caramel surfaced in my glass. The side dish of crushed tomatoes, mushrooms, and onions over quinoa provided the blend with good acidity, good length, and some fruit. Dessert was homemade fruit compote. Now the wine’s acidity was dominant and I tasted oaky citrus.

This review of An Argentine White Blend  continues on my web site at http://theworldwidewine.com/Wine_reviews/Weekly_cheap_wine_reviews/Y2012/wine_lovers_bargain_review_arwb.php