A South African Oaked Chenin Blanc

Wine Reviewed
Simsonig Chenin Avec Chêne Chenin Blanc W. O. Stellenbosch 2009 14.5 % alcohol about $28.

Let’s start with the marketing materials. “Description : This wine has won numerous top prizes in 2011 in South African wine shows. Tasting Note : As its title suggests, the 2009 Chenin Avec Chene is aged in 400-liter French oak barrels for 11 months of which one-third are new. The nose shows great varietal character with wet wool, dried honey and a touch of lanolin with fine delineation. The palate is very well balanced, polished by that new oak (although personally I might have used a little less.) Nevertheless it has an irresistible finish of honeycomb, pear and white peach that is entrancing. Drink now-2017. Score - 93. (Neal Martin, at the erobertparker web site, Aug. 2011).” And now for my review.

At the first sips this wine tasted of golden oak, which was not overdone (yet?) and presented balanced acidity. Wasabi-less Japanese rice crackers gave this libation pleasant acidity. Then came a no cheese homemade lasagna featuring whole wheat noodles, ground chicken, spicy salsa, and peas. In response the Chenin Blanc was mouth filling and long but lived up to its name providing too much oak. It tasted of lanolin and had good acidity. Dessert was chocolate cake with lots of nuts and frosting. Now my wine tasted burnt and was oaky.

My next meal started with chicken soup and Matzo balls. The soup imparted fine acidity with a tinge of oak to our South African friend. The Matzo balls rendered it syrupy. The main dish was baked chicken legs in cardamom, cumin, and coriander. In response the liquid was balanced, except for the oak. I tasted caramel. The libation stepped up in response to mashed potatoes. But it was virtually absent when paired with a commercial Turkish salad composed of sweet pimento, tomato paste, dried parsley, hot peppers, vinegar, and spices.

This review of A South African Oaked Chenin Blanc
continues on my web site at http://theworldwidewine.com/Wine_articles/Elsewhere_wine_articles/south_african_oaked_chenin_blanc.php

A South African Sauvignon Blanc

Can you get a decent South African Sauvignon Blanc at this price?...

Frisky Zebras Sauvignon Blanc

I really wanted today’s low-cost wine to be a South African Chenin Blanc to go along with its more expensive tasting partner. I looked for an inexpensive example of that nation’s signature white grape. But I couldn’t find any so I had to be satisfied with a more international grape. This bottle is carries the Wine of Origin Western Cape appellation, one that covers most of the country’s wine growing areas. David Bate is a Canadian with a Master of Science from the Bordeaux International Wine Institute. His company, the United Nations of Wine, makes wine in seven countries. Almost of their wines carry a silly name. The companion wine is an oaked South African Chenin Blanc at almost three times the cost.

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

Wine Reviewed
Frisky Zebras Sensuous Sauvignon Blanc no vintage 13 % alcohol $10.

Let’s start with the marketing materials. “Tasting Note : Pale yellow colour; light aromas of melon, tinned peas and mineral; dry, light bodied; soft apple and citrus flavours, medium acidity and short finish. Serving Suggestion : Serve with simply prepared fish.” And now for my review.

At the first sips this wine presented puckering acidity with a tinge of sweetness. Wasabi-less Japanese rice crackers almost mastered this libation’s acidity and I tasted green apples. Then came a cheese less homemade lasagna featuring whole wheat noodles, ground chicken, spicy salsa, and peas. In response my glass offered sweet acidity, the taste of unripe apples, and a slightly burnt taste. Dessert was chocolate cake with lots of nuts and frosting. Now my wine was too oaky.

This review of a South African Sauvignon Blanc continues on my web site
at http://theworldwidewine.com/Wine_reviews/Weekly_cheap_wine_reviews/Y2012/wine_lovers_bargain_review_sasb.php

An Australian Old Bush Vine Red Blend

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

Wine Reviewed
Schild Estae Old Bush Vine GMS Grenache/Mourvedre/Shiraz 2010 14.5 % alcohol about $14.

Let’s start with the marketing materials. “Description : The Schild family is celebrating 60 years in the Barossa Valley in 2012. Ben Schild founded the property in 1952 but passed away suddenly in 1956. His youngest son, Ed Schild, took the reins of the property at the tender age of 16. Now in his 70s, Ed Schild is a pillar of the Barossa community. Tasting Note : (55% grenache, 25% mourvedre and 20% shiraz): Bright ruby. High-pitched aromas of raspberry, cherry and rose, with a white pepper accent. Shows good energy and attractive sweetness to the flavors of fresh red fruits and spices. The spicy quality echoes on the smooth, focused finish. This drinks very well right now. Score - 90. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, Sept./Oct. 2011).” And now for my review.

At the first sips this wine was rich and sweet. It seemed carbonated and was dark. When paired with Wasabi-less Japanese rice crackers this libation took on a burnt taste. Then came homemade chicken breast nuggets in a variety of spices. The drink was powerful but sweet. Its fruit did not come through at first but dark cherries and plums managed to show up later. The accompanying mashed potatoes brought out sweet plums, what can I tell you? The other side dish was a commercial Turkish salad composed of sweet pimento, tomato paste, dried parsley, hot peppers, vinegar, and spices. Now our Australian friend was more subtle and its unpleasant sweetness was muted. In the presence of fresh raspberries, the liquid replied with lots of oak, but not too much, and some chocolate entered the fray.

This review of an Australian  Grenache/Mourvedre/Shiraz continues on my web site at
http://theworldwidewine.com/Wine_reviews/Near_weekly_15_dollar_wine_reviews/Y2012/australian_old_bush_vine_red_blend.phphttp://theworldwidewine.com/Wine_reviews/Near_weekly_15_dollar_wine_reviews/Y2012/australian_old_bush_vine_red_blend.php

A Mass Market Australian Shiraz

Wine Reviewed
Yellow Tail Shiraz no vintage 13 % alcohol about $7.

Let’s start with the marketing materials. “Tasting Note : Dark ruby purple; blackberry, red liquorice, vanilla bean and plum aromas; dry, full-bodies, softly structured with flavors of plum, ripe berry and a sweet fruit center; long spicy finish. Serving Suggestion : BBQ fare and beef dishes.” And now for my review.

At the first sips this wine was quite sweet offering plums, and balanced acidity and tannins. When paired with Wasabi-less Japanese rice crackers this libation shortened and almost sweetened. Then came homemade chicken breast nuggets in a variety of spices. The drink’s plums strengthened but it was still too sweet. The accompanying mashed potatoes rendered it rounder. The other side dish was a commercial Turkish salad composed of sweet pimento, tomato paste, dried parsley, hot peppers, vinegar, and spices. Now our Australian friend was still sweet but metallic. In the presence of fresh raspberries the liquid replied with sharp acidity and echoed the fruit.

This review of  a Mass Market Australian Shiraz continues on my web site at

 http://theworldwidewine.com/Wine_reviews/Weekly_cheap_wine_reviews/Y2012/wine_lovers_bargain_review_mmas.php

A Galilee, Israel Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine Reviewed
Tulip Just Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 15 % alcohol about $25.

In the absence of marketing materials let’s start by quoting the back label. “Tulip is a family owned winery, located in a town near Nazareth. The winery employs mentally disabled individuals, enabling them to share the joy of winemaking. This wine is made of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown in the Upper Galilee. It was aged in top quality French and American oak barrels. This impressive and elegant wine has a dark red bordeaux color, and features flavors of ripe black and red fruits, with a hint of oak and a long and satisfying finish.” And now for my review.

At the first sips this wine was long, multilayered, and slightly sweet. When paired with Wasabi-less Japanese rice crackers the Cab tasted grapey, offering light acidity and tannins. Then came baked chicken thighs in a medley of spices including basil, cumin, black pepper, garlic, and oregano that managed to take away that grapey taste but the wine remained too sweet. The situation improved with the delicious side dish of okra cooked in stewed tomatoes, onions, and garlic over quinoa. Our Galilee friend’s acidity stepped up and was now forceful with a tinge of oak. Blackberries for dessert managed to keep that grapey taste away from my glass, but didn’t do anything else.

This review of a  Galilee, Israel Cabernet Sauvignon continues on my web site at
http://theworldwidewine.com/Wine_articles/Elsewhere_wine_articles/galilee_israel_cabernet_sauvignon.php

A Central Spanish Red Blend

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

Wine Reviewed
Elvi Ness Ribera del Júcar D. O. 2008 14.2 % alcohol about $15.

In the absence of marketing materials we’ll start by quoting the back label. “Ness 2008 is a blend of Tempranillo, Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. With the implementation of the cutting edge viticulture and winemaking techniques developed by ELVIwines in Priorat, this wine achieved a superb structure and finesse that exemplifies the potential for quality of that appellation. ELVIwines is dedicated to the improvement of Mediterranean style wines with local varieties.” And now for my review.

At the first sips this wine was plummy and very long. It was slightly sweet. Wasabi-less Japanese rice crackers sharpened the liquid and I noted even more plums. When paired with a boxed Baked Ziti Siciliano that I liberally doused with Parmesan Cheese my glass responded with strong plums and balanced acidity and tannins.

This review of a  Central Spanish Red Blend continues on my web site at
http://theworldwidewine.com/Wine_reviews/Near_weekly_15_dollar_wine_reviews/Y2012/central_spanish_red_blend.phphttp://theworldwidewine.com/Wine_reviews/Near_weekly_15_dollar_wine_reviews/Y2012/central_spanish_red_blend.php

A South African Merlot

Wine Reviewed
Kleine Draken Merlot W. O. Paarl 2011 13.5 % alcohol about $15.

In the absence of marketing materials we’ll start by quoting the back label. “A fruity lightly wooded wine made in an easy drinking style. This wine is soft on the palate with a long finish. Will complement meat dishes or enjoy on its own.” And now for my review.

At the first sips this wine was sweet and plummy with low acidity and low tannins. Wasabi-less Japanese rice crackers rendered the liquid a bit stronger. A boxed Baked Ziti Siciliano liberally doused with Parmesan Cheese rendered the kid from Paarl quite sweet but there wasn’t much tannins or acidity.

This review of a South African Merlot continues on my website at
 http://theworldwidewine.com/Wine_reviews/Near_weekly_15_dollar_wine_reviews/Y2012/south_african_merlot.phphttp://theworldwidewine.com/Wine_reviews/Near_weekly_15_dollar_wine_reviews/Y2012/south_african_merlot.php

Wine Reviewed
Dalton Safsufa Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc/Chardonnay 2010 13 % alcohol about $14.
Let’s start with the marketing materials. “This blend of 55% Sauvignon Blanc and 45% Chardonnay reveals quite a warm, and expressive nose that offers suggestions of cut hay, passion fruit, guava, cooked yellow beans and grapefruit. The palate is dry and ripe, with lots of juicy fruit, and an interesting minerality. Soft textured, medium bodied and with a tangy, acidity that refreshes the mid-palate and the finish. Pair with lemon-garlic chicken breast. (VINTAGES panel, Dec. 2011)” And now for my review.

At the first sips this wine was delicate and elegant. It was fairly long and offered nice acidity. When paired with Wasabi-less Japanese rice crackers citrus appeared in this libation. Then came chicken legs and thighs baked with black pepper, sliced garlic, cumin, and Middle Eastern spices. Now our blend sharpened and was somewhat oily. The dish’s associated potatoes made my drink’s acidity very refreshing and I sensed some pears. The side of okra separately cooked with stewed tomatoes and onions rendered our Galilee friend slightly metallic and I got the impression of bananas. When it met fresh strawberries this liquid presented oak and was very long. 

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

A Loire Valley Chardonnay

Can you get a fine Loire Valley Chardonnay at this price?...

Val du Loire Chardonnay

Wine Reviewed
Herzog Chardonnay Vin de Pays du Val de Loire 2007 12.5 % alcohol about $8.

In the absence of marketing materials we’ll start by quoting the back label. “The meticulous conditions under which this Chardonnay is made, including careful pressing, cool temperatures, and controlled fermentation, make it a natural for the Herzog Selection brand. The delightful aroma and excellent body of the wine are a credit to the vineyards and the winemaker. You will find it refreshing as an aperitif or a marvelous pairing with fish or deli; perfect for a picnic in the country. Best served chilled.”

And now for my review.
At the first sips this wine offered pleasant acidity and pears. It had moderate length. When paired with Wasabi-less Japanese rice crackers this libation lengthened. Then came chicken legs and thighs baked with black pepper, sliced garlic, cumin, and Middle Eastern spices. Now Chardy displayed some oak and its acidity did a fine job of cutting the meat’s grease. The dish’s associated potatoes sharpened my drink’s acidity but took away its fruit. The side of okra separately cooked with stewed tomatoes and onions rendered our Loire Valley friend buttery and yet acidic. When it met fresh strawberries this liquid was reduced to a trace of oak and caramel.

This review of A Loire Valley Chardonnay continues on my web site at
http://theworldwidewine.com/Wine_reviews/Weekly_cheap_wine_reviews/Y2012/wine_lovers_bargain_review_lvch.php