Greetings and Salutations!
Many have wondered why I've been lacking on the updating. Simple answer? I've been sick. VERY, VERY SICK. It seems as though when I get over one sickness another one smacks me right back into bed. A few weeks ago I recently got over a very bad flu/cold/head cold/sinus infection combination only to be pushed right into extreme dental pain.
Lovely.
So in other words I have been permanently on pain killers, cold medicine, allergy medicine and in bed pretty much over an entire month. Joy unbound.
Unfortunetly, during my medicated haze, I lost my wine journal. So until it is found the Yellowtail reviews shall be put on hold. Luckily, with the holidays coming up, there shall be a constant stream of reviews on other, highly delcious brand and varietals.
Until next time!
Racecar
*sniffle cough*
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
Minnesota State Fair Extravaganza (pt.3)
Greetings and Salutations!
This post I'll being finishing up the reviews of the wines I sampled at the Minnesota Stat Fair.
The wine is NOVA from Morgan Creek vinyards in New Ulm, Minnesota.
Morgan Creek was born in 1993 but their first vintage season was in the fall of 1998, celebrating the creation of Minnesota's only underground winery. Underground shelter is a plus for production and aging while adding to the unique atmosphere of their tasting room and gift shop. The vineyard specializes in German, French and American style wine while supplying Minnesota cold-hardy wines.
Onto the wine!
Nova semi-sweet (no photo available)
Another award winning wine is made as a rich colored Rose with a hint of the hardy north! This beautiful garnet color wine has a light cherry nose and beaujolais style body. A lively sipping wine and a great pairing with Italian food.
My review is as follows.
-Nova had a very dark, blackberry color. It seemed as if no light could permeate this wine.
-This varietal had a very dark berry aroma that was very pleasant.
-Although the wine was light to medium bodied there was a very slight dryness with also a very slightly dry finish.
-There were fruity undertones noted with a very smooth mouth feel.
I give an overall rating of 70/100.
Normally a Rose' is rather pink in color and can sometimes be mistaken for a White Zinfandel, but this was much darker and, in my personal opinion, much more pleasant. I normally have a hard time finding a tasty red wine, but I was very pleased by this. I can see myself enjoying this brand in the future.
That's all for now. I seemed to have misplaced my review notes for the next post so I will be updating again tomorrow (hopefully).
Jusqu'à Demain
Racecar
This post I'll being finishing up the reviews of the wines I sampled at the Minnesota Stat Fair.
The wine is NOVA from Morgan Creek vinyards in New Ulm, Minnesota.
Morgan Creek was born in 1993 but their first vintage season was in the fall of 1998, celebrating the creation of Minnesota's only underground winery. Underground shelter is a plus for production and aging while adding to the unique atmosphere of their tasting room and gift shop. The vineyard specializes in German, French and American style wine while supplying Minnesota cold-hardy wines.
Onto the wine!
Nova semi-sweet (no photo available)
Another award winning wine is made as a rich colored Rose with a hint of the hardy north! This beautiful garnet color wine has a light cherry nose and beaujolais style body. A lively sipping wine and a great pairing with Italian food.
My review is as follows.
-Nova had a very dark, blackberry color. It seemed as if no light could permeate this wine.
-This varietal had a very dark berry aroma that was very pleasant.
-Although the wine was light to medium bodied there was a very slight dryness with also a very slightly dry finish.
-There were fruity undertones noted with a very smooth mouth feel.
I give an overall rating of 70/100.
Normally a Rose' is rather pink in color and can sometimes be mistaken for a White Zinfandel, but this was much darker and, in my personal opinion, much more pleasant. I normally have a hard time finding a tasty red wine, but I was very pleased by this. I can see myself enjoying this brand in the future.
That's all for now. I seemed to have misplaced my review notes for the next post so I will be updating again tomorrow (hopefully).
Jusqu'à Demain
Racecar
Minnesota State Fair Extravanga (pt.2)
Greetings and Salutations!
Sorry for the long wait, but here we continue with local Minnesota wines that were spotlighted at the state fair.
Today's wine is "Sippin' From a Slipper" from Glacial Ridge Vinyards in Spicer Minnesota.
Glacial Ridge is a fairly new vinyard opening in 2007. The vinyard is located on an apple orchard with over 850 trees with other 12 different varietals. The winery was originally built as a bait and minnow house which was then converted into an apple house. During the fall customers can purchase apples, pumpkins and other large varieties of produce. The vinyard has several differnt exciting events such as a summer concert series, grape stomping and Friday Night Soup in the winter.
Onto the wine!
Sippin' From a Slipper (No photo available. Average price $16.95)
Sorry for the long wait, but here we continue with local Minnesota wines that were spotlighted at the state fair.
Today's wine is "Sippin' From a Slipper" from Glacial Ridge Vinyards in Spicer Minnesota.
Glacial Ridge is a fairly new vinyard opening in 2007. The vinyard is located on an apple orchard with over 850 trees with other 12 different varietals. The winery was originally built as a bait and minnow house which was then converted into an apple house. During the fall customers can purchase apples, pumpkins and other large varieties of produce. The vinyard has several differnt exciting events such as a summer concert series, grape stomping and Friday Night Soup in the winter.
Onto the wine!
Sippin' From a Slipper (No photo available. Average price $16.95)
A Glacial Ridge favorite! LaCrescent grapes give this sweet white wine the taste of juicy, ripe pears with a bright citrus finish. The perfect afternoon sipper.
AWARDS
Silver Medal 2010 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition
My finders are as follows.
-This wine had a very light, golden color.
-Had a lighty sweetened, fruity aroma.
-This wine was very sweet, but not overpowering.
-There was a slightly dry finish, but at the same time had a honey-like mouth feel.
-Slipper was medium bodied and very pleasant to drink.
Overall, I give this wine 75/100.
Sippin' From a Slipper was tres' delicious and I would recommend this varietal to anyone who has a sweet tooth. I highly suggest that if you are in the area, visit Glacial Ridge and give their wines a try.
Next post I will be finishing the Minnesota State Fair reviews.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Minnesota State Fair Extravaganza! (pt.1)
Greetings and Salutations!
We interrupt the Yellow Tail review line for these special reviews! The Minnesota State fair is currently in session. In their lovely agriculture building is a section dedicated to sampling some of Minnesota's local brands.
Today, we'll be looking at "Potter John's White" from Falconer Vineyards in Red Wing, Minnesota.
Falconer Vineyards opened in 2003, settled in the historical bluffs of Red Wing. Started by John Falconer and Ann Lowe, Falconer Vineyards offers for you to take in the scenery, put up your feet or enjoy their own wood fired pizza in the bistro.
Onto Potter John's White (no picture available).
My findings are as follows:
-This wine has a pleasant, light fruity aroma.
-Light in color with a slight golden sheen.
-Has a very small bite to it, but not unpleasant.
-This wine is beautifully smooth with a semi-sweet taste.
-It's very, VERY light bodied with a clean finish on your palate. There are no lingering tastes.
I was pleased with this wine. I was lead astray because I first saw the description as sweet and it turned out to be more of a semi-sweet. But, in the end, I wasn't disappointed.
Overall rating: 65/100
More State Fair fun coming next!
Jusqu'à Demain
Racecar
We interrupt the Yellow Tail review line for these special reviews! The Minnesota State fair is currently in session. In their lovely agriculture building is a section dedicated to sampling some of Minnesota's local brands.
Today, we'll be looking at "Potter John's White" from Falconer Vineyards in Red Wing, Minnesota.
Falconer Vineyards opened in 2003, settled in the historical bluffs of Red Wing. Started by John Falconer and Ann Lowe, Falconer Vineyards offers for you to take in the scenery, put up your feet or enjoy their own wood fired pizza in the bistro.
Onto Potter John's White (no picture available).
My findings are as follows:
-This wine has a pleasant, light fruity aroma.
-Light in color with a slight golden sheen.
-Has a very small bite to it, but not unpleasant.
-This wine is beautifully smooth with a semi-sweet taste.
-It's very, VERY light bodied with a clean finish on your palate. There are no lingering tastes.
I was pleased with this wine. I was lead astray because I first saw the description as sweet and it turned out to be more of a semi-sweet. But, in the end, I wasn't disappointed.
Overall rating: 65/100
More State Fair fun coming next!
Jusqu'à Demain
Racecar
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Yellow Tail Moscato
Greetings and Salutations!
The Casella family has been producing wine since the 1820's. But in 1951, Filippo and Maria Casella moved from Italy to Australia to start a better life for their family. There they continued their family's vinyards in the small city of Yenda. Now, the vinyard has expanded at least 10 times it's original size since it's development.
The brand Yellow Tail first became available in the 2000's with the purpose of being sold in bulk and became the most popular wine to be exported to the USA by 2003. It's mascot is the Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby (a cousin to the kangaroo).
On to the moscato (average price $6.00 with screw cap)
I have found that moscato (like many other wines) vary from country and brand. Some of the differences are extreme and some are subtle.
Here are my findings:
-Has a lightly sweet aroma.
-This moscato, unlike American ones, has a bubbliness to it. I have found that many exported moscatos have this.
-It is very light bodied (good for those of you who don't like a heavy moscato).
-No sharpness.
-A very slight afterbite, but it's pleasant.
-This moscato is not heavily sweet and is not overpowering.
-This brand of moscato has a very smooth mouth feel.
-This moscato, I found, was rather simaler to a spumate, but with less bubble.
Overall, I was pleased. I've not taken to much notice of Yellow Tail because of it's reputation as a bulk wine. I had always thought of this brand as a wine the mindless drones drink just because they know the name. But I was surprised at the pleasantess of this varietal.
Today's rating: 65-70/100
The night is young, but I need some sleep. Bonne nuit, all!
Jusqu'à Demain
Racecar
.......*sigh*...Yes...it eventually had to come to this. Today I will be starting the reviews of Yellow Tail brand wine.
The Casella family has been producing wine since the 1820's. But in 1951, Filippo and Maria Casella moved from Italy to Australia to start a better life for their family. There they continued their family's vinyards in the small city of Yenda. Now, the vinyard has expanded at least 10 times it's original size since it's development. The brand Yellow Tail first became available in the 2000's with the purpose of being sold in bulk and became the most popular wine to be exported to the USA by 2003. It's mascot is the Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby (a cousin to the kangaroo).
On to the moscato (average price $6.00 with screw cap)
I have found that moscato (like many other wines) vary from country and brand. Some of the differences are extreme and some are subtle.
Here are my findings:
-This moscato, unlike American ones, has a bubbliness to it. I have found that many exported moscatos have this.
-It is very light bodied (good for those of you who don't like a heavy moscato).
-No sharpness.
-A very slight afterbite, but it's pleasant.
-This moscato is not heavily sweet and is not overpowering.
-This brand of moscato has a very smooth mouth feel.
-This moscato, I found, was rather simaler to a spumate, but with less bubble.
Overall, I was pleased. I've not taken to much notice of Yellow Tail because of it's reputation as a bulk wine. I had always thought of this brand as a wine the mindless drones drink just because they know the name. But I was surprised at the pleasantess of this varietal.
Today's rating: 65-70/100
The night is young, but I need some sleep. Bonne nuit, all!
Jusqu'à Demain
Racecar
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Gallo Family Vinyards Moscato
Greetings and Salutations!
Gallo wines began in 1933 by brothers Enerst and Julio in Modesto, California. The two of them started their vineyard right after the repeal of prohabition, learning their craft from old pre-prohabition pamphlets from the Univeristy of California (found in a library basement).
Now, E&J Gallo is the largest distributor for wine in the United States, selling such brands as Barefoot, Andre' Champagne, Bartles & James and Louis M. Martini.
This is how I found the Moscato (average price $7.99) .
-Has a very sweet, but not overpowering, aroma.
-There is a slight fizziness.
-Pleasant taste with fruity undertones.
-Smooth, almost honey-like, mouth feel.
-The body is almost medium, but not quite heavy.
-There is a very slight tartness in the finish, but it is not unpleasant.
This wasn't a bad moscato, but it didn't wow me either. It's a nice wine to serve when you have company or going on a picnic. Gallo has a nice selection of it's wines in little one dollar bottles that are nice if you only want a single glass.
Final rating: 65/100
That's all from me. Time for some sleep.
Jusqu'à Demain
Racecar
Gallo wines began in 1933 by brothers Enerst and Julio in Modesto, California. The two of them started their vineyard right after the repeal of prohabition, learning their craft from old pre-prohabition pamphlets from the Univeristy of California (found in a library basement).
Now, E&J Gallo is the largest distributor for wine in the United States, selling such brands as Barefoot, Andre' Champagne, Bartles & James and Louis M. Martini.
-Has a very sweet, but not overpowering, aroma.
-There is a slight fizziness.
-Pleasant taste with fruity undertones.
-Smooth, almost honey-like, mouth feel.
-The body is almost medium, but not quite heavy.
-There is a very slight tartness in the finish, but it is not unpleasant.
This wasn't a bad moscato, but it didn't wow me either. It's a nice wine to serve when you have company or going on a picnic. Gallo has a nice selection of it's wines in little one dollar bottles that are nice if you only want a single glass.
Final rating: 65/100
That's all from me. Time for some sleep.
Jusqu'à Demain
Racecar
Middle Sister "Smarty Pants"
Greetings and Salutations!
Today we are going to finish with Middle Sister "Smarty Pants" Chardonnay (average price $9.99).
"Some girls are born beautiful. Some girls are born rich. And some girls are born smart. The smart girls grow up and use their brains to make money to buy great clothes and travel abroad and throw dinner parties…where they serve chardonnay that they didn't spend a fortune on…in wine glasses brought home from their last trip to Paris. Some girls are born smart. And we think they're the luckiest girls of all."
Overall findings:
-Has a slightly sweet aroma which is lighter and smoother.
-This chardonnay is not very sharp or oakey.
-This is very smooth and has a slight sweetness. Almost semi-sweet.
-This is a very different style of chardonnay.
I was surprised how much I liked this. For those who don't care for an oakey chardonnay, I would recommend this one.
Overall rating: 60/100.
Continuing onto a new wine next!
Today we are going to finish with Middle Sister "Smarty Pants" Chardonnay (average price $9.99).
"Some girls are born beautiful. Some girls are born rich. And some girls are born smart. The smart girls grow up and use their brains to make money to buy great clothes and travel abroad and throw dinner parties…where they serve chardonnay that they didn't spend a fortune on…in wine glasses brought home from their last trip to Paris. Some girls are born smart. And we think they're the luckiest girls of all."
Overall findings:
-This chardonnay is not very sharp or oakey.
-This is very smooth and has a slight sweetness. Almost semi-sweet.
-This is a very different style of chardonnay.
I was surprised how much I liked this. For those who don't care for an oakey chardonnay, I would recommend this one.
Overall rating: 60/100.
Continuing onto a new wine next!
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