Wednesday Wine Reviews by @Sam_WineTeacher

2015 Chardonnay (Crofters)

Houghton

Margaret River, Australia

$16.99

This Aussie chardonnay is delicate and elegant. Lemon yellow with medium-light intensity. The nose shows aromas of citrus, ripe apple, vanilla and butter. Well balanced. The oak is well integrated with the fruit followed by a medium-plus finish. This is a good value wine.

 

2013 Cabernet Sauvignon

Ring Bolt

Margaret River, Australia

$23.49

Garnet red in colour with medium-deep intensity. The nose shows aromas of plum, sour cherry, raspberry, vanilla and sweet spice. Good balance with bright acidity and firm tannins. Pleasing fruit on the palate followed by a warm medium plus finish.

 

2006 Carinena Reserva

Monasterio de las Vinas

Carinena, Spain

$13.99

This is a blend of Garnacha, Tempranillo and Carinena. The Reserva is aged 12 months in barrel. Garnet red with deep intensity. Aromas of plum, red currant, cocoa powder, huckleberry, mint and dried herbs. Well balanced with medium body and smooth ripe tannins. The palate is full of red fruit followed by a medium-long finish. Elegant and nicely aged.

 

 

2005 Carinena Gran Reserva

Monasterio de las Vinas

Carinena, Spain

$17.99

This wine is much like the one above, though it is aged in barrel, twice as long – 24 months and it is one year older. It is a bigger Garnet-black with deep intensity.   Dusty dark fruit, red fruit, cinnamon and menthol undertones on the nose. Well balanced. The flavours follow the nose. A medium-long finish.

 

2015 Cliffhanger White

Moraine

Penticton, BC

$17.00

Lemon yellow with medium-light intensity. White peach, apple and hints of lychee on the nose. Big and round in the mouth with a slightly sweet entry and good mouthfeel. Ripe, juicy fruit on the palate followed by a medium-plus finish.   Made from 80% Pinot Gris and 20% Gewürztraminer, this is a lovely luncheon wine. Serve with charcuterie, salad rolls, lobster bisque or prawn and scallop linguini.