Wine Tasting #1

Just one out of the many millenials in the Vintage Cellar wine shop pretending like she knows what she's looking for, I thread my way through a crowd of texters to taste five different wines. The wines are as follows:

1. Lagosta Vinho Verde



Variety: Blended White

Region and Country: Minho Province, Portugal (PDO status)

Year: 2013

Price: $12

Critic Review:
"Floral, aromatic and light in texture, this has attractive prickle on the palate, with sweetness on the finish. A fine summer quaffer. 84 points."- Roger Voss, Wine Spectator

My Review:
Light and sweet citrus flavors. Not as smooth as I expected, especially for a white wine. I didn't have it with food, but I think it would go well with seafood alfredo.



2. Rubus Rosado



Variety: Prieto Picudo

Region and Country: Tierra de Leon, Spain

Year: 2013

Price: $13

Critic Review:
"Bright clean strawberry rose color. In the nose it is intense and fresh, with strawberry aromas and slight citric hints. In the mouth it is fresh, strong and tasty, emphasizing a delightful tingle due to its carbonic residuals." - Timeless Wines

My Review:
Strong berry aroma, tasted like strawberries and raspberries. Smooth texture. Tickled throat is it went down. Didn't have it with food, but would like to try it with chicken.



3. Beaujolais Nouveau



Variety: Gamay

Region and Country: Beaujolais, France

Year: 2014

Price: $14

Critic Review:
"Well-balanced and fresh, with zesty acidity driving the boysenberry, white pepper, spring forest and white peach notes. Creamy. Drink now." Georges Duboeuf, Wine Spectator

My Review:
Bold cherry flavor. Very acidic. Definition of oak. Definitely would pair with steak.



4. Five Rivers




Variety: Merlot

Region and Country: Monterey County, USA

Year: 2011

Price: $16

Critic Review:
"Deep garnet in color, the Five Rivers Merlot leads with aromas of plum, blueberry and tea, accented by touches of cinnamon and vanilla. In the glass, you will find pleasantly smooth tannins with bright pomegranate and red fruit flavors."

My Review:
A dry, heavy wine with a very smoky flavor that almost is strong enough to mask any taste of fruit. Very well integrated however, with smooth tannins. Didn't have it with food, and not sure I would buy a bottle in the future to try it.



5. Zibbio Sparkling Moscato




Variety: Muscat

Region and Country: South Australia

Year: 2014

Price: $11

Critic Review:
"Delightfully fresh, this frothy, sweet sparkling wine displays crisp floral aromas with citrus peel and creamy flavors on the palate. Pale straw in color the wine shouts of celebration and exuberance, and with a modest 8% alcohol is ideal on lazy sunny afternoon with friends." - Artisan Wine Depot

My Review:
A fun, fruity wine good for Summers by the pool. Basically, it's Fresca with alcohol.