Whites - Riesling #1 - Eroica 2012 (U.S.A.)

Part A - White wines

Section 2 - Riesling

July 25th, 2014

Eroica - 2012

• Columbia Valley, Washington
• Château Ste. Michelle,  Ernst Loosen
• Riesling
• $31.00

He says :           3.0 stars

• Very acidic, but balanced with sweet tang, reminiscent of asti
• Very fruity; peach, strawberry and apricot taste 
• Fresh but with a medium body
• Has a bit of fizz to it, little sparkly
• Complexity comes from fizz
• Finish is a little acidic, fresh and long lasting
• Pleasant, but too similar to asti for me
• Interesting, nothing more

She says :           4.25 stars

• Smells like exotic fruits: starfruit, pears and peaches
• Very fruity: lime, apple and grapefruit taste
• Sweet and pleasant
• Mineral

Whites - Chardonnay #3 - Domaine Louis Moreau 2011 (France)

Part A - White wines

Section 1 - Chardonnay

July 20th, 2014

Domaine Louis Moreau - 2011

• Certified vineyard - Chablis 1er cru
• Vaulignot, Bourgogne
• $30.25
• Color: Very pale yellow/blond, a little green 
• Served with : Apéro with foie gras and arancinis

He says :           4.75 stars

• Very smooth start, with a light mineral taste
• Taste becomes very pronounced after 5 seconds; strong citrus and acid taste, perfectly balanced
• Citrus : Reminds me of oranges and limes
• Taste at the start: almonds, honey, figs and minerality 
• Very fine to the nose, becomes stronger in the mouth 
• Nearly a champagne without bubbles
• After the citrus, finish is slightly buttery 
• Could be slightly stronger in taste, as its very delicate
• Nearly perfect, no discernible defects, summum for me in terms of white wine 

She says:           3.75 stars

• Nice golden robe 
• Mellow start
• Fig & almond scents 
• Very acidic finale 

Whites - Chardonnay #2 - D'Arenberg The Olive Grove 2012 (Australia)

Part A - White wines

Section 1 - Chardonnay

July 12, 2014

D’Arenberg The Olive Grove - 2012

• McLaren vale, Adelaide Hills, Australia
• Chardonnay
• $19.90
• Very light yellow, pale robe
• Served with : Whole wheat spaghetti in an olive oil sauce with diced tomatoes, garlic salt and chili powder.  Pecorino siciliano DOP as dessert

He says:           4.25 stars

• Much more acidic, crisp, fresher than Matanzas Creek, like biting-into-a-granny-smith-apple feeling
• Slight oak, buttery feeling at end, didn’t overpower wine
• Peaches (mid), citrus &green apple aromas (start), then oak/butter
• Great balance, tastes stays long in mouth
• For the price, great buy
• Middle strength body, a bit fruity, a bit acidic

She says:           3.5 stars

• It makes me feel like olives
• Acidity is much more present than in Matanzas Creek
• Crisp feeling, long finish
• Fruit notes: apple, citrus, peach

Whites - Chardonnay #1 - Matanzas Creek Winery 2011 (U.S.A.)

Part A - White wines

Section 1 - Chardonnay

July 4th, 2014

Matanzas Creek Winery - 2011

• Sonoma County, California
• Chardonnay
• $ 31.50
• Color: Lemon yellow
• Served with: Tilapia filet with goat cheese & sun-dried tomato sauce (sauce not pictured), brown rice, green beans and carrots. 

He says:           3.5 stars

• Oak wood taste is apparent
• A little bit of cat piss taste but not bad 
• Buttery feel, with a citrus tang
• Lemon butter, lush creaminess
• Caramel/Honey/Vanilla apple
• Smells like wood, looks very pale yellow
• Verdict: pretty decent complex wine, although too oaky

She says:           4.5 stars

• Smoky, wet wood taste
• Caramel, brioche, vanilla
• "Bottom of the forest" taste

Introduction - Ricossa, Barbera d’Asti superiore 2011 (Italy)

Introduction

July 1st, 2014

Ricossa, Barbera d'Asti superiore - 2011

• Piemont, Italy
• Ruby Color
• $ 16.50

He says:           4 stars

• Killer value for the price
• Almost tastes / looks like a pinot noir; very light, earthy taste
• Black cherry, leather, acid taste
• Good finish, long taste.

She says:           3.5 stars

• I liked it a lot, it tasted Italian.

Introduction - Chateau Batailley 2002 (France)

Introduction

July 1st, 2014

Chateau Batailley - 2002

• Grand cru classé (5th)
• Pauillac, Bordeaux
• Deep purple color

He says:           2.5 stars

• Despite being aged 12 years, was still very tannic. Had a bit of a round edge but not enough.
• Probably Merlot blend.
• Black cherry, plum taste; Taste had a long impact though.
• Very dark red, blood color.
• Underwhelming for value (~ $80)

She says:           3 stars

• I liked it, it was alright.