Quick Reviews
Intipalka Valle del Sol Chardonnay – Peru – 2015
Crisp acidity masks any oak, if they used any. Mineral finish invokes Sauvignon Blanc which is a good thing in this case. Actually quite light and delicious. Chardonnay lovers are not gonna like this, unless they approach it with an open mind.
Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon – Chile – 2012
High acid, medium tannin, lots of oak; Powerful, but not stellar. Not drunk under ideal conditions, so may try it again and re-rate. Contains 15% Merlot, so it’s not pure CS.
Santo Tomás Colombard – Mexico – 2014
Color is pure white, nearly like grain alcohol; Slight taste of ammonia fouled the perfume of some underlying lavendar. Bad bottle? Overall, not a great glass, but need to try again under better conditions so I am giving them an extra half star.
Smythe & Renfield Sauvignon Blanc – New Zealand – 2016
https://www.vivino.com/users/winepisserWait, what? I don’t understand all of the 4 star reviews of this wine on Vivino. This is a middling NZ SB at best, nicely balanced acid vs fruit but lacking in mineral finish and overall punch. Almost seems like a California or Washington imitation. Unimpressed.
Trinity Oaks Pinot Noir – California – 2010
Dull and flat. I had more fun cleaning the glass afterwards than drinking it. And I am not fond of cleaning my own glasses.
Noble Vines 242 Sauvignon Blanc – California – 2013
Lighter acid than later years, this is decidedly mellow. Floral more than mineraly, you’d be excused if you didn’t realize this was a sauvignon Blanc. Still very nice but won’t hold to dishes other than light fish.
Santa Julia Viognier – Argentina – 2015
Bright yellow; moderate sugar with a belated but lasting finish of apricot and green apple, but not at all dipping into Riesling territory. Slightly tart. Very lively.
Nisia Las Suertes – Rueda Verdejo Old Vines – Spain – 2014
Color is pale yellow/green, almost like a sauvignon blanc. Overall, lacked distinction, but hinted at vanilla; no citrus despite that promise on the wine menu. Paired with duck w/ garlic pea puree and quinoa, and the wine was buried under the dish. Disappointing.
Ferreira Dona Antónia – Reserva Tawny Port – Portugal – NV
Good, not oversweet, with slight nose of smoke; on the tongue it’s plum and wood, like a fruit cellar. Not the best porto, but enjoyable.
Ondarre Rioja Reserva – Spain – 2010
Blend with majority of tempranillo; notes of black pepper but with a finish of garlic. Overall dominance is black cherry and plum. Powerful so it paired well with a traditional penne dish, but drank well by itself, too. Recommended.