Bold Reds wine tasting
I went to a wine tasting at the Uncorked Wine Bar (same building as Mocha Maiden in Akron). This event featured Spanish, French, Californian, Australian and two Argentinian wines. I didn’t end up buying anything because I’m cheap, but these wines were great. I’d definitely be up for doing this again.
Salceda Crianza, Spain
The wine tasting was off to a good start with this full-bodied and velvety smooth tempranillo. The wine host mentioned that this is aged in American Oak, which seemed a bit odd considering it was made in Spain. As he explained the American wood leaves a less intense oak flavor behind. Overall a good wine, not my favorite, but certainly makes me more interested in tempranillos.
87
Chateau Gamage-Bordeaux, France
This was the second Bordeaux I’ve ever tried. The first Bordeaux I had was horrible and I suspect that it might have been baked or something (no flavor at all). Our wine host insisted that 2005 was a great year for Bordeaux, but I wasn’t floored by this wine. It had a good structure and I recall having it with some bread & hummus which was a great combo.
88
Sonoma Vineyards Merlot, Sonoma, California
This wine surprised me as I normally don’t care for Merlot. The notes for the wine say that it carried hints of exotic cedar and mocha. I wasn’t able to pick up on any of those flavors. However, this wine was extremely fruity and had a strong strawberry jam flavor. It was less dry than some of the other wines, but overall very good.
91
Layer Cake Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina
I’m beginning to really like Malbecs; I haven’t had a bad one yet (then again I’ve only had two). Layer Cake makes several wines and interestingly enough they don’t grow their own grapes. They buy from other vineyards and gather the best crop. I had a hard time figuring out the nose on this wine. After awhile I realized it had a syrup component and essentially smelled like maple syrup with hints of pomegranate. It was very fruit forward with soft tannins. I marked in my notes that it was awesome with cheese.
90
E Minor Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia
A fruity nose, medium body and a light finish. I really liked the acidity level on this wine, very well balanced with a soft finish.
89
Graffigna Cabernet Grand Reserve, Argentina
This was the best wine of the night. I’m biased towards cabs, but still this wine was tremendous. It was a dryer wine with great complexity and flavor. Typical dark cherries and raspberries with a great tannins on the finish. I’m still trying to figure out why I didn’t break down and buy a bottle.
April 30th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
If you like Argentine reds (and who wouldn’t?) and if you like Malbec (and who couldn’t?) I recomend you try Catena Malbec (Mendoza). Yummy.
September 1st, 2009 at 9:04 pm
Great place you have here. I’ll be coming back often
September 5th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
THE END IS NEAR