Wine Dinner Blog #2!

My friends and I went out to Wine Lab for our wine dinner. We started by looking over the list of flights that our sever Julia provided us and I chose to go with the "Region of Focus - Bordeaux" flight. This was $16, and included the following wines: Les Hayts de Lagarde Blanc '20, Chevalier du Grand Robert '18, and Ch. Graves de Rabion '18. The wines were from Entre Deux Mers, Haut Medoc, and Saint Emilion respectively.

Here's a pictures of all of them as they were served. Left to right is the order in which the drinks were presented to us.

After we had finished our backed brie appetizer, I dug into my main dish which was a Rueben. It was paired with a side of sour cream and onion potato chips. The pairing with our second wine: the Chevalier du Grand Robert 2018 was perfect since it really brought out he depth of the meat. I made sure to swirl the wine in the glass by cupping it.

For dessert, I had a cookie and our last wine. This last red was much drier than the previous one. It had hints of black cherry and an aftertaste of chocolate. The cookies was a great way to end the meal.

 

The cheapest wine thusfar!

 

Name: Yellowtail Pinot Noir

Producer: Yellowtail Wines

Variety: Pinot Noir

Region: South Eastern Australia

Country: Australia

Vintage: N/A (non-vintage)

Price: $7-10 USD

Wine Review:

Yellowtail Pinot Noir is a value wine produced by Yellowtail Wines, one of the most popular wine brands in Australia. This wine is made from Pinot Noir grapes grown in the South Eastern Australia region and is a non-vintage wine, meaning it is a blend of different vintages.

On the nose, Yellowtail Pinot Noir offers aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and a hint of vanilla. On the palate, it is light-bodied with flavors of red fruit and a touch of spice. The tannins are soft, giving the wine a smooth and easy-drinking texture.

This wine has a bright ruby-red color and a short finish. It is a simple and straightforward wine that is best enjoyed chilled and paired with light dishes such as roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a cheese board.

Overall, Yellowtail Pinot Noir is a decent wine that offers good value for money. It is a perfect option for casual drinking or for those who are new to wine and want to explore the world of Pinot Noir without breaking the bank.

My Review:

I tried the Yellowtail Pinot Noir out of curiosity, given its affordable price point. While it may not be the best Pinot Noir I've ever had, I was pleasantly surprised by its quality. The aromas of red fruit and vanilla were inviting, and the taste was enjoyable. The light-bodied texture made it a perfect match for my dinner of grilled fish and vegetables. The price point is unbeatable, making it an excellent option for those who want a decent wine without spending too much money. I would recommend the Yellowtail Pinot Noir to anyone who wants to try a Pinot Noir without spending too much money or for casual drinking occasions.

Marces de Caceres

Name: Marcus de Caceres

Producer: Bodegas Campo Viejo

Variety: Rioja

Region: Rioja, Spain

Country: Spain

Vintage: 2015

Price: $15-20 USD

Wine Review:

Marcus de Caceres is a beautiful Rioja wine produced by Bodegas Campo Viejo, a renowned winery located in the Rioja region of Spain. This wine is made from a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Graciano grapes, which are carefully selected and aged in oak barrels for 12 months.

On the nose, Marcus de Caceres offers aromas of ripe dark fruit, vanilla, and a hint of spices. On the palate, it is full-bodied and rich with flavors of black cherry, blackberry, and a touch of tobacco. The tannins are well-integrated, giving the wine a smooth and velvety texture.

This wine has a beautiful ruby-red color and a long-lasting finish. It is an excellent example of how Rioja wines can be complex and elegant when produced with expertise and attention to detail.

Overall, Marcus de Caceres is a fantastic wine that represents the best of Rioja. It is a perfect match for hearty dishes such as grilled meats, stews, and aged cheeses. Its affordable price point makes it an excellent option for anyone who wants to enjoy a high-quality wine without breaking the bank.

My Review:

I was impressed by the Marcus de Caceres. As a fan of Spanish wines, I was excited to try this Rioja, and it exceeded my expectations. The aromas of dark fruit and vanilla were very inviting, and the taste was even better. I appreciated the full-bodied and rich texture, which paired perfectly with my dinner of braised beef and roasted potatoes. The tannins were well-balanced, giving the wine a smooth and enjoyable finish. The price point is excellent for the quality and complexity of this wine, making it a great value for money. I would highly recommend the Marcus de Caceres to anyone who wants to experience the best of Rioja wines without breaking the bank.

 

Tenuta Colombarola Travini Gandinala : A slightly expensive but quality wine

Name: Tenuta Colombarola Travini Gandinala

Producer: Travini

Variety: Lambrusco

Region: Emilia-Romagna

Country: Italy

Vintage: 2018

Price: $20-25 USD

Wine Review:

Tenuta Colombarola Travini Gandinala is a high-quality Lambrusco produced by Travini, a renowned winery located in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Lambrusco is a type of sparkling red wine that is often associated with sweet and fizzy versions, but this particular wine is a dry and elegant interpretation.

On the nose, Tenuta Colombarola Travini Gandinala offers aromas of blackberry, raspberry, and a subtle hint of spices. On the palate, it is well-balanced with lively bubbles and flavors of dark fruit and a touch of minerality. The tannins are present but not overpowering, which makes it a perfect wine to pair with a variety of dishes.

This wine has a beautiful ruby-red color and a long-lasting finish. It is an excellent example of how Lambrusco can be a sophisticated and complex wine when produced with care and attention to detail.

Overall, Tenuta Colombarola Travini Gandinala is a delightful and versatile wine that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a wide range of foods. Its dry and refined style makes it an excellent choice for anyone who wants to discover the true potential of Lambrusco.

My Review:

I was impressed by the Tenuta Colombarola Travini Gandinala. As a lover of red wine, I was curious to try a Lambrusco, and this wine did not disappoint. The aromas of blackberry and raspberry were very inviting, and the taste was even better. I appreciated the dry and refined style, which made it a perfect match for my dinner of grilled steak and roasted vegetables. The bubbles were lively and added a fun and festive element to the drinking experience. The price point is slightly higher than other Lambrusco wines, but the quality and complexity of this wine make it well worth it. I would highly recommend the Tenuta Colombarola Travini Gandinala to anyone who wants to explore the world of Lambrusco beyond the typical sweet and fizzy versions.

 

A cheap and affordable wine!

Name: Bay Bridge White Zinfandel

Producer: Bay Bridge Vineyards

Variety: White Zinfandel

Region: California

Country: United States

Vintage: N/A

Price: $7-9 USD

Wine Review:

Bay Bridge White Zinfandel is a refreshing and fruity wine with a delicate pink hue. This wine is produced by Bay Bridge Vineyards, a well-known winery in California. It is made from the white version of the Zinfandel grape, which is known for producing bold and fruity wines.

On the nose, Bay Bridge White Zinfandel offers aromas of strawberry, watermelon, and a hint of citrus. On the palate, it is light-bodied and bursting with flavors of fresh berries and a touch of sweetness. The finish is crisp and refreshing, making it a perfect wine for a warm summer day or a casual get-together with friends.

Overall, Bay Bridge White Zinfandel is an enjoyable wine that offers a great balance of fruitiness and sweetness. It is easy to drink and pairs well with light and fresh dishes such as salads, seafood, or grilled chicken. Its affordable price makes it an excellent option for anyone looking for a delicious and budget-friendly wine.

My Review:

I was pleasantly surprised by the Bay Bridge White Zinfandel. I am not usually a fan of sweet wines, but this one had the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. The aromas of strawberry and watermelon were very inviting, and the taste was even better. I particularly enjoyed the crisp and refreshing finish, which left a pleasant aftertaste. This wine is perfect for a casual gathering with friends or a picnic in the park. At such an affordable price point, it is definitely worth a try. I would highly recommend the Bay Bridge White Zinfandel to anyone looking for an easy-drinking and enjoyable wine.

2019 House of the Dragon Cabernet Sauvignon Review!

Name: 2019 House of the Dragon Cabernet Sauvignon

Producer: House of the Dragon Winery

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Napa Valley

Country: United States

Vintage: 2019

Price: $50

Wine Review:

The 2019 House of the Dragon Cabernet Sauvignon is a deep ruby red wine with complex aromas of blackberry, cassis, and vanilla. On the palate, it is full-bodied with flavors of ripe black cherry, dark chocolate, and hints of oak. The tannins are firm and well-structured, giving the wine a long, smooth finish.

This wine was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, which has added a subtle complexity to its flavor profile. The winemaker used only the best hand-picked grapes from the Napa Valley region to craft this exceptional wine.

My Review:

I had the pleasure of trying the 2019 House of the Dragon Cabernet Sauvignon and was thoroughly impressed. The wine's aroma was captivating and the taste was even better. I found the flavors to be well-balanced, with the right amount of fruitiness and oakiness. The tannins were present but not overpowering, making for a smooth and enjoyable drinking experience.

While the price point may be a bit higher than some other Cabernet Sauvignons, I believe it is worth the investment. The attention to detail in crafting this wine is evident in its complex flavor profile and long finish. I would highly recommend this wine to anyone looking for a high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley region.