Tasting - Butterfly Kiss

Name: Butterfly Kiss

Variety: Moscato

Country: Chile

Year: 2012

Price: $5.95

Winery Review: Aromas of honeydew and apricot, gently kissed by orange blossom, candied pineapple and a hint of lime zest.

My Review: This was my favorite sample of the day.  This was also the sweetest sample, both in smell and flavor.  To me it tasted strongly of grapefruit.

Tasting Purple Paws, Zinfandel

Name: Purple Paws

Variety: Zinfandel

Region: Lodi, California

Country: United States

Year: 2012

Price: $7.95

Winery Review: It smells like ripe boysenberries and cherries, and tastes generous and broad without being too full bodied. It finishes with more fruit notes and those who love a little spice and smooth tannins will be happy.

My Review:This sample has a very bitter flavor to me and I also could taste the alcohol in this sample much more so than any of the others.  The first sip of it that I took didn't taste very good to me, but then as I sipped more and more I liked the flavor better.  I also noticed that there was a spicy aftertaste.

Tasting - Purple Paws, Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Purple Paws

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Lodi, California

Country: United States

Price: $7.95

Winery Review: If a Cabernet can be smooth and creamy, this one is. It offers plenty of fruit flavor, smooth tannins that coat the mouth in a good way, plus a plush texture that keeps it from being even a bit harsh. With light body, a soft mouthfeel and lingering finish, there’s much to like.

My Review: I first noticed that this wine was much smoother than the Rosemount I had previously tasted. I definitely could taste the grapes in this sample, but I also noticed that I did not get much depth of flavors after that initial taste. Finally, I thought the sample smelled like cloves.

Tasting - Rosemount

Name: Rosemount

Variety: Chardonnay

Region: South Australia

Country: Australia

Year: 2013

Price: $5.95

Winery Review: This world-renowned wine shows peachy tropical fruit and melon characters on the nose, with a hint of citrus freshness and judicious use of oak. The palate is generous and soft with full, ripe tropical flavors folded into a creamy backdrop that is beautifully structured with a long satisfying finish.

My Review:  I first noticed the smell of apples when sampling this wine.  I thought the taste was quite bitter at first and then didn't taste much after that initial bitterness.  This was my least favorite of the 5 wines I sampled this week.

Tasting - La Lenjania

Name: La Lejania

Variety: Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Central Valley

 

Country: Chile

Price: $6.95

 

Winery Review:  A light, refreshing, balanced sparkling wine with fruit flavors and aromas of citrus, pear and peaches, followed by a nuance of spice.  Enjoy this sparkling wine as an aperitif, or with salads and spicy dishes, especially those using citrus fruit. For dessert this wine pairs well with fresh berries or a fruit tart.

 

My Review:  My first impression was a very fruity smell.  I definitely could detect the scent of peaches and pear.  After tasting this wine I was again reminded of peaches and also could taste just a touch of citrus flavor