26 February 2020 Ninth Island Non-Vintage Sparkling

Ninth Island Non-Vintage Sparkling

February 26, 2020 By

I had this lovely Tasmanian sparkling wine by the glass at a hot NYC restaurant and really didn’t know what to expect. I was taken aback by what a great wine this was for the price point.

About Ninth Island

Ninth Island is named after a small island located in the Bass Strait, just off the coast from the Pipers Brook Estate where the Ninth Island Wines are made.

Pipers Brook Estate and Ninth Island are regarded as modern day pioneers in the wine industry of Tasmania where they produce 100% estate grown and made wines, like this Ninth Island Non-Vintage Sparkling.

Great moussy sparkler with bright lemony and juicy apple aromas continuing on the palate with some strawberry and floral notes.

Looks: Medium straw yellow in the glass

Smell: Intense juicy pear, citrus and apple on the nose

Taste: Zesty citrus, like strawberry and floral notes on the palate

Texture and Finish: Light-bodied, creamy mousse with great acidity with a dry finish

Pairings: Seafood (specially oysters), fish (ceviche would be great). Great as an aperitif

Style: Sparkling White Wine

Grape Type(s): Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier

Region: Tasmania, Australia

Price: $25

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Australia, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
6 March 2019 2013 Penfolds Koonunga Hill Chardonnay

2013 Penfolds Koonunga Hill Chardonnay

March 6, 2019 By

I was at a beach side resort looking through the casual restaurant’s wine list and saw this wine that I hadn’t had in a while so decided to order it, although I’m not typically a Chardonnay fan…unless it’s old and French! It was just lovely on a warm night and not a buttery/oaky bomb, which is always appreciated. Best part – it’s $12 retail back in the USA!

Penfolds is one of the most well-known wine producers in Australian and helped set the landscape of fine Australian wine. It makes wines of all price points, both red and white.

Looks: Straw yellow in the glass

Smell: Pineapple and citrus

Taste: Ripe apple, peach, pear, pineapple and a little lime on the finish

Texture and Finish: Medium-bodied, creamy texture, nice level of acidity

Pairings: Seafood, fish, roast chicken, light creamy pasta

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): 100% Chardonnay

Region: South Australia

Price: $12

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Australia, Chardonnay, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , ,
10 April 2015 Virtual Tasting – Jacob’s Creek Two Lands

Virtual Tasting – Jacob’s Creek Two Lands

April 10, 2015 By

Two Lands WinesI’ve explained the idea of virtual wine tastings in previous posts but for those who are new to the concept, here’s how they go:

  • Get wine in the varietal or brand being sampled.
  • Invite some friends to try the wine(s) and experience with you (or do as I typically do – put some yoga pants on and enjoy from the couch with iPad, iPhone and laptop handy).
  • Drink and share your thoughts about the wine(s) with other wine fans from around the world using the established hashtag on Twitter and/or Facebook (in this case #TwoLands).

The wines I tasted last night were by Jacob’s Creek’s new range of wines, Two Lands, made as a collaboration between the Jacob’s Creek’s Chief Winemaker, Bernard Hickin, and Napa winemaker, Ehren Jordan. These new and affordable Australian wines are now available in retail outlets across the United States.

Here are my tasting notes for the four Jacob’s Creek wines featured – 2014 Two Lands Chardonnay, 2014 Two Lands Pinot Grigio, 2013 Two Lands Shiraz and 2013 Two Lands Cabernet Sauvignon.

2014 Two Lands Chardonnay

Bright yellow with a hint of green in the glass. This is a light-bodied Chardonnay with tropical fruit aromas. In the mouth, the flavors were of cantaloupe and peach, not over-the-top fragrant. What I loved most about this Australian Chardonnay was the bright citrusy acidity that gave the wine an almost tangy finish. As the wine warmed up a bit, it developed bigger tropical fruit flavors with a touch of oakiness.

Pairings: Seafood, chicken and pork, if prepared in a light manner

Grape Type(s): Chardonnay

Price: $14

2014 Two Lands Pinot Grigio

Very pale yellow in the glass. There are light lemony and aromas and Meyer lemon flavors that finish on a zesty citrus note. Nice summer sipper.

Pairings: Serve as an aperitif, with fish or with a light salad

Grape Type(s): Pinot Grigio

Price: $14

2013 Two Lands Cabernet Sauvignon

Bright red in the glass with an intense berry nose. This medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon offers stone fruit and ripe berry aromas with a little apple pie spice on the medium finish.

Pairings: Grilled meats, cheese course 

Grape Type(s): Cabernet Sauvignon

Price: $14

2013 Two Lands Shiraz

Deepest of purple in the glass with a smoky, dark fruit nose. Big ripe fruit and blackberry flavors with a crack of black pepper on the long finish. It’s a baby still and needs some cellaring. Softened up a bit with decanting.

Pairings: Grilled steak, simmered beef or lamb, barbeque ribs 

Grape Type(s): Shiraz

Price: $14

Besides the solid wine in the bottles, another thing I loved about the Two Lands is the artwork on the bottles. Here’s a short video showing the wine label illustration – very cool!

Very solid wines for that unbeatable price point – stock up for your summer parties!

These four wines were sent to me as samples and are being added to my repertoire. Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Red Wine, Syrah / Shiraz, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,
2 May 2014 2012 Banrock Station Chardonnay

2012 Banrock Station Chardonnay

May 2, 2014 By

2012 Banrock Station ChardonnayThe wine is straw yellow is like summer in a glass. The bright aromas of peach and tropical fruit carry over to the creamy palate which has just a hint of oak and a nice, bright, finish.

This is a food-friendly wine that is also nice as a summer sipper on a warm afternoon on the patio. For the price point, it would be affordable to grab a case and serve it all summer long.

Pairings: Seafood, chicken, bagels and lox brunch.

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): Chardonnay

Region: Riverland, South Australia

Price: $7

This wine was provided to me for sampling and I’m adding to my repertoire as it’s truly enjoyable.

Filed Under: Australia, Chardonnay, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
6 February 2014 Virtual Tasting – Southern Hemisphere Wines

Virtual Tasting – Southern Hemisphere Wines

February 6, 2014 By

South Hemisphere WinesLast night, I participated in a #WineChat event on Twitter. The featured wines were from the southern hemisphere, specifically New Zealand, Australia and Argentina. The three white wines were described as “Summer Sippers”.

I’ve explained the idea of virtual wine tastings in previous posts but for those of you who are new to virtual wine tastings, this is what the story is:

  • Get a bottle of the wine varietal or brand being featured.
  • Invite friends to share the wine and experience with you (or snuggle in your pajamas in front of the computer if you prefer).
  • Sip and share your thoughts about the wine(s) with other tasters around the world using the designated hashtag on Twitter and/or Facebook!

Here are my tasting notes from the three featured wines – Brancott Estate Flight Song Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, Graffigna Pinot Grigio from Argentina and Jacob’s Creek Reserve Riesling from Australia:

2012 Graffigna Centenario Pinot Grigio

Light in color with a hint of green. This is a light, easy drinking, sipping wine with a floral nose and a bright, fresh citrus palate. As the wine warmed up a bit, it developed tropical fruit flavors that I enjoyed.

Pairings: Delicate fish, seafood, served as an aperitif

Grape Type(s): Pinot Grigio

Region: Tulum Valley, Argentina

Price: $11

2013 Brancott Estate Flight Song Sauvignon Blanc

For fans of cool label marketing, this is a winner. The bottle is just so pretty. This is the ultimate light wine, nearly clear in color in the bottle. There are light lemony and grassy aromas and ripe Meyer lemon flavors that finish on a zippy, zesty citrus note. At 88 calories per pour at 9% alcohol – bridal shower-ready wine.

Pairings: Serve as an aperitif or with a light salad

Grape Type(s): Sauvignon blanc

Region: Marlborough, New Zealand

Price: $15

2012 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Adelaide Hills Chardonnay

Pale greenish in the glass with a citrusy, light caramel nose. Big fruit, little jammy plum, nice minerality with a little oak. This isn’t your buttery oak bomb. I tend to like this lightly oaked style. Could be interesting with some cellaring.

Pairings: Spicy dishes (Thai, Indian, Mexican), pork  

Grape Type(s): Chardonnay

Region: Adelaide Hills, Australia

Price: $15

These three bottles were sent to me as samples and are being added to my repertoire.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Argentina, Australia, Chardonnay, Food & Wine Events, New Zealand, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, White Wine Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,
6 January 2014 2012 Jacob’s Creek Red Blend

2012 Jacob’s Creek Red Blend

January 6, 2014 By

 

2012 Jacob’s Creek Red BlendThe 2012 Jacob’s Creek Red Blend is deep garnet in the glass and offers dark berry, cherry, chocolate flavors with a little oak and smokiness. Not heavily tannic which makes it a good option to enjoy at any time and for no special occasion at all. We poured this bottle with our Sunday gravy and it held up nicely…especially at under $10.

Pairings: Grilled meat, tomato sauce-based dishes, pizza.

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 66% Shiraz, 18% Cabernet, 12% Grenache and 4% Petit Verdot

Region: South Eastern, Australia

Price: $6

This wine was provided to me for sampling and I am adding it to my repertoire as it’s truly enjoyable.

Filed Under: Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Petit Verdot, Red Wine, Syrah / Shiraz, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , ,
23 July 2013 Sick of White Wine Yet?

Sick of White Wine Yet?

July 23, 2013 By

Wine SteakIt’s hot and muggy outside and for many, including me, the weather calls for light, refreshing white wines. While I’ve poured my share of Assyrtiko, Sauvignon Blanc and Albarino this summer, I’m now craving reds that pair well with burgers, ribs and steaks.

15 Red Wines to Uncork at Summer Barbecues:

Wines for Burgers:

  • 2007 Campo Viejo Reserva Rioja (Rioja, Spain) – $9.99
  • 2010 Alba Vineyards Old Mill Red (Musconetcong Valley, New Jersey, USA) – $11.99
  • 2011 Garnet Vineyards Pinot Noir (Monterey County, California, USA) – $14.99
  • 2009 Albert Bichot Pinot Noir Vielles Vignes (Burgundy, France) – $14.99
  • 2011 Hahn Pinot Noir (Monterey County, California, USA) – $15.99

Wines for Ribs:

  • 2010 Graffigna Centenario Malbec Reserve (San Juan, Argentina) – $10.99
  • 2009 Villa Puccini Toscana (Tuscany, Italy) – $10.99
  • 2010 Predator Old Vine Zinfandel (Central Valley, California, USA) – $11.99
  • 2010 Renwood Winery Premier Old Vine Zinfandel (Amador County, California, USA) – $19.99
  • 2011 Seghesio Sonoma County Zinfandel (Sonoma County, California, USA) – $23.99

Wines for Steaks:

  • 2008 Wyndham Estate BIN 555 Shiraz  (South Eastern, Australia) – $9.99
  • 2010 Montes Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenere (Colchagua Valley, Chile) – $10.99
  • 2010 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Barossa Shiraz (Barossa Valley, Australia) – $14.99
  • 2008 Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre (Valpolicella, Italy) – $16.99
  • 2009 Esporao Reserva Red (Alentejo, Portugal) – $18.99

What are some of your affordable reds?

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Argentina, Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Italy, Malbec, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Portugal, Red Wine, Rioja, Spain, Syrah / Shiraz, Tempranillo, United States, Wine Reviews, Zinfandel Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,
10 July 2013 Dinner with Jacob’s Creek…at My Home

Dinner with Jacob’s Creek…at My Home

July 10, 2013 By

Jacob's CreekThis year, 4th of July was celebrated with beef and beefy red wines at my home. My guy grilled a whole beef tenderloin and I baked my Cabot Creamery Seriously Sharp Cheddar Mac N Cheese.

Since I had a nice lineup of Jacob’s Creek’s current release, I decided to focus the party around their wines. Here’s what we tasted:

  • 2010 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Barossa Shiraz ($14) – This wine smells and tastes the way it looks: blackberry, chocolate/mocha with a little black pepper. It was perfect for the beef and the pepper sauce I served with it. I just enjoy that big mouthful of dark jammy berries.
  • 2011 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon ($10) – Purplish red in the glass, this Cabernet Sauvignon offers ripe blackberry and red current aromas with some astringent notes. Nicely balanced, fresh with vanilla notes. Can’t beat it for the price.
  • 2012 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir ($13) – Nice berry aromas with a bit of pumpkin pie spice. Bright cherry flavors with a little oak on the finish. Baby tannins stood up to roasted s’mores nicely.
  • 2012 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Barossa Dry Riesling ($12) – Citrusy aromas with fresh, green apple flavors. Lovely crisp, wet stone finish. Perfect to cut through the richness of my mac and cheese and stood up to its spicy Panko topping.
  • 2012 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Adelaide Hills Chardonnay ($15) – For fans of Chardonnay without a ton of oak and butteryness, this is a good option. It offers a floral, citrusy noseful and nectarine aromas with a great level of acidity. This was poured around the time we enjoyed my Red, White and Blue Cake.

I know I should have poured American wines of this very American holiday, but I enjoyed the lineup very much and look forward to pairing up those heavier reds with my grilled meats this summer.

Cheers,

Veronique

These wines were provided to me for sampling and I’m adding to my repertoire as they’re truly enjoyable.

Filed Under: Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Syrah / Shiraz, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
18 June 2013 Super Value and Taste for Summer from Banrock Station Moscato

Super Value and Taste for Summer from Banrock Station Moscato

June 18, 2013 By

Banrock Pink MoscatoLast weekend, I hosted my 4th Annual Food and Wine Chickie Lobsterfest and was really pleased with the two wines I poured for an aperitif. Both were sipped along a variety of foods ranging from light to very rich and stood up nicely.

2012 Banrock Station Pink Moscato ($8), delicate pink in the glass with refreshing, lightly floral flavors. The small amount of fizziness and nice level of acidity balance out most of the sweetness.

2012 Banrock Station Moscato ($8), lightly citrusy on the nose, tropical fruit flavors and bright and refreshing finish.

Banrock MoscatoThese wines from Australia’s McLaren Vale region are affordable, approachable and delicious.

Cheers,

Veronique

These wines were provided to me for sampling and I’m adding to my repertoire as they’re truly enjoyable.

Filed Under: Australia, Muscat, Rose, Blush Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,
3 April 2013 2009 James Oatley Tic Tok Sauvignon Blanc Semillon

2009 James Oatley Tic Tok Sauvignon Blanc Semillon

April 3, 2013 By

Tic TokI served this to guests as an aperitif last week and it was a nice rendition of Australian Sauvignon Blanc of this price range.

Pale yellow in the glass with nice citrus and freshly cut grass aromas, the 2009 James Oatley Tic Tok Sauvignon Blanc Semillon has Meyer lemon and light honey flavors. Enjoyable crisp finish.

Pairings: Fish, seafood or served as an aperitif

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): 60% Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon 40%

Region: Western Australia

Price: $10

Filed Under: Australia, Sauvignon Blanc, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: ,
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