Wine Appraiser

Tonight I have secretly selected a wine for Denise and she has chosen one for me.

In the show, we will discuss the blind-tasting process. After discovering the true identity of each wine, we will discuss the characteristics of each.

Blind-tasting involves the 5 S’s.

1. See
2. Swirl
3. Sniff
4. Sip
5. State

You can get a “Deductive Tasting Form” from the Court of Master Sommeliers online. https://www.mastersommeliers.org/

Tonight, we are blinding tasting two wines including:

1. 2021 Chianti Classico Basilica Cafaggio Vendemmia. This wine was purchased at Costco for $9.89. Cherry and milk Chocolate with notes of soil, freshly cut grass and herbs. Tastes of strawberry and cherry with some salty, crushed stone, and grassy-herbal soil. Relaxed tannins. The Wine Enthusiast rated this wine a 90 and also a Best Buy. We both liked this wine and gave it a score of 3. We would both buy again.
2. 2020 The Herdsman Cabernet Sauvignon, from Zamora, California. I purchased this wine from WineStyles for around $22.00. Flavors of black cherry, plum, maple and mocha. Maybe not the most complex wine, but very tasty and easy drinking. We both scored it a 4 and will purchase again.

Next week we will learn about Zinfandel.

1. 2019 Kirkland Signature, Old Vine Zinfandel. This wine was purchased from Costco for $9.99, and comes from Sonoma County, California.
2. 2019 Seghesio Zinfandel. This wine was also purchased from Costco for $16.99. The wine comes from Sonoma County.

Tonight we are testing the differences between a French Sancerre and a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

Sancerre is one of the most famous French white wine regions, and the top region for Sauvignon Blanc. According to the Oxford Companion to Wine, it has quadrupled its output during the past 50 years. It is known for its bright and complex wines, and for pairing with locally made goat cheeses.

On the other side is the Wairau Valley, New Zealand. Sauvignon Blanc has made New Zealand famous for wine around the world. New Zealand is known for producing bright and fresh wines.

Tonight, we are tasting a:

1. 2023 Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc purchased from Costco for $11.99. The wine is produced in Marlborough, New Zealand. This wine scored an 85 from the Wine Enthusiast. They called it green and a touch underripe; with sulfuric, onion, lime, and passion fruit aromas. Tastes are better with tangy lime zest and a slightly chalky texture. Acids keep it fresh.
2. 2022 Domaine des Cotes Blanches Sancerre purchased from Costco for $23.99. Sancerre comes from the Loire Valley, France. I’ve read that Sancerre is Taylor Swift’s favorite wine. The vineyard practices organic farming. They don’t use pumps in the winery and rely on gravity systems exclusively. The name “Cotes Blanches” pays homage to the stony white soils gracing the slopes of Sancerre. It has a color of Pale yellow with notes of light flint, plum, peach, and citrus fruit. Round with a nice mineral finish. Pairs with light appetizers, grilled fish, poultry, and goat cheese.

Next week, we will have a blind tasting, so the wines will be unknown. Join us to see if we can guess what we are drinking. We will also learn about the wines and their characteristics.

Tonight we are tasting another hybrid wine. Chambourcin is a French-American hybrid.

According to the website Pinot Days https://www.pinotdays.com/chambourcin-complete-guide/ Chambourcin has zero foxy taste or aromas, grows well in hot and humid environments, medium tannins, and high acids. It says it is most similar to a Merlot or Cabernet Franc. It is most popular in Australia, Canada, and the central United States. Flavors of plum, black cherry, herbs, black pepper, chocolate, and some herbaceous notes.

Normally is oak aged to tone down the acid and add complexity. Known for pairing with pizza and enchiladas.

Tonight, we are tasting a:

1. 2019 Stone Hill Chambourcin purchased at the Winery https://stonehillwinery.com/  for $20.00. It was a Governor’s Cup Winner in Missouri. It is fermented on the skins and then aged for one year in French and American oak barrels. It has 13.2% alcohol and 0.2% residual sugar. It has earthy and herbal aromas with notes of dark fruit and chocolate. Fresh acidity and soft tannins. Pairs well with grilled meats, pastas in rich red sauces, and ripe cheeses such as Brie or Camembert.

Next week we will have a challenge show and compare a Sancerre to a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand:

1. 2023 Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc purchased from Costco for $11.99. Comes from Marlborough, New Zealand.
2. 2022 Domaine des Cotes Blanches Sancerre purchased from Costco for $23.99. Sancerre comes from the Loire Valley, France. I’ve read that Sancerre is Taylor Swift’s favorite wine.

Tonight we are tasting our first Iowa wine on the show. We just tasted this wine for the first time last week and enjoyed it immensely. 

Petite Amie is French for “Little Friend”. I’m told it often refers to your little girlfriend.

This dry white wine has fruit and floral aromas. There is also a hint of melon on the nose. The wine is aged in Neutral oak (barrels that are not being used for the first time), adding subtle flavors and body without overpowering the flavor.

Petite Amie is described as being a Muscat type wine. This would include rose and fruit flavors. It also typically has lower acids.

Tonight, we are enjoying an Iowa Petite Amie and a California Chardonnay:

1. 2023 Petite Amie purchased at the Soldier Creek Winery (https://www.soldiercreekwinery.com/)  for $17.76. It has 11.0% alcohol and was aged in neutral oak barrels. Aromas of melon, pear, and rose with similar flavors.
2. 2020 Z Alexander Brown Uncaged Chardonnay. This wine was purchased for around $19.00. White peach, floral orange blossom with hints of honey and baking spice. A rich, velvety mouthfeel is supported by core flavors of juicy stone fruit, vanilla, and toasted oak. Fermented and aged in a combination of stainless steel, French oak, and American oak. Some of the wine goes through partial or complete malolactic fermentation. The wine comes from Monterey, CA.

Next week we will continue to explore Hybrid wine grapes, and will taste:

1. 2019 Stone Hill Winery Chambourcin purchased at the winery for $19.00. Stone Hill is located in Hermann, Missouri.

Tonight we are tasting our first ever Greek wines.

Yamas is a Greek word that means “to our health” or “cheers”. (accent on the second syllable)

According to retailers in Des Moines, good Greek wine is hard to find here. According to the “Oxford Companion to Wine” over 85% of Greek wine is consumed in Greece. We were also told that much of the better wine is sent to high-end Greek restaurants in the eastern US.

Tonight, we are enjoying two Greek wines including:

1. NV Merastri Red Wine. Blend of Kotsifali and Mandalaria. 12% Alcohol. Fermented in stainless steel tanks. Aromas of plums, leather, and pepper. Flavors of dried red fruit and round tannins. Serve with meat BBQ, sausages, and medium-aged cheeses.
2. NV Merastri White Wine. Vilana, Vidiano, Moschato, and Moschofilero grape blend. 11.5% alcohol. Each variety is separately fermented in stainless steel tanks before blending. It has aromas similar to Muscat with citrus fruits, and tastes of stone fruits with lemon notes. Pair with seafood and white meats.

Next week we have our first Iowa Wine Challenge. We will blind taste an Iowa Petite Amie and a California Chardonnay:

1. 2023 Petite Amie purchased at the winery for $17.76.
2. 2020 Z Alexander Brown Chardonnay purchased for around $19.00.

Tonight we have our first challenge show of 2025.

Bordeaux is home to some of the world’s most famous and expensive wines. Bordeaux wines are blends made mostly of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. However, additional grape varieties can include Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot, and Malbec in small amounts. According to the Oxford Companion to Wine, four new red wine grape varieties were approved for Bordeaux in 2021.

We will compare the Bordeaux blend to a Cabernet Sauvignon from California.  

Tonight, we are enjoying a California Cabernet and a Bordeaux Blend:

1. 2018 Tribute Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine was purchased from Costco for $9.99, and comes from Livermore, California. It received a 90 rating from the Wine Enthusiast. Packed with black fruit flavors and robust in texture, this full-bodied wine offers oodles of blackberries and black cherries that are lightly accented with cinnamon and vanilla. It's moderately tannic and well balanced.
2. 2019 Chateau de Marsan. This wine was also purchased from Costco for $7.99. The wine comes from the Lestiac-sur-Garonne district in Cadillac and is made up of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet. It is aged 12 months in French oak barrels. Reverse Wine Snob says: Dark fruit, coffee, a little earthiness and some Asian spice. Smooth and juicy. Opens up after a couple of hours. Wine Enthusiast gave the wine a rating of 91.

Next week we will taste two wines from Greece:

1. Merastri Red Wine from Crete. This is a three-wine blend
2. Merastri White Wine from Crete. Four-wine blend.

Tonight I have secretly selected a wine for Denise, and she has chosen one for me.

In the show, we will discuss the blind-tasting process, and after discovering each wine's true identity, we will discuss the characteristics (tells) for each.

Blind-tasting involves the 5 S’s.

1. See
2. Swirl
3. Sniff
4. Sip
5. State

You can get a “Deductive Tasting Form” from the Court of Master Sommeliers online.

https://www.mastersommeliers.org/

Tonight, we are blinding tasting two wines including:

1. 2022 Tread Softly Pinot Noir from Western Australia. This wine was purchased at Wine Styles for $14.39. It is a translucent cherry juice color, with aromas of ripe strawberries and raspberries, white pepper, dried herbs, and gentle flower nuances. The Wine Enthusiast rated this wine a 89.
2. 2016 Senorio De Villarrica, Rioja Reserva, from Spain. I purchased this wine from Costco for $16.99, and the Wine Enthusiast rated it a 94. Aromas of black cherry, butterscotch and violet, with a touch of black-olive. Flavors of black cherry and pomegranate, sleek tannins and notes of milk chocolate, lavender, and roasted fennel bulb.

Next week we will have a challenge show. It is Bordeaux versus California Cabernet.

1. 2018 Tribute Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine was purchased from Costco for $9.99, and comes from Livermore, California.
2. 2019 Chateau de Marsan. This wine was also purchased from Costco for $7.99. The wine comes from the Lestiac-sur-Garonne district in Cadillac and is made of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet.

Tonight we are exploring Merlot wines.

Merlot normally has a nose of red plum and cherry in cooler climates to blackberry and baked fruits in warmer climates, with notes of vanilla and spice from oak aging. As it ages, you will get notes of chocolate, meatiness, and tobacco.

Merlot is smooth compared to its half-sibling Cabernet Sauvignon. The warmer the region it is grown, the smoother the tannins, higher the alcohol and body, and the darker the fruit flavors.

Tonight, we are enjoying two Merlots:

1. 2020 Monterra, Merlot. Purchased at Trader Joe's for $6.99. This wine comes from Monterey, CA. Cellar Tracker says “Not too shabby for a $7 wine”. Many reviews said aromas of cocoa and floral. Tastes of cherry cola, plum, chocolate. Soft tannins and fruit forward.
2. Alki 2018 Merlot. This wine was purchased at Costco for $14.99. The wine comes from the Columbia Valley, WA. 90 rating from the Wine Enthusiast. Aromas of Caramel, vanilla, spice, and brooding black cherry. Luscious but well-balanced fruit and oak flavors follow and unfold in equal measure from start to finish.

Next week we will have a totally blind tasting. Dennis will pick out a wine for Denise and she will pick out a wine for Dennis. We will go through the tasting process.

Tonight we explore Champagne.

Champagne can be made from any one or combination of the following three grape varieties; Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, or Pinot Meunier.

Champagne is normally not a vintage wine and is made from juice of different years.

Tonight we have broken into Denise’s private Stache and will enjoy her favorite Champagne to celebrate our final episode of 2024.

Tonight, we are enjoying a Champagne:

1. Pol Roger. We purchased this wine from Costco for $64.99. This champagne has a golden straw color, fine bubbles, and a powerful nose with aromas of pear, mango, honeysuckle, and white jasmine. It has cooked fruit flavors, such as quince jelly and apricot jam, with hints of beeswax and acacia honey cardamom. The finish is long-lasting with notes of candied orange peel, tangerine, , and anis. 

Next week we will enjoy Merlot wines:

1. Alki 2018 Merlot. This wine was purchased at Costco for $14.99. The wine comes from the Columbia Valley, WA.
2. 2020 Monterra, Merlot. Purchased at Trader Joes for $6.99. This wine comes from Monterey, CA.
3. 2021 Markham Merlot. Purchased at Wall to Wall Wines for $28.99. This wine is from Napa Valley.

Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, Cremant, Traditional Method (classic method or methode champenoise), Tank Method (Charmat Method), Brut, Extra Dry, and Dry.

Tonight we will delve into the world of sparkling wines. First, what is a sparkling wine?

A sparkling wine is one with carbonation. So we can start with how the carbonation gets into the wine. First, there is the Traditional Method where the carbonation is produced through a secondary fermentation of the wine in the bottle. This is how Champagnes are made, as well as many other sparkling wines from around the world. It is often a more expensive wine due to the labor involved in production. Sparkling wines can also be produced using the tank method or (Charmat Method). Prosecco is made by the tank method which involves a second fermentation that takes place in a large tank. Then the wine is bottled under pressure to maintain the pressure.

If you like a dry wine, look for a Brut or Extra Brut. If you prefer a sweeter wine, look for a Dry, Sec, or Doux.

Tonight, we will try two sparkling wines including:

1. Sterling Vintner’s Collection California Brut. We purchased this wine from Costco for $12.89. The Wine Enthusiast rated it an 88, and noted a touch of sweetness with notes of cherry and jasmine blossom, nectarine, apricot, and cut grass.
2. Cooper’s Hawk Sparkling Lux. We purchased this wine from Cooper’s Hawk for $34.99. The wine is produced in the Traditional Method and is made from grapes grown in the Bordeaux region of France. It is made from 70% Semiillon and 30% Cabernet Franc. Aromas of green apple, lemon, yellow pear, and toast. Called a Cremant de Bordeaux.

Next week we will have our year in review show. Our final wine of the year is Denise’s favorite Champagne:

1. Pol Roger. We purchased it at Costco for $64.99.