Tasting - Chateau Morrisette Frosty Dog

Name: Chateau Morrisette Frosty Dog
Variety: Eiswein
Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: N/A
Price: $19.99

Winery's Review:
Freezing resulted in a concentrated, aromatic juice, which when fermented became this sumptuous, complex dessert wine.  Aromas of apples, citrus, and orange blossoms are accentuated by lively acidity.   The lingering finish drips with honey, pear, and subtle mango flavors.  This delightful wine is a great dessert by itself, and can also be served as an aperitif. 


My Review:
This was my first Eiswein, and much like my first Sherry, it may be my last. This was definitely a wine that is made to be drank as an aperitif. On the nose, this wine smelt like that of a very very sweet Riesling or Gerwurztraminer. On the palate, it tated just as that. It was almost like drinking fruit syrup mixed with pounds of sugar. This was a very very sweet wine, and although it was a good experience, I do not forsee myself drinking another Eiswein anytime soon.


I did not drink this wine with food.

Tasting - Chateau Morrisette Our Dog Blue

Name: Chateau Morrisette Our Dog Blue
Variety: Reisling - Traminette blend
Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: N/A
Price: $10.99

Winery's Review:
This popular white wine is a semi-sweet Riesling-Traminette blend, using Vidal Blanc for added depth. Aromas of melons, citrus fruits, apricots, and delicate flowers highlight the soft finish of this soothing wine. Serve chilled with fruits and cheeses, fish, or spicy foods.


My Review:
Our Dog Blue was very good for a white wine. It smelled like I was pressing my face into the middle of a bouquet of roses. It was a very sweet smelling wine, but not so sweet that it was sickening. On the palate, it tasted like candied baked apples mixed with apricots. It was very fruity and very good.


I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting - Chateau Morrisette 2010 Vidal Blanc

Name: Chateau Morrisette 2010 Vidal Blanc
Variety: 100% Vidal Blanc
Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2010
Price: $10.99

Winery's Review:
  Refreshing flavors of citrus and apples are augmented by grapefruit, melon and floral aromas.  Medium-bodied and smooth, this vintage features a lengthy, aromatic finish.  Very food-friendly; pairs well with a wide variety of grilled or roasted poultry and seafood.


My Review:
I am not a huge white wine fan, but this one was pretty good. On the nose it was very light, floral, and fruity. It smelled like the average white wine, but on the palate was very good. It was very light and fruity, but not did not taste of berries. It had major flavors of both apple and grapefruit, and was almost refreshing.


I did not try this wine with food.

Tasting - Chateau Morrisette The Black Dog

Name: Chateau Morrisette The Black Dog
Variety: Blend of Chambourcin, Cabernet, Merlot, and Petit Verdot
Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: N/A
Price: $12.99

Winery's Review:
A unique blend of Cabernet, Chambourcin and Merlot produces this exceptionally smooth semi-dry red wine. Its appealing spicy character and medium body enhance many dishes as well as light hors d'oeuvres. It's obviously well bred!


My Review:

This was a pretty good wine, although not my favorite. On the nose I found notes of Strawberry and some black pepper. The palate paralleled my nose by showing tastes of Red berries, with mild earthyness. Overall this was a respectable wine, and was very smooth, probably due to being a light bodied red.

I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting - Chateau Morrisette Petit Verdot

Name: Chateau Morrisette 2008 Petit Verdot
Variety: 100% Petit Verdot
Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2008
Price: $19.99

Winery's Review:
Our 2008 Petit Verdot invited with traces of vanilla emerging from rich, dark fruit aromas. Wild berries and raisin flavors mingle with savory nuances of black pepper and toast, all wrapped in robust, velvety tannins. Mocha joins the berry character through the long finish.

My Review:
This was the first Petit Verdot I have ever had, and I thought it was very good. It was very bold, yet very smooth and silky on the palate. It had very strong tastes of raspberry and blackberry jams, with light hints of vanilla in taste. On the nose however, this wine showed much of its dark berry character mixed with a tiny bit of sweetness.

I did not try this wine with food.

Winery Visit - Chateau Morrisette, Floyd VA

Name: Chateau Morrisette
Location: Floyd, Va

          Chateau Morrisette is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Floyd, Virginia. I toured the facility with a group of roommates and friends on Saturday, March 24th. Upon leaving Blacksburg, the weather was nice - warm and sunny. About halfway through the 45 minute drive to Floyd, we found ourselves in the midst of a thunderstorm producing hail and a few inches of rain. 

          We arrived to the winery just as there was the announcement of a cancelled tour due to the weather. We did, however, have a tasting of 12 different wines made at Chateau Morrisette, and were accompanied by a very knowledgeable sommelier who was able to detail to us the history of Chateau Morrisette, and what should be expected of each wine.

         The winery produces a variety of about ten dry, four off-dry, three sweet, and one fruit wine. Our sommelier explained the differences to us in detail as we proceeded with the tastings. As learned in class, dry wine indicates the lack of residual sugar causing them to be 'dry' or not sweet (Sweet wines are the opposite - those with residual sugars). Off-dry was a new type of wine to me. It means that the residual sugar is present but not very noticeable to the average palate. This makes it seem more sweet than a dry wine, but not nearly as sweet as a sweet rose wine.

         We also learned some about the history of the winery while there, and I found it very interesting. Chateau Morrisette was officially founded in 1978 and began with just a few cuttings. Since then, the winery has expanded to the point of being able to house about 180-190,000 gallons of wine (about 130,000 gallons of which is held in stainless steel). The following posts will be tastings of the different wines experienced on the trip.

Tasting - Peter Mertes Qualitatswein

Name: Peter Mertes Liebfraumilch Rheinhessen Qualitatswein 2009
Variety: 
Region: Rheinhessen and Palatinate
Country: Germany
Year: 2009
Price: $5.95


Critic's Review: 

Leibfraumilch is a soft, delicate wine of the Rheinhessen and Palatinate districts. The original was named after the Leibfraumilch monastery in Worms, where the monks were the first wine growers and produced an unusually pleasing wine. Wines of the Rheinhessen and Palatinate are noted for their aroma, well-balanced harmony, and fragrance. Leibfraumilch, as all excellent white wines is best served chilled. We suggest serving with cold entrees, as well as poultry, such as chicken or turkey, or even with a mild Cheddar, mellow and slightly nutty with a medium consistency. - Vintage Cellar

My Review: 

This was an interesting and good light wine. It smelled as a kid's juice drink would (i.e. Capri sun, Hi-C, etc.), along with various fruit juices including Pineapple and apple. On the palate, this wine was very light, crisp, and almost refreshing. It had a very good amount of residual sugars, without having too much making it sweet. It tasted like a weak apple sauce, along with light summer fruits. 
I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting - Col Des Vents Corbieres

Name: Col Des Vents Corbieres 2009
Variety: 50% Carignan, 35% Grenache, 15% Syrah
Region: 
Country: France

Year: 2009
Price: $7.95


Critic's Review: 

Brambly Berry, cherry, and raspberry, spices, black pepper...all are present in this authentic French country wine. - Vintage Cellar

My Review: 

This wine was good for the pricing. It was nothing to write home about, but good nonetheless. It started with a nose of black pepper, dark chocolate, cherries, wood, and smoke. Upon tasting, it was found that this wine was much like the one before it in that it tasted much like it smelled. There were strong notes of cherries, and wood chips, along with a finish of black pepper. 

I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting - San Elias Carmenere

Name: San Elias Carmenere
Variety: 100% Carmenere
Region: Central Valley
Country: Chile
Year: 2010
Price: $5.95


Critic's Review: 

The grapes for this Carmenere are selected from vineyards in the Central Valley. Beautiful red fruit aromas. Supple and round in the mouth, the wine pairs well with full flavored cheeses and lamb.

My Review: 

This was the first Carmenere I have ever had. It was a very surprising wine on both the nose, and the palate. The nose of this wine smelled distinctly of fresh green bell peppers. On the palate, it tasted the exact same as it smelled. This was very surprising considering how most wines don't smell as they taste. This tasted like the same green bell peppers with maybe a tiny hint of onion on the mid palate. 

I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting - Estrella Chardonnay

Name: Estrella Chardonnay
Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Region: California
Country: United States
Year: 2010
Price: $5.95


Critic's Review: 

Intensely flavored and balanced with layers of vanilla, butter and pear, followed by apple, banana, and oak. - Vintage cellar

My Review: 

This Chardonnay was not like the typical Chardonnay. I am not a very big fan of Chardonnay, and I thought this was a decently-good bottle of wine. Especially for the price of $5.95. On the nose, there was a very intense smell of pears canned in syrups, along with strawberries. On the palate however, there was no hint of pear what-so-ever. Instead, it was replaced by the taste of what was almost like a strawberry-banana candy or smoothie, with lots of oak, and was very tart. It was a refreshing change from the everyday run of the mill cat urine Chardonnay. 
I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting - Zonin Pinot Grigio

Name: Zonin Pinot Grigio 2009
Variety: 100% Pinot Grigio
Region: Veneto
Country: Italy
Year: 2009
Price: $5.95

Critic's Review: 

Pale straw yellow color with brilliant reflections. Delicately fruity bouquet, with outstanding finesse and marked hints of almond blossom and peaches. Elegant, soft and well-structured fruit on the palate, with remarkable freshness and a clean persistent aftertaste. - Vintage Cellar

My Review: 

This Pinot Grigio in my opinion portrayed itself like a $5.95 bottle of wine. On the nose it was very floral, and had hints of an almost gasoline-like burn. It was palate-able, albeit very tart, and full of over-ripened citrus fruits. It lacked any sign of a substantial mid-palate. On the finish, there was a prominent taste of alcohol accompanied by a decent amount of heat. Although it was not a very good Pinot Grigio, for the price, it was decent about what I expected.

I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting - Kendall-Jackson Riesling

Name: Kendall-Jackson Riesling 2010
Variety: 100% Riesling
Region: California
Country: United States
Year: 2010
Price: $12


Critic's Review: 

Deliciously crisp with lots of fruit and subtle spice notes. Layers of apricot, peach, and orange blossom mingle with bursts of aromatic jasmine and delightful finish.

My Review: 

This Riesling was decent, but not amazing. It was a light golden color and was very light bodied. On the nose, this wine reeked of cat-urine and sour towels. On the palate however it was very sweet and tasted of pears, apples, and apricots with no heat. 


I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting - Trapiche Malbec

Name: Trapiche Oak Cask Malbec 2010
Variety: 100% Malbec
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2010
Price: $11


Critic's Review:

The 2010 Oak Cask Malbec has an intense red color with violet hints. The wine shows sweet aromas of blackberry and plum with a touch of black pepper, an elegant touch of smoke and vanilla comes from the oak aging. There is a velvety texture, soft tannins, and long finish. 

My Review: 

This Oak Cask Malbec was good. At 14% ABV, it had no recognizable heat, and had strong aromas of black and red berries - especially black cherries. On the palate, there were very strong tastes of cherry and vanilla, with a very smoky and almost meat-like finish. This wine was medium-bodied, and had very little to no tannins.

I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting - Chateau Morrisette Blackberry Wine

Name: Chateau Morrisette Blackberry Wine
Variety: Blackberry wine
Region: Virginia
Country: United States
Year: N/A
Price: $10


Critic's Review: 
Sweet and smooth, this Blackberry Wine is packed with the vibrant fruitiness of succulent, sun drenched berries. 

My Review: 
This wine was excellent for a fruit based wine. At 12% ABV, there was absolutely no heat, or any hint of alcohol in either the palate or bouquet. On the nose this wine resembled a Blackberry juice, with trace amounts of cinnamon. Tasting this wine gave way to a light bodied wine that was very easy on the palate. It tasted very much like biting into a  Blackberry, and drinking the juice that comes with it. 
I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting - Lazzaro Chardonnay

Name: Lazzaro Chardonnay 2010

Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Region: I.P. Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2010
Price: $7


Critic's Review: 

Opens with mellow peach and melon aromas and some oak. The palate is round, creamy, and full. Tastes of spiced, dried apple with a stalky, pithy accent. - Vintage Cellar


My Review: 

This Chardonnay was an Oaked Chardonnay with very light golden color, and a light body. When the bottle was first opened, there were scents of musty pears and apples. While warm, the palate consisted of apples, pears, and spicy cheeses. It was also very tannic, and somewhat dry. This was one of my favorite Chardonnays while warm. After chilling in the refrigerator for an hour, the bouquet changed and had aromas of oak, aerosols, sweet gala apples, perfume, and maple sugar. The taste transformed to notes of maple sugar, cedar cigar-box, and sweet gala apples. The tannic component of the wine did not change after chilling. 
I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting - No Vineyards Chardonnay

Name: No Vineyards 2008 Chardonnay
Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Region: Monterey County, CA
Country: United States
Year: 2008
Price: $15


Vineyards's Review:  
The wine has a bright, alluring nose with high tone tropical fruit and rich melon flavors. The wine is vibrant and pure on the palate without lactic acid to weigh it down. A fabulous food wine that can be paired with a variety of seafoods, light fare and savory cheeses, it is also wonderful on its own.

My Review: 
Upon first opening the bottle, this wine had a very champagne like color - almost like a watered down apple juice. The bouquet of the Chardonnay had very strong hints of cat urine, canned tuna, and sour cucumbers. The first sip was light-bodied, dry, and had almost no taste besides very faint light notes of lime. After chilling in the refrigerator for an hour, the Chardonnay completely changed. The bouquet really opened up, and had very strong scents of pears, apples, and fresh cut grass, accompanied by background hints of plum. Along with the bouquet, the taste also opened up. After chilling, the wine had notes of citrus fruits, sugar, and tart pears/apples. It turned out to be a very good Chardonnay that was sweet, fruity, and somewhat dry.
 
I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting - Banrock Station Shiraz

Name: Banrock Station Shiraz 2010
Variety: 100% Shiraz
Region: South East
Country: Australia
Year: 2010
Price: $7


Critic's Review: Deep purple color, ripe red berry fruit with mint and spice aromas; dry, full-bodied, black cherry and plum flavors with a touche of anise - wine-align.com


My Review: This Shiraz had a very full-bodied and earthy bouquet. It had a slight meaty aroma, mixed with bold blackberry and black cherry scents. Along with these earth tones, hints of smoke and dirt were also found complementing its dark ruby color.  On the palate, this wine was very similar to its smell. Lots of smoky oak mixed with blackberries and cherries, followed by slight hints of dark chocolate. This wine was very tannic, and for being (only) 13.0% ABV, was slightly hot. Overall it was a good and very enjoyable wine on both the nose and the palate due to its full-bodied robustness.


I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting - Poggio Vipere Chianti 2008

Name: Denominazione Di Origine Controllata E Garantita  Poggio Vipere Chianti 2008
Variety: 100% Chianti
Region: Tuscany
Country: Italy
Year: 2008
Price: $12


Critic's Review: Ruby red color, it has a good body and persistent aroma with hints of cherry spice. In the mouth, it reveals itself as soft, fresh, and pleasantly balanced.


My Review: On the nose, this wine had a great bouquet. There were strong aromas of dark berries and smoky wood complemented by its dark garnet red color. Tasting this Chianti, I found myself very pleased. Upon tasting, I found essences of strawberries and cherries with a hint of bayleaf spices in the mid-palate. It's finish was very smooth, with a strong almost aged scotch-like flavor of smoky charred sandalwood. Overall, I found this wine to be a good light-bodied wine with strong tastes of berry and wood, followed by a smooth no-heat finish.


I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting - Terra d'Oro Zinfandel

Name: Terra d'Oro Amador County Zinfandel
Variety: 100% Zinfandel
Region: Amador County, California
Country: United States
Year: 2006
Price: $15

Critics Review: Fans of old-fashioned, rustic, kick-butt Zin from Amador County will find a lot to like in this ripe and rustic offering. Its ripe berry, minerally aromas are more concentrated than they are complex, and its brawny structure owes nothing to refinement, yet as we have seen with wines from this vineyard, all it takes to show them at their best is plate of sauce-slathered pork ribs hot from the barbecue. Wine Spectator - Rated 88



My Review: This Zinfandel was very good. Upon first opening the bottle, I found hints of dark berries (Cherries and Blackberries), chocolate and oak. It was a smooth wine with a light to medium body and very slight heat in the finish. After leaving the bottle uncorked for the night, the wine really opened up. It became much smoother - no heat at all - and I tasted much more of the cherry and oak. The hint of chocolate was replaced by the taste and scent of charred oak, giving it an earthy taste.

I did not taste this wine with food.

See the Critic's Review here