Flechas de los Andes - 2007 Gran Malbec

Tasted on :August 20, 2010
Purchased for: $14.99

Wine Data:

• Alcohol Content: 14.5%
• Residual Sugar: dry

Wine Awards:

• 92 points - Wine Advocate
  

Tasting:

Appearance: Dark, dark burgundy. Seems thick because after swirling there were no rivulets that ran down the sides of the glass.

Aroma: Wonderful cracked pepper and cherry notes.

Taste / Texture: That's a lot of wine character! Medium-full bodied, smooth with a blast of pepper. The fruit notes take a back seat. Nice feeling on my tongue.

Aftertaste: Pleasant and rather long finish compared to other wines I've tasted.

Decision: I like it! 85/100

Broadbent - Vinho Verde (NV)

Tasted on: October 23, 2009
Purchased for: $7.99


Wine Data:

• Alcohol Content: 9%
• Residual Sugar: Unknown, but likely below 2.5%
  

Wine Awards and Ratings:

• 86 points - Wine Spectator

Tasting:

Appearance: Very clear. slight green tint.

Aroma: Very aromatic with citrus notes. Simple, yet delightful bouquet.

Taste / Texture: The slight carbonation gives it a tingly mouth feel. The blood orange note is clear. The wine has a medium body. The flavors work harmonious towards a generously flavorful taste.

Aftertaste: Lasting, somewhat coating, and quite pleasant on the tongue.

Decision: Excellent, excellent wine. It would pair great with a salad or white meat summer dish. Also a great wine to drink by itself. As a fan of champagne, I love bubbles and their tingling taste on the tongue. Definitely a keeper. 90/100

Raats - 2008 Chenin Blanc (Non-NY)

Tasted on: October 17, 2009
Purchased for: $10.50


Wine Data:

• Alcohol Content: 13.5%
• Residual Sugar: 2.2 g/L
  
• pH: 3.45
• Total acid: 6 g/L

Wine Awards and Ratings:

• 88 points - Wine Spectator

Tasting:

Appearance: Very clear, slight straw color

Aroma: Complex, sweet, and fruity aroma. Intense.

Taste / Texture: Mineral taste with fruity tones. Light-medium mouth feel. Flavors taste a bit disjointed - the mineral overwhelms the fruitiness when slightly chilled.

Aftertaste: Tongue retains some flavor, but is not coated. Pleasant after-taste.

Decision: The wine is layered with minerality and fruit notes that are a bit out of sync. The residual sugar seems high to me because the sweetness isn't overwhelming. Pleasant taste, but a bit too subdued. This vintage was not aged in oak - perhaps that would have changed its flaovring and added taste value to the wine. Would probably not buy again, but not a terrible wine. 75/100