Tasting: Chardonnay

 

Name: Kendall-Jackson Vinters Reserve

Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Santa Rosa, CA
Country: USA
Year: 2021
Price: $13

Winery review: The nose is toasty and fruity. There are notes of fleshy/pulpy peach, apple and more lightly toasted notes combined with delicate, almost saline touches and an imperceptible hint of peach flowers. The palate is fruity and offers juiciness, minerality, creaminess and a certain gourmandise. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of lychee, lemon and, more slightly, pulpy peach combined with subtle touches of toast, a delicate hint of fresh vanilla and a very discreet saline touch. Good length.

Wine Folly: pg 288, CA Chardonnay: The best Chardonnay grows mostly in coastal regions and valleys up and down the coast that receive cooling breezes and morning fog from the Pacific. Wines offer a richer body, with flavors of pineapple and tropical fruits that are often complemented with tasty oak. (FW: Yellow Apple, Pineapple, Creme Brulee, Vanilla, Caramel)

My review: (Served chilled)On the nose, quite fruity. I got hints of mango,  pineapple, and peach. On the palate, I got a lot more citrusy notes with a little bit of vanilla. Almost like a merengue. 

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting: Stella Rosa Moscato d'Asti

Name: Stella Rosa Moscato d'Asti

Variety: Moscato d'Asti
Region: Piedmont
Country: Italy
Year: 2021
Price: $0

Winery review: Silvery straw color. Aromas and flavors of peach blossoms, honeysuckle, apricot jam, and sweet apples with a satiny, vibrant, spritzy, moderately sweet light-to-medium body and a smooth, engaging, medium-long finish with notes of peach sorbet, raspberry sauce, and sweet honey cake with no oak flavor. An effortlessly drinkable Asti Spumante that charms and delights. (Tastings)

Wine Folly: pg 288, CA Chardonnay: The best Chardonnay grows mostly in coastal regions and valleys up and down the coast that receive cooling breezes and morning fog from the Pacific. Wines offer a richer body, with flavors of pineapple and tropical fruits that are often complemented with tasty oak. (FW: Yellow Apple, Pineapple, Creme Brulee, Vanilla, Caramel)

My review: (Served room temperature) Verrrrry fruity both on the nose and on the palette. Most prominent tasting notes are those of apples, pears, butter, and cinnamon. Overall gives a very strong sense of a oddly sparkling apple pie. 

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting: Paso a Paso

Name: Paso al Paso

Variety: Tempranillo
Region: N/A
Country: Spain
Year: 2020
Price: $0

Winery review: James Suckling: Spicy nose of black fruit, anise, cloves, tapenade and chili chocolate. Full-bodied with broad tannins and a spicy, fleshy palate. Some salty, savory undertones. Vegan. Why wait?

Wine Folly: pg 288, CA Chardonnay: The best Chardonnay grows mostly in coastal regions and valleys up and down the coast that receive cooling breezes and morning fog from the Pacific. Wines offer a richer body, with flavors of pineapple and tropical fruits that are often complemented with tasty oak. (FW: Yellow Apple, Pineapple, Creme Brulee, Vanilla, Caramel)

My review: (Served room temperature) Strong berries on the nose, somewhat nutty and spicy. Even spicier on the tongue. Not super tannic but very acidic and citrusy. Overall very light bodied and enjoyable. 

I tasted this on its own with no food.