Polka Dot Riesling

Mmm mmm! Either there are delicious fairies frolicing in my mouth, or I've had an extraordinarily long week. Either way, I give this wine a big thumbs-up. As a Reisling, it is definitely sweet, but not overpoweringly so. It has just enough spice hidden under the surface to balance the sweetness. It seems like there is a slight carbonation, which gives it a bit more of a 'wine cooler' feeling without the sugar coma. High on the fruity-floral scale, but I could see it appealing to a diverse group of wine-drinkers. My opinion is that this would be a good wine to serve to those dissidents who don't usually like wine.

Wyndham - Shiraz

Whoa! Very strong. Bites my mouth. I didn't like this one very much at all. Coats my mouth, which is an uncomfortable feeling. 2

Boyfriend Review:
Smells like berries. Not bad...am I buzzed? Eh, I'll drink it. 3

Little Penguin - Shiraz

Very fruity and sweet. Would be a great desert wine, but I don't think I would be able to drink more than one glass. 4

Boyfriend Review:
Smells kinda fruity. Sweet, maybe too sugary. 3

Luzon

Smelled really good, but didn't taste nearly as good as it smelled. Very strong fruit flavor, and very acidic. Bites me in the back of my tongue and throat. 3

Boyfriend Review:
Smells like wine. Acidic taste. Meh. 1

14 Hands Merlot

I really liked this wine! Tastes well aged, kind of like oak. Very smooth aftertaste. I would most definitely drink this one again. This wine was the winner of the wine tasting. A whole-hearted 5

Boyfriend Review:
Smells bold and kinda acidic. Tastes full-bodied and not acidic. 5

Indian Creek - Pinot Noir

This is the wine Brian brought back for me from his trip to Boise. Smells highly acidic, but fortunately it tastes much better than it smells. Good aftertaste, though more acidic than I prefer. Tastes a bit like cherry. 4

Boyfriend Review:
Smells acidic. Tastes acidic. Probably will get a bad hangover. 2

Clos La Coutale - 2008 Table Wine

Very clean and refreshing. Sweet and floral flavors. I really enjoyed this one. 5

Boyfriend Review:
Smells good. Very mellow and fruity. Lots of flavor. 5

Woop Woop - 2008 Shiraz

Tried this at a wine tasting awhile back, and I'm finally getting around to putting it on the blog. I thought it was rather fruity, tasting cherry and plum. Also had quite a bit of spice to it. Dry, but full bodied. Seemed like there was almost too much going on. 3 out of 5.

Boyfriend Review:
Smells kinda dry. Tastes mellow and foofooey. 3

Fumaio

Sauvignon Blanc & Chardonnay 2008

My Review
Quite acidic. Sour, citrusy flavor. Lemon? Lime? Kind of dry, but not too dry. Slight floral notes on the aftertaste. Lingers on the mid-section of my tongue. Not quite sweet enough for my taste. I don't like it, Sam I Am.

Expert Review
This unique, well-rounded Tuscan cuvée offers vibrant melon and
apricot flavors, with a crisp, long finish. Fumaio has a light straw color
with a fresh and intense bouquet of fruit. Served chilled, Fumaio pairs
well with seafood salads, rice dishes and pasta in light sauces as well as
fish prepared in a variety of ways.

** 2 stars out of 5

Bohemian Highway

Merlot

My review:
Full and round bodied. Earthy with spicy undertones. Most definitely got me in the Bohemian spirit. Vanilla, orange, nutmeg, cloves. Sweet aftertaste, doesn't linger too much which I like. It was only $11 for a great big bottle, so bonus points for that.

Experts said:
Full of ripe plum and deep berry flavors. Immediately fruit-forward and lush, the blend is highlighted by hints of vanilla and brown spice. Supple tannins round out the finish of the wine, with lingering flavors of sun-ripened blackberries.

*****

Birdman

Pinot Grigio

My review:
Almost a slight beer flavor, and beer is great, so that's a plus. Tastes a bit like dandelion. Slightly acidic. Citrusy and round in my mouth. Would be good with a sharp cheese, gouda, or spicy food. Also, bonus points for a super cute label!

Experts say:
Comes across first as cool and refreshing, no one element protruding above the others. A just slightly sweet clean fruit (think pear/apple/starfruit) middle pairs with the just slightly acidic edges and is eased along by the just slightly creamy texture into the just slightly bright upper tones.And the finish: Sits just slightly long until it fades to a just slightly clean, crisp ending.

*****

Blue Nun Reisling

My review:
Sweet dessert wine. Would be very good with a mild cheese, such as brie. Floral tones, with a hint of apple. Aftertaste is not too sweet, lingers on the tongue but not bitter. I drank it with a handful of chocolate chips, which was quite excellent.

The experts said:
Quite a reserved, slightly leafy nose with a touch of nettle and a suggestion of lime. There's a nice clean, slaty minerality. Palate is crisp and dry, with clean, juicy apple fruit and good texture. Plenty of citrus acidity cuts through and extends the finish. A modern, appetising dry riesling. Very good.

****

Zen of Zin

Zinfandel, made by Ravenswood.
I was originally drawn to it because I thought the title was quite clever.

My review:
Very smooth. Little bitter aftertaste. Notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, plum. Kind of spicy, but not too overpowering. Good winter wine? Reminds me of Christmas potpourri.

The experts also commented that it has the ripe tastes of strawberry and cherry jam, with orange peel. The wine is juicy, ripe, and flavorful, with the impression of boldness without the heaviness.

I give it 4 out of 5 stars