John's Wine Blog

  Name: Barefoot Variety: Pinot Grigio Region: Central Valley California Country: USA Year: 2020 Price: $8 Winery Review: "Crisp and refreshing wine with bright aromas and flavors of citrus and green apple. Hints of jasmine complement a bright delicate flavorful finish" Wine Folly: It notes that pinot gris can range from dry to plain sweet, as expected, this is the ladder. It doesnt really say much about it other than that it is a basic light white grape--it typically pairs with white meats, seafood, and fruity flavors. My Review: I knew what I was getting when buying this wine. I have had it a million times- it is the most basic white wine in my eyes and has a mild flavor. To me, this wine can almost seem water downed. The fruityness is very strong and I definitely pick up on citrus flavors as well as apple/pear. I couldnt really imagine pairing this specific wine with white meats/seafoods just because it is so sugary, but I would be interested to see how a better pinot gris

    Name: 19 crimes Variety: Chardonnay Region: South Eastern Country: Australia Year: 2021 Price: $18 Winery Review: "Full bodied with ripe stone fruit flavors balanced with high acidity, toasty oak, honey and hints of spice. Finishes with creamy notes of butterscotch and vanilla. Wine Folly: It notes that chardonnay can range from sparkling blanc de blancs to rich and creamy aged in oak (this is definitely the ladder). It notes varieties from the California region are typically characterized by dry whites. I thought its note about how it can taste like "balanced brandy" was interesting too because I can really feel that with this wine. My review: This is no ordinary chardonnay. The company is not kidding when they say it is "full bodied and high acidity"- it overpowered my mouth. I can definitely taste the bold butterscotch to at the end- I think its the oak that gives it that taste. Cheese: Pepper Jack: Woah- this chardonnay is unlike one I have ever had. It

  Name: Loosen Bros Variety: Riesling Region: Mosel Country: Germany Year: 2020 Price: $15 Winery Review: " Dr. Loosen’s non-estate wine embodies the elegant and racy style of classic Mosel Riesling. It is refreshing and fruity, with a fine mineral edge that is typical of the region. Dr. L Riesling is made with fruit that comes exclusively from traditional vineyards with steep slopes and slate soil. By working closely with local growers on long-term contract, brothers Ernst and Thomas Loosen are able to maintain excellent quality in every vintage. Dr. L Riesling is bottled with a screw cap to avoid cork problems and to preserve freshness" Wine Folly: I thought it was very interesting how wine folly stated that it paired well with spicy Indian cuisine, I have never thought about a pairing like that. As I have learned now from throughout the class, Riesling is Germans big wine. It is dynamic in the fact that it can be very dry or very sweet. Mosel- which is called out by name i

  Name: La Crema Variety: Pinot Noir Region: Santa Rosa, California Country: USA Year: 2019 Price: $25 Winery Review: " Aromas of BLACKBERRY, cherry, leather, and tobacco with ­flavors of red cherry, raspberry, and boysenberry. Subtle hints of espresso and cocoa nib underpin notes of EXOTIC SPICE and toast. The fine tannins are BALANCED acidity drive a long finish." Wine Folly: It characterizes the wine as having a long smooth soft tannin finish (I couldn't agree more). California Pinot Noirs are noted to have sweeter fruiter tastes as a result of consistent fog layer that covers the pacific coast, which allows the temperatures to stay suitable for this grape. My Review: Interestingly enough I purchased this wine without knowing that Professor Boyer recommends this wine in his textbook, I can see why! The wine is so silky smooth in the mouth, I could tell it is high quality! The fruit flavors hit you right in the beginning- I taste strong cherry flavor with maybe the tob

  Name: 19 Crimes The Banished Variety: Blended Wine Region: South Eastern Australia Country: Australia Year: 2018 Price: $20 Winery Review: Full and round on the palate with a distinct sweetness making the wine rich and mouth coating. The dark chocolate and vanilla aromatics compliment subtle flavors  of cloves and cinnamon spice. Wine Folly: This is a blended wine--I can't seem to find the exact grapes that make up this blend, but since it is an Australian red blend, I would take a guess that is a majority Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon since those are the primary grapes grown in southern Australia. I also would take a guess that it is majority shiraz/cabernet sauvignon because of the taste. Wine Folly notes shiraz as having rich dark flavors- like blackberry sauce and fruit cake...this is something I could definitely taste. My Review: I think that majority of why these wines have become so popular is because of the marketing and bottles. Each of the 19 crimes bottles tells a diff