Arviza Tempranillo

A review on the Arviza Tempranillo.

Arviza Tempranillo, '09.

Banrock Station Merlot

A review on the Banrock Station Merlot.

Banrock Station Merlot, '09.

Taylors' Promised Land Shiraz

A review on Taylors' Shiraz, from the Promised Land collection.

Taylors' Promised Land Shiraz ('09)

Jean Moreau et Fils Syrah

A J. Moreau et Fils review on their Syrah vin de table. 

Jean Moreau et Fils Syrah ('07)

Notes:

This Syrah was deep red in color and its scents hinted of currants with slight hint of plum. A hint of spice was present too. For a Syrah, it was relatively on the sweeter side, and featured a good acidic balance. It was very slightly 'hot' on the palate, suggesting a high alcohol content. Medium-bodied wine. Soft tannins, but still noticeable. Short finish with slightly peppery aftertaste.

• Winery - Jean Moreau et Fils
• Country - France
• Region - Languedoc-Roussillon
• Vintage - 2007
• Varietal - Syrah (mostly)
• Price - Approximately PHP 400.00 ($10.00) per bottle.

Fortant de France Skalli Cabernet-Sauvignon

A Fortant de France review.

Fortant de France Skalli Cabernet-Sauvignon ('09)

Notes:

The wine had a deep red color. It had a delicious, fruity aroma that hinted of red fruits, berries in particular. A little on the sweet and mellow side. Well-balanced and fresh-tasting. Very easy to drink, with noticeable fruity undertones. Light-bodied. Noticeable tannin but not distracting. Light and short finish, with fruity aftertaste. Delicious with light cheese.

• Winery - Fortant de France (crafted by Skalli)
• Country - France
• Region - Languedoc-Roussillon
• Vintage - 2009
• Varietal - Cabernet-Sauvignon
• Price - Approximately PHP 400.00 ($10.00) per bottle.

Montes Alpha Cabernet-Sauvignon

A Montes Alpha review.

Montes Alpha Cabernet-Sauvignon ('09)

Notes:

The wine had a deep red color. Its aroma had a very fruity character that reminded of dark berries and currants. It had good acidity and tasted fresh. Well-balanced wine, but I found it a little strong. Very full-bodied with good consistency. Pronounced tannins. It had a full, satisfying finish albeit a little hot.

• Winery - Montes Alpha
• Country - Chile
• Region - Valle Colchagua
• Vintage - 2009
• Varietal - Cabernet-Sauvignon
• Price - Approximately PHP 1,200.00 ($30.00) per bottle.

Lindeman's Bin 50 Shiraz

For the inaugural post in this label, I would like to feature my current favorite Shiraz, the Lindeman's Bin 50, from the 2008 vintage.

Lindeman's Bin 50 Shiraz ('08)

Notes:

The wine had a very deep, ruby color. The aroma reminded me of currants and dark berries. Good acidity balance and very fresh taste. It was a very balanced wine, with noticeable peppery flavor and sensation. Medium-bodied. Pronounced tannins, but noticeable in a good way. Good finish, and provided a spicy aftertaste and finish.

• Winery - Lindeman's
• Country - Australia
• Region - Southeast
• Vintage - 2008
• Varietal - Shiraz
• Price - Approximately PHP 600.00 ($15.00) per bottle

Wines

Introducing a new post label/category!

I've been drinking wine on and off for the past 14 years or so (my first sip was at age 10) and early last year, I decided to make this a hobby. It hasn't been easy - nor cheap - but the education, information, and sheer enjoyment I've been getting from this is amazing.

As of Nov/Dec 2011.

Here's to the amateur wine lover that is me! :) I hope to share whatever I know with all you fellow wine lovers out there!