Mobius 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon

On the bottle:














750mL, 14.6% Alc. by vol., HEB, $15.98

I bought this wine tonight since I was finishing my review of the Mobius Chardonnay and I really like the idea of drinking all the varietals from one vineyard. I love the dark notes from red wine like this one, it reminds me of blackberries. There is also a spicy finish, but no sticky mouth. I drank this wine with the same two cheeses from the chardonnay. This wine complimented with salty, butteriness of the Saint Andre so well, and it worked with the CheesyGirl Buff too! I could also see this wine working with sharp cheddars, gruyere, aged goudas and more. I think this wine should be paired with foods that are flavorful and not too bland; spicy, salty, and / acidic dishes. I would recommend this wine to friends having a wine and cheese party.

Cheese:

Mobius 2009 Chardonnay

On the bottle:




750mL, 13.8% Alc. by vol., HEB, $17.98

I bought this wine back in August because of the name. It's a good chardonnay, a bit sweet, but with a good acidic zing at the end. I enjoyed it and paired with with CheesyGirl Buff (goat cheese) and Saint Andre (triple cream brie). I think I liked it better with the goat cheese because there was too much contrast with saltiness of the brie. I enjoyed the wine plenty, but I don't think I'd want to pay this much for it again, but that's because I'm a cheapo.

Cheese:

Mer Soleil 2010 Silver

Tasting Notes: Mineral driven nose with citrus shining through. Cement tank fermentation and aging bring out aromas remindful of the first rain of the season or a wet rock. Soft and round entry with an acid backbone informs you these grapes are grown in a cooler climate. Mid palate reveals ripe fruits such as lemons, gooseberry, and grapefruit. Finishes dry while the acid comes and goes in a balanced fashion. Laser sharp minerality carries through from start to finish on both palate and aroma.

750mL, 14.8% Alc. by vol., HEB, $20.99

I bought this wine because it has an interesting ceramic bottle. I normally try to stay under $20, but this was a present to myself for starting a new job. I loved the acidic nature of this wine, it was bright and crisp. I enjoy unoaked chardonnays in general and this one didn't disappoint. I do wish it was cheaper, but I would by it again for a nice occasion or if it goes on sale.

*NEW SECTION!*
Because of my new job at at HEB as a cheese specialist I will start including cheese pairings with my wines. I'll talk about what I ate with it, or what I think might be good with it, but my pairings will by no means be comprehensive.

With this wine I enjoyed some Sage Derby cheese. Derby is a cheddar-like cheese that gets it's green marbling from sage leaves which are mixed in with the curd. Because this cheese worked, I would think most other cheddars would work too. I got Sage Derby at HEB for $11.95/lb.

Hess Select 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon

On the bottle: Hess Select Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced exclusively from family-owned and sustainably-farmed vineyards in the Northern California appellations: Mendocino, Lake and Napa Counties. Our winemaker selected grapes from areas that specialize in Cabernet Sauvignon to create a wine with notable richness, intensity and varietal character. Mendocino County contributes spice and mid-palate, Lake County adds the classic red fruit profile of Bing cherry, while Napa maintains our signature style of a structured wine with black fruit and cassis flavors.

42% Mendocino County - 40% Lake County - 18% Napa County

750mL, 13.5% Alc. by vol., Albertsons, $14.99

I bought this wine because I love Cabernet and I remembered reading a good review about it from this blog. I really enjoyed this wine. I used a little bit in the tomato sauce I used for spaghetti and meatballs tonight, and drank a glass with dinner. The flavors compliment the acidy tomato and hold up well with the beef in the meatballs. There is a spicy finish, which I like, and very little sticky mouth. I would buy this again if it ever goes on sale, my ideal price would be $12 for a bottle.

2003 Le Bourgogne de Louis Latour

Tasting notes from the website: This wine has a clean lemony shimmer and a delicate yet elegantly fruity bouquet rises from the glass with hints of oak. Complimenting the balanced acidity there are nicely detailed flavours of tropical fruits and peaches coming through to give us a wine which could be drunk now but a year or two in bottle would work also. Tasted 23/02/05

750mL, 13% Alc. by vol., Specs, $13.88

I bought this wine because I was at the Specs warehouse store in midtown Houston and thought I could get a really good deal on a white burgundy. Well....

THIS WINE WAS GROSS!!!!

It may have been an off batch and not something common to the brand, but I don't think I'll be buying this again. The cork seemed like it was rotting, I had to put it back in the bottle the other way, because the "wet" side was disintegrating. The wine was too harsh on my pallet and a little sour. I'll stick to the Louis Jadot in the future.

Probability 2007 Napa Valley Red Wine

Tasting notes from HEB: Looking for a deep red wine with flavors of rich ripe fruit and a dry finish? The odds you'll be satisfied with Probability are pretty good. Probability is a blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah. Grapes are handpicked and aged in both French and American oak before bottling and has flavors of ripe red and black fruits such as black currant, raspberries and cherries.

750mL, 14.5% Alc. by vol., HEB, $16.98

I bought this wine mostly because it had a nerdy label. I had previously passed it up and bought the Educated Guess instead because the HEB wine guy said it was the better out of the two. He was right. There is nothing particularly bad about this wine, but for the cost I was expecting it to be better. I even had alot of trouble finding information on this wine online, HEB's website was the only place a Google search could find it, and the company that bottles it doesn't list it on their website. This wine does give a bit of the sticky mouth, but it's still relatively smooth. The flavor is good, but the smell is a bit harsh on the back of your throat. I don't think I would pay for this wine again unless it goes way down in price, but I would drink it again if someone else bought it.

Purple Cowboy Trail Boss 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon

On the bottle: Once upon a time in wine country there was a group of young winemakers. They worked hard all week and tasted so much wine their teeth turned purple. On weekends, these same men loved to rodeo. They became known as the "Band of the Purple Cowboys". So the legend goes.

750mL, 13.0% Alc. by vol., HEB, $11.99

I bought this wine because I like Cabernet and the story on the back of the bottle was funny. This wine was good, not amazing, but a solid Cabernet. The flavor was a little bitter, but when drank with dinner that was not a problem. It did start to stain my lips and tongue after less than one glass of wine. I'd buy this wine again if I was going to drink it with a friend who likes red wine and western stuff.

Seven Daughters Winemaker's Blend

On the bottle: Chardonnay 26%, French Colombard 25%, Symphony 19%, Orange Muscat 12%, Riesling 8%, Sauvignon Blanc 7%, Gewürztraminer 3%. Seven Daughters is a blend of seven carefully chosen grapes crafted into a crisp and refreshing wine. Like you and your friends getting together - all different and yet so perfect together! Enjoy this wine on its own or with light pasta, sushi, or Thai dishes.

750mL, 12.5% Alc. by vol., Albertsons, $14.99

I bought this wine because I have seen it on the wine menus at some nicer restaurants, but the price per glass is usually too high for me to try. This wine was very good, and an interesting blend. I felt it coating my mouth, in a good way, as I started drinking it. I paired well with the baked chicken I ate with it. As I drank it I got a warm feeling in my chest. I would by this wine on the spot if I found it for less than $10/bottle and I would recommend it to anyone who likes white wine and could afford it.

Louis Jadot 2010 Mâcon-Villages Chardonnay

On the bottle:
Origin: Vinified without oak contact to maximize the vibrant flavor, this wine is produced in the Mâconnias region where soils are dominated by chalk and limestone.

Grape: 100% unoaked Chardonnay

Flavor: Bright and crisp with notes of apple; a classic expression of this Burgundy grape.

Pairing: Perfect as an aperitif or with shellfish, crab cakes, and goat cheese

750mL, 12.5% Alc. by vol., HEB, $12.99

I bought this wine because I read a great review about white burgundy wines and how they are so good, but too expensive for this other blogger. Unfortunately I can't remember which blog this was on, or I would link to it. I went to HEB in search of 6 wines so that I could get the 10% off for buying 6 or more at a time. I wanted 3 whites and 3 reds, this one caught my eye and I'm SO GLAD it did. Right from the first sip I knew this wine was special. It made my mouth feel warm and tingly and tasted bright and slightly citrus-like. I liked this wine so much I bought another bottle already! The second time I got the 2008 instead because it was the 150th anniversary and it was the same price as the other years. I will be buying this wine again for any parties I would bring wine to, as this will be easy for all types of wine drinkers to appreciate.

La Bourgeoisie 2010 Chardonnay

On the bottle: Our goal: to capture terroir in its most elegant form and to preserve the integrity of the wine world by rebelling against the 100 point system. A wine of of sustainable and environmentally friendly farming. No advertising. 100% chardonnay.

750mL, 13.5% Alc. by vol., HEB, $11.99

I bought this wine because the wine guy at HEB recommended it to me. This wine is made by The House of Independent Producers. I liked the bottle and the whole thumbing their nose at the establishment as well as the promise that the grapes were sustainable grown. The price wasn't bad either. Unfortunately this wine was rather forgettable. It tasted like any old chardonnay with nothing particularly remarkable about it. I would definitely drink it again, but I don't think I'd want to pay this much for it.

Casa Lapostolle 2007 Merlot (Cuvee Alexandre)

On the bottle: "85% Merlot; 15% Carmenère." Since the rest is just about the vineyard here are some tasting notes from their website: "Color: Inky deep red with bright violet hints. Nose: Expressive red fruit, with fresh notes of rosemary, white pepper and sweet spices. Elegant oak touches with notes of vanilla and subtle nutmeg.Palate: Pleasant attack with round and juicy tannins towards the mid palate, finishing with fresh acidity and a long and lasting sensation. Service and Food Pairing: Ready to drink now or cellar for several years. Decant and serve at 16° C to 18° C (58 to 64° F). Ideal companion for meats and elaborate dishes."


750mL, 14.1% Alc. by vol., Costco, $17.99

I can't remember the last time I drank a Merlot, and I really don't have a good reason for buying this one. I wanted to review a different varietal than any I had reviewed so far and this one had a high score from Wine Advocate or something. I didn't want to spend this much, but since it was Costco I thought I might be getting a really good deal on a great wine. The internet seems to think I didn't get a big discount, but I'm not too disappointed with this wine. It tastes like the char on a steak, and tastes better with food than alone. Dry mouth occurs briefly after each sip, but isn't too bad. I don't think I'll buy this particular wine again mainly because of price, but if I'm ever going to a fancy "steak party" I'll consider it.

Pacific Rim 2009 Gewürztraminer

On the bottle: Our Columbia Valley Gewürztraminer is fermented in stainless steel tanks with wild, native yeast - preserving a crisp profile that enhances rather than dominates fresh, vibrant cuisine. The true nature of out Gewürztraminer shines through with floral aromas and flavors of lychee, passion fruit and melon. AN enlightened pairing with chicken stay, moo shoo pork, roast turkey and all manner of curries.

750mL, 12.4% Alc. by vol., Costco, $9.99

I bought this wine because the last time I tried the Gewürztraminer varietal I really enjoyed it, the bottle has a nice design, and it was cheap. This comes in a screw top bottle, and it is delicious. When it's chilled doesn't have much of a smell, but it if warms up a bit it's scent is sharp. The flavor starts sweet, but has an acidic bite and warms my throat as I drink it. I think the flavor mellows out a bit, for the better, when it's been out of the fridge for a bit, but not as warm as room temp. I am curious about pairing this with spicy food, as I drank it with lemon-pepper baked salmon and rice. Overall I really liked this wine and will buy it again if I run across it and want a white that I don't need to blog about.

Chocolate Shop Chocolate Red Wine

On the bottle: Chocolate Shop. the ultimate "Chocolate Lover's Wine" is a deep, ruby red wine blended with rich, velvety chocolate. Inviting aromas of black cherry and dark chocolate combine in the glass and continue on the palate surrounded by hints of cocoa powder. Nuances of sweet red wine linger on the smooth finish. Chocolate Shop provides you with an indulgent wine experience like no other.

750mL, 12.5% Alc. by vol., Costco, $9.99

Oh my goodness this wine was so good! It's very sweet, but not too sweet. It smells like dark chocolate without a hint of bitterness. I was worried this wine would resemble Choco-Vine and be gross, but it is simply amazing! No sticky mouth at all, not sickeningly sweet, my only "complaint" is that it really can only pair with desserts and I like to drink wine with dinner and not as or with a dessert. My roommate and I have already made plans to do back to Costco tomorrow to buy a few more bottles. I highly recommend this wine to anyone who likes sweet wines and chocolate.

Evodia 2009 Altovinum Calatayud Garnacha

Now that I got through my backlog of wines I was too lazy to blog about, I'm finally drinking wine as I blog again!

On the bottle: who: a custom cuvee for Eric Solomon
what: 100% garnacha
when: vineyards planted up to 100 years ago
where: high altitude vineyards (2400-3000ft) in the mountainous village of Atea planted on pure slate soils
why: grenache this great usually goes for twice the price!
how: extract cork, pour in glass (optional), drink

750mL, 15% Alc. by vol., Randalls, $10.99 with Randalls card, normally $12.99

I bought this wine because it was recommended a while back on another wine blog I read, you can see that review here. I really liked the design of the label, it's a varietal I haven't tried yet, and since it wasn't too expensive I picked it up when I happened to see it at Randalls a few nights ago. It has a sharp smell and the taste of dark berries. It gives me the sticky mouth initially, but that goes away almost immediately after the wine has left my mouth. It's a very dark plum red in color, possibly the darkest wine I've reviewed so far. I like it, but I don't love it. I had a glass last night, and tonight I like it a little better. This feels like a wine I can grow to like better as I refine my wine palate, but perhaps I am too green for this wine right now. I would buy this wine again to bring to a party with other people who appreciate wine, and like dry reds.

Educated Guess 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon

On the bottle: Why "Educated Guess"? Have you ever found yourself in a wine shop restaurant perusing the wines and wondering... how do I choose the best wine for the money? You may admire ta label, recognize a name, or recall a great review... in essence you're making a "Educated Guess". This is exactly what goes on in the vineyards and wineries around the world. When should we pick the grapes? Should we barrel age in French Oak? Will our customers like the package? Our experts use their knowledge, intuition, and years of experience to make the best possible decisions; however, at the end of the day, it still remains and "Educated Guess". At Roots Run Deep we have done the Guesswork for you. This Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is the richest, ripest, and most complex Cabernet you can buy for the money. So don't settle for less, buy "Educated Guess"!

750mL, 14.5% Alc. by vol., HEB, $16.99

I bought this wine because of the chemistry formulas on the label. According to their website these are actual formulas used in wine-making, and they even have a PDF explaining them linked in this page . I really liked this wine, which is slightly unfortunate because it's over the $10 mark. It was spicy and flavorful, and went really well with the spicy, hearty pasta sauce I had for dinner with it. It did make my mouth feel sticky, like most cabs do, but it wasn't entirely unpleasant. I think the wine lives up to the hype on the label and I will try to buy it again at this price when I can. If it ever goes on sale I'll be stocking up.

2006 Levata Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

On the bottle: A delicious expression of the Montepulciano grape, this smooth tasting wine offers intense cherry and plum aromas and a dry harmonious flavor. Pair with grilled or stewed meats, savory sauces and pasta dishes. Serve at 64-68 F.

750mL, 12% Alc. by vol., Specs, $6.99

I bought this wine with the Yalumba Y Series Viognier which I reviewed first. I was drawn to the simple black and green label of this wine. I bought this wine because it was inexpensive and I have never tried the Montepulciano varietal. I drank this with dinner, which was a noodle stir fry. It wasn't a spicy stir fry and this wine paired well with it. This dry wine has a nice acidy punch and goes down smoothly. It didn't give me the sticky mouth feeling I get from Cabernet. As long as the price stays the same I would definitely buy this wine again. I'm interested to see if it pairs well with spicy food.

Starborough 2010 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Winemaker's notes: Crisp and refreshing with layers of citrus and tropical fruit and hints of fresh green characters reminiscent of the region. The wine shows flavors of passion fruit, kiwi and guava over a citrus background.

750mL, 13.5% Alc. by vol., Randalls, $11.99 (on sale, normally $15.99)

I bought this wine because I wanted something easy to drink after a long day and I only had a complex red in the fridge. I didn't want to pick a big brand that was really cheap, so I chose to break the $10 mark for this. It was rather disappointing to me because it lacked much of any flavor. At first I though this may have been because I was rather tired at the time I drank it, but upon later inspection I felt the same. If this wine was around the $7-8 mark I'd buy it again, but I would never ever pay $16 for it.

Lucky Duck Riesling

On the bottle: Lucky you! We searched the globe to create a collection of authentic, great tasting international wines, with layers of flavor.

Sweet notes of citrus and apricot. Enjoy Lucky Duck alone or paired with white meats, fresh vegetable dishes, or spicy Asian cuisine.

750 mL, 9.5% Alc. by vol., Wal-Mart, $3.97

I've had this wine before and I picked it up again on a Wal-Mart trip where I had to deal with frustrating employees who were no help. It was less than $4 so it went in the cart. I remembered having this before and liking it, but I didn't remember how cheap it was! The Riesling is very sweet, but not too sweet to make it into Boone's Farm territory. It has a nice citrus smell, no alcohol burn in the scent or the taste. This would be a great wine for a budget party, or to introduce non-wine drinkers into wine. I'd buy it again for a party or if I needed to reduce my budget, but it doesn't have alot of flavor so I wouldn't seek it specifically.

Yalumba Y Series Viognier 2010

According to their website: A bright yellow straw in colour, the Yalumba Y Series Viognier 2010 exhibits an alluring mix of honeysuckle, candied ginger and glace´ pineapple aromas, which are typical of this exotic variety. In the mouth the palate has flavours of fresh pineapple and dried figs. It is finely balanced with silky texture from wild fermentation and lees aging. A wine of poise, which is delicious with zucchini flowers stuffed with a goat’s cheese, pine nut and baby spinach mousse. Suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

750 mL, 14.5% Alc. by vol., Specs, $9.89

I bought it because it was less than $10, has some kind of weird tentacle thing on the front, and the bottle mentions hints of lychee. It was very smooth while it was still cold, but if it heats up a bit the citrus notes become slightly harsh. Sweet, but not too sweet. I had trouble getting a good smell from it. It has a little bitter after taste, but nothing a sweet cheese couldn't cure! I would definitely buy this again as long as it doesn't creep too high above $10.

Hello!

I'm going to use this blog to record the wines I drink. I'll post how much they where and where I bought them to help anyone who might want to find these wines again. Hope you enjoy, I know I will!