Three reviews in one post - they are smaller reviews, since we tasted all of these wines at Pourtal in Santa Monica, California. This is post one out of three.
Fleur du Cap: "Bergkelder Selection"
Pinotage South Africa
2009
A Pinotage is a cross between a Pinot Noir and a Cinsaut grape. It was bred in 1925 in South Africa and typically produces deep reds with smokey and earthy flavors. Their website describes this wine as: a full-bodied wine that shows ample berry fruit dominated by plum and sweetish mulberry aromas. This is supported by a good tannic finish.
Colin: It's all about the finish. It dissolves into a fruity warmth, that I think is perfect.
Rating: 8.5 out of 10
Rachel: This is a very bold, smokey flavored wine, definitely not for a casual red wine drinker. It tapers into a smooth finish, but the initial taste is too strong for me. I can see why Colin loves it, though.
Rating: 5.5 out of 10.
Where can I find it? Fleur du Cap's Website and their international wine finder
Cost: It is for sale online at greatcorks.com for $11.99
Domaine de LarzacRoussanne / Chardonnay
Languedoc, France
2008
A Roussanne grape is grown originally in the Rhône wine region in France, it is destined for white wines and roses. It is a light yellow colored white wine.
Colin: Interesting and not too bad for my taste. I like the bouquet. There's enough fruit without being too sweet or buttery. I kind of like it, and I don't usually like this kind of wine.
Rating: 7 out of 10
Rachel: I've never had a Roussanne wine before, and this one is very buttery like a regualar Chardonnay, but not overly so. It is sweet with oaky flavor, but it also has a sharp side to it. I think it is a decent as a Chardonnay, but I wouldn't go out of my way to have it again.
Rating: 6 out of 10
Where can I find it? Their company website does not have a wine finder. We found a seller in Europe here. This seems like a hard wine to find - so if you are at Pourtal and do like this wine, you should get it there.
Cost: Pourtal's price: $35.00
Domaine Weinbach: "Cuvee Theo"
Riesling
Alsace, France
2006
A neat fact about this vineyard, they name all of their soils, but also their cuvees - which are named after family members. Theo rests in the middle of Clos du Capucin and Weinbach vines since he cherished those wines - so the Riesling and Gewurtztraminer that grow are named after him.
Colin: I think that because it is dryer and has more of a bite, it's actually an interesting take on a Riesling - since they are usually so sweet.
Rating: 7 out of 10.
Rachel: This Riesling has clearly been aged for awhile. While it remains sweet like most, it also has a bit of a mustiness to it. It's a bit sour and isn't really up my alley. Too many flavors at once.
Rating: 5.5 out of 10
Where can I find it? Domaine Weinbach's Website, you can order it online through Vendome Wine & Spirits. Though, there are only 3 left in stock, so if you want it, order now. Or, you can get it at Pourtal in Santa Monica.
Cost: $45.99 at Vendome
