My apologies for not posting anything recently. Today I decided to try an Argentinian wine. I think this might be the first review for an Argentinian wine on this blog. I really enjoy wines from South America -- good bang for your buck.
Having some homemade pasta (bacon, garlic, tomatoes, olive oil, salt/pepper to taste) I decided to open a full body red wine. This 2010 Andeluna Malbec has aromas of blackberries, cherries, and plums at the first sniff. The first swirl -- wow, very intense and yes, a full body red. The tannins are well balanced and the finish is slightly spicy (black pepper). Not bad. The second swirl was a bit alcoholic, but still spicy and a good balance.
I am going to give this one 3.5 stars. I think this is a great table wine and one which you could bring to a casual dinner party. I purchased this one at Nissin World Delicatessen for Y1,440. In my personal opinion, a good value for what you are getting. I'd recommend letting this one open for about 30 minutes.
Summary: Full-body, good balance and slightly spicy finish. Good value
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Purchase Cost: Y1,440 (Nissin World Delicatessen Groceries)
Other Japanese Retailers: Y1,659 (Rakuten website)
USA Retail Price: $9.95
Food: Bacon and tomato pasta
As noted in an early blog posting, I managed to pick up some wines from Australia. I really enjoy wines from the down under; however I think this might be one of my first Australian wine review.
An interesting label and name, Six Foot Six 2009 Pinot Noir was great. The aromas were very fruity--blackberries, cherries and some accent of grass. As most Pinot Noir's do, the color tone was light color red. The first swirl was nice--A fairly complex, and 'soft' wine that is slightly (and I mean very slightly), sweet. If you have ever tried an Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir, I would say this was its younger sibling.
I am going to give this one 4 stars. I really liked it. The price is decent, the complexity is really nice and the balance was just right. I purchased this one at Nissin World Delicatessen in Azabu Juban for Y2,250. I would definitely purchase this one again.
**PS take a look at the Rakuten link below -- looks like a good sale if you cannot make it to Nissin.
Summary: Medium-body, great balance and nice finish. Good value
Rating: 4 Stars
Purchase Cost: Y2,250 (Nissin World Delicatessen Groceries)
Other Japanese Retailers: Y2,100 (Rakuten website)
USA Retail Price: $19.95
Food: NA
A nice Bordeaux with an interesting nose. A slight scent of mint, along with pine wood and berries, the aroma was very nice.
The first swirl was a bit hard to distinct specific flavors, but the finish was long and very smooth. Along with the berries, and wood the second sniff had a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon. On to the second swirl... I am still having some difficulty distinguishing the taste, but the balance and texture is very nice.
Overall I really like this wine. I am going to rate this one 4 stars. The Chateau Grand Tayac 2008 Margaux has a nice, long finish. A well balanced wine, which I would categorized as a medium body.
Summary: A really good wine. I could not find another retailer/price for this particular vintage, but seems somewhat on par for the overall quality.
Rating: 4 Stars
Purchase Cost: Y3,900 (Nissin World Delicatessen Groceries)
Other Japanese Retailers: NA
USA Retail Price: $50
Food: Steak, potatoes, and broccoli (went really nicely with the meal)
