We are trying to get back into the swing of things, but everyone is so busy and has personal things going on. Michele made it back from Florida and the cruise. I started bottling her Cabernet (and she told me I could buy in for halfsies).
Bottling
Master Vintner Limited Edition 2016 France La Vie Cabernet Sauvignon - (Michele) - We botted this one and came up with 29.5 bottles, Cost of $3.39/750 ml bottle with an ABV of 13.5%. Needs to be aged for 6 - 12 months.
We started 3 kits and have about 7 more in the basement.
Primary Fermentation
Master Vintner Limited Edition 2016 Cherie Merlot - (Michele) - Dry, medium bodied, lush and friendly, this is definitely a cool climate Merlot, with grippier tannins and a more complex earthiness than US or Australian versions. A palate of black cherry, plum and red berries leads to aromas of cocoa and hints of cinnamon-mocha spice. Tempting when young, the cherry-berry notes will show better after six months, and it will age very well for a wine this approachable. It is priced on the Master Vintner site for $179.99.
Winexpert World Vineyard French Sauvignon Blanc - (Betsy) - Steely, grassy, herbaceous the classic traits of palate-cleansing Sauvignon Blanc are here in this version sourced directly from the French countryside. Crisp and dry, this refreshing wine is a fabulous match with food, as its full, fresh flavours and wonderfully balanced acidity make it essential with chicken, fish and grilled vegetables. It was $80 at the Richmond supplier. I have to come back and pitch the yeast for this - overshot the temperature - No Biggie!
Wild Grapes Australian Chardonnay - (Michele) - Michele is going to make more Champagne ('cuse me - Sparkling Wine) from this. Can't find any write up on the internet about it, and Michele hasn't given me the prices on her last buy.
We called it a day and went home happy. We are planning to drag out the camera at lunch tomorrow to get some of our own pictures for labels.
Inventory
Atmosphere Limited Edition Voignier White (Michele - for Betsy) - Luscious aromas of ripe melon, honeysuckle & citrus notes with touches of juicy peach & apricot on the palate.
Master Vintner Limited Edition 2016 Philosophie Chardonnay (Michele) - Ripeness governs Chardonnay’s character: in the hot sun of the new world it can be soft and lazy, but grown in France it shows both rich fullness and characters of lemon, apple, peaches and figs, along with well-finessed aromas of sweet vanilla, cream, beeswax and minerality.Between lush mouthfeel and a smooth finish it’s tempting to drink alone, but the firm acidity and bold fruit complements a wide range of foods—try semi-soft cheeses, herbed fish dishes, grilled vegetables, and seafood (especially lobster!) Keep this wine in mind for holiday entertaining, as nothing tames a turkey like a rich, satisfying Chardonnay.
Winexpert Eclipse Italian Peidmont Nebbiolo w/GS (Betsy) - A burly and assertive wine with dark cherry iridescence. Intense and robust with notes of strawberries, a hint of dark tar, and floral aroma complemented by rich, earthy truffles. $174.95
Winexpert LE17 Australian Ruby Cabernet (Michele) - Need to check labeling but think this is the one .....A beautiful blend from the Riverland in southern Australia. Combines Petit Verdot with Ruby Cabernet to make an exceptional wine! Vanilla, dark berry and plum flavors complemented by black pepper spiciness make this a truly unique wine
Winexpert LE17 South African Chardonnay/Chenin Blanc (Michele) - Permeating the white wine world, CHARDONNAY is refreshing to layer with lesser known varietals like CHENIN BLANC, South Africa’s signature white. Grapes from the Rawsonville region, a small picturesque wine growing and farming community on the eastern flanks of the Du Toitskloof Mountains in the Western Cape province, make up this blend. The Mediterranean climate brings cool rainy winters and warm dry summers to the vineyards creating a fruit driven white wine with a high but pleasant natural acidity. The thin-skinned grapes soak in rays of sunshine to ripen and are carefully picked at just the right time to leave a crisp and bright juice. Carrying distinct cultivar characteristics, tropical fruit aromas marry with baked apple citrus zest and juicy peach. On the palate, the buttery complexity of CHARDONNAY is complemented by CHENIN BLANC’S tart acidity to make a beautifully balanced wine. Delicious to sip on its own or to enjoy with food, this is a crowd-pleasing and unique addition to any cellar. Enjoy with a variety of seafood dishes like grilled shellfish or salmon fish cakes. If feeling decadent, try chicken poached in a butter sauce, as the wine’s bright acidity and fruity character will complement the richness of the sauce wonderfully.
Winexpert Selection California Sauvignon Blanc (Betsy) Crisp and flavourful, this popular grape varietal has distinctive and immediately recognizable aroma and flavour characteristics. The famous grassy, herbaceous bouquet and flinty aftertaste are here, with the generous acidity that is typical of the grape. Steely, grassy, and defiantly dry, nothing can complement a meal better than Sauvignon Blanc, a unique wine that offers a definitive counterpoint to the ubiquitous Chardonnay.
Winexpert Vintner's Reserve Voignier (Michele for Betsy) - The intense fruitiness of this beguiling wine suggests rich sweetness, but it shows a surprisingly dry and aromatic finish. A delicate yellow colour, tinged with the variety's typical 'green-gold' hue, it bursts out of the glass with apricot, peach and spice aromas.