Third Estate Wines Vol. 3

Vineyard: Mouton Cadet
Title: Mouton Cadet Rouge
Variety: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Vintage: 2004
Residence: Bordeaux
Price: $9ish

The Look:
The label is simple but their logo is very cool (a ram with a beard of grapes). This Rouge was a scarletly rose color and on the rim was the same.

The Aroma:
Very distinctly cherries, strawberries with spicy undertones.

The Taste:
The wine was dry, tart, very spicy and light bodied.

The Drink:
Either this wine needed to age more or it was built to be boring. After drinking it disappeared without leaving an impression.

The Overall:

- "Let's get back to the Mar Mar and buy another bottle or 5."
- "How about we indulge since its on the Wine List."
- "Should we finish the rest of the bottle today?........Maybe tomorrow."
- "One man's trash is another's man's treasure."

Betsy's Thoughts:
'Forgettable'

Third Estate Wines Vol. 2

Vineyard: Coltibuono
Title: Cancelli
Variety: Sangiovese
Vintage: 1996
Residence: Tuscany
Price: $9ish

The Look:
This label left much to be desired but I have noticed a slightly interesting change on their newer bottles. At the wine's heart it was a sangria color but ended more chestnut.

The Aroma:
Immediately after pouring I could already smell the wine. It has a very sweet smell which closely resembles strawberries.

The Taste:
The wine had a sweet smokey flavor and was tartly firm. Its body was light and slightly unbalanced (on the side of firmness).

The Drink:
Since I am a big fan of food and drink with a bite of zip this wine from Tuscany was right up my alley. It drank smooth and ended with a zip.

The Overall:

- "Let's get back to the Mar Mar and buy another bottle or 5."
- "How about we indulge since its on the Wine List."
- "Should we finish the rest of the bottle today?........Maybe tomorrow."
- "One man's trash is another's man's treasure."

Betsy's Thoughts:
'A full smokey wine that deserves hours of slow sipping by a good book and a fire.'

Third Estate Wines Vol. 1

Before I attempt this first evaluation I need to lay out another disclaimer. I've realized I contain no comparative knowledge regarding wine. Hence, I apologize for the slight vagueness which you might observe. I also have decided not to use a formal rating system but four brief statements summing up my impressions. Now onto the wine...

Vineyard: Pensfolds
Title: Koonunga Hill
Variety: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2003
Residence: South East Australia
Price: $9ish

The Look:
The bottle's label is a bit creatively challenged and those of us aesthetically wired might pass it by. However, once the wine was poured its pale golden (straw) color caught the light and danced around the glass.

The Aroma:
After the first deep sniff Koonunga Hill released a light sharp vapor, but then repeating with less intensity a fruity melon and apricot aroma was detected.

The Taste:
The wine was dry and the only major flavor I experience was grapefruit. It was also crisp, medium bodied and balanced.

The Drink:
This Pensfolds Chardonnay was one dimensional. Drinking it without letting linger in the mouth produced a flavored water type of affair.

The Overall:
***The statement in bold is the rating.***

- "Let's get back to the Mar Mar and buy another bottle or 5."
- "How about we indulge since its on the Wine List."
- "Should we finish the rest of the bottle today?........Maybe tomorrow."
- "One man's trash is another's man's treasure."

Betsy's Thoughts:
'A wine perfect for those times when conversation is the focus not the wine.'

Entering the Third Estate of Winedom

A couple days ago I decided to enter the world of the pretentious and begin evaluating wines on my blog. Bad decision? Probably, since I know nothing of this 'fine art' and am extremely non-opulent. However, the choice was chosen and I have already uncorked my first bottle.

Here is what I am planning to draw attention to in each wine.

1. The price.
2. The look.
3. The aroma.
4. The taste.
5. The drink.
6. The overall.

From what I understand wine is a very personal enjoyment and my tastes will differ greatly from yours. Hence, I'd love to hear your thoughts if you've tasted along with me or just want to call me out. My hope is to review 2 to 3 bottles a month since I am not interested in becoming something more than a taster. See you in a couple days.