April 2016 Samples Roundup

As promised in my previous post for Monthly Wine Writing Challenge #24 (#MWWC24 – have you voted yet?) there will be fewer isolated sample reviews and more meaningful experience reviews, so that wines I taste have both a story and a better sense of time and place. However, I am finally catching up with some samples I received last fall and thought I would share these with you. Some were reviewed on Delectable and Vivino as well, which for me, are easy, uncomplicated outlets in which I can post.

Cave de Turckheim Riesling Grand Cru Brand 2012, Alsace, France
It’s not often I have the opportunity to taste Grand Cru Alsace wines, so I was thrilled to receive this sample from Cave de Turckheim’s sales and marketing teams, Preston-Layne & Partners, Inc. and Alliance Alsace. I decided to taste this sample to celebrate the end of March wine club month at my day job and it did not disappoint. What I love about Alsatian wines are the brilliant acidity and minerality, which are showcased in this wine. Citrus and tree fruits permeate the senses. This riesling is clean, crisp, and refined. It is approachable now, yet age worthy, too. Suggested pairings include shellfish, but I paired this with Asian food and it worked splendidly. Riesling goes with everything, yes? (sample, $55)

Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir Bernau Block 2012, Willamette Valley, Oregon
It has been a while since I had a non-California pinot noir. My immediate reaction to this single-vineyard block offering from Willamette Valley Vineyards is clean, structured, and pretty, with an interplay of fruit, earth, and gravel. Tart plum and red berry flavors are present, but exist in harmony with terroir-driven minerality and delicious acidity. (sample from the winery, $55)

Nieto Senetiner Don Nicanor Malbec 2012, Mendoza, Argentina
Deep purple-red in color, this malbec from Bodega Nieto Senetiner smells of fresh violets. On the palate, very fruit forward, blueberries and blackberries abound. Not complicated and easy to drink. It’s calling for carne asada. (sample from the winery and Big Bang Wine, $20)

Nieto Senetiner Malbec 2013, Lujan de Cuyo, Argentina
This malbec is dark purplish-red in the glass, floral on the nose, and round on the palate. Dark berry flavors, combined with a hint of vanilla and soft tannins make this it easy to drink. This is summer barbecue ready. (sample from the winery and Big Bang Wine, $11)

Nieto Senetiner Camila Malbec 2014, Mendoza, Argentina
This is the softer side of Malbec, with rich color, yet a lighter body and gentle tannins. On the palate, it tends toward more tart fruit flavors like plum and red berries. (sample from the winery and Big Bang Wine, $13)

Cheers!
Beth