*** $$ Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut ("Champagne"), Sonoma, CA - Wine Tasting & Review

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Original Tasting and Review
 
By way of background: Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut is built from pinot noir and chardonnay vineyard grapes, made in a methode champenoise style and aged in local caves. This non-vintage variety is finished at 12.2% alcohol.  

In the glass: Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut shows as deep vanilla in the glass.  

On the nose: Poured cool, this Sonoma "champagne" shows a deep funky yeast nose. 

On the palate: The first elements on the palate are toast with lemon butter.

And the wrap-up: The finish is clean, full and fresh.

In summary: Overall, a solid deep experience. Rates three full stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale.

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**+ $ Conquista Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina, 2008 - Wine Tasting & Review

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Original Tasting and Review:  

By way of background: Conquista Malbec is from the Mendoza region of Argentina. The 2008 vintage is finished at 13.5% alcohol.  

In the glass: Conquista Malbec shows as deep red in the glass, slightly brick as you move toward the edge.  This is unusual in such a young wine. 


On the nose: Poured at room temperature with a brief decant and swirled vigorously, this Argentinian malbec shows a lush, ripe nose of tobacco, ripe plum, with hints of strawberry and dry leaves.  

On the palate: The first elements on the palate are a ripe plum stewed in charred tobacco leaves - a bit smoky, dark and almost gamey.

And the wrap-up: The finish is driven by hot peppers, alcohol and solid acidity - though more pleasant than it sounds.

In summary: Overall, a somewhat unique experience for an Argentinian malbec.  Ultimately, a bit disappointing to me, although stronger than the "practically free" price might have implied. Rates two stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, with a plus for power and - in fact - potential with just a bit more bottle age.  Good value.


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