Zack Deeley Wine Blog

Wine - Woodbridge Chardonnay - Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon - The Big Red Monster - Five Ports Maynard's Aged Tawny Porto Cheese - Merlot Bellavitano - Maple Gouda - Brie Since the Chardonnay had been opened for three days, I was not expecting much of a savoy taste. I would say I was pleasantly surprised by my poor judgement. It was absolutely delightful with hints of pear and apple with a perfect balance of sweetness and rich tannins. I was expecting the stereotypical Chardonnay with buttery richness and abundant sweetness. The Maple Gouda, most pungent cheese on the table, did not pair well. The nutty flavor with thyme infused inside of it was definitely overpowering for the subtle wine. On the other hand, the Merlot complimented the wine nicely with an apple-like sweetness. Lastly, the Brie transformed the wine into a incredibly rich taste. The woody and nutty undertones were delicious to pair with. The Cabernet Sauvignon had an exceptional amount of sweetness with notes of ra...

Juggernaut Hillside Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon Region of Origin: California Country of Origin: USA Price: $17 My Review:  I think this is one of my favorites. Without looking at the book, I would say it had high tannins because of the dryness and coating of the mouth. It gave me heartburn right off the bat. From a visual standpoint, it’s super dark and has clear legs when tilted side to side. Wine Folly says it DOES have high tannins and should have tastes of cedar, graphite, and baking spices. I have to say one thing. I have no clue what graphite or cedar tastes like. The book also says this wine is known for its medium- high alcohol content. This would explain the legs on the edges of my glass. Professional Review: " The aroma of this wine is filled with the scent of licorice and blackberry that accompanies the perfect taste and smooth finish. The combination of rich, bold flavors and smooth texture makes Juggernaut Hillside Cabernet Sauvignon the p...

Williamsburg Governors White Variety: White Blend Country of Origin: USA Region of Origin: Williamsburg, VA Price: $10 My Review:  From looks, it has a pretty clear visuals with a tint of yellow.  It smells like rotten apples. It did have an artificial cork and did not have the best taste. The super sweetness was pretty upsetting to my stomach. Wine folly has Riesling being the highest sweetness and very high acidity. It was so overbearing with the sweetness I really didn’t get any hints of fruits. If anything, I got a little bit of apple.  From Wine Folly, it said I should get notes of beeswax, petroleum, and lime.  Professional Review:  "A semi-dry Riesling with a lot of bright fruit and residual sugar gives the wine a wonderful richness and will pair with many light dishes or spicy foods; or simply with a burger by the pool."

Variety: Pinot Noir Region of Origin: Central California Country: USA Price: $13 Wine Folly pg. 150 My Review:   From a visual standpoint, this red wine was pretty light. This would have to do to its light-body explained in Wine Folly. The aromas had a citrus undertone. The flavor were quite good with subtle notes of a raspberry or something better. Wine Folly says the most prominent flavors are cherry, raspberry, clove, vanilla, and gun smoke. I would think this would go well with a chicken or other poultry dish.  Professional Review: " Crafted from hillside Mendocino County vineyards, with a supplement of Russian River and Carneros fruit. Floral and spicy aromatics from Mendocino County, and bright red fruit with integrated, soft tannins from the Russian River Valley and Carneros, make this a perfectly balanced Pinot Noir."

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon Region of Origin: Mendoza Country: Argentina  Price: $13 Wine Folly pgs. 88-90 My Review:  The wine was strong and pungent on the pallet. I could tell the tannins were pretty high on this one because of the dry after taste it left in my mouth. Its full-bodied bitterness really gives it a acidic pallet feeling. I really get a bloody bitter feeling all down my throat. The berries probably included a blackberry or plum. The biggest thing I can say about this wine is its INTENSITY.  Professional Review:  "Santa Julia Organic Cabernet Sauvignon is an intense red ruby color. Nice fruit aromas of red and black fruits such as cassis, black cherries and spices like black pepper and sweet pepper. Medium-bodied, well-balanced wine with soft tannins and a long finish."

Momo Kawa Tokubetsu Junmai Craft Sake 2022 Variety: Sake Country: Japan Region of Origin:  Prefecture Price: $16.95 My Review: This was not my favorite. I really got no taste other than soap and rice. The aromas were pungent vinegar. I was shocked by the clear appearance with a subtle tint of yellow. The one thing I do notice is no signs of fruity or herby tastes.  Professional Review: "It’s an idea. An attitude. A belief that there is something more just waiting to be discovered. It drove the pioneers across the Oregon Trail and our micro-brew and winery friends to change laws and start a revolution in craft beverages that has become a hallmark for Oregon. Momokawa is America’s premier craft sake brand, brewed with that revolutionary passion to craft the greatest possible expression of what we love."

Tentaka Hawk in the Heavens Japanese Sake 2022 Country: Japan Region of Origin: Prefecture Variety: Sake Price: $21 My Review: The aromas were a little bit strange to me. The smell was consistent to soapy water and a subtle hints of almonds. The taste was the really interesting part. The texture was almost like an oily coating of the mouth. It was a real change up from wine. The most significant taste I could acquire was pistachios. I couldn't really taste anything else other than a nutty pistachio flavor.  Wine Folly had nothing to offer on Sake so I did some of my own research. Tentaka Hawk of the Heavens is known for its high acidity and extended maturation period of 28 months.  Professional Review: " Dry and crisp, the flavors are dominated by mixed nuts, fresh cut green grass and other earthier flavors. Medium-bodied with a rich mouthfeel, followed by a lengthy and d ry finish. Pairs well with hearty grains, mushrooms, beef, lamb, and BBQ sauce."