Summit Estates Sweet Merlot

Name: Summit Estates Sweet Merlot

Variety: Merlot

Region: Columbia Valley, Washington

Country: United States

Year: 2009

Price: $8.99

Winery review: “An interesting take on Merlot – slightly sweeter with a little more residual sugar. Great flavors toasty marshmallow vanilla, cherry, and plum. Good balance that does not make this syrupy or cloying.” 90 pts – Beverage Dynamics.

My review: This wine was definitely interesting. I don’t think I’ve ever had a red wine that tasted sweet until this one. The nose is very faint. I tried other red wines right before this wine and they had a really strong smell compared to this one. I barely smelled a hint of berries and it did not smell alcoholic at all. The taste was just like the nose, very weak. All I could catch was a nice, mellow sweetness in the mid palate. The sweetness disappeared by the end, leaving the usual drier, red wine taste in your mouth. I actually did really like this wine because it was not overpowering.  I did not try this wine with food.

Rondel Brut Cava

Name: Rondel Brut Cava

Variety: N/A

Region: N/A

Country: Spain

Year: N/A

Price: $7.99

Winery review: “More fruity than dry, this “extreme brut” is filled with soft peach and nut flavors, their fragrance lifted by white pepper and floral tones of white lilies. Briny and fresh, the flavors last.” 90 pts – Wine & Spirits.

My review: This wine smelled like peaches and very fresh. As for the flavor, it wasn’t as fruity as I expected. I could taste a hint of peach but mostly it tasted pretty dry. However, the texture of the carbonation helped it feel pleasant and refreshing. I did not try this wine with food. I bought this wine to share at home.