Tasting Water Dog- Reserva Blend

 

This is Water Dog:

Grape Variety: Castelao (70%) & Touriga Nacional (30%)

Country of Origin: Portugal 

Region of Origin: Jose Maria da Fonesca

Vintage: 2020

Price: $11.99

I had this wine with my friend, this wine was unopened. I was really interested to try this wine for a few reasons: 

1) It was a blend of grapes I had not heard of before

2) I have yet to have a wine from Portugal. 

Wine Folly (Castelao Page 92): According to Wine Folly, grapes of this variety have flavors of black currant, plum, strawberry, dried meat, and mocha. 

Wine Folly (Touriga Nacional Page 178): According to Wine Folly, grapes of this variety have flavors of violet, blueberry, plum, mint, and wet slate. 

My Review: 

Personally, I really enjoyed this wine. It smelled instantly of cinnamon/nutmeg, cherries, and roses. It burned the nose a bit but was softened by the floral notes. When tasting this wine, I was instantly hit with notes of plum and black currant. It had a decent chew and it was very enjoyable. 

Critic Review: 

"...Opens with an attractive aroma of ripe dark berries plus touches of spice, cola, and licorice. In the mouth it features more ripe dark berry fruit and continued nice touches of spice."

Tasting Il Casato- Pinot Grigio

 

This is Il Casato:

Grape Variety: Pinot Grigio 

Country of Origin: Italy

Region of Origin: Valdadige

Vintage: 2021

Price: $10.99

I tasted, what was left, of this Pinot Grigio with my friend. This had been opened and recorked and sitting in fridge prior to us drinking it. So it was slightly chilled. 

Wine Folly: (Page 149): According to wine folly, this wine has flavors of white peach, lemon zest, cantaloupe, raw almond, and crushed gravel.

My Review: 

Initially, this wine smelled instantly like cucumber and butter to me. But I did have to keep in mind this wine has sat opened (recorked) in the fridge for about a week. Once I tasted this wine, I was instantly hit with notes of lemon, pears, and grass. So, I 100% agree with Wine Folly when it comes to the lemon zest. 

Critic Review: 

"...Opens with an attractive aroma of apple, pear, and tropical fruits with a touch of honeysuckle. Taking a sip reveals that this is a pretty nice Pinot Grigio. Plenty Flavorful and with nice crispness this is quite refreshing."