Buzzed
Here are the drinks we tried with our reviews for each episode.
The Tried and True
The Bota Box is the tried and true work horse of the Buzzed and Baffled series. It is semi-dry and always smooth. Perfect for a summers day and a little bit of gossip. We are not sponsered by Bota Box....YET.
E3: Miha Sauvignon Blanc
The “Humpback Highway” is a migratory path that runs from Antarctica to Tonga. Miha Sauvignon Blanc draws inspiration from the magical spectacle of baby humpback whales who honour us each year with their presence in our shallows and have formed part of New Zealand’s Maori heritage for generations. Here at Miha, we are just as committed to sustainable wine growing as our nation is to the sustainability of our oceans. This wine’s lively acidity and pristine mineral finish work well with seafood and fresh salads, making it a perfect choice for casual gatherings and fine dining occasions. This exquisite offering promises not just a glass of wine but a taste of New Zealand’s purest landscapes.
E4: Coppola Claret 2022
The crown jewel of the Diamond Collection showcases flavors of plum, black pepper, and cocoa.
Diamond Collection wines are made from grapes grown across California and are carefully combined to create wines perfect for all occasions – including those special just because ones.
Since its inception, Claret has been the crown jewel of the Diamond Collection. This year’s Claret reflects a diversity of varietals and vineyards whose soils contribute to the wine’s complexity.
E5: Frei Brothers Sauvignon Blanc
Tonights wine comes from the Russian River Valley. A Sauvignon Blanc that captures great varietal character with bright acidity accompanied by aromas and flavors of lemon, lime, melon and fresh cut grass along with hints of vanilla and cream. Layers of complexity extend though the palate and culminate in a crisp enduring finish. This wine is easy to enjoy on its own, but also works well with chicken piccata or freshly shucked oysters.
E6: Wente Cabernet Sauvignon
This Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon is named for the vineyards located along the southern hills of the Central Coast. The Wente family farms uses two clones originating from California wine pioneer Charles Wetmore’s Bordeaux cuttings in the 19th century. With well-drained rocky soils and unique microclimates, the Southern Hills vineyards are in the most desirable settings, with exposures ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon of distinct character, depth, and intensity.
E7: Domaine Du Chetif Quart, Bourgogne Cote Chalonnase
From Burgondy France these grapes are harvested by hand to preserve the grapes and soil. Domaine du Chétif Quart is one of the very rare producers in Burgundy to make an “estate-bottled” Cremant. Lucas and his two empoyees begin each day in the cellar with some coffee and some hand riddling. The Cremant is kept in the cellar ‘sur lies” for between one and two years. After the first year, disgorgements begin and continue each month, thereby making the hand riddling a year-round activity. The Cremant is produced from a single vintage and is typically a blend of 50% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir and 10% Aligoté.
E8: 19 Crimes Cali Red
Ripe black fruit, accented with distinct, smoky, American oak aromas of vanilla and hazelnut.
19 Crimes is defiant by nature, bold in character and always uncompromising. This spirit lives on today through innovators and culture creators, like Cali’s own Snoop Dogg. A leader in contemporary pop culture, Snoop embodies the timeless values of the 19 Crimes rogues who came before him.
E9: Trivento White Malbec
This white malbec does have a white color. Neutral, estery nose with nectarines, green plums and fermented rice. Almost a bit Sake-like. High malic acidity here with a subtle and concise finish. A little tart at the end.
E10: Provence Dry Rose
A Trader Joe's variety that tasted, not as good at the Bota Box Dry Rose 2.5/5 Stars. Would not buy again.
E11: Tarongino
A "wine and orange drink". Enough said.
E13: Protea Chenin Blanc
Much better than this brands "dry" Rose, it has a delicate nuance of chamomile adds depth and interest to the nose of typical stone fruit: apricot, and peach. Ripeness of rich fruits – nectarine, apricot and Golden Delicious apple – is tempered by a bright tang of citrus peel and fresh acidity. Adding dimension and depth is an exciting light chalky grip and evidence of time on lees. Rounded and full with good body and length. Impressive balance and focus in the way the fruit, acid and lees relate.
E14: Vin du Jour
Nicole's fluent in french so she has decided today is the wine of the day. Since there is no such thing as pickle wine, thank god, we featured our tried and true dry Rose.
E15: Jacob's Creek Shiraz Cabernet
Dark cherry and plum with notes of mocha spice.
A bright, medium length wine made in an approachable style. The palate offers plum and warmed berry flavours and lovely soft tannins.
E 16: The Pale
Born in the Var region of Provence, made for a sophisticated rosé drinker and offered at the value level of quality Provence rosés Sacha Lichine has once again redefined the category. Named after its transparent, pink colour, The Pale by Sacha Lichine embodies all the characteristics of an authentic rosé from Provence.
E 17: Dashwood Sauvignon Blanc
Classically Marlborough, our Sauvignon Blanc is balanced, crisp and lively, perfectly capturing the aromatic characters of Marlborough’s two exceptional sub-regions.
E 18: Decoy Rose Wine
CInspired by the great Rosés of Provence (uh huh SURE), our California Decoy Rosé is a bright, elegant and dry wine with refreshing acidity. Showing an ideal combination of lovely fruit-forward flavors, it embodies exceptional winemaking.
E 19: Moschofilero Boutari
Yellow-white colour with tints of green yellow, a strong varietal aroma of flowers and citrus fruit on the nose and palate, with white rose and orange blossom prevailing. A fresh wine, full and balanced, with a long finish.
Episode 22: Relax.
The coca cola of chilled red wines.
Episode 20: HayMaker
This is a bright, bouncy and balanced Sauvignon, particularly for the price. A perfume of lime, passion fruit and pineapple rush from the glass, underpinned by more delicate aromas of honeysuckle, grass and white spice. While acidity is still rapier-like, it's counterbalanced nicely by the vibrant fruit. Another few months in the bottle will do this good, and then it'll be a wine to stock up on for summer.
Episode 21: Squealing Pig
Sourced from hidden vineyards in the Awatere Valley, this little pig is packed with passionfruit and herbaceous aromas on the nose. On the palate, it’s all about crisp, citrus flavours with a long finish. Best to drink when young and fresh.