WSET Level 1 - Abbie's Adventure

WSET Level 1 - Abbie's Adventure

With the COVID-19 Pandemic wreaking havoc across the world, yet online courses being available, I decided to finally get a wine certification through Vino Venue (the APP - Approved Program Provider).

WSET - stands for Wine & Spirits Education Trust.  The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) is the largest and most recognised organisation providing formal education in wines (sake and spirits) for professionals and enthusiasts. WSET programmes focus on developing systematic tasting skills and product knowledge of the significant wines and wine producing regions of the world. The skills learnt through WSET programmes can be applied to understand and evaluate all wines, regardless of region. For this reason, many sommeliers choose to study for WSET qualifications to gain their product knowledge, opting to develop their service skills on the job.

I opted to start at the beginning with WSET Level 1.  This course was approximately $250 USD.  This did not include the tasting wines and food samples however.  The course doesn't mandate that you purchase the wines and food samples, but it definitely helps with the learning experience. 

These are the wines I purchased for my WSET Level 1 Course:

The food items needed were:  black seedless grapes, tartaric acid (I found this on Amazon.com), sugar, black tea (I used PG Tips), a sweet biscuit, salt, a slice of lemon, and cooked mushrooms or msg powder. 

The 4-week course is offered online, at your own pace.  There were no set scheduled "classes", only the requirement that you participate in the assignment chats (again at your own pace and timing), and complete all of the assignment modules before taking the exam.  There is an online instructor available for a live chat once a week (scheduled at a specific time - often an odd hour for some, so as to accommodate the time zones of the multiple attendees).  The live chat is optional, but it is useful if you have questions.  The course I registered for started on Monday April 26th and went until Sunday May 23rd, 2021.  These are the dates the online instructor is available to answer questions or reply to your chats.  After the end date, the instructor is no longer available.  I believe I still have access to my course materials for a set amount of time (I forget how long) so I can study. 

I was surprised at how many different people from different countries were in my class.  We had attendees from Italy, Ireland, China, USA, Germany, etc.  so many different places.  This was truly a diverse class.  

I was disappointed that we could not take the exam right after class finished.  Why not the same day or next day?  However, the earliest available exam date was 2 weeks out.  I took that time to make notes and trivia questions for my friends to quiz me on, so I could study for the exam.

The exam was taken online.  I had to have 2 devices (my laptop and either a smartphone or iPad/tablet).  The laptop had to have a camera and microphone, so my exam could be recorded.  The iPad was so I could be recorded from the side using the ProctorExam app.  This helps to ensure you are not cheating on your exam.  No poster or writing can be on the walls.  If you have a glass of water it has to be clear, no bottles with labels or any writing on the glass.  No pieces of paper, even if blank.  No other person can be in the room with you either.  No wine bottles or any alcohol items in the room.  The rules are pretty thorough.

I took my invigilated exam online on Sunday June 13th, 2021.  I must say, it took me longer to setup all my devices, and ensure proper recording, etc. than it did to actually take the exam.  They also have you film 360 degree view of the room, your desktop, under your desk, the ceiling, and all four corners of the room, to ensure there is nothing there to invalidate your test results.  The exam was 30 multiple choice questions, and I had 45 mins to take the exam.  I believe I finished my exam in about 10 minutes (after setup).  

I am still awaiting my results.  I believe the results should be sent out roughly 2 weeks after taking the exam.  I hope I passed.  I feel pretty good about the exam, but unlike the ITIL exams I have taken via the invigilated/online method, the WSET didn't immediately tell me my score.  I understand they have to certify the results, but at least with the ITIL exams they tell you your score immediately, and then you only have to wait a few weeks for them to certify it, and send your certificate to you.  Yes I did put this in my feedback survey.

Overall it was a pleasant experience and I highly recommend this certification, should you be interested.

I'll update you with my score once I get it. :)

UPDATE:  I did not receive my score until October 2021.  I passed. yay!  However, I do not understand why it took nearly 5 MONTHS to get my exam results.  I've taken ITIL proctored exams where they at least give you a preliminary score immediately after your exam - with the understanding they have to certify it officially at a later time.  I would have loved to know if missed any questions right away for the WSET, but no.  I had to wait.  Sigh.  We have the technology, not sure why AXELOS has theirs working great but WSET can't use similar tech?  Now I am wondering if we get a certificate or anything to print out?  Probably will take a year for that though. 

TWITs Pool Party & Cookout - June 22nd - hosted by Ms. Crystal

TWITs Pool Party & Cookout - June 22nd - hosted by Ms. Crystal

WHEN:  Friday, June 22nd, 2018 - 7:00 PM
THEME:  Pool Party & Cookout  NOTE: we will be capping attendance again
BRING:  
1) A bottle of wine to pair with the food on the menu - within our usual suggested pricing.
2) Your swimsuit and a towel - if you are swimming

Menu:
Beef burgers with Gruyere Cheese & Arugula
3 Bean Salad
Shrimp & Tilapia Ceviche
Fruit Tart
Ice Cream Cones

Well we got rained out, but it was still a fun night.  Tasting notes and photos below.

Tasting Notes:
Welcome Wines:  We had White Sangria & Red Sangria (homemade)

1) NV Union Wine Co. Underwood Rose Bubbles - $6.99/can @ Brookhaven Wines
Varietal Unknown.  11% alcohol
Tasting Notes:  Wild strawberry, fruit cocktail, and tart cherry

2) 2016 Domaine Franck Besson Rose Granit - $11.99 @ Brookhaven Wines
100% Gamay, 12.5% alcohol
Tasting Notes:  lively, delicious, dry, bubbly,

3) 2017 Francis Ford Coppola Sofia Brut Rose ~ $18 @ Total Wine
50% Pinot Noir, 50% Chardonnay, 12% alcohol
Tasting Notes:

4)  NV Union Wine Co. Underwood Rose - $6.99/can @ Brookhaven Wines
Varietal Unknown.  12% alcohol
Tasting Notes:  Strawberry, Peach, Watermelon

5) 2017 Chateau Paradis Coteaux d'ain en Provence Rose ~ $13.99
90% Cabernet, 10% Shiraz/Syrah, 12% alcohol
Tasting Notes: crisp, dry, refreshing

6) 2014 Napa Cellars Zinfandel - $19.99 Toco Giant
100% Zinfandel, 14% alcohol
Tasting Notes: bright aromas of fresh blackberries, tart cherry and hints of black tea. The aromas lead to lush flavors of ripe jam with notes of mocha, spice and sweet notes of oak on the finish. This wine is medium-bodied with bright acidity and a smooth, juicy and lasting mouthfeel. Winemaker Joe Shirley recommends pairing this wine with barbequed ribs or a well-seasoned steak topped with fresh basil

7) 2014 Banshee Pinot Noir Sonoma ~ $23.99
100% Pinot Noir, 13.6% alchol
a beautiful balance between both red and blue fruits, notably Bing cherry and Asian plums. Interwoven with the fruit characteristics are coastal moss, fresh wild mushrooms, and spice. The wine has good carry-through from front to finish, with lively acidity to keep it light on its feet.

February 10th - Wine & Chocolate - hosted by Steve and Crissy

February 10th - Wine & Chocolate - hosted by Steve and Crissy

This next event already has my mouth watering in anticipation.  Crissy & Steve have just returned from Napa, and they are hosting a Wine & Chocolate pairing tasting.   There will be at least 5, possibly 6 wines which they have curated, with pairings for each course.

WHEN:  Saturday February 10th, 2018  @ 7:30pm ET

THEME:  Wine & Chocolate Pairings

BRING:  TWITs should bring $20/per person

We learned a few helpful tips for pairing wine with chocolate:
1) The wine should be sweeter than the food with which it is being paired.
2) One should taste the wine, take a bite of the food pairing, and then taste the wine again.  This is to see if the food changes the wine on the palate in any way.

Fun Fact:  White Chocolate isn't really Chocolate.  White chocolate doesn't qualify as genuine chocolate because it doesn't contain chocolate solids (a.k.a. cocoa powder). White chocolate is typically made from a blend of cocoa butter, milk solids, sugar, milk fat and lecithin — a fatty emulsifier that holds it all together.  Who knew?

TWITs had a fabulous time tasting the wine and glorious pairings along with them.  I think my personal favorite of the courses was the flourless chocolate cake paired with the Biale Petite Sirah.  Yum!  Crissy is a fanTAStic cook!  However, the most unusual dish was the Dukkah.  I'd never had Dukkah before, and now I think I'm in love.  Crissy and Steve did a wonderful job of designing an exquisite menu to pair with the wines.  Each pairing was spot on, and absolutely delicious.

Welcome Wine:  2016 Ehlers Estate Sauvignon Blanc

~

Course 1:  

2015 Amici Sauvignon Blanc

and

White Chocolate Baba Ganoush

~

Course 2:

Chocolate Dukkah w Olive Oil & Bread

(this also paired with the Amici Sauvignon Blanc AND with the first red wine)

2016 Mollydooker "The Boxer" Shiraz

Course 3:

Chocolate Dukkah Dusted Chicken Breast & Carrots

and

2016 Mollydooker "The Boxer" Shiraz

~

Course 4:

Mole Chili

&

2015 The Seventy Five Wine Company Cabernet Sauvignon

~

Course 5:

Flourless Chocolate Cake with Freshly Whipped Cream

and

2015 Robert Biale Vineyards "Royal Punishers" Petite Sirah

~

Course 6: 

White Chocolate Chunk Macadamia Nut Cookies

and

2015 Ferrari-Carano "Eldorado Gold" Semillon

~

Course 7: 

"PBJ"

Chocolate & Peanut Butter Bites

and

2016 Bella Vineyards "Late Harvest" Zinfandel 

TWITs June/July - Shining Stars Charity tasting - South African Wines -July 9th, 2016

TWITs June/July - Shining Stars Charity Wine Tasting - South African Wines - Saturday, July 9th, 2016 2pm - 4pm ET

Host or Hostess: Ms Marilyn with Randall & Karen of Marietta Wine Market

Where?  Marietta Wine Market
18 Powder Springs St. SE
Marietta, GA 30064
770-919-1574

Theme:  Shining Stars Charity Wine Tasting - Wines of Portugal - whoops surprise!  we thought we were tasting wines of Portugal, but when we arrived it was South African wines. still delicious either way.

Bring: TWITs should bring $20/person for cost of the wines, and any other amount they wish to donate to the charity.

Wines We Tasted:  
2015 David Frost Sauvignon Blanc
2015 Boschendal The Rose Garden Rose (blend of Merlot, Shiraz, and Pinotage)
2012 Brampton Old Vine Red (blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carignan and Shiraz)
2014 Ruse en Vrede Stellenbosch Merlot
2013 KWV Classic Collection Pinotage

Australian Wines - Friday July 31st, 2015 - hosted by Ms Kat and MsAngela

Australian Wines - Friday July 31st, 2015 - hosted by Ms Kat and Ms Angela

Theme:  Australian Wines

About:  The Australian wine industry is the world's fourth largest exporter of wine with approximately 750 million litres a year to the international export market with only about 40% of production consumed domestically. The wine industry is a significant contributor to the Australian economy through production, employment, export and tourism.

Wine is produced in every state, with more than 60 designated wine regions totalling approximately 160,000 hectares; however Australia's wine regions are mainly in the southern, cooler parts of the country, with vineyards located in South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania and Queensland. The wine regions in each of these states produce different wine varieties and styles that take advantage of the particular Terroir such as: climatic differences, topography and soil types. With the major varieties being predominantly Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Semillon, Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc. Wines are often labelled with the name of their grape variety, which must constitute at least 85 percent of the wine.

Bring: TWITs should bring a bottle of Australian Wine in the specified price range (Up to $20/bottle for Singles, between $20 - $40/bottle for Couples).  We did our usual blind-tasting format, and then unveiled the wines at the end.

Why did our hostesses pick this theme?  Why Australia?
Angela's fiance' Nerino is from Sydney, and as they say, "It's God's Country!"  It also gave Angela and Kat a fun time cooking some authentic Australian food.  We had meat pies, sausage rolls, Marmite, and Pavlova (a dessert).  Australians are known to put beets on their hamburgers.  Did you know a Didgeridoo is a wood instrument, naturally hollowed out by termites? We learned that a "Larican" is an urban hooligan, or gangster / prankster. Someone joked "Have you ever been to the Outback?" and one replied "The bloomin' onion is amazing!"

Tasting Notes:
Welcome Wine:  2012 Dynamite Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon $6.99 ~ 12.99 @ Whole Foods.
Delightful at a great price point.

1) 2012 Vinaceous "The Red Right Hand" Margaret River, Perth, $15.99 @ Total Wine
69% Shiraz, 23% Grenache, 8% Tempranillo - 14% alcohol
nose:  Australian! light, sweet, faint berry, prudish nose (joke:  It's Michael Jackson's nose, not much there, too much rhinoplasty)
palate:  pinot noir-ish, a little tart, a bit bitter, some oak on it, "I don't love it", needs to breathe, has some heat, needs some meat, dark cherry, higher alcohol, dry, non-descript, thick-legged Scottish, nothing to write home about, olivey, briney, not showing anything, carbonated, like a soda, table wine, nothing special, Tuesday night wine at somebody else's house, this has to come back from a long way, maybe Cleveland.  some green privet bush, licorice, pulls on your tongue, disappointing finish, hay.

2) 2012 Vinaceous "Snake Charmer" McLaren Vale - $15.99 @ Total Wine
100% Shiraz, 12.5% alcohol
mineral water, cherry, smooth on the tongue, grapey nose, dark, deep syrup, dark chocolate, tart, soft, cassis-y, syrup, earthy, like dirt, a bit dirty, dirt track rubber, dried dusty dirt, from the outback, would pair with dark chocolate, beet juice, cranberry

3) 2013 Mollydooker "Maitre 'D" McLaren Vale  ~ $30 @ Total Wine
100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15.5% alcohol
(Mollydooker is slang for "Left Hander") good nose, floral, the legs stain the glass, inky, purple, black currant, berry, cassis, punches you in the face and caresses you, "Chris Brown wine, tastes like velvet, like any good first date, good from start to finish, delicious, high alcohol, warmth at back of the tongue, viscosity, all around winner, menthol finish, camphor, guessing it's a Mollydooker,

4) 2013 Mollydooker "Blue Eyed Boy" McLaren Vale ~ $44 @ Total Wine
100% Shiraz, 16.5% Alcohol
(named for Sarah and Sparky's son)
smells yummy (with 3 M's!), the alcohol is like YEOW! this wine is enormous!  high alcohol, dark chocolate, super cassis, cassis-bomb, anise, strong, high alcohol, licorice, needs more air, alcohol-bomb, like a scotch, it burns, tastes smooth, punches you in the face than caresses you, I hit you because I love you, too warm, you could light this on fire, you'll regret it in the morning, 'the wine before fireball', smoky, heavy, the heavy set, a wine with a self-righteous 20-something New York Attitude, Jam-bomb, two tense

5) 2013 Mollydooker "Blue Eyed Boy" McLaren Vale ~ $44 @ Total Wine
100% Shiraz, 16.5% Alcohol
antiseptic, hospital, bandaids, it burns, cassis-ish, yet smoother, "the wave cheers", "I like this 'effin' wine, Kampai!, Mushrooms in marsala sauce, earthy, tart, olive/brine finish, with cherry, chocolate, pear and pepper on the finish, like dirt, dirty beast, powdery chocolate, not much nose, derp-face, smells like a "white walker".

6) 2011 Michel Chapoutier "King of the Rhone" Tournon, Shays Flat Vineyard Pyranees Shiraz - $23.99 @ Toco Giant
He has Braille on the bottle.  100% Shiraz, 14% alcohol
dirty underwear, perm solution, mature wimes (ha), toilet water, funky, french toilet, slow your swirl, effervescent, does NOT pair well with dessert, petrol, new tupperware, latex, condoms, sharp turn down under left, we've cleansed Johnny, no do it again, velvety, not hot, older, browner, pretty much no one liked it except Abbie, (clarification, I'd like it on a different night).

7) 2012 Red Knot Shingleback Shiraz McLaren Vale - $15 @ Bottleshop on Collier
100% Shiraz, 14% alcohol
olive, sticky sweetness, cloying, rubbing alcohol, not a good finish, band-aid also, mud, swampy mud, asphalt, malbec?, older, grounded, very clean, antiseptic, rain on the ground, pavement, bitter finish, medicinal, Nyquil, not feeling it, hard to like, harsh, "you get no pleasure from drinking this" "the blue balls of wine", knotty.

8) 2010 Mollydooker "Two Left Feet" $25~30 @ Total Wine
72% Shiraz, 16% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon
16% alcohol
dark, elegant nose, this is nice, smells dirty, it doesn't taste as dirty as it behaves, it's a freak in the streets, a lady in the sheets, a Jedi in the streets, a Sith in the sheets.  A Dorothy in the streets, a Blanche in the sheets, a Charlotte in the streets, a Samantha in the sheets, "This is pithy goodth", it's puppy tongue!

Photos:
Australia Wine Map

Volcanic Wines - March 19th, 2015 - hosted by Ms. Karin & Mr. Joshua

Volcanic Wines - Thursday March 19th, 2015 - hosted by Ms. Karin & Mr. Joshua

Theme:  Volcanic Wines - We will do our usual blind tasting method.

Bring:  TWITs should bring a bottle of volcanic wine.  It can be a white or a red wine, but within the specified price range (Up to $20/bottle for Singles, between $20 - $40/bottle for Couples)

More information on Volcanic Wines.
"Volcanic soils are rich in calcium, iron and magnesium, as well as other elements, which can contribute to a wine’s minerality. These soils also allow water to be delivered to the roots of vines very slowly, which can be a lifesaver during a dry growing season when vines must rely on groundwater to survive. Oh, and they look cool, too: black never goes out of style."

Why did Josh & Karin pick "Volcanic Wines" as the theme?
Josh explained that they had first tried a volcanic wine in Portland, Williamette Valley, and they were told "you either love it, or you hate it", and they decided they loved it.  Karin said it was also a nice geography lesson, learning about the different volcanic areas in the world.  Some volcanic areas include: New Zealand, Chile, Italy, Portland Oregon, Calistoga/Napa area, etc.

Tasting Notes:
Welcome Wine:  2013 Azienda Agricola Inama Vin Soave Classico, Verona Italy ~ $20 @ Sherlocks
100% Gargenega, 12% alcohol
white wine, light, sweetish, off-dry, grassy, rain, acidity, tart, 3 day old campfire, ash,

1) 2010 Assemblage Barken Reichan Galilee - $29 @ Costco
67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 13% Shiraz 13.5% alcohol
red wine, smoky head, tar, subtle smoke, bbq, not quite opaque, spice, white pepper, Val guesses California fine wine, fruit forward, gorgeous wood, citrus, tangerine, cherry, subtle charcoal nose, carmelly, charred barrel, berry cherry, spice like a pinot but not, you can almost taste the burnt ash in the back of your throat, high clarity, could be a pinot, why not? cloves, doesn't linger, like a good cigar at the end, a very sexy clove cigarette, black fruit, chocolate, nougat, promises even more pleasure with age.

2) 2011 Vestini Campagnano Kajanero Terre del Volturno IGT, Campania Italy - $15.99 @ Brookhaven Wines
Blend of Casavecchia, Pallagrello Nero, 13.5% alcohol
crunk on the nose, tar, LODI, resurfaced road, asphalt, tar bubble, burning oil, cheese, so intense, not subtle at all, Whew! powerful! Holy I-285, sulphur, mackerel, shell fish, inside of volcano or oil-well, sea air, full bodied, dark chocolate, blackberry, palate has fruit, then a dip of olive/brine, then spice, needs food, rustic meats, licorice, anise, molasses

3) 2009 Aglianico Mastroberardino Campania Italy - $20 @ Broohaven Wines
100% Aglianico, 13% alcohol
gumballs, dark deep brown/brick color, funky, compost, meringue, smoky cocktail, Matt says Tuscan Sangiovese, flowers in manure, foxglove, burnt twig, gardenia, perfumey, the palate doesn't hold up to the aromas, palate is not that intense, great foreplay but terribly quick finish, quaffable, lighter, "the young inexperienced pool boy"

4) 2012 Mastroberardino Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio Rosso DOC - $17-18 @ Brookhaven Wines, 100% Piedirosso, 12.5% alchol
subtle smoke & chocolate, milky way, soft, silky, smoky vanilla, overly burnt bbq, but in a good way, caramel, burnt tires, briny, pickles, smooth with spice, pepper, pickles and pepper, salt, a lot of minerals, honey, 1 dimensional, hyacinth, oysters, fleshy, coppery, would not order a 2nd glass, ashy aftertaste, not a good kisser, honey vanilla caramel,

5) 2012 I Vigneri, Etna Rosso, Sicily, Italy - $45 @ Le Caveau Fine Wines
Blend of Nerello Cappuccio, Nerello Mascalese, 14% alcohol
tar, stinky, leather, humidor, stallion, manly, burly wine, alpha male, animal sweat in a good way, Burgundy-esque, flowers & manure, grass, healthy countryside, green grass, brushy dried green, earthy, wildflowers, sweet banana, hot nose, pepper, this wine treats a woman right, rustic, balanced, lingers, huge body, "I would take this wine home with me"
*** THIS WINE WON THE VOTE for BEST WINE OF THE NIGHT ***

6) 2011 J Bookwalter Sub-Plot #27 Columbia Washington - $20 at Brookhaven Wines
41% Syrah, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Malbec, 8% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot, 14.2% alcohol
asphalt, skunk-o-rama, good weed (you know what we mean), fresh rubber, latex, grapefruit peel, bitter pith, oily garage, honeybees & flowers in the garage, chewing burnt rubber, chocolatey, apple cider palate, could be Hobbit Wine (aka New Zealand), dry, rubbermaid dishwashing gloves, ashy

7) 2013 Frank Cornelissen MunJebel no. 10 Rosso - $39.99 @ Le Caveau Fine Wines
100% Nerello Mascalese, 15% alcohol
apricots, baby food, peaches, astringent, rubbing alcohol, citrus, lemongrass, dishwashing soap, grassy, mineral, sulphur, sodium, chocolate apricot, peach leaves, fresh cut grass, sweet rosy, liver, iron-y, black pudding, effervescent, fluffy, like sucking on a nail as you do, special k breakfast with added iron, crazy palate, aroma of grandma's bonnet, orangey, odd, so crazy, complex, magma, liquid hot earth, tricky, the Loki wine

Special notes: This is a RARE wine, hard to get.  There were only 24 cases made, and only 10 cases imported into the United States.  Le Caveau received 1 case. ONE!  and we got 1 bottle to share with our beloved TWITs.  Some trivia, about the label, Frank has a penchant for Japanese women, but he lives in Sicily so it was hard to get one to stay.  Eventually he did find one, and married her.  :)

8) 2008 Tenuta del Portale Aglianico del Vulture Reserva $20 @ Total Wine
100% Aglianico 13% alcohol
dust, sugar dust, caramel chocolate, sea dust, poorly kept old people, thyme, mature manure, crumbly manure, licorice, anise, dry, tart, dusty, ashy, woody, acetone, pine, effervescent on tongue, fresh vampire, canned tomato, its solid, not very interesting, this is #1, pretty darn good, tobacco, smelly socks on the floor for like a week, rubber hose, new flip flops

9) 2012 Fuedo Principi di Butera, Sicily, $20 @ Brookhaven Wines
100% Nero d'Avola 14% alcohol
a lot of tires, seductive, ink out of a calligraphy pen, toasted honey, caramel, sweet, skunk on edge softens and melts into caramel, smoky caramel, we smell past the skunk, seaspray on smoky soil, tire store, salted caramel, inky

Australian Shiraz - December 14th, 2011 - Ms. Marilyn

Australian or South African Shiraz/Syrah - December 14th, 2011 - Ms. Marilyn
Wikipedia: Syrah/Shiraz Syrah or Shiraz (Not to be confused with Petite Sirah which is a different varietal.) is a dark-skinned grape grown throughout the world and used primarily to produce powerful red wines.
Pairings: Shiraz is great for grilled meats or veggies, wild game, richly flavored red meats, beef stew and meat lover's pizza. Cheese Pairing ideas.

Tasting Notes:
The Welcome Wine - Chook Chinook Shiraz - $5.99 @ Trader Joes

1) 2009 Shotfire Shiraz, Austrailia, Barossa Valley, Thorne-Clarke - $17.99 @ Total Wine
14.8% alcohol
Color: dark purple-red, mostly opaque, nice thick legs
Nose: dark fruit, plum, sweetness, reminds me of Port, high alcohol on nose
Palate: a bit of pepper, some blackberry, tart, very dense, tannic
Other comments: the name Shotfire originated from the hazerdous job of lighting charges in the mines. On the bottle it says it has chocolate and plum with oak and vanilla flavors
*this was one of my favorites of the evening.

2) 2010 Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz, South Africa, Western Cape - $9.99 @ the Liquor Store on corner of 17th & Northside Drive by IKEA.
12.5% alcohol
Color: clear ruby red, light, translucent, almost no legs
Nose: earthy (graphite/caulky),
Palate: sweeter, cherry wine, cola, tastes like a lighter Port, jelly/jam, cherry jam soda, like a red white zin,
Other: Pairs well with spicy food, but can't drink an entire bottle alone, too sweet, Leslie correctly guessed this was Jam Jar, summertime-dessert wine, on bottle says juicy-berry with hints of dark chocolate

3) 2006 Torbreck, Woodcutters Shiraz, Barossa Valley - $20.00 @ small liquor store on Terrell Mill
14.5% alcohol
Color: dark purple red, opaque
Nose: nice and pleasant at first, then tinge of kitty litter or dirty socks. Olive perhaps? earthy, no fruit, smells of pine or evergreen bark.
Palate: smooth, medium bodied, slight bitterness, some citrus notes, licorice/fennel
Other: bottle says to pair with hearty meal
*this was one of my favorites of the evening.

4) 2010 Layer Cake Shiraz - South Australia - $15.98 @ Kroger in Sandy Springs
14.1% alcohol
Color: Midnight Purple, almost black, long legs
Nose: perfumey
Palate: smooth, faintly sweet, jammy, dry finish, slightly tart, a sweet jam then pucker, savory
Other: would pair well with game, recommend the 2008 Layer Cake (supposedly tastes better than the 2010), bottle says it has fruit/mocha/chocolate - spice - rich.

5) 2010 Terra Barossa Shiraz - Thorne & Clarke - $12.99 @ Total Wine
14.5% alcohol
Color: red purple, jam, dark, slow legs
Nose: herb/earth, peaty, damp spice, musty
Palate: tart, pucker, pepper, cranberry, dry finish, a bit of alcohol burn going down.
Other: This is apparently the #2 selling Shiraz at Total Wine. Bottle says plum, soft tannins, appealing spiciness

6) 2007 Le Pousseur Syrah- Bonny Dune vineyards - Santa Cruz California ~$16.00 @ CostCo (?)
13.5% alcohol
Color: lighter, clearer, magenta, more pink,
Nose: layered nose, pepper, vanilla-clove-coffee
Palate: smooth, full flavor but surprisingly light finish

7) 2010 Lindemans Bin 50 Shiraz, Southeast Australia - $7.99 @ Trader Joes
13.5% alcohol
Color: clear-ish, claret-red
Nose: dark cherry, dark chocolate, alcohol, cocoa powder, caramel
Palate: approachable, drinkable, almost too easy to drink, butterscotch,
Other: pairs well with chocolate, definitely needs food with it. bottle says plum and spice and to pair with pasta or red meat.
My fave quote of the evening was from Aubrey "You can feel this in your teeth, and some of them aren't even mine!"

8) 2009 Villa San Juliette - Petite Sirah - Paso Robles, San Miguel, California ~ $17.00 @ Costco or Le Caveau (she couldn't remember which)
Color: dark violet
Nose: violets, oak
Palate: jammy, lingering then abrupt dry finish, "it's good but...not?"
Other: Leslie says this is the wine from the makers of American Idol. bottle says "Blueberry motor oil" and mocha, pairs well with meats and cajun cuisine. Another recommendation from same winemaker is Chorum

9) 2010 MollyDooker - Shiraz - The Boxer - McLaren Vale Australia - $21.99 @ CostCo
16% alcohol
Color: dark purple/red, high alcohol
Nose: red fruit, chocolate, caramel, vanilla, butter
Palate: dry, deep cranberry, pepper at the end, oak, full-bodied
Other: This is Abbie's favorite Australian Winemaker, she tried it for the first time at Morrell's Wine Bar in NYC Rockafeller Center. Matt remarked on his first look "It has legs like a Rockette up in here!" The legs are so lovely, lingering, and slow, they practically stain the glass.
**NOTE: Sometimes you can find this for $19.99 at Kroger, but it goes fast so you have to snatch it up quick**
MollyDooker is slang for "Left-Hander"
Another recommendation is MollyDooker - Shiraz- Blue Eyed Boy, but this one runs about $45/bottle. however it is worth it if you can splurge.


Other notes:
Recommended - 2002 The Prisoner by Orin Swift Cellars (label photo is lovely):