Monika Janek
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Followers (5)
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Following (2)
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Reviews (175)
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A lover of everything related to wine!
IT professional in the software/film industry, pianist, DJ, electronic music producer, figure skater...all these activities keep Monika busy. Her real love, however, is wine. She has completed the Advanced level with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) but has now decided to study wine making through the distance program at UC Davis California starting in January 2012. She also has a blog where she shares her adventures to various wine regions and events. Yummy wine made from yummy grapes!
www.theyummygrape.com
Reviews
Torres Viña Esmeralda 2010, Do Catalunya
Catalonia, Spain$13.95
Sounds like a name of a wicked stepsister. For the money, wickedly good it is. When I first nosed this wine, I was sure that it was a Gewurztraminer. However, it's only 15% of the blend. This pale white is very aromatic giving off both lovely fruit and floral notes. Good acidity with a hint of sweetness. For the money, a great find.
3.0 Stars
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The Dreaming Tree Crush Red Blend 2010, North Coast
California, Usa$15.95
A crowd-pleasing, uncomplicated wine. Ripe, sweet jammy fruit dominate. 78% Merlot with a blend of an assortment of other varieties from the North Coast, California. Tasted April 2013.
3.0 Stars
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Cave De Beblenheim Brut Rosé Crémant D'alsace, Traditional Method, Ac, Alsace, France
Alsace, France$19.95
Yum! For the money, a really nice sparkling wine from Alsace. It would be perfect for such nice weather we're having today. Nice finish and acidity. I could taste the red fruits on the palate. It's lively and fun.
2.5 Stars
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Cave De Rasteau La Domelière Rasteau 2009, Ac Côtes Du Rhône Villages
Rhône, France$15.95
I just loved this wine! I opened a bottled recently at a girls night (I think too many bottles were opened that night). For the money, it's a great juicy gem. In fact, I purchased 4 more bottles a few days ago to offer to my guests at my birthday party next week. Happy Birthday to me!
2.5 Stars
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Ponte Extra Dry Prosecco, Doc Treviso
Veneto, Italy$15.95
I normally don't drink Prosecco. Not sure why! I should. I really enjoyed this one. Good for the money. Very fresh and easy to drink. Could be dangerous. :)
2.5 Stars
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Firesteed Pinot Gris 2009, Oregon
Oregon, Usa$14.95
Off-dry, citrus and crisp. I agree with with David Lawrason and John Szabo in that it's very basic. It is a fresh wine but I think that a Pinot Gris from Ontario will give you a bit more. Just my two cents!
2.5 Stars
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Flat Rock Red Twisted 2009, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$19.95
I like Flat Rock and what they're doing. I've enjoyed many other wines that they've produced. I can't say that I enjoyed this wine as much as some of their others. I think that it would probably go well at a BBQ. I found the finish to be a bit short. Good fruit and acidity. I enjoyed the aroma too.
2.5 Stars
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Shingle Peak Pinot Noir 2009, New Zealand
New Zealand$16.70
I agree with David Lawrason in that lightly chilled is in order. This wine has good spice and is very fruity with bright red fruits showing.
2.5 Stars
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Two Hands Sexy Beast Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Mclaren Vale, South Australia
Australia$27.95
I think this one will need to be put away for a little bit. It's a powerhouse! A fruit bomb with high alcohol and a touch of eucalyptus. It's super ripe with a rich full body. Kind of reminds me of those muscle men you see strutting around on the beach. If that's what you're into then this is your wine!
2.5 Stars
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Silvio Carta Vermentino Di Sardegna 2009, Doc
Sardinia, Italy$14.65
Dry and crisp but with a bitter aftertaste.
2.5 Stars
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