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
La Bastide Saint Dominique Châteauneuf Du Pape 2009, Ac
Rhône, France$42.95
I wandered into my local hangout spot - the Summerhill tasting bar. Yeah, I'll admit to it. I went in this time because I knew this bottle was up for tasting. I loved it. I would drink this now and enjoy it, I would put it away and still enjoy it. I think I spent about 10 minutes just smelling it. So much going on with the nose - bright red fruit and spice . Lots on the palate as well. It brought me back to the times I spent wandering the narrow roads of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. I'm definitely going to pick this up for my collection. I'm sure it won't last long in my house.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Freeman Pinot Noir 2007, Sonoma Coast
California, Usa$35.70
In celebration of the rapture on this fine May 21, I headed to the tasting bar! The Freeman was on the menu. Good fruit, but not overly fruity as in some California Pinots. Very soft and smooth. Good Pinot Noir from Sonoma. I don't know if I'd pay $44.95 for it though. It's a bit too expensive for this Pinot.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Domaine Latour Giraud Les Narvaux Meursault 2008, Ac
Burgundy, France$45.95
Delicious. Lots of flavour of peachy buttery goodness. I loved the stone aromas. Great acidity. A lovely Burgundian wine. The finish was quite long.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Domaine Des Bosquets Gigondas 2007, Ac
Rhône, France$31.95
In general, I love wines from Gigondas. This wine is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. You can certainly feel the alcohol when you taste this, along with black tea, blueberry and blackberry with fantastic length on the finish. It's really yummy.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Far Niente Estate Chardonnay 2009, Napa Valley
California, Usa$80.00
A delicious Napa Chardonnay. The oak doesn't overpower the fruit. Nicely balanced with tropical fruit. Good finish.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Chàteau De Nages Jt Costiéres De Nîmes 2007
Rhône, France$24.95
This wine is just fantastic and for the money, a superb value! I got tapenade and black olive with blackberry aromas. It's a bit hot on the finish. Great flavour, weight and mouthfeel. It's a nice wine.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Château Valrose Cuvée Alienor 2005, Ac St Estèphe
Bordeaux, France$38.95
Delicious! I brought it to a friends house for Thanksgiving and was so sad to part with it. Had to buy another bottle. It's a lovely Bordeaux.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
L'avion Roussanne 2008, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara
California, Usa$29.90
I haven't had too many Roussanne wines so I was eager to try this one. I loved it! Can't say I care for the label. From the producer website: 100% Roussanne picked when golden-brown in late November. Fermented in 100% New French 500L Puncheons and aged in New Oak for 15 months.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Far Niente Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Oakville, Napa Valley
California, Usa$218.95
A delicious California Cabernet Sauvignon. For the price of the bottle, it didn't completely wow. However, I would be happy to have it in my collection to see how it holds up in the next few years! Anyone willing to fund the experiment?
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Faiveley Puligny Montrachet 2008, Ac
Burgundy, France$42.75
I would have been very happy if this wine were my Valentine. Not overly oaked showing enjoyable yet delicate acidity and mineral notes. Be still my heart!
4.0 Stars
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