Australia/New Zealand

Today's ACTUAL foray into the realm of wine led us to Australia and New Zealand (the last post was a catch-up from the previous tasting). We went with whites first. Today, MV taught us that you can see the amount of tannin in a wine by looking at the vertical streams in the glass after you swirl it. Who knew?! Here's some other interesting stuff about tannin.

EDIT: The lines are actually created by the alcohol-- more lines = more alcohol = drier wine.

A. Mohua Sauvignon Blanc 2010 - more info
Appearance: blonde, clear, straw-colored
Nose: 4
Intensity: 1
Balance: 3.5
Complexity: 3
Finish: 4
Comments: Tart, crisp. Would go well with sharp cheese, fish, or crab.
Jen's favorite white

B. Yellowtail Moscato - more info
Appearance: "Miller High Life," slightly bubbly, more golden
Nose: 2.5
Intensity: 1
Balance: 4.257
Complexity: 1.7
Finish: 3
Comments: "Golden Delicious" apple-dapple, "sugar in a glass," "it's good, man."

C. Starborough Sauvignon Blanc 2010 - more info
Appearance: blonde
Nose: 4.5
Intensity: 1
Balance: 3
Complexity: 3
Finish: 3
Comments: smells more alcoholic, like grass, doesn't follow through-- it smells better than it tastes. Good with cheeses and creams. More sour than tart, but better as you drink it. Good with onion rings!

D. Royal Bitch Reserve Merlot 2008 - more info
IT'S A TRAP! This wine is actually from Chile, but we rated it anyway.
Appearance: intense, formidable, deep red, garnet
Nose: 5
Intensity: 3
Balance: 3.8
Complexity: 3.14
Finish: 4
Comments: pair with something heavy, "warm and fuzzy," more with-dessert wine.
Bryan's favorite

E. Robert Oatley Tempranillo 2009 - more info
Appearance: really dark, cherry
Nose: 4.2
Intensity: 3.5
Balance: 4.5
Complexity: 3.5
Finish: 3
Comments: "more for a winter's day than a summer evening," "it's strong, but it's not long."
Jen's favorite red

E. Layer Cake Shiraz Vintage 2009 - more info
Appearance: deep, almost purple/black, cranberry
Nose: 4.2
Intensity: 4
Balance: 4.8
Complexity: 4
Finish: 4
Comments: spicy, strong, smoky, savory, steak wine (or lamb), dark fruit. "I feel like I should be a vampire."
Dan, Haley, and Pete's favorite