Thursday, April 24, 2014

Tasting - Rosemount Estate Moscato

Name: Rosemount Estate Moscato
Variety: 100% Muscat of Alexandria
Region: South East Australia
Country: Australia
Year: 2012
Price: $12.00 (On Sale for $3.95)

Winery Review: Clear, medium-lemon yellow in appearance; lovely citrus and honeysuckle aromas with lemon, honeysuckle, apple and ripe yellow plum flavours. Serve chilled with angel food cake or fresh fruit and mild cheeses.
My Review: This was one of the better Moscatos that I have had.  It was too overwhelmingly sweet, but at the same time provided a refreshing, soft taste of lavender and flowers.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Garnacha de Fuego Old Vine Grenache

Name: Garnacha de Fuego Old Vine Grenache
Variety: 100% Grenache
Region: Aragon
Country: Spain
Year: 2013
Price: $8.95

Winery Review: 92 points, Wine Advocate. The Garnacha de Fuego, a 100% Grenache cuvee, was aged in both stainless steel and neutral French oak. There are 10,000 cases for the United States. This amazing wine boasts a dark ruby/purple color along with a sweet kiss of jammy black cherries intertwined with crushed rock notes that give the wine an undeniable minerality. As it hits the palate, a full-bodied, voluptuous texture takes hold and the flavor profile moves towards blacker fruits (ripe raspberries and black currants) intermixed with camphor and forest floor. This full-bodied, rich, glycerin-filled effort should drink well for 4-5 years, perhaps longer.
My Review: This wine seemed to have an almost tequila-like nose. The palette of the wine was full of earth and pepper.  I thought it was a very interesting wine.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Librandi Cirò Rosso Classico

Name: Librandi Cirò Rosso Classico
Variety: 100% Gaglioppo
Region: Cirò
Country: Italy
Year: 2009
Price: $14.00 (On Sale for $7.95)

Winery Review: Don't let the pale garnet color fool you: this is a substantial wine. Aromas of red fruits and spice complement undertones of cranberries, wild berries, and plums. On the palette, ripe tannins and good body make for an incredibly rich, yet easygoing red wine. Pair this wine with sausage, spicy curry sauces, hot soppressata, and tandoori chicken.
My Review: This nose of this wine provided aromas of blackberry and cherry.  I tasted a dry wine with flavors of plum, blackberry, cranberry, and cherry present.  I would drink this wine in the future.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Angove Nine Vines Viognier

Name: Angove Nine Vines Viognier
Variety: 100% Viognier
Region: South Australia
Country: Australia
Year: 2009
Price: $15.00 (On Sale for $5.95)

Winery Review: Bright light straw in colour with some green hues, this wine has a lush ripe tropical fruit aroma. This is a fuller bodied white which fills the mouth with heady flavours of apricot, peach and citrus. Angove Nine Vines Viognier is perfect for today's relaxed life-style and is the ideal accompaniment to grilled prawns with chili and garlic or roast pork.
My Review: I thought that this wine had a rather bland nose.  In addition, the palette was full-bodied with peach and orange flavors present.  I did not particularly enjoy this wine.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Yealands Estate Seaview Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Yealands Estate Seaview Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Marlborough
Country: New Zealand
Year: 2008
Price: $21.00 (On Sale for $7.95)

Winery Review: This aromatic wine shows lifted flavours of blackcurrant with underlying notes of wet stone and thyme. The palate is elegant yet full with sufficient weight and texture, balanced by a flinty minerality. This wine is a fantastic match with foods such as cheese salad, poultry dishes and a wide range of seafood dishes including freshly shucked oysters, prawns, green lip mussels and creamy scallops.
My Review: This particular wine provided an earth-like nose with a specific emphasis on green peppers.  The palette was smooth with notes of various vegetables and black pepper present.  A decent sauvignon blanc.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Friday, April 18, 2014

Tasting - Heinz Eifel Shine Riesling

Name: Heinz Eifel Shine Riesling
Variety: 100% Riesling
Region: Pfalz
Country: Germany
Year: 2012
Price: $9.95

Winery Review: This drier-style Riesling is bright, fruity and floral with crisp acidity and clean flavors of apple, pear and peach that compliment its stony minerality and earthy complexity. It serves well as an aperitif and matches a wide variety of foods, like lighter salad dishes, shellfish, cream sauces and also anything with a touch of spice.
My Review: This was one of the best Rieslings that I have ever had.  The nose was refreshing with hints of apple and honey present.  The palette was semi-sweet, with the tastes of green apple and pear apparent.  I would recommend this wine!

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Altas Cumbres Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Altas Cumbres Cabernet Sauvignon
Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2010
Price: $15.00 (On Sale for $6.95)

Winery Review: Intense red color with violet highlights, with clean, fresh and complex aromas of berries, plums, figs and pepper. Strong personality is in perfect balance with a medium body and pleasant tannins. Ideal for: red meats, cheeses and strong sauces.
My Review: The nose of this wine was one of the most intense noses I have ever smelled.  The palette was also strong with notes of firewood and earth present.  Finally, I noticed a strong peppery finish.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau

Name: Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau
Variety: 100% Gamay
Region: Beaujolais
Country: France
Year: 2013
Price: $14.00 (On Sale for $3.95)

Winery Review: Balanced and lightly creamy, offering pretty flavors of plum sauce and raspberry coulis threaded with hints of ground spice. Elegant, with a floral finish. Drink now.
My Review: The nose of the wine was pleasant, with an aromas of plum present. The palette of this wine was dry and full of spice. Overall, an average wine.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Bricco dei Tati Rosé

Name: Bricco dei Tati Rosé
Variety: 100% Barbera
Region: Piedmont
Country: Italy
Year: 2013
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: Fresh with aromas of strawberries, cherries, and rose petals. This is ideal with shellfish, salads, chicken, and with appetizers.
My Review: Upon smelling this wine, I noticed a strong essence of perfume.  However, the taste of this wine included a heavy dose of cherries, as well as strawberries and lavender.  I would definitely try it again!

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Frascati Volpetti

Name: Frascati Volpetti
Variety: 50% Malvasia, 40% Trebbiano, 10% Greco
Region: Frascati
Country: Italy
Year: 2012
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: Straw yellow in color with a soft, delicate perfume, fruitful flavor, dry and harmonious taste. Perfect with appetizers, soups, fish.
My Review: The nose of this wine provided many floral, as well as tangerine notes.  I thought that this wine was extra sweet and I particularly noticed flavors of lime, citrus, and orange.  A decent wine with a very unique grape blend.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Tasting - Toso Moscato Dolce

Name: Toso Moscato Dolce
Variety: 100% Muscat of Alexandria
Region: Piedmont
Country: Italy
Year: Non-Vintage
Price: $9.95

Winery Review: This Moscato is reminiscent of honeysuckle and rose petal. The quality is equivalent to a top level Asti Spumante DOCG. Sweet sparkling wine obtained from a careful selection of the Moscato grapes. It has a pale straw yellow color with fine foam and bubbles. Tropical fruit flavors, refreshing. Excellent to match desserts, fruit and dried pastries.
My Review: This was one of the better Moscatos that I have tasted.  The sweetness wasn't overpowering and I tasted some refreshing orange peel and citrus notes.  I would recommend it!

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - El Sierro Tempranillo/Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: El Sierro Tempranillo/Cabernet Sauvignon
Variety: 80% Tempranillo, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Valencia
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: Dark ruby in color with rich aromas of red fruit and light spices. It is a real knock-out with delicious flavors of dark cherries, blackberries and vanilla all perfectly integrated. The Tempranillo provides wonderful spice and fruit, while the Cabernet Sauvignon gives structure and depth with the beautiful use of oak.
My Review: The nose of this wine was very powerful with huge notes of plum and cherry.  The palette of this wine provided tastes of blackberry, cherry, and plum.  A very decent wine.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Omo Ze Bel Merlot

Name: Omo Ze Bel Merlot
Variety: 100% Merlot
Region: Sicily
Country: Italy
Year: 2011
Price: $6.95

Winery Review: This bright, soft Merlot comes from a hilly vineyard on the Alcesti family estate in beautiful Sicily. It has hints of red cherries and freshly cut hay. Exceptional value.
My Review: I found this Merlot to be rather bland and mellow.  The nose was light with a very slight aroma of cherry.  The palette was also hard to distinguish.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Altas Cumbres Torrontés

Name: Altas Cumbres Torrontés
Variety: 100% Torrontés
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2010
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: Yellow colour with greenish nuances.  Very intense aroma of fresh grapes, flower perfume and mature peaches.  Fresh in the mouth.  Light and easy to drink.  Ideal with seafood, Thai and Chinese food.
My Review: The nose of this wine was full of lavender and floral notes.  The palette was very sweet with notes of earth, citrus, and pineapple present.  A very good value!

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Avery Quinn Chardonnay

Name: Avery Quinn Chardonnay
Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Region: Napa Valley, California
Country: United States of America
Year: 2011
Price: $6.95

Winery Review: The 2011 vintage marks a return to form for this great value Chardonnay.  The aromas feature creamy, mellow, golden apple, pineapple, fresh butter and a touch of vanilla.  Then rich, ripe, flavors of yellow pear, pineapple, fresh apple, cream and buttered toast swell up and fill your mouth before a juicy, apple and caramel inflected finish makes your mouth water (and smile!).
My Review: I enjoyed this buttery, creamy Chardonnay.  It provided a nose of green apples and cream.  The palette was crisp with notes of buttered toast and pear apparent.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Tasting - Bellafina Pink Moscato

Name: Bellafina Pink Moscato
Variety: A Blend of Moscato and Rabosos
Region: Veneto
Country: Italy
Year: Non-Vintage
Price: $9.95

Winery Review: A blend of Moscato and Rabosos grapes it has a pale rose color, notes of red berries (strawberry and raspberry), with the characteristic and fragrant bouquet and palate that is typical of the Moscato grape.
My Review: This wine didn't really differentiate itself from any other Moscato.  It had a floral bouquet, as well as a sweet, floral palette.  A very mediocre wine.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Weinert Carrascal

Name: Weinert Carrascal
Variety: 40% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2008
Price: $13.95

Winery Review: Aged for two years in cask, the 2008 Carrascal is a blend of 40% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot. It has a rustic blackberry, scorched earth and leather-scented bouquet with touches of pressed flowers. The palate is well-balanced with crisp tannins, expressive black tarry fruit and a Bordeaux-like finish. Drink now-2016.

My Review: I thought that this wine was fantastic!  I noticed a very mellow nose of earth and tobacco in this wine.  However, the palette of this wine provided notes of oak, firewood, and scorched earth, which really enhanced this wine.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Santa Julia Malbec

Name: Santa Julia Malbec
Variety: 100% Malbec
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2012
Price: $8.95

Winery Review: The nose is full of mellow raspberry and cherry, while the palate is fleshy and round, with blackberry and a touch of raisin. Plump, not edgy, and ready to drink, with coffee and mocha notes on the finish.

My Review: On this particular wine, I noticed a dark fruit nose, with a particular emphasis on plum.  The taste of this Malbec was similar, with blackberry and cherry more prevalent.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Gouguenheim Torrontés

Name: Gouguenheim Torrontés
Variety: 100% Torrontés
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2012
Price: $9.95

Winery Review: The 2012 Torrontes comes from Chilecito in La Rioja. It has a light floral nose with touches of lemon peel and nectarine. The palate is crisp and taut, showing far more vivacity and fruit that the nose implied, finishing with a flourish of apricot and white peach. Drink now.

My Review: I thought the nose of this wine was a little musky.  The palette of this wine was very refreshing, with notes of lemon and lime present in this wine.  A great value!

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Santa Julia Pinot Grigio

Name: Santa Julia Pinot Grigio
Variety: 100% Pinot Grigio
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2013
Price: $8.95

Winery Review: Light and clean, which compared to other Argentine Pinot Grigios is not something to dismiss. Feels solid and punchy, with orange and mango flavors. Has nice overall clarity and balance, with a citrusy finish.

My Review: The nose of this wine provided floral hints, as well as the aroma of orange peel.  The palette of this wine included notes of orange, citrus, and tangerine.  Overall, a very pleasing wine.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Tasting - Jam Jar Sweet White

Name: Jam Jar Sweet White
Variety: 100% Muscat of Alexandria
Region: Western Cape
Country: South Africa
Year: 2011
Price: $8.95

Winery Review: 100 % Muscat. Soft floral hints add depth to the otherwise straightforward ripe peach and nectarine aromas. There’s a good balance in the mouth, with a nice acidic lift and slightly lime edge to cut the sweetness on the finish and close with the faintest hint of honeydew melons.

My Review: This wine seemed a little too sweet in my opinion.  I noticed a nose full of floral aromas, including lavender and honeysuckle.  The palette was laced with peach, tangerine, and mango.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Entrada Malbec

Name: Entrada Malbec
Variety: 100% Malbec
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: Firm and structured, this is a solid wine, laced with mineral acidity and tight tannins. It has a juicy, blackberry fruit component cutting through the texture.

My Review: This full-bodied wine provided a nose full of cinnamon and firewood.  I tasted dark fruits, as well as a variety of spices.  I imagine it would be a good wine around the holidays.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Viña Borgia Borsao

Name: Viña Borgia Borsao
Variety: 100% Grenache
Region: Campo de Borja
Country: Spain
Year: 2012
Price: $6.95

Winery Review: 86 Points – Robert Parker. Also made from 100% Grenache, the 2012 Vina Borgia was fermented and aged in stainless steel. Its medium dark ruby color is followed by abundant notes of strawberries and black cherries offered in a straightforward, medium-bodied, soft, hedonistic, round style. It is hard to believe a wine this good can sell for $7 a bottle. Enjoy it over the next 1-2 years.

My Review: I think that the winery review was pretty accurate in this case.  I tasted both strawberries and cherry in this wine, along with plums.  Also, I noticed a slight amount of oak flavor in this wine.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Peter Lehmann Chardonnay

Name: Peter Lehmann Chardonnay
Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Region: South Australia
Country: Australia
Year: 2010
Price: $20.00 (On Sale for $9.95)

Winery Review: The 2010 Chardonnay presents subtle notes of spiced apple slices and ripe peaches with hints of freshly baked bread and melon. Light bodied, clean and refreshingly crisp in the mouth, it offers just enough apple and pear flavor concentration, finishing with medium-long persistence. Drink it now to 2014.

My Review: The nose of this wine was filled with green apple and pear.  I thought the palette was very interesting, as I tasted earthy and firewood aromas.  A very intriguing wine!

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Protocolo Vino de la Tierra de Castilla

Name: Protocolo Vino de la Tierra de Castilla
Variety: 50% Airén, 50% Macabeo
Region: Castilla La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: 2012
Price: $6.95

Winery Review: Mostly Airén with a little bit of Macabeo .Greenish gold. Subtle aromas of mint, lemon and orange, with a hint of honeysuckle. Dry, understated and focused, offering clean citrus and melon flavors and slow-building sweetness. Finishes dry and brisk, with an echo of lemon. As usual, this is an outstanding value.

My Review: The nose of this particular wine was very clean and crisp.  The palette of this wine was laced with green apple, lime, and citrus.  I noticed that this wine had a particularly dry finish.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Tasting - R Wines Eco.Love Riesling

Name: R Wines Eco.Love Riesling
Variety: 100% Riesling
Region: South Island
Country: New Zealand
Year: 2009
Price: $18.00 (On Sale for $7.95)

Winery Review: Our South Island Riesling has a range and combination of flavors unlike any other. These flavors span citrus, root ginger, white peach, spices, and florals. Eco.love Riesling is made in balance to an off-dry style. Food pairing: Asian Fusion, Seafood, Curry, and anything spicy.

My Review: This wine was a very mellow, smooth wine - nothing too extreme.  The nose was full of light floral smells.  Furthermore, the palette of this wine imparted gentle peach, guava, and tangerine notes.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Toschi Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Toschi Cabernet Sauvignon
Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Central Coast
Country: California
Year: 2011
Price: $8.95

Winery Review: Well-balanced flavors of dark berries and plums.  Spicy fruit finish.

My Review: When I smelled this wine, I noticed a rather acidic nose.  The taste of this wine included notes of spices, cinnamon, and firewood.  A very well-rounded wine!

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Canyon Road Pinot Noir

Name: Canyon Road Pinot Noir
Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Modesto
Country: California
Year: 2012
Price: $6.95

Winery Review: Rich, fruit forward cherry flavors, soft tannins, a medium body and a smooth velvety finish.  Pairs well with creamy soups,  salmon, and savory pork dishes.

My Review: This wine provided a nose of cherry, blackberries, and plums.  In addition, the palette of this wine was laced with cherry, earth, and firewood.  I thought that it was a great wine for the value.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay Semillon

Name: Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay Semillon
Variety: 80% Chardonnay, 20% Semillon
Region: South Austrlia
Country: Australia
Year: 2008
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: Chardonnay Semillon is a blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Semillon.  It gives a moderate intensity of melon, guava, apricot and butterscotch aromas. The medium bodied palate provides attractive acidity along with plenty of tropical fruit flavors and a medium-long finish.

My Review: My first impression of this wine was its overwhelming intensity.  Both the nose and the palette were very strong, though not in a bad way.  The nose provided acidic melon notes, while the palette was strong lime flavors.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Indwe Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Indwe Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Elim
Country: South Africa
Year: 2011
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: Grapes are meticulously sourced from our grape producers along the Coastal region of the Western Cape ensuring complexity and freshness in the wine. Indwe Sauvignon Blanc is full of layers, balance and persistence. The wine is imbued with tropical and citrus notes, with hints of melon and gooseberry flavors.

My Review: Upon smelling this wine, I noticed a very floral nose with a major scent of lavender apparent.  This viscous wine provided tropical flavors such as citrus, pear, and melon.  In addition, I tasted a hint of grass or earth in this wine.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Tasting - Ironstone Petite Sirah

Name: Ironstone Petite Sirah
Variety: 96% Petite Sirah, 4% Souzao
Region: Sierra Foothills, California
Country: United States of America
Year: 2009
Price: $13.95

Winery Review: If you love a big, red wine, our 2009 Petite Sirah is a “must have”. Succulent and rich, its rich, deep, dark purple inky color leads way to bold aromas of warm berry pie and loads of blueberry mixed with vanilla and a light pepper spice. Its full flavor of lush berries mixed with dark chocolate, warm cedar and vanilla gives way to a delightfully smooth finish with moderate tannins.

My Review: This wine provided a unique blend which I had never enjoyed before.  The nose of the wine imparted aromas of cinnamon, chocolate, and spices.  This dry wine had a fantastic finish that left a lasting taste of spices.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Las Rocas de San Alejandro Garnacha

Name: Las Rocas de San Alejandro Garnacha 
Variety: 100% Grenache
Region: Calatayud
Country: Spain
Year: 2009
Price: $13.95

Winery Review: The vibrant red color of our 2009 Garnacha hints at its rich dark cherry and blackberry aromas and flavors. This well-structured wine integrates nuances of oak with round tannins to deliver a rich palate of decadent fruit flavors.

My Review: Personally, I wasn't particularly impressed with this wine; it didn't really provided anything extraordinary.  The nose was a very mellow and reserved cherry aroma.  The palette was sort of flat, with a hint of plum or cherry present.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Montes Alpha Pinot Noir

Name: Montes Alpha Pinot Noir
Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Aconcagua Valley
Country: Chile
Year: 2012
Price: $9.95

Winery Review: Beautiful and delicate ruby-red color. Intense and elegant nose, with predominance of strawberry and flowery notes, that together make this Pinot Noir a very lively, harmonious and generous wine. On the palate it is clean, well balanced, with soft rounded tannins and a good level of acidity. The wine is long in the mouth and shows well-integrated, balanced oak. The wine is very lightly filtered, making the aromas and color very expressive of Pinot Noir.

My Review: I really enjoyed this wine!  It was the first Pinot Noir that I had tasted from outside of Oregon.  The nose was full of aromas, including oak, earth, and spices.  The palette included similar flavors, with the addition of a heavy blackberry taste.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Canyon Road Pinot Grigio

Name: Canyon Road Pinot Grigio
Variety: 100% Pinot Grigio
Region: Sonoma County, California
Country: United States of America
Year: 2012
Price: $6.95

Winery Review: This medium-bodied wine has hints of green apple, citrus, white peach and floral blossom. Crisp, the Pinot Grigio leaves a refreshing and revitalizing finish on your palate.

My Review: This particular wine provided a nose full of pear and lime.  The wine was full-bodied with a crisp finish.  I noticed notes of orange blossom, green apple, and jasmine in this wine.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Cave de Lugny Macon-Lugny Les Charmes Chardonnay

Name: Cave de Lugny Macon-Lugny Les Charmes Chardonnay
Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Region: Macon-Lugny
Country: France
Year: 2007
Price: $8.95

Winery Review: The nose explodes with aromas of citrus, peach and apricot followed by a wonderful balance between acidity and sweetness with a marked freshness. The structure and slightly spicy flavor of Les Charmes makes it unique among Mâconnais wines. The wine is still very aromatic and very fresh after ageing.

My Review: I thought that this wine was a particularly good value.  The nose provided hints of flowers, lavender, and jasmine.  Additionally, the flavors of this wine included flowers, spices, and tangerine.  It was delicious!

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - New Harbor Sauvignon Blanc

Name: New Harbor Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Marlborough
Country: New Zealand
Year: 2012
Price: $12.95

Winery Review: Our Sauvignon Blanc has an enticing bouquet of citrus, passion-fruit, and guava. Its crisp finish is characteristic of Marlborough, New Zealand's premier winegrowing region, and makes this wine a perfect pairing for summer salads, roasted chicken, pan-fried prawns and seafood dishes.

My Review: This wine imparted a strong tropical nose which included notes of lime, apple, and peach.  The flavors of the wine did not include the typical "cat pee" flavor that is known to frequent the Sauvignon Blanc market in New Zealand.  However, I did notice the taste of apple, pear, and vanilla.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Cantina Sorbara Amabile Lambrusco

Name: Cantina Sorbara Amabile Lambrusco
Variety: 100% Lambrusco
Region: Emilia-Romagna
Country: Italy
Year: Non-Vintage
Price: $8.95

Winery Review: This sparkling red Lambrusco comes from Cantina di Sorbara in Emilia-Romagna. It is incredibly friendly, with vibrant bubbles and ripe blackberry fruits on the palate. Drink this with a slight chill and enjoy it with anything from risotto to pizza.

My Review: I thought that this wine was particularly unique to my palette because of the fact that it was a sparkling red wine.  The nose provided aromas of blackberry, cherry, and plums.  However, the taste seemed to impart a more tropical, strawberry-like flavor. 

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - El Cortijillo Verdejo

Name: El Cortijillo Verdejo
Variety: 100% Verdejo
Region: La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: 2012
Price: $8.99

Winery Review: Pale straw-green, with greenish: very bright. Fine floral notes (acacia) and shades reminiscent of anise and fennel. Cheerful and palate pleasing bitter finish that drives its flavor.

My Review: The nose of this wine provided a strong floral punch that left a lasting impression.  Upon tasting, I noticed flavors of lime, citrus, and honey.  It was a delicious wine that was well worth the $8.99.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Riesling

Name: Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Riesling
Variety: 100% Riesling
Region: Monterey County, California
Country: United States of America
Year: 2011
Price: $13.00

Winery Review: Deliciously crisp with vibrant fruit aromas and subtle spice notes. Layers of apricot, peach and orange blossom intermingle with bursts of aromatic jasmine delivering a delightful finish.

My Review: I found this Riesling to be surprisingly decent.  I noticed the aromas of peach, pear, and green apple in the nose.  Furthermore, this wine provided a semi-sweet palette with notes of green apple and lavender present.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Wrongo Dongo Monastrell

Name: Wrongo Dongo Monastrell
Variety: 100% Monastrell
Region: Jumilla
Country: Spain
Year: 2010
Price: $6.99

Winery Review: Hailing from this up and coming region, the wine is produced from 100% Monastrell. It is fresh and fruity with a softness that makes it immediately likable. Easy drinking by itself or with grilled meats.

My Review: I thought that this wine provided a great variety of flavors for the value.  The nose was laced with hints of cherry, vanilla, and blackberry.  Additionally, I tasted notes of raspberries and dark chocolate in this wine.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Tasting - Loredona Riesling

Name: Loredona Riesling
Variety: 100% Riesling
Region: Central Coast, California
Country: United States of America
Year: 2011
Price: $15.00 (On Sale for $7.95)

Winery Review: If you like your Rieslings on the sweet side, this pretty wine if for you.  It's brisk in Central Coast acidity, with citrus, peach, honeysuckle and spice flavors that finish clean and long.

My Review: I thought that this wine was particularly sweet for a Riesling.  The nose provided a combination of pear, green apple, and citrus notes.  It provided great acidity and the palette had flavors of citrus, green apple, and lavender.  A very good Riesling!

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Maipe Malbec

Name: Maipe Malbec
Variety: 100% Malbec
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2012
Price: $8.95

Winery Review: Deep purple color with violet tints, complex plum, fig, strawberry, spices and floral aromas; rounded and velvety tannins, excellent length with a distinguished character.  Excellent when paired with game, roasted red meats, pasta or pizza.

My Review: This wine provided a fulfilling nose, with tones of earth and spices apparent.  I thought that this Malbec had a strong tannic component that added a great structure to the wine.  Additionally, I tasted notes of plums, chocolate, and spices.  Finally, I thought that this wine was a little chewy.

I tasted this on its own with no food.