Tasting - First Light Moscato

Name: First Light Moscato

Variety: 100% Muscat of Alexandria

Region: Barossa Valley

Country: Australia

Year: Non-Vintage

Price: $15.00 (On Sale for $7.95)

Winery Review: Ripe lychee, tropical fruits and musk on the nose as you near the glass. Lovely grape and stone fruits and on the palate is highlighted with the subtle sweetness and spritz that makes this such a fun drink. Low in alcohol and nicely balanced acidity ensure you will want more than one glass of this easy drinking wine.

My Review: I think that this was the best Moscato that I have had to date.  The nose provided hints of tropical fruits, with pineapple and tangerine noticeable.  The particular part about this Moscato that I enjoyed the most was that it was not too sweet.  It provided a nice balance of sweetness and tropical flavors, with a little hint of earthiness.  Overall, it was very enjoyable!

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - CalNaturale Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: CalNaturale Cabernet Sauvignon

Variety: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Viognier

Region: Paso Robles, California

Country: United States of America

Year: 2009

Price: $16.00 for 1 Liter (On Sale for $10.95)

Winery Review: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon with 5% Viognier. This certified organic winery produces outstanding quality at reasonable prices offering classic Cabernet flavors of fresh herb, olive, cedar and cassis. Focused and intense, with a charming rustic side and broad tannins that firm up on the finish.

My Review: This was the first box wine that I had ever tasted and I was very impressed.  This very dry wine had a full nose, while imparting a variety of flavors.  I tasted earth, roots, firewood, and charcoal, among others.  It provided a buttery finish that left me wanting more.

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: $15.00 (On Sale for $7.95)

Winery Review: Wine Spectator - An aromatic red, with floral and white peach notes accenting the black raspberry and plum flavors. This is open-knit and fresh, offering light tannins on the finish.

My Review: The nose of the wine was very pleasant, with an almost smoothie-like aroma full of strawberries and bananas present.  The taste, however, was not as pleasant.  This dry wine didn't really impart much as far as taste.  I couldn't distinguish any particular flavor and I thought the wine was rather bland.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Beltrame Friulano

Name: Beltrame Friulano

Variety: 100% Tocai Friulano

Region: Friuli

Country: Italy

Year: 2009

Price: $15.00 (On Sale for $9.95)

Winery Review: 100% Tocai Friulano. Straw-coloured yellow with a pale green tint express an intense, delicately aromatic and floral bouquet.The flavour is dry, soft, slightly fruity, with slightly bitter nuance in its almond aftertaste, and suggestion of peach.

My Review: This wine started off with a mellow nose, full of flowers and orange peel.  This fragile wine provided a light body, while imparting hints of vanilla, orange, and pear.  It was a decent wine, but it didn't really provide anything exciting.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Mas LLunes Maragda

Name: Mas LLunes Maragda

Variety: 100% Grenache Blanc

Region: Empordá

Country: Spain

Year: 2011

Price: $16.00 (On Sale for $9.95)

Winery Review: This Grenache Blanc is exquisitely sculpted with sharp acids and pinpointed minerals, and offers orange, melon and vanilla-honey flavors. A delight to drink, at a great price.

My Review: The nose of this wine consisted of soft, fruity flavors including orange, pear, and papaya.  However, upon tasting, I got completely different notes.  The palette provided a sharp, acidic taste that was surprisingly viscous.  I wasn't a big fan of the finish, but it was an overall decent wine.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Sonnenband Moscato Magnum

Name: Sonnenband Moscato Magnum

Variety: 100% Muscat of Alexandria

Region: Mosel

Country: Germany

Year: Non-Vintage

Price: $20.00 (On Sale for $9.95)

Winery Review: This wine is intricate with the delicate perfumes of white flower blossoms, profound tropical fruit sweetness, and energized by citrus nectars.

My Review: Personally, I wasn't a big fan of this Moscato, mainly because it was a little too sweet for my palette.  The nose emitted the essence of perfume, as well as a hint of honeydew.  The taste was very up-front and bold, with notes of sweet pineapple and papaya apparent.  I could see how this wine might be attractive to some, but it wasn't particularly enjoyable to me.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Neu Direction Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Neu Direction Cabernet Sauvignon

Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Mendoza

Country: Argentina

Year: 2010

Price: $15.00 (On Sale for $7.95)

Winery Review: This Cabernet Sauvignon shows very good purity of fruit and skillful winemaking. This wine is full of blackfruit aromas, depth and style. The palate pushes ripe plum and berry fruit along with chocolate, and the finish is chewy and correct in terms of tannins and structure.

My Review: The nose of this wine provided hints of cinnamon, blackberries, spices, and chocolate.  Adding to this smell, the taste provided cherry, plum, and blackberry notes.  Personally, I didn't taste as much of the chocolate as the winery review would suggest.  Despite that, this wine was very well put together and I would recommend it!

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Champteloup Pinot Noir

Name: Champteloup Pinot Noir

Variety: 100% Pinot Noir

Region: Loire Valley

Country: France

Year: 2011

Price: $15.00 (On Sale for $7.95)

Winery Review: In the heart of France’s Loire River Valley lies the Touraine wine region. Although it produces vast amounts of well-priced, fresh, mostly white wines, lovely reds like this are broadening Touraine’s appeal. This wine may seem familiar to you. It is a sibling of the Touraine Sauvignon Blanc we’ve offered for years. Serge de Bucy employs a light touch in his winemaking, using no wood and doing as little as possible to preserve freshness. Bright cherry and strawberry fruits are followed by a soft, smooth palate. 

My Review: I thought that this wine was very well put together.  The nose provided the essence of earth and vanilla, as well as small hints of chocolate and espresso.  However, the taste was quite different.  I tasted a dry wine with flavors of strawberry and cherry apparent.  A very reserved wine, overall.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Baumann Gentil Classiq

Name: Baumann Gentil Classiq

Variety: 40% Riesling, 20% Pinot Blanc, 20% Muscat, 10% Gewurztraminer, and 10% Pinot Gris

Region: Alsace

Country: France

Year: 2012

Price: $17.00 (On Sale for $9.95)

Winery Review: A delicious and fresh blend of Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Muscat, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Gris. Light aromas of fresh fruit and delicate white flowers start your journey, followed by crisp flavors of stone and citrus fruit. A well balanced acidity on the dry finish ends this French blend beautifully. 

My Review: This wine was fantastic!  I thought the nose was particularly stunning, with the unique smells of lavender and orange peel present.  This experimental wine, with a combination of Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Muscat, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Gris, was a very light, delicate wine.  The crisp flavor of green applies, along with a dry finish further enhanced this wine.  It was so good that I purchased a bottle!

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Fattori Runcaris Soave

Name: Fattori Runcaris Soave

Variety: 100% Garganega

Region: Soave

Country: Italy

Year: 2010

Price: $15.00 (On Sale for $7.95)

Winery Review: From the local Italian word for “to work the soil,” Runcaris represents an easy, fresh expression of Soave Classico with lingering aromas of citrus, yellow rose, honey, jasmine and dried herbs. 

My Review: This wine had a full nose, with the essence of lavender and white flowers present.  The taste was very smooth and viscous, with hints of pineapple, citrus and honey present.  In particular, the honey taste seemed to last long after tasting this wine.  A very decent wine overall!

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Chateau Vieux Duche Lalande de Pomerol

Name: Chateau Vieux Duche Lalande de Pomerol

Variety: 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Bordeaux

Country: France

Year: 2009

Price: $19.95

Winery Review: Aromas of black fruits, smoked meats, coffee and mocha characteristics with a medium full palate impression and lengthy, superb finish. Tannins are subdued and round, evident upon opening, but dissipate with a short time in the glass. Excellent typicity of the 'little" appellation next to Pomerol.

My Review: The nose of this wine reminded me of a trip to Starbucks, with an intense aroma of coffee mixed with alcohol.  Additionally, the taste was impressive with cherries apparent.  At the Vintage Cellar, we tasted this wine with a Manchego cheese, which was fantastic!  It really added a lot to the taste of the wine, giving it a more creamy finish.

I tasted this Manchego cheese.

Tasting - Eira Vella Mencia

Name: Eira Vella Mencia

Variety: 100% Mencia

Region: Bierzo

Country: Spain

Year: 2009

Price: $9.95

Winery Review: Full flavoured wine with a bouquet of blueberry and blackberries fruit, lavender, spice box, and cherry. 

My Review: This wine was quite interesting.  The nose was very similar to the El Sierro Tempranillo Cabernet Sauvignon, with aromas of blackberries, cherries, cinnamon, and spices.  This wine was extremely dry, with a full body.  I tasted cherries, earth, ash, and spices.

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: Personally, I wasn't a big fan of this particular wine.  The nose of this wine was very full, with aromas of cherries, blackberries, and spices.  The taste was similar, with the flavors of dark fruits and spices evident.  For some reason, the spiciness of the wine was a turn-off to me.  I could see how others may enjoy this wine, however.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Terre Rouge Sierra Foothills Enigma

Name: Terre Rouge Sierra Foothills Enigma
Variety: 44% Marsanne, 29% Viognier, 27% Roussanne
Region: Plymouth, California
Country: United States of America
Year: 2009
Price: $32.00 (On Sale for $19.95)

Winery Review: Marsanne, Viognier & Roussanne.  Aromas suggest wildflower honey and acacia blossom with hints of tangerine and papaya.  Flavors are creamy with peach, apple, and quince sensations competing for your taste buds.  The finish is crisp with classic white Rhone stone (peach) fruit pit flavors intermingled with mineral tones from this rocky site.  Enjoyable young, the wine also gains great complexity with bottle age.

My Review: This wine was fantastic!  Extremely smooth wine with the aromas of lavender and apples present.  The taste evoked thoughts of pineapples, peaches, and tangerines.  The smooth, crisp finish lasted for a long time.  Great wine!

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - El Sierro White

Name: El Sierro White
Variety: 95% Macabeo, 5% Chardonnay
Region: Valencia
Country: Spain
Year: 2012
Price: $6.95

Winery Review: Macabeo/Chardonnay.  Pale straw colour.  Clean fresh nose.  Abundant fruit, crisp dry finish.

My Review: I thought that this wine had a very full nose, with notes of honey and lemons.  The wine was very smooth, with a light taste.  Some of the tastes evident in the wine included honey, apple, and pear.  Overall, a very refreshing wine.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Angove Zibibbo Sparkling Moscato

Name: Angove Zibibbo Sparkling Moscato
Variety: 100% Muscat of Alexandria
Region: South Australia
Country: Australia
Year: Non-Vintage
Price: $15.00 (On Sale for $7.95)

Winery Review: This is a tasty and generous Moscato that opens with plush aromas of honey, peach syrup, white flower and fragrant exotic fruit. There’s a nice sensation of fullness and creaminess in the mouth that is backed by the foamy effervescence of this sparkling dessert wine.

My Review: I thought that this sparkling Moscato was fantastic!  The nose was extremely floral, with hints of black pepper present.  The tastes apparent in this vibrant sparkling wine included honey, earth, flowers, and various spices.  I definitely noticed the high residual sugar content in this wine, as it was delightfully sweet.  The added infusion of carbonation added a zest to this wine that left a lasting impression on my palette.  I truly enjoyed this sparkling Moscato!

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Fetzer Malbec

Name: Fetzer Malbec
Variety: 100% Malbec
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2011
Price: $15.00 (On Sale for $7.95)

Winery Review: Delicious Malbec is 100% from Mendoza, Argentina. It has a vibrant red color with violet tones. Subtle and delicious aromas with an intense mixture of red fruits, plum and cherry jam. On the palate it’s juicy and has intense wood-like tannins that make it a rustic, yet versatile wine. Long finish.

My Review: I personally found this wine to be mediocre.  The nose of this wine was very strong with a perfume-like aroma.  In my opinion, the taste wasn't as intense as the winery review would suggest.  However, I did notice the subtle taste of blackberries and plums.  I thought that the wine had a burned, smokey essence that resonated with me long after tasting.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Tres Ojos Garnacha

Name: Tres Ojos Garnacha
Variety: 100% Grenache
Region: Calatayud
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $6.95

Winery Review: "With a hint of rubber and asphalt, the bouquet on this value wine is generous and topped with blackberry and dark plum aromas. The palate is grabby, with clampy tannins and black-fruit flavors mixed with chocolate and spice. The earthy, lightly herbal finish with rubbery nuances is nice. — M.S." - Wine Enthusiast (July 2013), 89 pts + BEST BUY

My Review: The nose of this wine was filled with aromas of dark fruits, particularly cherry, raisin, and blackberry.  In addition, I tasted many of the same dark fruits, with a powerful alcohol content apparent in this wine.  Finally, I found the finish on this wine to be long-lasting, which added to the pleasure of the wine.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - The Royal Old Vines Chenin Blanc

Name: The Royal Old Vines Chenin Blanc
Variety: 100% Chenin Blanc
Region: Swartland
Country: South Africa
Year: 2012
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: 90 Points – Robert Parker

"One of the greatest buys I have tasted this year is this under $10, 100% Chenin Blanc from the Western Cape. A super flowery-scented nose includes notions of ripe honeydew melons and pears. This medium-weight, fresh, fruity, crisp, dry, textbook Chenin Blanc will provide immense pleasure over the next 12 months."

My Review: This wine from South Africa, utilizes 100% Chenin Blanc grapes, which are native to France.  I thought that the nose was refreshing, with the smell of lavender and eucalyptus evident.  I particularly enjoyed the texture of this wine, which I found to be smooth and viscous.  Not particularly overwhelming, this wine was lightly fruity with the taste of peaches and pears apparent.  Great wine for the value!

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Bodega Norton Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Bodega Norton Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2012
Price: $12.00 (On Sale for $5.95)

Winery Review: Aromas of pithy citrus and pineapple are decent but unrefined, while flavors of tangerine and pineapple are tropical, zesty and what they are. This is nothing more than a fresh, simple, citrusy white to sip on the patio.

My Review: I thought that this wine was fantastic!  Right from the start, I noticed a very acidic nose, with hints of tropical fruits.  The taste of the wine was equally refined, with the essence of pineapple, citrus, and melon present.  I particularly enjoyed the light, refreshing taste that was evident in this wine.  Very enjoyable!

I tasted this on its own with no food.