4/25 Tasting - Reserve Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône

Name: Reserve Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône
Variety: 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Cinsault
Region/Country: Rhone Valley, France
Year: 2010
Price: $14.95/ 750mL; $38.95/ 3L

Shop's Review: As for their other values, the 2010 Grand Veneur Cotes du Rhone Reserve (70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Cinsault) displays loads of ripe flavors.  It is very concentrated for a Cotes du Rhone, and is actually an amazing wine. Classic garrigue, black cherry liqueur, lavender, licorice and spice box are all present in this fullbodied, intense, and rich Cotes du Rhone.  This is a sensational effort to drink over the next 4-5 years, although it might last even longer.

My Review: My nose detected hints of spice, tobacco, and dried cherries.  It was a dry, full-bodied red.  Cherry was the only taste my palate detected.

I did not drink this wine with food.

4/25 Tasting - Lobetia Tempranillo

Name: Lobetia Tempranillo
Variety: Tempranillo
Region/Country: La Mancha, Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $10.95

Shop's Review: Organically and naturally grown and made, this wine allows the
and the terroir to stand out cleanly.  It shows a nice cherry color with a violet shade because of its youth.  Red berries and cherries on the nose.  On the palate it is fresh, slightly astringent, and harmonious with a long finish.

My Review: This wine had a strong nose of dried plums and cherries.  It was definitely an Old World style wine because it was dry, tart, earthy, and floral.

I did not drink this wine with food.

4/25 Tasting - Lobetia Chardonnay

Name: Lobetia Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region/Country: La Mancha, Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $10.95

Shop's Review: Organically and naturally grown and made, this wine allows the varietal and the terroir to stand out cleanly. Clean, bright color with a greenish-yellow tone. On the nose, exotic fruits like pineapple.  Full flavored, fresh, with good acidity in the mouth, it finishes with tropical fruits.

My Review: This chardonnay smelled like fresh beach air, pineapples, and peaches.  It was semi-sweet wine with a heavy tartness.  It tasted like apricots and had a long finish.

I did not drink this wine with food.

4/25 Tasting - Trattoria Busa Alla Torre Da Lele

Name: Trattoria Busa Alla Torre Da Lele
Variety: Pinot Grigio
Region/Country: Veneto, Italy
Year: NV
Price: $7.95

Shop's Review: Named after the famous restaurant in Italy!  This is their house white wine!  Coppery color from extended skin contact, round and rich texture with juicy melon aromas and flavors with a sweet fennel note on the ultra smooth finish.  Great value Grigio! Drink now.

My Review: This white wine smelled like crisp grape juice, honeydew, and honey.  It was acidic, dry, and thin-bodied.  It had hints of dry fruits.

I did not drink this wine with food.

4/18 Tasting - Concannon Shiraz

Name: Concannon Shiraz

Variety: Shiraz

Region: Central Coast, California

Year: 2008

Price: $7.95

Shop's Review: This is an extremely rich, full-bodied wine with a dark fruit core.  Aromas of blackberry, blueberry, cassis and dark cherry are followed by more berry fruits and chocolate and mocha on the palate.

My Review: This wine smelled like spices and dried raspberries.  My palate detected blackberries and blueberries.  This was a dry wine.

I did not drink this wine with food.

4/18 Tasting - Ksana Bonarda

Name: Ksana Bonarda

Variety: Bonarda

Region/Country: Mendoza, Argentina

Year: 2008

Price: $9.95

Shop's Review: The bouquet is floral and lightly jammy, with berry aromas and a savory note or two.  To the uninitiated, this is a great introduction to Bonarda. Finishes solid.  Very sweet, berry smell with some

rooty undertones. Kind of dry, makes your lips pucker.

My Review: As soon as I smelled this wine, I immediately thought about the smell of walking into a Starbucks.  I also detected a hint of strawberry jam.  It was a dry, tannic, and bitter wine that tasted like leather and earth.

I did not drink this wine with food.

4/18 Tasting - Black Ridge White Zinfandel

Name: Black Ridge White Zinfandel

Variety: Zinfandel

Region: California

Year: NV

Price: $3.95

Shop's Review: This fruit forward White Zinfandel displays fresh aromas and crisp flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry.  It is incredibly food friendly and will pair well with burgers, sandwiches, fruit salad, and more.

My Review: My nose detected cherries, dark berries, and spice.  This was a semi-sweet red wine that tasted like apples and blackberries.

I did not drink this wine with food.

4/18 Tasting - Chandon Sweet Cuvée

Name: Chandon Sweet Cuvée

Variety: Unknown

Region: California

Year: NV

Price: $9.95

Shop's Review: This wine is an innovative sparkling wine style revealing vibrant stone fruit and floral aromas with rich, luscious mouthfeel.  This wine enlivens the senses and sparks spontaneous moments, complementing your passion for a good life.

My Review: This sparking wine smelled like vanilla bean and plum.  It was light and refreshing wine that tasted like fresh picked flowers and weeds.

I did not drink this wine with food.

4/18 Tasting - Wilson Daniels Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Wilson Daniels Sauvignon Blanc

Variety: Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Central Coast, California

Year: 2010

Price: $7.95

Shop's Review: Orange blossom and citrus permeate the aromas.  Alluring flavors of orange and grapefruit dominate the palate.  Bright acidity balances the plush mouthfeel, resulting in a clean finish.

My Review: This wine smelled like citrus, grapefruit, and watered down grape juice.  It was an acidic wine that tasted like grapefruit and red apples.

I did not drink this wine with food.

4/11 Tasting - Caprice de Bastor-Lamontagne

Name: Caprice de Bastor-Lamontagne
Variety: 60% Semillon, 36% Sauvignon Blanc, 4% Muscadelle
Region/Country: Sauternes, France
Year: 2004
Price: $7.95

Shop's Review: Very clean, with lemon, mineral and honey aromas that follow through to a medium body.  Shows vanilla, apple and melon flavors, with a medium finish.  Lightly sweet.

My Review: This wine smelled like honey, sugar, and wet rock.  It was a sweet wine with hints of vanilla and melon.

I did not drink this wine with food.

4/11 Tasting - Torre Castillo Alegre

Name: Torre Castillo Alegre
Variety: 100% Monastrell
Region/Country: Jumilla, Spain
Year: 2010
Price: $9.95

Shop's Review: 4 months in new American oak barrels.  Bright ruby-red. Dried cherry, pipe tobacco and rose aromas, with a hint of woodsmoke. Sweet and fleshy on the palate, with blackberry and cherry flavors complimented by licorice and a suggestion of dried herbs. The cherry and smoke notes repeat on the finish.

My Review:  My nose detected hints of tobacco and berry jam.  It also smelled like fresh outdoor air.  I tasted oak and vanilla.  This was a dry wine with a slightly bitter finish.

I did not drink this wine with food.

4/11 Tasting - Wilson Daniels Merlot

Name: Wilson Daniels Merlot
Variety: Paso Robles
Region/Country: Central Coast, California\
Year: 2010
Price: $7.95

Shop's Review: Made predominantly from Paso Robles grapes, the wine is fullbodied and silky yet robust, with aromas of black cherry and plum and a palate of blackberry, raspberry and blueberry jam laced with vanilla and toast.

 

My Review: This wine was really fruity and jammy.  It smelled like fresh cherry juice.  It was a dry wine that had hints of dried cherries and light spice.

 

I did not drink this wine with food.

4/11 Tasting - Bricco Dei Tati Rosè

Name: Bricco Dei Tati Rosè

Variety: 100% Barbera

Country: Italy

Year: 2012

Price: $6.95

 

Shop's Review: Fresh with aromas of strawberries, cherries, and rose petals, this an ideal wine with shellfish, salads, chicken, and appetizers.

 

My Review: This was a slighly carbonated wine that smelled like strawberries and fresh cut grass.  It tasted like flowers and it had a thin mouth feel, almost like drinking water.

 

I did not drink this wine with food.

4/11 Tasting - Smoking Loon Sauvigon Blanc

Name: Smoking Loon Sauvigon Blanc

Variety: Sauvigon Blance

Region/Country: California

Year: 2009

Price: $7.95

 

Shop's Review: This bleached blonde beauty is reminiscent of fresh green apples,pineapple and has hints of hibiscus blossoms.  The concentration of zesty lemon and gooseberry fills your mouth leaving notes of thyme and melon behind.  The bright acid in this wine gives you a zing while the fruit keeps your mouth watering for more.  This wine pairs beautifully with a grilled prawn salad with a grapefruit vinaigrette, veggie spring rolls or grilled tilapia with mango salsa.

 

My Review:  This wine smelled fresh, light, and clean.  I smelled green apple and honeydew.  It was semi-tart with hints of flowers and light spices.  It was a nice and refreshing wine with a short finish.

 

I did not drink this wine with food.

4/4 Tasting - Ruta 22 Malbec

Name: Ruta 22 Malbec
Variety: Malbec
Region/Country: Patagonia, Argentina
Year: NV
Price: $7.95

Shop's Review: Stout and dense from the beginning, with blackberry and violet aromas.   Despite being a bold and dark Malbec, this is fresh and composed, with sweet blackberry and cassis flavors.  Good on the finish, with candied fruit and caramel sweetness.

My Review: This wine smelled like raisins, dark berries, and dried flowers.  It was a dry wine with earthy and floral hints.  It had a tart finish.  I really didn't care for this wine.

I did not drink this wine with food.

4/4 Tasting - Château Serres Sainte Lucie Corbières

Name: Château Serres Sainte Lucie Corbières
Variety: Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre
Region/Country: Corbières, France
Year: NV
Price: $4.95

Shop's Review: Superb dark garnet color with a few reflections of dark orange.  Intense nose of ripe fruits, spices, and roasted coffee. The palate is rounded and full, with silky matured tannins and hints of vanilla. This wine is rich and powerful with layers of tannins.

My Review: This red wine smelled like alcohol, spice, and dust.  It was high in tannins with a dusty and barnyard taste.  It left a really bad after taste.  I really disliked this wine.

I did not drink this wine with food.

4/4 Tasting - Cresta Azul

Name: Cresta Azul
Variety: Moscatel, Macabeo, Parellada, Xarel-lo
Country: Spain
Year: NV
Price: $5.95
 
Shop's Review: Peach, orange cream and vanilla flavors mingle in this softly bubbly white.  Off-dry, but with crisp acidity and a clean finish.

My Review: My nose detected scents of citrus and peaches.  However, it tasted floral and foresty.  It was a nice light wine with a short finish.

I did not drink this wine with food.

4/4 Tasting - Veleta Tempranillo Rosado

Name: Veleta Tempranillo Rosado
Variety: Tempranillo
Region/Country: Granada, Spain
Year: 2010
Price: $3.95

Shop's Review: Fresh in flavor and crisp in texture, this dry rosé offers berry, tart cherry and light herbal flavors, with firm acidity and a clean finish.  Focused and juicy.

My Review: This copper colored rosé smelled like dried fruit and flowers.  I tasted cherry and the wine came off as fairly acidic and tart.  It had a bitter finish. 

I did not drink this wine with food.

4/4 Tasting - Veleta Brut Vino Espumoso Rosado

Name: Veleta Brut Vino Espumoso Rosado
Variety: Unknown
Country: Spain
Year: NV
Price: $3.95

Shop's Review: Rosé salmon with copper reflections.  Slow rising fine bubble that forms “lace” and “rosary”.  In the nose is complex and elegant with red fruit, citric, exotic, fresh flowers, and notes of dry fruits and dry flowers.  Fresh, gentle, and alive. Perfectly integrated “perlage” with serious and subtle flavors of dry fruits, pomegranate and lemonade.  Long lasting scent of flowers and herbs.

My Review: This peach colored and slightly carbonated rosé smelled like tart grape juice.  My palete detected hints of wood and light spice.  It almost tasted like a light beer.

I did not drink this wine with food.

3/28 Tasting - Emeri de Bortoli

Name: Emeri de Bortoli Sparkling Shiraz
Variety: Shiraz
Region/Country: South Eastern Australia
Year: NV
Price: $9.95

Shop's Review: A relatively light, fresh style of sparkling Shiraz, with berries and hints of chocolate picking up just a touch of sweet vanilla on the finish.

My Review: This was my first time tasting a sparkling Shiraz.  It smelled like ripe berries.  My palate detected hints of cherries and walnuts.  It was light because of the carbonation.

I did not drink this wine with food.

3/28 Tasting - Tres Ojos Garnacha

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

Shop's Review: This wine has a brick red color with a bouquet of red raspberries, spice, and white pepper.  The palate is incredibly concentrated and rich.  The modern styles of Garnacha in Spain are continuously being perceived worldwide as wines of extraordinarily good quality.  This wine is fruity, juicy, and shows a great depth, ripe tannins, length but yet with wonderful elegance and lightness.  Enjoy with sausages, roasted meats, aged cheeses, etc.

My Review: This wine smelled like spicy cherries.  It was a dry wine with a strong amount of acid.  I tasted pepper and spice.

I did not drink this wine with food.

3/28 Tasting - Montebuena

Name: Montebuena
Variety: 100% Tempranillo
Region/Country: Rioja, Spain
Year: 2010
Price: $8.95

Shop's Review: Ripe cherry and black currant on the nose and in the mouth.  Pliant and seamless in texture, with good heft and back-end energy.  Finishes smooth and sweet, with fine-grained tannins providing shape and grip.  Still on the young side but this wine drinks very well with an hour or so of decanting; it's an excellent value for Rioja.

My Review: This wine had a strong nose with scents of cherries and ripe plums.  It was a dry wine with very little tannins.  My palate detected hints of chocolate covered cherries.  It had a slight bitter finish.

I did not drink this wine with food.

3/28 Tasting - Sainte Victoire Cotes de Provence

Name: Sainte Victoire Cotes de Provence
Variety: Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault
Region/Country: Provence, France
Year: 2011
Price: $8.95

Shop's Review: Bright salmon pink; typical of the fresh but warm Provence style.  Refined and complex on the nose, with summer fruit and floral notes.  Dry and crisp, with a delicate flavor and full texture.

My Review:  My nose detected strong hints of grapefruit, pineapple, tangerine, and peach.  I tasted grapefruit and peach flavors.  This was a very enjoyable wine.

I did not drink this wine with food.

3/28 Tasting - Canyon Road Chardonnay

Name: Canyon Road Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region/Country: California, USA
Year: 2011
Price: $6.95

Shop's Review: Medium-bodied wine with notes of crisp apple and ripe citrus fruit with a hint of cinnamon spice.  Delicious complement to grilled chicken, lighter pasta dishes, or mild cheeses.

My Review: This pale yellow wine smelled like fresh and crisp grape juice.  My palate detected hints of orange peel, apple, and a little oak. 

I did not drink this wine with food.

2/28 Tasting - Monte Aman

Name: Monte Aman
Variety: 100% Tempranillo
Region/Country: Arlanza, Spain
Year: 2009
Price: $5.95

Shop's Review: Fermentation of selected grapes in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature.  Aging in American oak casks for 5 months followed by 3 months in the bottle before being released in the market.Inky ruby. Ripe cherry and plum on the nose. Smooth and fleshy, with deep dark fruit flavors complicated by bitter chocolate and anise. A spicy quality adds lift and focus to the weighty fruit.  Offers an appealing mix of power and energy and drinks very well right now.

My Review: This wine had the biggest nose of the day.  I was surprised by how fruity it smelled.  It was a sweet, vanilla, and buttery flavored wine.  It was very delightful and it would be great with a meal.

I did not drink this wine with food.

2/28 Tasting - Cortenova Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

Name: Cortenova Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

Variety: 100% Montepulciano d' Abruzzo

Country: Italy

Year: 2010

Price: $6.95

 

Shop's Review: Deep ruby red color with violet highlights and a pleasant and fruity bouquet.  Full bodied, soft tannins and good acidity.  Excellent with pasta dishes and red meats.

 

My Review: This red wine smelt like vinegar.  It was a dry wine.  I detected smoke, earth, and dirt.

 

I did not drink this wine with food.

2/28 Tasting - Maipe Chardonnay

Name: Maipe Chardonnay
Variety: 85% Chardonnay, 15% Viognier
Region/Country: Mendoza, Argentina
Year: 2012
Price: $7.95

Shop's Review: Made from 85% Chardonnay, 15% Viognier. 30% malolactic fermentation, 30% was aged in French oak barrels. Brilliant yellow golden color with green hints. The wine is crisp and filled with white peach, pear, green apples flavors, toasty vanilla. Elegant and luscious wine, well balanced. Crisp and long finish. Pairs well with creamy soups, pork, veal, vegetables.

My Review: This Chardonnay smelled light and creamy.  It tasted oaky and toasty.  It finished a little bit bitter.

I did not drink this wine with food.

2/28 Tasting - Villa d' Orvieto

Name: Villa d' Orvieto
Variety: Grechetto, Procanico (Trebbiano), and Malvasia
Country: Italy
Year: 2011
Price: $6.95

Shop's Review: It’s a blend of Grechetto, Procanico (Trebbiano), and Malvasia.  Fresh and crisp, it has a beautiful, floral bouquet. It is wonderful with appetizers, fish, chicken, and salads.

My Review:  This was a slightly carbonated wine that smelled crisp and clean.  It tasted floral and grassy.

I did not drink this wine with food.

2/28 Tasting - Dibon Cava Brut Reserve

Name: Dibon Cava Brut Reserve
Variety: 45% Macabeo, 25% Xarel-lo, 30% Parellada
Region/Country: Penedes, Spain
Year: NV
Price: $9.95

Shop's Review: Light gold with plenty of bubbles, this wine has aromas of apples and pears with pleasant floral notes.  Crisp and light-bodied on the palate, stone fruit flavors are accompanied by a mild minerality and balanced acidity.  A delicious sparkler for a great price!

My Review: This was a fizzy wine that smelled like crisp grape juice.  My palate detected notes of apple, floral, and earthiness.  This was semi-sweet wine.

I did not drink this wine with food.

2/14 Tasting - Gabriella Chianti

Name: Gabriella Chianti
Variety: Sangiovese
Country: Italy
Year: 2008
Price: $7.95

Shop's Review: This beautiful wine has the very deep red, almost purple, color that you would expect in a Chianti.  The first thing you notice is the fruit, balanced by a bit of spice.  It’s a good dry wine with a bold flavor.  Even with it’s boldness, this Chianti is velvety smooth.

My Review: This was the strongest smelling wine of the day.  My nose detected strong notes of mixed berries.  It was a dry wine that tasted earthy.  It had a tart and bitter finish.

I did not drink this wine with food.

2/14 Tasting - Lavarini Valpolicella Classico

Name: Lavarini Valpolicella Classico
Variety: 65% Corvina Veronese, 25% Rondinella and 10% Molinara
Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $6.95

Shop's Review: The red ruby color and the dry taste give this wine joviality and cordiality.  It is fresh and fruity, with lovely strawberry and cherry aromas and flavors, with nice spice and a silky texture.

My Review: This wine smelled like apple cider and cherries.  I detected smokiness and subtle hints of sweetness and spice.

I did not drink this wine with food.

 

2/14 Tasting - Dom de Mirail Cabernet/Merlot Rose

Name: Dom de Mirail Cabernet/Merlot Rose
Variety: Cabernet, Merlot
Region: Cotes de Gascogne
Country: France
Year: 2011
Price: $5.95

Shop's Review: There is a fresh, crisp character to this light rosé.  It is eye-watering in its refreshing character, with balancing acidity, smoothing out the edges with a touch of caramel.

My Review: This wine had virtually no scent.  It had a very light taste with small hints of sweet fruits.  It almost tasted like a fruit flavored water.

I did not drink this wine with food.

2/14 Tasting - Norton Torrontes

Name: Norton Torrontes
Variety: Torrontes
Region: Mendoz
Country: Argentina
Year: 2011
Price: $5.95

Shop's Review:

Greenish yellow with hints of gold, this Torrontés has intense aromas of white peach, rose petal, and jasmine.  Norton Torrontés 2011 is pleasant and well balanced on the palate.

 

My Review: My nose detected hints of sweet fruits especially apples.  Although it smelled sweet, it was a dry wine that had nutty flavors.  This wine also had a short finish.

I did not drink this wine with food.

2/14 Tasting - Dibon Cava

Name: Dibon Cava
Variety: Xarel-lo, Parellada and Macabeo
Region: Northeastern Spain (Near Barcelona)
Country: Spain
Year: NV
Price: $9.95

Shop's Review: The nose offers regal yeast and richness, while the palate has complexity to prop up apple, citrus and grapefruit flavors.  Solid from front to back, with health and freshness.

My Review: This was carbonated wine that smelled like crisp and fresh grape juice.  It was a little tart with hints of apple.  It had a short finish.

I did not drink this wine with food.

2/3 Tasting - Opera Prima Pink Moscatto

Name: Opera Prima Pink Moscatto
Variety: 97% Muscat, 3% Tempranillo
Country: Spain
Year: NV
Price: $5.95

Shop Review: This fine sparkling presents and intense aroma of fresh berries and
tropical fruits with hints of white flavor petals. Delicate bubbles caress the palate offering a silky and pleasant sweetness well balanced by a crisp, refreshing finish. Ideal on it own, as an aperitif or with all types of sweets and desserts.

My Review:  This rose colored wine was bubbly when poured.  It smelled light and crisp like Champagne.  My nose detected floral and fruity scents.  It was a carbonated and semi-sweet wine that tasted floral.  It had a light finish.

I did eat food with this wine.

2/3 Tasting - Black Opal Shiraz

Name: Black Opal Shiraz
Variety: 100% Shiraz
Region: South Eastern Australia
Country: Australia
Year: 2011
Price: $5.95

Shop Review:  The Black Opal wines are sourced from vineyards found in South Australia along the Limestone Coast, at Langhorne Creek and in the infamous Barossa Valley.  Black Opal Shiraz is rich red in the glass.  Aromas of blackberry, pepper and spice followed with rich plum flavors round out the palate.  Soft tannins give structure to the fruit-driven palate.

My Review: This ruby colored wine had a spicy smell.  I detected raspberry and strawberry notes.  It was smooth and light.  It tasted woody and had an interesting walnut finish.

I did not eat food with this wine.

 

2/3 Tasting - Sokol Blosser Meditrina

Name: Sokol Blosser Meditrina
Variety: 50% Syrah, 22% Pinot Noir, 28% Zinfandel
Region: Oregon
Country: United States
Year: NV
Price: $7.95

Shop Review: It's created from the finest Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Zinfandel. The taste is lush and velvety with expressive notes of raspberry and cherry.  It pairs nicely with pasta and anything off the grill.

My Review: This wine was garnet in color.  The smell was not very strong but I detected vinegar and cherries.  It was a light wine with woody undertones.  It had a short finish.

I did not eat food with this wine.