Tasting - Morada Sangria

Name: Morada Sangria
Variety: Red Blend
Region: La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: NV
Price: $4.95

Winery Review: Morada Sangria is a traditional Spanish drink made with red wine and citrus extracts. Garnet color and fresh on the palate. Pasteurization preserves the color, aromas and flavors. 7% Alc. It is a very refreshing Sangria with around 85 grams of sugar. Sangria is now one of the hottest items in the beverage industry and it's growing exponentially year to year. Serve well chilled, on its own or with lemonade and slices of fruit like peach, banana or apple.

My Review: With luscious citrus overtones followed by bursting berries, this wine is incredibly refreshing, but very sweet. I think significantly chilling it would help cut the sweetness a little.

I tasted this wine on its own, without food.

Tasting - Lost Vineyards Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Lost Vineyards Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon
Variety: 60% Shiraz, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: n/a
Country: Argentina
Year: NV
Price: $3.95

Winery Review: It is dry and contains subtle tobacco undertones with a black licorice, cherry, scent. The oak is in the background. Would pair well with hamburger or a steak rather than stand alone.

My Review: This dark wine had an fruity bouquet and nose, but based on the winery review I would like to see what this wine has to offer when paired with food.

I tasted this wine on its own, without food.

Tasting - Villa Pozzi Nero D'Avola

Name: Villa Pozzi Nero D'Avola
Variety: 100% Nero D'Avola
Region: Sicily
Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: Very dark purple, with a reddish-violet edge, typical of this grape. Black plums, a hint of licorice and subtle spice, not overly complex but appealing. A big mouth full of juicy black fruit is well structured by tart acidity and soft but distinct tannins.

My Review: This wine had a very dark color and a great fruit flavor. The flavor was rich, and almost warm.

I tasted this wine on its own, without food.

Tasting - Tres Ojos Rose

Name: Tres Ojos Rose
Variety: 50% Tempranillo, 50% Garnacha
Region: Calatayud
Country: Spain
Year: 2009
Price: $3.95

Winery Review: This medium rose-colored rosado boasts a spicy red cherry/plum nose with a soft lush attack of red berry fruit flavors and a crisp dry finish. Simple and refreshing and  a natural for tapas.

My Review: This pinkish-orange wine emitted an odor that I did not find enjoyable. It burned the back of my throat when I swallowed it, which kind of ruined the experience of the wine.

I tasted this wine on its own, without food.

Tasting - Les Perles Piquepoul

Name: Les Perles Piquepoul
Variety: 100% Piqupoul
Region: Tuscany
Country: France
Year: 2011
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: Light and young, this is a straightforward buy enjoyable selection that would be an ideal match for light fare such as grilled chicken salads or fluke. Apple flesh, nectarine, and sweet citurs oil aromas and flavors appear on the nose and palate, while the short finish is infused with a flavor of green melon.

My Review: Light yellow in color with a gentle, fruity flavor. Sported a very acidic flavor, but not in an unpleasant way. Not overly sweet.

I tasted this wine on its own, without food.

Tasting - Gabriella Chianti

Name: Gabriella Chianti
Variety: Chianti blend
Region: Tuscany
Country: Italy
Year: 2008
Price: $7.95

Winery 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: A dark color and a bold aroma are the first impressions of this wine. A strong earthy flavor was a bit too much for my taste.

I tasted this wine on its own, without food.

Tasting - Lavarini Valpolicella Classico

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

Winery 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 silky texture.

My Review: This light red wine had a slightly spicy smell and a smokey flavor. There were definitely some fruity undertones.

I tasted this wine on its own, without food.

Tasting - Domaine de Mirail Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot Rose

Name: Dom de Mirail Cabernet Sauvignon/ Merlot Rose
Variety: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot
Region: Cotes de Gascogne
Country: France
Year: 2011
Price: $5.95

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

My Review: Powerful aromas and a dainty pink color give way to a semi-sweet fruity flavor.

I tasted this wine on its own, without food.

Tasting - Norton Torrontes

Name: Norton Torrontes
Variety: 100% Torrontes
Region: Mendoz
Country: Argentina
Year: 2011
Price: $5.95

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

My Review: This wine exudes an enticing, fruity smell. It has a light taste that I think would be fantastic if it was chilled a little more.

I tasted this wine on its own, without food.

Tasting - Dibon Cava

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

Winery 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 clear wine boasts gentle citrusy flavors. It was rather dry with a somewhat bitter finish.

I tasted this wine on its own, without food.

Tasting - Opera Prima Pink Moscato

Name: Opera Prima Pink Moscato
Variety: 100% Muscat
Region: Castilla
Country: Spain
Year: NV
Price: $5.95

Winery 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 its own, as an aperitif or with all types of sweets and desserts.

My Review: This pale coral wine fizzed up immediately when poured. It had an incredibly floral aroma, and the refreshing, fruity flavor was complemented nicely by the bubbles caressing my tongue.

I tasted this wine on its own, without food.

Tasting - Black Opal Shiraz

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

Winery 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 dark red had a hint of berry smell that really came alive on the tongue. There was a slight tang in the back of my jaw.

I tasted this wine on its own, without food.

Tasting - Sokol Blosser Meditrina NV

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

Winery Review: It's created form 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 anyuthing off the grill.

My Review: This wine had a deep red tint, but still translucent  The scent had a strong buttery tone. The smooth, cherry-tasting texture had the smallest of bites on the back end.

I tasted this wine on its own, without food.

Tasting - Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay/Semillon

Name: Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay/Semillon
Variety: 80% Chardonnay, 20% Semillon
Region: Adelaide
Country: South Australia
Year: 2008
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: Gotham's 2008 Wine Men of Gotham 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: A yellow tinge and an unpleasant aroma masked a taste that made me think of walking down an orchard path in late spring.

I tasted this wine on its own, without food.

Tasting - Beringer Riesling

Name: Beringer Riesling
Variety: 100% Riesling
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2009
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: This wine is the perfect balance of honeysuckle and bright peach flavors. A perfect compliment to light fare, appetizers, or just sharing with friends.

My Review: This pale yellow wine smelled fresh and fruity. It was semi-sweet with strong fruit accents and a light refreshing flavor.

I tasted this wine on its own, without food.

Tasting - Primo Amore Moscato Puglia IGT

Name: Primo Amore Moscato Puglia IGT
Variety: 100% Muscat Blanc
Region: Puglia
Country: France
Year: 2012
Price: $10.95

Winery Review: On the nose subtle shadings of white stone, peach and honey make this a fresh, no-fuss wine that goes fantastic on a hot afternoon. On the palate this delightfully sweet Moscato with flavors of pear and Golden Delicious apple backed by honey and stone fruit offers sweet texture and a fine point of avidity on the close that breaks through the rich sweetness.

My Review: The sweet, sugary smell of this wine lets you know exactly what you're in for. With strong fruity accents this wine is one of the sweetest I've tasted yet. The sample was warm, perhaps chilling it would cut the sweetness.

                                                                I tasted this wine on its own, without food.

Tasting - Finca del Casatillo Tempranillo

Name: Finca del Castillo Tempranillo
Variety: 100% Tempranillo
Region: La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $4.95

Winery Review: Rooty, spice and baked on the nose, with aromas that lean towards raisin. The palate is more gritty and acidic, with raisin, cola, and spice flavors. Darkens up on the finish, which is long and peppery, with adequate juiciness and a final note of tomato.

My Review: The raisin and cola flavors emit a sweet aroma that enticed me enough to buy a bottle for home consumption (it was rather enjoyable).

I tasted this wine on its own, without food.

Tasting - Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau

Name: Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau
Variety: 100% Gamay
Region: Beaujolais
Country: France
Year: 2012
Price: $3.95

Winery Review: Bright and tangy, offering a classic banana note on the nose, with flavors of raspberry, wild strawberry and light spice. Modest finish.

My Review: The scent of this wine made my think it would be very full-bodied. In actuality, it was a very pleasant berry taste that met my palate with minimal bite.

 I tasted this wine on its own, without food.

Tasting - Mars and Venus Chardonnay

Name: Mars and Venus Chardonnay
Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Region: Central Valley
Country: Chile
Year: 2011
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: A very nice value Chardonnay that comfortably over-delivers vs. its modest price tag. No oak here, just bushels of clean, crisp, Chardonnay apple and stone fruit with a hint of caramelized pineapple. Juicy and clean, this is a mid-weight white that's just perfect for parties or weeknight sipping.

My Review: This wine is nearly clear in color except for a slight tint of yellow. Mildly sweet with minimal acidity. Light flavor with a noticeable streak of apple.

                                                                I tasted this wine on its own, without food.

Tasting - La Cappuccina Soave

Name: La Cappuccina Soave
Variety: 100% Garganega
Region: Veneto
Country: Italy
Year: 2011
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: Bright straw yellow in color. Delicate on the nose, with notes of flowers and almonds. Dry, well-structured and delicately fruity, with hints of bitter almonds on the finish that is typical of Garganega-based wines.

My Review: Pale yellow in color, this wine has a fruity smell. It had a smooth taste with no acidity, but it wasn't as fruity tasting as the smell might have indicated.

                                                                I tasted this wine on its own, without food.