Wine Tasting – Jam Jar Sweet White

Name: Jam Jar Sweet White

Variety: 100% Muscat

Region: Western Cape, South Africa

Country: South Africa

Year: 2011

Price: $8.95

Winery Review: Soft floral hints add depth to the otherwise straight forward 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: HOLY PEACH AND HONEY. This Moscato was SO SWEET and SUPER FRUIT BOMB-Y. I almost missed the hint of apricot in all the peach and honey flavors. This wine was smooth in texture, very drinkable. On the finish, this wine picked up a bit with a slightly acidic bite, making it crisp and light.

With food?: I tried this wine without food.

Wine Tasting – Entrada Malbec

Name: Entrada Malbec

Variety: 100% Malbec

Region: Nancagua, Chile

Country: Chile

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 wine had a pleasant brownish ruby color. The nose of this wine began very mineral-y and softened with hints of cherry and strawberry. On the palate, the cherry and strawberry flavors were laced with pomegranate and lemon-y acid. This wine was very dry and seemed almost sharp in texture. The texture softened on the finish, allowing the flavors to linger with a creamy quality.

With food?: I didn’t taste this wine with food.

Wine Tasting – Viña Borgia Garnacha

Name: Bordegas Borsao Viña Borgia Garnacha

Variety: 100% Garnacha

Region: Campo de Borja, Aragon, Spain

Country: Spain

Year: 2012

Price: $6.95

Winery Review: 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 straight forward, 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 loved the aromatics of this wine. The Garnacha grapes gave off characteristic jammy qualities. I got a HUGE strawberry profile from the nose. This red wine was pretty light, so it was interesting that the tannins in this wine were extremely prevalent. The flavors were well- translated from the nose to the palate and the dry tannins seemed to give the wine a bit of body. I’d drink this one again.

With food?: I tried this wine on its own without food.

Wine Tasting – Peter Lehmann Chardonnay

Name: Peter Lehmann Chardonnay

Variety: 100% Chardonnay

Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia

Country: Australia

Year: 2010

Price: $20 à$9.95

Winery Review: The 2010 Chardonnay presents subtle notes of spice apple slices and ripe peaches with hints of freshly baked break 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: This wine was surprisingly dry and crisp. On the nose, I detected hints of cinnamon, apple, pear and apricot. Melon peel and dust came through on the mid-palate. Those flavors were complemented with a few oaky characteristics: smoke and vanilla. This wine was pleasant, but I’m not sure I’d go out of my way to drink it again.

With food?: I did not have food with this wine.

Wine Tasting – Protocolo Vino de la Tierra de Castilla Blanco

Name: Dominio de Eguren Protocolo Vino de la Tierra Blanco

Variety: 50% Airen, 50% Macabeo

Region: Castilla La Mancha, Spain

Country: Spain

Year: 2012

Price: $6.95

Winery Review: 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: This colorless wine had a subtle nose that opened with a pleasant combination of honey, peppermint, sage and lemon. On the palate, the wine was slightly dry, bringing out the herby flavors. The finish was smooth and clean and echoed a little bit of citrus.

With food?: I tried this wine without food.

Wine Tasting – Eco.Love Riesling

Name: Eco.Love Riesling 2009

Variety: 100% Riesling

Region: Marlborough, South Island, N.Z.

Country: New Zealand

Year: 2009

Price: $18 à $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 surprise. The Rieslings I’ve had have always seemed to have a bright, citrus-y aroma and taste. This Riesling was smoky and sort-of sensual.  I found that this wine was well-translated from nose to palate. The prominent ginger flavor was complimented with peaches and smoke. Violets and a signature petrol profile were also featured. I bought this wine just to try it again.

With food?: I tried this wine on its own without food.

Wine Tasting – Toschi Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Toschi Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon

Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Central Valley, Madera, California

Country: USA

Year: 2011

Price: $8.95

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

My Review: This beautiful dark purple wine had a well translated nose of blackberry and plum. I would compare the smooth, earthy aroma of this wine to a wonderful Remy Cognac. On the mid-palate, pepper came in to play as did suggestions of cinnamon, sage and tarragon. The longer finish of this wine had spices and fruit flavors.

With food?: I tasted this wine without food.

Wine Tasting – Canyon Road Pinot Noir

Name: Canyon Road Pinot Noir

Variety: 100% Pinot Noir

Region: Sonoma Coast, California

Country: USA

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: I think I’m turning into a red drinker. This wine was fantastic. This wine had a super strong cherry nose with hints of banana. The smooth mouthfeel and creamy texture of this wine made me think of cherry vanilla ice cream with a bit of sage to off-set the sweetness and add a bit of complexity. The long and well-deserved finish of this wine had a pleasant tannic end that smooths out in the last bits of flavor.

With food?: I tried this wine on its own, without food.

Wine Tasting – Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay Semillon

Name: Gotham Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay Semillon

Variety: 80% Chardonnay, 20% Semillon

Region: South Australia

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 flavors and a medium-long finish

My Review: This wine was very dry. On the nose, the hints of caramel and almonds were complimented with an earthy flavor, like dirt. Based solely on the nose, this wine is sweet and creamy. On the palate however, this wine proved to be rather dry, simple and drinkable. Flavors of nectarine and medium acidity ended long and dry with hints of tropical fruit.

With food?: I tasted this wine without food.

Wine Tasting – Indwe Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Indwe Sauvignon Blanc 2012

Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Western Cape, Elim, South Africa

Country: South Africa

Year:  2012

Price: $7.95

Winery Review: Grapes are meticulously sourced from our grape producers along the costal 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: This clear, almost colorless wine had a very citrusy, herbal nose. Hints of orange and cat-urine made the aroma pucker-y and tart. On the palate, this wine had a very tart and herbal quality. I got hints of crisp citrus fruits and some rosemary and mint to mellow the flavor. The wine didn’t linger on the finish, but the tartness mellowed out and tasted a bit like vanilla yogurt.

With food?: I tried this wine without food.

Wine Tasting – Samos Sweet White Wine

Name: NV Kourtaki Muscat of Samos Sweet White Wine

Variety: 100% Muscat

Region: Agean Islands, Samos, Greece

Country: Greece

Year: n/a

Price: $14.99

Winery Review: This bright amber wine offers a nose featuring honey aromas, accented by orange rind and lemon. The palate echoes the notes of the nose, incorporating them into a lingering finish. Recommended to serve on its own, or paired with desserts or fruit. Should be served chilled (snooth.com).

My Review: This wine smells like pears or apples soaked in rubbing alcohol…I actually liked it. I got hints of orange and lemon citrus, sort-of like those childhood cough syrups you would fake being sick just to drink (Triaminic…I’m looking at you).

With food?: I tried this wine without food.

Wine Tasting – Pacific Rim Framboise

Name: NV Pacific Rim Framboise

Variety: Raspberry

Region: Pacific County, Washington, USA

Country: USA

Year: n/a

Price: $16.99

Winery Review: This is made by fermenting raspberries to about 0.5% alcohol, then adding grape spirits to produce a hybrid between liqueur and wine. Intensely fragrant, with 16.5% alcohol and 16% residual sugar. The raspberry flavors are concentrated and pure, with amazing persistence. Use this in cocktails or mix it with bubbly.—90 points –Wine Enthusiast

My Review: RASPBERRIES. RASPBERRIES. RASPBERRIES. Obviously, the name of this dessert wine gives it away. I loved this wine. This wine lacked too much acidity while remaining a little tart.  While the over-arching flavor is of raspberries, there are also hints of herbs and licorice. Super sweet with a lingering melted raspberry sorbet finish.

With food?: I tried this wine on its own without food.

Wine Tasting – The Prisoner Red Wine

Name: The Prisoner Napa Valley Red Wine 2012

Variety: 46% Zinfandel, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Petite Sirah, 12% Syrah & 2% Charbono

Region: Napa Valley, California, USA

Country: USA

Year: 2012

Price: $44.99

Winery Review: There are 20,000 cases of the 2012 The Prisoner, which is an interesting blend of 46% Zinfandel, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Petite Sirah, 12% Syrah a small amount of Charbono. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a big peppery, meaty, Rhone-like bouquet with hints of bay leaf, unsmoked cigar tobacco, black burrants and sweet jammy cherries. Medium to full-bodied and explosively fruity, this is a lovely, hedonistic, seriously endowed red to drink over the next 3-4 years.—90 points—The Wine Advocate

My Review: This deep red wine gave off aromas of plums, red raspberries and strawberries. The initial taste was well translated with the addition of peaches and wine-poached pears. On the dry finish, spices like cinnamon and cardamom were highlighted.

With food?: I didn’t taste this wine with food.

Wine Tasting – Chateau Moulin de Lavaud Bordeaux Blend

Name: Chateau Moulin de Lavaud Lalande de Pomerol 2009

Variety:  75% Merolt, 25% Cabernet Franc

Region: Pomerol, France

Country: France

Year: 2009

Price: $25.99

Winery Review: A beautiful burgundy red sustained brilliant and clear. A wide nose, generous where there are notes of fresh red fruits associated with smoke and spice finishing on a fine oak. The palate is straightforward with a nice tannic structure and includes aromas of the nose. Perfectly located on the edge of the Pomerol appellation, the Château MOULIN DE LAVAUD produces a harmonious wine which combines power, roundness and finesse. (Translated from Winery’s Notes)

My Review: This wine smelled like merlot and dog poop. The deep red ruby color indicated its fuller-bodied profile. On the palate, this wine was super smooth and suggested flavors earth, dirt and cherries. The tannic finish of this wine lingered and gave a final push of herb and blackberries. I liked this one.

With food?: I had this wine without food.

Wine Tasting – Cercius Côtes du Rhône

Name: Michel Gassier Cercius Côtes du Rhône Vieilles Vignes 2011

Variety: 85% Grenache, 15% Syrah

Region: Southern Rhône, France

Country:  France

Year: 2011

Price: $14.99

Winery Review: The 2011 Cercius Rouge Vieilles Vignes is a blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah aged completely in concrete tanks. This is a big wine, especially for a 2011, tipping the scales at 14.5% alcohol, with some Grenache lots actually higher. Sweet kirsch liqueur intermixed with notions of smoky camphor and roasted meats are followed by a powerful as well as elegant, opaque purple-colored wine with deep fruit, medium to full body and a long finish. With abundant glycerin and fresh, it is a sexy red to enjoy over the next 2-3 years.—89 points—Robert Parker

My Review: This wine had a beautiful ruby red color and was classified as a medium-bodied red. This wine had an outstanding jammy quality of strawberries and raspberries on the nose with a hint of Mediterranean salt. In the first taste, the wine was dry and tannic. This is mellowed in the finish with plums and violets as well as rosemary. It didn’t linger and made me want another glass.

With food?: I tried this wine without food, but a medium rare filet mignon with asparagus doused in béarnaise sauce came to mind.

Wine Tasting – Brocard Chablis

Name: Jean Marc Brocard Chablis 2010

Variety: 100% Chardonnay

Region: Sainte Claire, Burgundy, France

Country: France

Year: 2010

Price: $22.99

Winery Review:A simple, fresh wine, with flavors of crisp, green apples and a touch of pear. It is light, poised, clean and ready to drink.—85 points—R.V. (from 2005 vintage)
 

My Review: The golden straw color of this wine spoke of its well-rounded flavor.  I got notes of smoke and dust in the nose accompanied by rose and raisins. On the palate, the smoke and dust translated, but vanilla and butter became prominent. This wine was sweet, smooth and silky and lingered a bit on the finish.

With food?: I tried this wine without food.

Wine Tasting – Nessa Albariño

Name: Nessa Albariño 2012

Variety: 100% Albariño

Region:  Rías Biaxas, Galicia, Spain

Country: Spain

Year: 2012

Price: $14.99

Winery Review: Minerally, oceanic aromas of sea shell, apple and nectarine are focused and fresh. In the mouth, this is easygoing and a bit of a plump, with good acidity pushing peach, citrus and apple flavors. A pithy finish with hints of almond skin is mildly bitter and tight.—88 points—Wine Enthusiast

My Review: This wine didn’t smell like anything. This wine didn’t taste very strongly of anything. I got the tiniest hints of pineapple, apricot and apple. It finished a little dry and had no lingering flavor.

With food?: I tried this wine on its own without food.

Wine Tasting – Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2013

Name: Cloudy Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2013

Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Marlborough, NZ

Country: New Zealand

Year: 2013

Price: $29.99

Winery Review: The palate is fresh and focused with ripe citrus, stone fruit, fennel and mineral notes lingering on the persistent finish. Our sauvignon blanc is a delicious partner to a tomato and goat curd salad drizzled with fresh basil oil.

My Review: This wine was bright, almost colorless. This wine gave off a VERY tropical aroma. The initial attack in a whiff was guava. The sweet smell was leveled with papaya and jackfruit with a banana quality. This wine also smelled a bit of cat urine. The taste of this wine was well translated and tasted like the tropical fruits it smelled like. This wine was crisp, refreshing and didn’t linger on the finish.

With food?: I tried this wine without food. 

Wine Tasting – Chateau Morrisette Chambourcin

Name: Chateau Morrisette Chambourcin 2011

Variety: 100% Chambourcin

Region: Blue Ridge Mountains, SW Virginia, USA

Country: USA

Year: 2011

Price: $17.99

Winery Review: This Chambourcin immediately captivates the senses with rich aromas of plum, blackberry, raspberry, and spices. On the palate, it displays notes of blueberry and blackberry, accentuated by a bright acidity and a clean, soft finish.

My Review: This wine had a light ruby color. My initial assumption was that the wine was lighter-bodied. On the nose, the wine gave off hints of pear, plums, red raspberries and blackberries. Initially, bursts of citrus translated through the wine and I tasted concord grape jelly. I found this red wine sweet with a long, soft, tannic finish.

With food?: I tasted this wine with a bowl of Chicken Pho.

Wine Tasting – Spellbound Petite Sirah

Name: Spellbound Petite Sirah 2012

Variety: 100% Petite Sirah

Region: Napa, California, USA

Country: USA

Year: 2012

Price: $14.99

Winery Review: Intensity of color, rich black and brambly fruits, vanilla bean and roasting coffee aromatics are complemented by remarkable approchability in our Spellbound Petite Sirah. This wine is crafted to unleash dark and luscious characteristics, while managing tannins to deliver an opulent and juicy Petite Sirah. This lush yet easy-drinking wine provides intense berry character, with superb texture you will find none other than Spellbound Petite Sirah. 

My Review: This wine was delicious! The deep ruby-red color identified this wine as a full-bodied red. One the nose, I got hints of plum and blackberries. The initial taste was of vanilla and oak with a mellow berry mid-palate. This wine had a tannic pre-finish but the dryness didn’t linger. The super smooth mouthfeel was complimented with the taste ending on a pleasantly sweet note, jammy, mixed with sage and thyme.

With food?: I had butter cooked salmon with shrimp, crab, lobster and asparagus at Morton’s Steak House with this wine.

Wine Tasting – Loredona Riesling

Name: Loredona Riesling Monterey 2011

Variety: 100% Riesling

Region: Monterey, California

Country: United States of America

Year: 2011

Price: $15 à $7.95

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

My Review: I really loved this Riesling. It had the fruity petrol nose that is an identifying quality of many Rieslings. This wine had a wonderfully lime-y citrus fruit flavor was balanced with honey and deep nectarine. This wine was light and drinkable. I would have happily consumed a full glass of this one. The finish of this wine was crisp and clean, leaving the palate waiting for another taste.

With food?: I tried this wine without food.

Wine Tasting – Maipe Malbec

Name: Maipe Chakana Wines Malbec 2012

Variety: 100% Malbec

Region: Mendoza, Argentina

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’s darker purple, ruby color was indicative of its body. On the nose, I detected hints of plum, smoke and venison. On the mid-palate, pepper and the early smoke flavor came through. This wine’s flavor profile rounded out with blackberries, black raspberries and plums. The rose-y violet suggestion aided the long tannic finish. This wine wasn’t as smooth and oaky as other Malbecs.

With food?: This wine would be delicious with smoked meats, but I didn’t try this wine with food.

Wine Tasting – Villa d’Rosso Toscano Sangiovese

Name: Siema Vineyards Villa d’Rosso Toscano Sangiovese 

Variety: 100% Sangiovese

Region: Montepulciano, Italy

Country: Italy

Year: 2012

Price: $6.95

Winery Review: 100% Sangiovese grapes and is a wonderful rendition of a velvety Tuscan red.

My Review: This wine’s bright ruby coloring spoke of its well-balanced flavor. As this wine was poured into the glass, I could smell strawberry jam. This jammy quality was beautifully pared with copper. The sangiovese grape (which is also used in Chianti) gives the wine a raspberry-plum flavor. This wine was well-integrated and finished with a pleasantly long, tannic finish.

With food?: I tasted this wine without food.

Wine Tasting – Arnold Palmer Chardonnay

Name: Arnold Palmer Chardonnay

Variety: 100% Chardonnay

Region: Santa Barbra Country, CA, USA

Country: United States of America

Year: 2011

Price: $20 à $5.95

Winery Review: A vibrant Chardonnay from vineyards in cooler climates of California. Chardonnay is well known for its characteristic fresh apple fruit aromas and rounded, rich flavors. Weather during the 2011 harvest provided ideal growing conditions for lush, yet perfectly balanced fruit.

My Review:  This wine had an almost colorless quality.  The aroma of this wine had a peachy-pear profile. Smoked salmon immediately came to mind when I tasted this wine. The golden raspberry evened out the dry, lingering finish of this wine.

With food?: I tried this wine on its own without food.

Wine Tasting – El Sierro White

Name: El Sierro Blanco Valencia White

Variety: 95% Macabeo, 5% Chardonnay

Region: Valencia, Spain

Country: Spain

Year: 2012

Price: $6.95

Winery Review: In the glass, there is a bright and shiny white wine with an incredibly welcoming, fresh appetizing aroma reminiscent of ripe tropical fruits. The flavors is rich, balanced and extremely comfortable. The near-perfect all-purpose white wine. As an additional benefit, and good evidence that El Sierro reflect the new Spain, the bottle is sealed with the technical viewed perfect screw cap that at once eliminates any risk of cork flavor and keeps the fruit and the wine fresher for longer time.

My Review: This wine was very light: in color, flavor, aroma. I found it dry and crisp. On the nose, there was a noticeable chlorine quality to the wine. I also got banana and dust in the scent. There was a peachy undertone and was slightly sparkly. The long finish at the end of this wine seemed like an attempt to make this wine memorable, but I don’t think it succeeded. This wine was ‘eh’.

With food?: I didn’t have any food with this wine.