Tasting- Monte Aman

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

Winery 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: The aroma of this wine struck me as almost a fresh-cut grass kind of smell.  It was very alcoholy, with a minor scent of berry.  After tasting, I got a extremely smooth, spicy, bitter chocolate flavor that I had trouble keeping down.  The chocolate flavor was something that was hard for me to handle and therefore would most likely not try this wine again.

This wine was tasted on its own with no food.

Tasting- Cortenova Montepulciano d' Abruzzo

Name: Cortenova Montepulciano d' Abruzzo
Variety: 100% Montepulciano d' Aruzzo
Region: Abruzzo
Country:Italy
Year:2010
Price: $6.95

Winery 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:I got almost a dark chocolate covered fruit aroma on the nose of this wine.  Then upon tasting, I got a raspberry, sour cherry, almost smoky flavor.  This wasn't bad for a red wine and would consider trying it again.

This wine was tasted on its own with no food.

Tasting- Maipe Chardonnay

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

Winery review: 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:I got a citrusy pear, with green apples on the nose.  Then upon tasting I got a light pear, vanilla, and a buttery taste.  Was not a real fan of the buttery flavor, which makes me believe that I will not try this again in the near future.

This wine was tasted on its own with no food.

Tasting- Villa d' Orvieto

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

Winery 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:  I really only got a light floral scent on the nose.  Upon the taste I got a very crisp sweet flavor, that had a little vanilla on the mid-palate.  This wine was actually really tasty and would highly consider trying it again.

This wine was tasted on its own with no food.

Tasting- Dibon Cava Brut Reserve

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

Winery 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: Upon the nose, I got a light pear scent with a tiny bit of apple.  Upon tasting I got a crisp flavor with a nice acidity.  It was also sweet that ended with an almost tart finish.  Wasn't a huge fan of this wine, but would consider trying it again.

This wine was tasted on its own with no food.

Tasting- Les Perles Piquepoul

Name: Les Perles Piquepoul
Variety: 100% Sangiovese
Region: Cotes de Thau
Country: France
Year: 2011
Price: $7.95

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

My review:Started with a very strong smell of something I could not identify.  The taste was very dry and bold fruity flavor.  Had a good amount of spice that gave it character, and left me with a long after-taste.  Was not a huge fan of this wine, but wouldn't mind trying it again later.

This wine was tasted on its own with no food.

Tasting- Morada Sangria

Name: Morada Sangria
Variety: Sangria blend
Region: La ManchaCountry
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: This wine gave me a bit of a surprise.  I got a strong fruity aroma on the nose, that reminded me almost of Hi-C.  Then upon tasting it, I got the same thing, a lot of citrus with a fresh fruity flavor that reminded me of a fruit juice, like Hi-C.  The wine itself was almost the undertone here, as I could only get a hint of any kind of alcohol content.  I bought a bottle of this, and will definitely try it again.

This wine was tasted on its own with no food.

Tasting- Lost Vineyards Shiraz/ Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Lost Vineyards Shiraz/ Cabernet Sauvignon
Variety: 60% Shiraz, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Unknown
Country: Argentina
Year: NV
Price: $4.95

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 wine started with an earthy scent, and a little of the licorice but couldn't find much else.  The taste of the wine was definitely dry, that had the tobacco taste as an undertone.  The aftertaste of the wine stuck around for a bit after.  Wasn't a bad wine, would probably try it again at a later date.

This wine was tasted on its own with no food.

Tasting- Villa Pozzi Nero D'Avola

Name: Villa Pozzi Nero D'Avola
Variety: 100% Nero d’Avola (also known as Calabrese)
Region: Sicily
Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $8.95

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 almost sour berries on the nose.  Upon tasting I got a bold, heavy fruit.  It was very full in flavor, that was definitely a mouth puckerer.  Wasn't a huge fan of this one, and would probably not try it again.

This wine was tasted on its own with no food.

Tasting- Tres Ojos Rose

Name: Tres Ojos Rose
Variety: 50% Tempranillo, 50% Garnacha
Region: Calatayud
Country: Spain
Year: 2009
Price: $1.95 (sale)

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 wine started with a spicy cherry aroma that I would not get past.  Definitely very sour, that had a dry bite to finish off.  Pretty good wine, I actually bought a bottle (who can pass up on a decent wine for $2?!).  I will definitely try this again.

This wine was tasted on its own with no food.

Tasting- Gabriella Chianti

Name: Gabriella Chianti
Variety: 100% Sangiovese
Region: Chianti
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:Started with a very strong smell of something I could not identify.  The taste was very dry and bold fruity flavor.  Had a good amount of spice that gave it character, and left me with a long after-taste.  Was not a huge fan of this wine, but wouldn't mind trying it again later.

This wine was tasted on its own with no food.

Tasting- Lavarini Valpolicella Classico

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

Winery review: 65% Corvina Veronese, 25% Rondinella and10% Molinara. 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: The nose gave me a very light fresh cherry scent.  This was followed up by the taste of cherry that was bitter but smooth.  I got some spice as well, but it left my mouth very dry.  I would consider this again later as I develop my palate.

This wine was tasted on its own with no food.

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

Winery 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 began with a barely even noticeable scent.  Couldn't really get anything specific from it.  For the flavor, I got almost a grapefruit that had a nice acidity to it.  It left me with an aftertaste that lasted for a little bit.  Definitely did not get any of the caramel it mentioned.  Wouldn't mind trying this one again at some point.

This wine was tasted on its own with no food.

Tasting- Norton Torrontes

Name: Norton Torrontes
Variety: 100% Torrontes
Region: Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza
Country:Argentina
Year:2011
Price: $5.95

Winery 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:This wine started with a light almost applish fruity scent.  Upon tasting, I got a nice fruity flavor with little to no finish at all.  It was definitely tasty and I would most like likely try it again.

This wine was tasted on its own with no food.

Tasting- Dibon Cava Brut Reserve

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

Winery review: Xarel-lo, Parellada and Macabeo
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: Very light on the nose to start off on this wine.  This was followed by a very fruity light flavor with a bit of carbonation.  It had a very solid finish.  I definitely enjoyed this wine and would try it again.

This wine was tasted on its own with no food.

Tasting- Opera Prima Pink Moscato

Name: Opera Prima Pink Moscato
Variety: 97% Muscat/3% Tempranillo
Region: Castilla La Mancha
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 it own, as an aperitif or with all types of sweets and desserts.

My review: I definitely got a citrusy aroma to start us off with this wine.  Then with the taste I got a carbonated smooth and sweet taste that finished with an almost sour crisp.  This is my first pink wine that I've tasted and I actually found it appetizing.  After the Moscato from last week, I was really excited about trying another and was not disappointed.  I would definitely consider buying and trying this wine again.

This wine was tasted on its own with no food.

Tasting- Sokol Blosser Meditrina

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

Winery 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 had a very sour aroma to start everything off.  Upon tasting I immediately got a fruity taste.  Then the aftertaste brought about a sour raspberry taste.  I would like to try this wine again at another time and possibly pair it with something because it wasn't bad at all.

This wine was tasted on its own with no food.

Tasting- Black Opal Shiraz

Name: Black Opal Shiraz
Variety: 100% Shiraz
Region: Barossa Valley, South Eastern Australia
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 wine had an aroma of a strong pepper and was almost spicy.  The taste was much different as I got almost of a pie taste with different fruits.  I would like to try this wine again later to fully appreciate all the different tastes it has to offer.

This wine was tasted 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 Australia
Country: 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:This wine starts with a sweet smell with a slight twinge of sour.  Upon tasting, I got a very dry flavor with a sour taste.  I also got a very light flavoring of fruit.  The aftertaste consisted of more sour, that seemed to stick with me for a bit.  Not a very big fan of the dry taste and would probably not try again in the immediate future.

This wine was tasted on its own with no 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 wine starts with a sweet smell of grape, maybe even a new furniture smell?  Then upon tasting I got a light and sweet taste with a very solid sweet finish.  I would most definitely try this wine again.

This wine was tasted on its own with no food.