Tasting- Concannon Shiraz

Name: Concannon Shiraz
Variety: 100% Shiraz
Region: Central Coast, California
Country: USA
Year: 2008
 Price: $7.95

Winery 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: his wine had a nose of blackberry, sour fruit that was almost like a jam.  The taste brought about berry flavors on the mid palate that were almost spicy with a light dark chocolate finish.  I was not a huge fan of this wine and would probably not try it again.

This wine was tasted on its own with no food.

Tasting- Chadon Sweet Cuvee

Name: Chandon Sweet Cuvee
Variety: Sparkling?
Region: Napa Valley, California
Country: USA
Year: NV
 Price: $9.95

Winery 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 wine gave me a floral almost sour aroma that had hints of what I believe was apple.  I got something that was sweet with a sour twinge, slightly fruit flavored for the flavor.  This wine wasn't spectacular and nothing really stood out for me, so I'm gonna call this one a pass.

This wine was tasted on its own with no food.

Tasting- Black Ridge White ZInfandel

Name: Black Ridge Zinfandel
Variety: 100% Zinfandel
Region: Central Valley, California
Country: USA
Year: NV
 Price: $3.95

Winery 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: The wine started with a nose that had a fresh, fruity scent.  Nothing else particularly stood out.  The taste brought about a fruity, crisp, almost tart flavor.  I really enjoyed this wine and actually bought a bottle!

This wine was tasted on its own with no food.

Tasting- Wilson Daniels Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Wilson Daniels Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: 100 % Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Central Coast, California
Country: USA
Year: 2010
 Price: $7.95

Winery 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 started with a floral aroma with hints of honey and citrus.  After tasting it had a dry, almost salty flavor with a twinge of what seemed like oak.  Wasn't a big fan of this wine and would probably not try it again.

This wine was tasted on its own with no food.

Tasting- Caprice de Bastor-Lamontagne

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

Winery 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 had a nose that reminded me of the lemon tinted cleaning supplies.  It was fresh and floral with a hint of honey on the edges.  The taste was very sweet and smooth, with apple tones.  Nothing else really hopped out at me and because of that I probably wouldn't try it again.

This wine was tasted on its own with no food.

Tasting- Torre Castillo Alegre

Name: Torre Castillo Alegre
Variety: 100% Monastrell (Mouvedre)
Region: Jumilla
Country: Spain
Year: 2010
 Price: $9.95

Winery review: 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: The nose on this wine gave me a smokey kind of feel to it.  It reminded me of an almost musty house in which the owners smoked regularly.  The taste was woody, almost a dark licorice flavor.  It had a very hot finish.  I really wasn't a huge fan of this wine and probably would not try it again.

This wine was tasted on its own with no food.

Tasting- Wilson Daniels Merlot

Name: Wilson Daniels Merlot
Variety: 100% Merlot
Region: Central Coast, California
Country: United States
Year: 2010
 Price: $7.95

Winery review: Made predominantly from Paso Robles grapes, the wine is full-bodied 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 had a dark berry kind of aroma with a plum undertone.  It had a very full complex nose.  The taste was that of a sour raspberry, smooth vanilla flavor with a light spice to it.  Overall it was a good balance.  I didn't mind this wine and would consider trying it again at a later date.

This wine was tasted on its own with no food.