Tasting - Maipe Chardonnay

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

Critic 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:  There was a strong aroma of green apple, sweet pear, and oak.  This wine was a little bitter, and I could taste the sharp green apple.  This wine was clean and smooth.  I enjoyed this wine and would drink it again.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Villa d'Orvieto

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

Critic 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 loved this wine.  It didn't have a very strong smell, but there were hints of apple, pears and flowers.  The wine tasted very clean, crisp and simple.  I could taste the light fruity flavors, and it was not overly sweet or acidic.  This wine would go great with appetizers and seafood.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Morada Sangria

Name: Morada Sangria
Variety: Sangria
Region: Spain
Country: Spain
Year: NV
Price: $4.95

Critic 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% alcohol.  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 slice of fruit like peach, banana or apple."

My Review:  The smell of this Sangria was very strong of fruits, mainly citrus.  It tasted very sweet, almost like juice.  I could taste bananas, blood oranges, lemons, and grapefruits.  However, I did not like this Sangria and would not drink it again.  It left a very bad aftertaste, kind of like stale orange juice.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Lost Vineyard Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Critic 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:  There was a strong cherry aroma and I could smell a hint of oak, as well.  This wine was very dry and I could take tobacco and oak.  I could also taste a bit of cherry.  I did not really like this wine, and I would definitely pair this wine with food, such as steak.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Villa Pozzi Nero D'Avola

Name: Villa Pozzi Nero D'Avola
Variety: Nero D'Avola
Region: Sicily
Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $8.95

Critic 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 smelled of spices and plums.  This color was beautiful; it was a purplish-red.  This wine tasted very tart and sour.  There was an explosion of berry flavors and plums.  I liked this wine, but I would have preferred to taste this wine with food.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Tres Ojos Rosé

Name: Tres Ojos Rosé
Variety: 50% Tempranillo, 50% Garnacha
Region: Calatayud
Country: Spain
Year: 2009
Price: $1.95

Critic 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:  The aroma of this wine was very fruity; it smelled like berries.  This wine was semi-dry, especially for a rosé, and has a 14% alcohol content.  I didn't think there was much taste, but I liked the balance of acidity.  However, I thought this wine had a bad after-taste and it kind of burned my taste buds.  I wasn't a huge fan of this wine, but I would buy it for the price alone.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Les Perles Piquepoul

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

Critic 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 finish is infused with a flavor of green melon rind."

My Review:  This wine smelled very distinctly of apple and pear.  The wine itself tastes very acidic and bitter.  I could taste the apple, pear and melon in the wine.  I enjoyed this wine and would drink it again.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Gabriella Chianti

Name: Gabriella Chianti
Variety: 100% Sangiovese
Region: Chianti (Tuscany)
Country: Italy
Year: 2008
Price: $7.95 (Vintage Cellar) $20 (Average)

Critic 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 Chianti did not have a very appealing aroma.  It smelled like spices and, in my opinion, it smelled kind of like acetone.  However, it did taste better than it smelled.  This wine was very dry and smooth.  It had a bold taste, balanced with fruitiness and spiciness.  I would try this wine again, preferably with food.

I tasted this wine without 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

Critic's Review: "The red ruby color and 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 ruby colored wine smelled fruity, especially like raspberries and strawberries.  However, the taste was not as appealing as the smell.  This wine had a nice dryness, but it was also tart and I could taste a lot of spices.  I would probably not drink this wine again, unless with food.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Domaine de Mirail Cabernet/Merlot Rosé

Name: Domaine de Mirail Cabernet Merlot Rosé
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot
Region: Gascony
Country: France
Year: 2011
Price: $5.95

Critic 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:  I really enjoyed this wine.  This wine gives off a sweet, flowery aroma, but it is not too strong.  This wine is actually more like a red wine than a rosé.  It was not too sweet like most rosé wines are, but it was smooth and not overly acidic.  This wine was very refreshing and would be great for the outdoors or a picnic.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Bodega Norton Torrontés

Name: Bodega Norton Torrontés
Variety: 100% Torrontés
Region: Luján de Cuyo
Country: Argentina
Year: 2011
Price: $5.95

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

My Review:  A very, very sweet aroma, consisting mostly of flowers and peach.  However, in my opinion  there wasn't much taste to this wine.  It tasted slightly of peaches and tropical fruits, such as pineapple or mango.  It was very sweet and smooth to the palate, but not very acidic.  I would try this wine again.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Dibon Cava Brut Reserve

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

Critic'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:  I loved this wine!  It reminded me of my favorite type wine, Vinho Verde.  There was a strong aroma of green apples, along with other citrusy smells.  I could taste apples and pears, mostly, but there was also a hint of grapefruit.  The faint bubbles gave the wine a nice crispness.  There was a perfect balance of acidity.  This wine would be great to drink outdoors on a hot day because of its refreshing taste.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Black Opal Shiraz

Name: Black Opal Shiraz
Variety: 100% Shiraz (?)
Region: South Eastern Australia, Barossa Valley
Country: Australia
Year: 2011
Price: $5.95 (Vintage Cellar), $8 (Average)

Critic 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 gives off a strong aroma of spices and pepper.  There was a distinct taste of pepper and unknown (to me) spices.  I could also taste fruits, such as plums, and a hint of blackberries, and maybe even figs.  This wine tasted tart and spicy, thus I did not particularly enjoy it.  I would like to try this wine with a food pairing because I think I would like it better.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Opera Prima Pink Moscato NV

Name: Opera Prima Pink Moscato NV
Variety: 97% Moscato, 3% Tempranillo
Region: Castilla La Macha
Country: Spain
Year: NV
Price: $5.95


Critic Review:  "This fine sparkling presents an 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:  I was not a fan of this wine.  First off, it smelled of bad perfume and old potpourri you would find in a retirement home.  I do not particularly like Moscato, so it was extremely too sweet for my taste.  It tasted like old flower petals.  The only good thing about this wine was the carbonation, which gave a hint of crispness to the taste.  However, the musky taste of the wine overwhelmed the bubbly sensation.  I would not drink this again.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Sokol Blosser Meditrina NV

Name: Sokol Blosser Meditrina NV
Variety: 28% Pinot Noir, 50% Syrah, 22% Zinfandel
Region: Oregon
Country: USA
Year: NV
Price: $7.95 (Vintage Cellar), $16 (Average)

Critic Review:  "It's created from the finest Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Ainfandel.  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:  I am not a huge fan of most red wines, but I actually like this wine.  It gives off a strong aroma of various berries, mostly cherries, as well as a spicy smell.  This wine tasted much like it smelled.  I could definitely taste cherries, and a slight raspberry taste.  It tasted like spiced fruits.  This red wine does not have the over-powering taste of earthy and spiciness, that many do, which is why I think I enjoyed it.  I could definitely tell this wine would pair nicely with a juicy steak.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Beringer Riesling

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

Critic 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:  Smells fairly sweet and fruity, much like peaches.  It was very smooth and tasted like white peaches with a slight pinch of honey.  I did not experience an explosion of taste when I tried this wine.  I found it to be quite bland and tasteless, almost watery.  It wasn't disgusting by any means, and if I were to try this wine again I would definitely pair it with food.

I tasted this wine without food.

Tasting - Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay Semillon

Name: Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay Semillon
Variety: 80% Chardonnay and 20% Semillon
Region: South Australia
Country: Australia
Year: 2008
Price: $5.95 (Vintage Cellar), $8 (Average)

Critic Review:  "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:  Gives off the aroma of various tropical fruits, such as melons.  Easy to drink and fairly dry.  Slightly tart and bitter, which proves the acidity of the wine.  A hint of sweetness and fruitiness, but still not too sweet, which is a good thing in my opinion.  Gives a little bit of a punch; I would drink this wine again.

I tasted this wine without food.