Tasting- Poysdorfer Saurussel Grüner Veltliner

Date of Tasting: Thursday, April 19, 2012

Variety: Grüner Veltliner

Region: Niederösterreich (Lower Austria)

Country: Austria

Year: 2010

Price: $7.95

Shop Preview: Crisp lime flavors, white pepper and lentils, followed by a mouthful of mineral notes and gooseberry. A long lingering finish. A great accompaniment to any Asian or fresh seafood dishes.

My Review: I am a huge fan of fruity wines and this one did not let me down. Great lime taste, with a smooth ending. 

With or Without Food: Without Food

Tasting- Oak Vineyards Chardonnay 2010

Date of Tasting: Thursday, April 19, 2012

Variety: Chardonnay (100%)

Region: Central Coast

Country: United States (California)

Year: 2010

Price: $5.95 (750mL) $10.95 (1.5 Liter)

Shop Preview: This light straw-colored Oak Vineyards 2010 Chardonnay expresses smokey aromatics with nuances of apple and lemon zest that continue onto the palate where they flourish into citrus, orange blossom, and smoked oak flavors until meeting a crisp, medium finish.

My Review: On the nose and palate, tart lime, Green Apple Jolly Ranchers, and musty passion fruit, along with a strong note of vanilla.

With or Without Food: Without Food

Tasting- Canyon Road Pinot Noir 2010

Date of Tasting: Thursday, April 19, 2012

Variety: Pinot Noir

Region: California

Country: United States

Year: 2010

Price: $6.95

Shop Preview: This Pinot Noir expresses tantalizing flavors of ripe cherry and wild raspberry, and finishes with brown, vanilla spices and a smooth finish.

My Review:  Although this wine doesn't have much Pinot character, it's a good-drinking wine for the very low retail price. Not my favorite, but would probably purchase in the future.

With or Without Food: Without Food

Tasting- Cortenova Primitivo 2010

Date of Tasting: Thursday, April 19, 2012

Variety: Primitivo

Region: Veneto

Country: Italy

Year: 2010

Price: $7.95

Shop Preview: Dark ruby-red color with violet highlights. Intense and fragrant bouquet with a rich array of red and black fruit aromas and flavors. Harmonious and velvety on the palat. Great balance and structure. Excellent with grilled or roasted meats, game and cheeses.

My Review: Well balanced, good fruit, not the longest though. Well worth the price.

With or Without Food: Without Food

Tasting- Morada Sangria

Date of Tasting: Thursday, April 19, 2012

Variety: Spanish Red Blend

Region: Valdepenas

Country: Spain

Year: ?

Price: $4.95 (1 Liter)

Shop Preview: A traditional Spanish drink made with red wine and citrus extracts. Garnet color and fresh on the palate. Serve well chilled, on its own or with lemonade and slices of fruit like peach, banana or apple.

My Review: If you like a lightly sweet, fruity, light-bodied wine, you will probably like this. I love it!

With or Without Food: Without Food

Tasting- Varas Vinho Tinto

Date of Tasting: Thursday, April 5, 2012

Variety: Castelao (45%) Tinta Rorlz (25%) Tinta Barroca (20%) Pinot Noir (10%)

Region: Lisboa

Country: Portugal

Year: 2011

Price: $5.49

Shop Preview: This smooth Portuguese red is a blend of Castelao, Tinta Rorlz, Tinta Barroca, and Pinot Noir. The vineyards are located near Lisbon, planted in sunny gentle slopes of clay and limestone soils. The wine was aged in oak barrels. 

My Review: I am a huge fan of the famous Franzia box white, so I am a little partial to this one. It was good for the price I guess, but not something I would buy again.

With or Without Food: Without Food

Tasting- Cantina di Casteggio Moscato di Pavia

Date of Tasting: Thursday, April 5, 2012

Variety: Muscat (100%)

Region: Oltrepo Pavese

Country: Italy

Year: 2011

Price: $7.95

Shop Preview: Bright, light golden color. Very aromatic nose of ripe apricots, sage, honey and a slight minerality. Medium bodied, sweet and fruity with flavors of apricots and tangerine. Well balanced acidity and medium finish with layers of sweet and citrus fruit. 

My Review: I am a huge fan of Moscato and this came as no surprise that I enjoyed it. It's light, sweet and comes down easy. The bubbly effect makes for a fun drink. For the price, I'll definitely keep a bottle handy in the fridge.

With or Without Food: Without Food

Tasting- gPG Garganega Pinot Grigio

Date of Tasting: Thursday, April 5, 2012

Variety: Garganega (100%)

Region: Venezie

Country: Italy

Year: 2010

Price: $8.95

Shop Preview: gPG is from the delle Venezle regions of north-eastern Italy. A clean and crisp palate with plenty of texture and weight follows aromas of apples and zesty lemons. It's perfect with grilled white fish or light risotto

My Review: This was a very delicate white wine. I could taste minimal signs of peach, pear and the apple that was already mentioned. Extremely clean finish.

With or Without Food: Without Food

Tasting- Estrella Chardonnay 2010

Date of Tasting: Thursday, March 22, 2012

Variety: Chardonnay (100%)

Region: Napa

Country: United States (California)

Year: 2010

Price: $5.95

Shop Preview: Intensely flavored and balanced with layers of vanilla, butter and pear, followed by apple, banana and oak.

My Review: An enjoyable Chardonnay with nicely balanced fig, melon and citrus flavors ending with an elegant aftertaste.

With or Without Food: Without Food

Tasting- Col Des Vents Corbieres 2009

Date of Tasting: Thursday, March 22, 2012

Variety: Carignan (50%) Grenache (35%) Syrah (15%)

Region: Languedoc-Roussillon

Country: France

Year: 2009

Price: $7.95

Shop Preview: Brambly berry, cherry and raspberry, spices, black pepper... all are present in this authentic French country wine.

My Review: Good color, with a smoky nose that leads into smoke, mineral, earth, red plums and berries and hints of tar. Medium full bodied, with good depth and structure.

With or Without Food: Without Food

Tasting- Peter Mertes Liebfraumilch Rheinhessen Qualitatswein

Date of Tasting: Thursday, March 22, 2012

Variety: Müller-Thurgau

Region: Rheinhessen

Country: Germany

Year: 2009

Price: $5.95

Shop Preview: Leibfraumilch is a soft, delicate wine of the Rheinhessen and Palatinate districts. The original wine was named after the Leibfraumilch monastery in Worms, where the monks were the first wine growers and produced an unusually pleasing wine. Wines of the Rheinhessen and Palatinate are noted for their aroma, well-balanced harmony, and fragrance. Leibfraumilch, as all excellent white wines is best served chilled. We suggest serving with cold entrees, as well as poultry, such as chicken or turkey, or even with a mild cheddar, mellow and slightly nutty with a medium consistency. 

My Review: An extremely easy drink. The blend has a pleasant aroma and finish. Probably would go well with appetizers and a summer night.

With or Without Food: Without Food

Tasting- Zonin Pinot Grigio

Date of Tasting: Thursday, March 22, 2012

Variety: Pinot Grigio (100%)

Region: Veneto

Country: Italy

Year: 2009

Price: $5.95

Shop Preview: Pale straw-yellow color with brilliant reflections. Delicately fruity bouquet, with outstanding finesse and marked hints of almond blossom and peaches. Elegant, soft and well-structured fruit on the palate, with remarkable freshness and a clean, persistent aftertaste.

My Review: Opened with a bright citrus flavor and ended with a light and smooth finish. Great for the price.

With or Without Food: Without Food

Tasting- San Elias Carmenere 2010

 

Date of Tasting: Thursday, March 22, 2012

Variety: Carmenere (100%)

Region: Colchagua Valley

Country: Chile

Year: 2010

Price: $5.95

Shop Preview: The grapes for this Carmenere are selected from vineyards in the Central Valley. Beautiful red fruit aromas. Supple and round in the mouth, the wine pairs well with full flavored cheeses and lamb.

My Review: This wine is a fantastic bargain red with aromas and flavors extremely similar to that of a Bordeaux wine. It was dark and rich, and felt very velvety going down.

With or Without Food: Without Food

Tasting- Simonet Blanc de Blancs

Date of Tasting: Thursday, March 15, 2012

Variety: Champagne Blend

Region: Elabore

Country: France

Year: n/a

Price: $7.95

Shop Preview: On the nose, there is some bread-yeast and some toast, same on the palate. Great for an everyday bubbly or for mimosas.

My Review: This wine was pretty dry and would not be the best to taste alone. But like in the review, I think it would be best paired with a morning mimosa or with a piece of fruit for garnish.

With or Without Food: Without Food

Tasting- Estrella Merlot

Date of Tasting: Thursday, March 15, 2012

Variety: Merlot (100%)

Region: Napa Valley

Country: United States (California)

Year: 2009

Price: $5.95

Shop Preview: This ruby colored Merlot has raspberry jam aromas with a subtle hint of spice. Layers of vanilla, plum and fig are revealed that linger ever so slightly on the palate. 

My Review: Soft, full bodied. Exceptionally smooth with hints of berries and cassis. Ripe fruit of plum and a touch of vanilla. Nice finish.

With or Without Food: Without Food

Tasting- Oxford Landing Viognier 2009

Date of Tasting: Thursday, March 15, 2012

Variety: Viognier (100%)

Region: South Australia

Country: Australia

Year: 2009

Price: $7.95

Shop Preview: Bright and lively, this white is appealing for its pear, lychee and sweet spice character, which comes together smoothly against a silky texture.

My Review: Pale colored with green hues. I immediately smell the scent of musk and honeysuckle with flowers. Rich texture with a strong end taste of peach.

With or Without Food: Without Food

Tasting- Tierra de Luna Torrontes- Chardonnay 2009

Date of Tasting: Thursday, March 15, 2012

Variety: Torrontes (80%) Chardonnay (20%)

Region: Mendoza

Country: Argentina

Year: 2009

Price: $7.95

Shop Preview: Fresh and crisp, with floral aromas and flavors of quince and pear, this wine is a versatile companion to informal meals, and is excellent as an aperitif.

My Review: The coloring was pretty clear, almost like water but it has an abundance of fruit smells, including peaches, apricots, oranges, and citrus. Not my favorite type of Chardonnay, but it would work well during any season of the year.

With or Without Food: Without Food

Tasting- Doural Red Tinto 2009

Date of Tasting: Thursday, March 15, 2012

Variety: Touriga Nacional (Red Blend)

Region: Dai

Country: Portugal

Year: 2009

Price: $8.95

Shop Preview: This Portuguese tinto (red) blend exhibits a deep red color with violet hues. The nose is vibrant and fruity. The palate offers notes of spice, cherry, and dark berry supported by good structure. Pairs well with red or game meat, cheeses and fish.

My Review: The flavor of this wine was nicely balanced, rich, and smooth. The finish is much drier than I am used to and as a result was not one of my favorites from the days tastings. Although it was not a wine of choice for me, I feel it would have gone well with that of a red meat.

With or Without Food: Without Food

Tasting- Protocolo Blanc

Date of Tasting: Thursday, February 23, 2012

Variety: Airen (%) Macabeo (%)

Region: Castilla- La Mancha

Country: Spain

Year: 2010

Price: $6.95

Shop Preview: Greenish gold. Subtle aromas of mint, lemon and orange, with a hint of honeysuckle. Dry, understand 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 has quite the dry finish for a white table wine, but it was still enjoyable. With not much of a fruit body, this would probably be a good cooking wine or just an everyday drinking wine.

With or Without Food: Without food

Tasting- Resonata Nero d'Avola

Date of Tasting: Thursday, February 23, 2012

Variety: Nero d'Avola (100%)

Region: Sicily

Country: Italy

Year: 2010

Price: $6.95

Shop Preview: Dense ruby red with violet reflections. Lush and ripe bouquet full of mulberries, blackberries and spice. Harmonious and well balanced with good berry fruit in a spicy background.

My Review: Not my cup of tea (or wine), this was a bit to dry for my liking. Although a mix of ripe berries was extremely evident, the finish it left on my palate was unpleasant. Would probably be best with red meat.

With or Without Food: Without Food

Tasting- Don Ramon Tinto

Date of Tasting: Thursday, February 23, 2012

Variety: Grenache (75%) Tempranillo (25%)

Region: Campo de Borja

Country: Spain

Year: 2008

Price: $7.95

Shop Preview: Aged 3 months in American Oak casks. Ruby red in color, with creamy aromas of earth and cherry. Flavor turns toward deeper and darker black cherry and raspberry on a medium framework. A subtle earthiness underneath the bright fruit adds some depth and complexity.

My Review: Agreeing with the shop preview, the first tastes I experience were that of the black cherry and raspberry, followed by a hint of black pepper. Medium-bodied. Needed to be tried with food.

With or Without Food: Without Food

Tasting- Heinz Eifel Shine Riesling 2010

Date of Tasting: Thursday, February 23, 2012

Variety: Riesling (100%)

Region: Pfalz

Country: Germany

Year: 2010

Price: $8.95

Shop Preview: Flint and mineral notes accent pineapple and lime aromas, while on the palate, the wine shows plenty of ripe, citrusy fruit flavors. Tangy acids on the long finish provide balance.

My Review: Riesling has always been one of my favorite variety of wine, and this did not stray. This slightly sweet and bright wine was pleasing throughout. I tasted a crisp flavor of green apple, peach and pear.

With or Without Food: Without Food

Tasting- Santola Vinho Verde

Date of Tasting: Thursday, February 23, 2012

Variety: Non-Varietal White Blend

Region: Minho

Country: Portugal

Year: 2011

Price: $7.95

Shop Preview: Soft and creamy, although with just the right Vinho Verde bite, this is a crisp an clean wine, boasting light pear and pink grapefruit flavors. Off dry and very fresh

My Review: This wine was extremely light and refreshing. It had a bit of a sparkle to it and was very pleasant to drink from beginning to end. I could also taste a hint of lemon, giving it a beachy/summer feeling.
With or Without Food: Without Food

Tasting- Morro Bay White Oak Estates Chardonnay

Date of Tasting: Thursday, February 16, 2012

Variety: Chardonnay (100%)

Region: Lodi (Central Coast, CA)

Country: United States

Year: 2009

Price: $5.95

Shop Review: Vanilla cream soda nose with a slice of of fresh cut pineapple. Full body, tropical fruit, spice and pleasing vanilla oak note linger in the finish. Sweet flavor on the palate is from sur-lie aging the wine on the primary yeast lees for 7 months. A versatile style of wine that can be served chilled with fine cuisine or a glass with friends.

My Review: Citrusy notes on the nose, with a little bit of lemon. Nice flavors of grapefruit and caramel on the palate, with good acid. Finishes very clean, but not very satisfying. Can't beat the price though if you are just drinking for fun.

With or Without Food: Without Food

Tasting- Coreto Tinto

Date of Tasting: Thursday, February 16, 2012

Variety: Portuguese Red (100%)

Region: Lisboa

Country: Portugal

Year: 2008

Price: $6.95

Shop Review: This red from the Coreto range has loads of dark berry fruit with a hint of new oak creating a soft, velvet structure that makes it very easy to drink. Red currant and juicy acidity.

My Review: This wine was a red I could take down with pleasure. Attractively light, it showed off its cool climate origin with the red currant fruit and juicy acidity. Probably would be best drank during the summer or warm weather.

With or Without Food: Without Food

Tasting- Charles Thomas Cotes-du-Rhone

Date of Tasting: Thursday, February 16, 2012

Variety: Syrah (50%) Grenache (40%) Mourvedre (10%)

Region: Rhona

Country: France

Year: 2009

Price: $8.95

Shop Review: Wine Advocate, 87 points: From a 140+ acre estate near the well known Cotes du Rhone village of Point Saint Espirit emerges this juicy Cotes de Rhone. Well-made, with loads of berry fruit and a heady, meaty, peppery nose with a hint of Provencal herbs, the wine is fresh, lively, and best drunk over the next two years.

My Review: This clear ruby win has tremendous overtones of red berry fruits. It is smooth during the entire tasting, including the smooth subtle aftertaste. I agree that this wine would be best with eat and poultry courses.

With or Without Food: Without Food

Tasting- Lost Vineyards Spumante Dolce

Date of Tasting: Thursday, February 16, 2012

Variety: Moscato (50%) Malvasia (50%)

Region: Asti

Country: Italy

Year: 2009

Price: $4.95

Shop Review: Pale silvery straw color. Floral aromas of apples, peaches, and potpourri follow through on a round, frothy entry to a fruity medium bodied sweet wine with good depth and tangy peach fruit and a breezy, harmonious green apple kissed finish.

My Review: This blend was especially crisp with a sparkle and fruity flavor without being too sweet. Could be great with a special occasion celebration of a fun gathering! 

With or Without Food: Without Food

Tasting- Cantina Villafranca Frascati

Date of Tasting: Thursday, February 16, 2012

Variety: Malvasia del Candia (45%) Trebbiano Toscano (15%) Malvasia del Lazio (25%) Grechetto (15%)

Region: Frascati

Country: Italy

Year: 2010

Price: $7.95

Shop Review: Produced from a selection of the best grapes located in the Frascati Doc production area. Intense yellow color with greenish reflections. Characteristic persistent fresh and fruity aromas. Excellent as an aperitif and paired with fish, seafood or white meat.

My Review: Very light yellow color, with a lemon drop/ripe apple sent to dominate the nose. Highly drinkable with a creamy texture. The wine had a medium finish, would recommend for the price, but it wasn't quite for me.

With or Without Food: Without Food

Tasting- Cellar No. 8 Pinot Grigio

 

Date of Tasting: Monday, January 30, 2012

Variety: Sangiovese (100%)

Region: Napa Valley

Country: United States

Year: 2010

Price: $5.95

Shop Review: Cellar No. 8 Pinot Grigio displays notes of pineapple and jasmine on the nose. Crisp and light, this wine has grapefruit and lime flavors that open to a refreshing finish with balanced acidity. Cellar No. 8 Pinot Grigio is perfect on its own, anytime, and it reflects the rich wine-making tradition at Asti.

My Review: The Cellar No. 8 Pinot Grigio opens with aromas of honeysuckle flowers, white peach and fresh pineapple. I can also taste subtle hints of spice lead to a crisp, clean finish.
With or Without Food: Feta Cheese and Bread

Tasting- Ed Hardy 2008 Chardonnay

Date of Tasting: Monday, January 30, 2012

Variety: Chardonnay (100%)

Region: Languedoc

Country: France

Year: 2008

Price: $3.95

Shop Preview: Rather than coming from the heart of Burgundy, this wine comes from the new vineyards in the south eastern part of France called the Languedoc. There Christian found a wine that fits his very critical requirements. The Ed Hardy 2008 Chardonnay seems to explode with the flavors and aromas of green apples and pears with a suggestion of citrus on the background. There is also a very pleasant under flavor of oak, which when combined with a near perfect acid level results in a wine of classical dimensions.

My Review: Not the best Chardonnay I have ever tasted, but for the price, you really can't beat it. The wine started off a bit bitter with a taste of fruit on the side. The tropical flavors tend to get a little less enjoyable as the wine finishes, ending with an additional bitter and "cheap" taste.
With or Without Food: Feta Cheese and Bread

Tasting- Waterbrook Sangiovese Rose

Date of Tasting: Monday, January 30, 2012

Variety: Sangiovese (100%)

Region: Columbia Valley

Country: United States

Year: 2010

Price: $5.95

Shop Preview: This gentle rose is shocking pink in color but subdued in its strawberry and melon flavors with balanced acidity and lingering raspberry notes. Flavors pick up intensity on the dry finish. Drink now.

My Review: This was was extremely crisp from start to finish. For a Rose, it was not as sweet as I had expected but that was a pleasant surprise. The watermelon aroma and taste was evident throughout the tasting. Paired excellently with the Feta and bread slice.
With or Without Food: Feta Cheese and Bread

Tasting- Duck Duck Goose

Date of Tasting: Monday, January 30, 2012

Variety: Chardonnay (100%)

Region: Barossa

Country: South Australia

Year: 2009

Price: $7.95

Shop Preview: Pale golden straw color, highlighted with vibrant Lime hues. The bouquet is flowing with ripe peach and Nectarine which leads to the mouth-watering palate. Fresh fruit driven with melon and citrus overtones. Goes beautifully with light foods such as fish, shellfish and cheeses.

My Review: When I began my tasting of the Duck Duck Goose, I was going in expected a very dry white wine flavor, but received something a bit different. The full fruit flavors were so abundant that the dry white was overwhelmed with tropical fruit and lime. Although recommended with light foods, the heavy Feta cheese and bread snack went perfect. 
With or Without Food: Feta Cheese and Bread

Tasting- Palos Verdejo

Date of Tasting: Monday, January 30, 2012

Variety: Verdejo (100%)

Region: Castilla y Leon

Country: Spain

Year: 2009

Price: $4.95

Shop Preview: Castellana's 2009 Palos Verejo is medium straw-colored with a nose of fennel, spring flowers, citrus, and apple. Crisp and vibrant on the palate, this tasty offering is a good value that will deliver pleasure over the next 12-18 months.

My Review: I can taste lots of floral fragrances on the nose, almost perfume like (in a good way). Taste is lighter than anticipated given the nose. Light in texture, well balanced, salt and sweetness, and taste of fully ripe apples.
With or Without Food: Feta Cheese and Bread