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