Tasting - Morada Sangria

Name: Morada Sangria
Variety: Red Blend
Region: La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: NV
Price: $4.95

Shop 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 (Vintage Cellar).

My Review: I was extremely hesitant to try the Morada Sangria because I tend to stay away from all Sangria's in general. The nose of the Sangria smelled pretty good. Reminded me of an air freshener, except not so overpowering. The main aroma that jumped out at me was the citrusy orange. When tasting the Morada Sangria, it was sweet as expected, however, it was bearable. I felt as if I was drinking a fruit juice. Again, the orange flavors were the most prominent. I think that I would have been able to enjoy this Sangria more if it had a bit of a sparkle to it.

Food: N/A

Tasting - Lost Vineyards Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Shop 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 (Vintage Cellar). 
 
My Review: The nose of the Lost Vineyards Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon was quite tart. I picked up strong notes of cherry, as well as hints of licorice. The taste of the wine was tart and dry as well. It ended with a bit of a burnt aftertaste. As the shop review recommends, this wine would certainly have been better with a meal. Along with trying it with some sort of red meat, I think this wine would be paired nicely with an Eggplant dish.

Food: N/A

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
 
 Shop 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 (Vintage Cellar).
 
My Review:  The Villa Pozzi Nero D'Avola had a soft plum nose with hints of licorice. The aromas somewhat reminded me of a Twizzler. Surprisingly, the taste was not at all sweet like the aromas of it. This wine was very spiced with an almost cinnamony taste to it. I surprisingly really enjoyed this wine. Though I don't seem to generally enjoy spiced wines, this one made me want to curl up with a big glass of it next to a fire on a cold, snowy day.

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Tasting - Tres Ojos Rose

Name:  Tres Ojos Rose

Variety: 50% garnacha, 50% tempranillo

Region: Calatayud

Country: Spain

Year: 2009

Price: $1.95

Shop Review: The store had a review for this wine. I chose this wine because it was very cheap and had a decent rating. The review done by iwinereviews. The review states: “A 50-50 blend of Tempranillo and Garacha, 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 (Vintage Cellar).

My review: The Tres Ojos had hints of plum in its nose. When drinking this wine, the spices were the first thing I noticed, however, I could not specify exactly what spices I was tasting. I didn't quite enjoy this wine. There was nothing memorable about this wine. Along with the spiced flavors, it had a fruity palate as well, but nothing over the top. It had a very dry finish that lingered.

Food: N/A

Tasting - Les Perles Piquepoul

Name: Les Perles Piquepoul
Variety: Piquepoul
Country: France
Region: Vin de Pays de l'Herault
Year: 2011
Price: $7.95

Shop 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 (Vintage Cellar).

My Review: The Les Perles Piquepoul had a very light nose to it, with soft notes of apple and citrus fruits, such as lemon. The first taste of the wine was very flavorful and not what I was expecting at all. I was waiting for a much tartier taste to match the scent, however, I was pleasantly surprised by how well rounded the wine was. It wasn't too sweet or too acidic. It had a lovely finish to it that was just the perfect amount of sweetness, but you could also taste the citrusy grapefruit as well. I felt refreshed after drinking this wine. It would be perfect for a warm summer day paired with seafood, such as a Ceviche, or a light cheese like Brie.

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Tasting - Gabriella Chianti

Name: Gabriella Chianti
Variety: Sangiovese
Region: Tuscany
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: The Gabriella Chianti had a dark berry and spiced notes. It was a very dry wine with strong taste to it. The wine had a surprising sweetness to it that I was not expecting from the aromas of it. However, it ended with a bit of a spiced finish. 

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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: The ruby red color and the dry taste give this wine joviality and cordiality. It is fresh and fruits, with lovely strawberry and cherry aromas and flavors, with nice spice and a silky texture.

My Review: I could really pick up the cherry nose of the Lavarini Valpolicella Classico. It had a very earthy, spiced taste to it that left a chocolatey aftertaste. For a spiced wine, this wasn’t as strong as others, so I actually enjoyed this wine. 

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Tasting - Dom de Mirail Cabernet/Merlot Rose

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Name: Domain de Mirail Cabernet/Merlot Rose

Variety: 20% Merlot, 80% Cabernet
Region: Southern France
Country: France
Year: 2011
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: There is a fresh, crisp character to this light rose. It is eye-watering in its refreshing character, with balancing acidity, smoothing out the edges with a touch of caramel.

My Review: The Domain de Mirail Cabernet/Merlot Rose didn’t have a particularly strong nose. The taste of the wine was also very bland. The wine had a semi-dry and extremely light palate. I didn’t really enjoy this wine because it was so light and barely noticeable until the after taste. The strongest part of this wine was the finish. 

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Tasting - Norton Torrontes

Name: Norton Torrontes 
Variety: 100% Torontes 
Region: 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. - TGIC Importers

My Review: The Norton Torrontes had a lovely peachy and floral nose. It had a dry and rosy taste. It wasn’t very sweet, which I really liked about it. It was very nice and refreshing. It was a light wine that I wouldn’t mind enjoying over and over again.

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Tasting - Dibon Cava

Name: Dibon Cava 
Variety: 45% Macabeo, 25% Xarel-lo, 30% Parellada
Region: Penedes 
Country: Spain 
Year: Non-vintage 
Price: $9.95
 
Winery 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. - Wine Enthusiast
 
My Review: The Dibon Cava didn’t have a very distinct smell to me. I was able to pick up hints of apple. Because this is a Cava, I was expecting it to be fizzy, however, it was so overwhelmingly fizzy that I felt like it was foam. When tasting it, I picked up the citrus flavors.

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Tasting - Beringer Riesling

Name: Beringer Riesling

Variety: 100% Riesling

Region: Napa Valley, California

Country: United States

Year: 2009

Price: $5.95

Shop 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 (Vintage Cellar).

My Review: The Beringer Riesling was very sweet on the nose, however, I couldn’t pick up any particular flavors when smelling it. The taste of it was refreshing, with hints of peach. I felt as though the peachy taste was most prominent in the after taste of the wine. I don’t generally like Rieslings because they are so sweet, but because peaches are one of my favorite fruits, I would be able to enjoy this Riesling again.

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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

Shop 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 (Vintage Cellar).

My review: When smelling the Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay Semillon, the melon scent immediately jumps out. The taste of it was very similar as well. The melon was definitely prominent, however it wasn’t as sweet as I was expecting it to be from the scent. What I found interesting about it is that I generally feel like wines that aren’t sweet taste more alcoholic, however, this wine wasn’t like that. It had a wonderful smooth finish to it, which ended the experience well.

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Tasting - Sokol Blosser Meditrina

Name: Sokol Blosser Meditrina

Variety: 28% Pinot Noir, 50% Syrah, 22% Zinfandel

Region: Oregon

Country: United States

Year: NV

Price: $7.95

Shop 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 (Vintage Cellar).

My review: The Sokol Blosser Meditrina had a scent that I'd never really smelled in a wine before. It smelled chocolately and almost like a cake, which I'm assuming was the raspberries. With the first sip, I tasted the black cherries much more than raspberry, which was delightful. The wine was extremely smooth and had a great finish that left a hint of raspberry in my mouth. What I loved most about it is that it was the perfect balance of sweetness. It wasn't overly sweet, but also wasn't too dry. I was definitely ready for more of this wine and will absolutely be enjoying this wine again in the future.

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Tasting - Black Opal Shiraz

Name: Black Opal Shiraz

Variety: 100% Shiraz

Region: Southeastern Australia

Country: Australia

Year: 2011

Price: $5.95

 

Shop 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 (Vintage Cellar).

 

My review: The Black Opal Shiraz had an extremely nice blend of smells. You could certainly smell different spices. There was one spice that wasn't cinnamon, but reminded me of it. You could also smell the peppery tones, and could taste them as well. The plum was a nice accent and blended well with the pepper. Not too strong of a red but still tasted great. Personally, I prefer fruitier reds rather than spiced, peppery ones, but even so I really enjoyed this wine.

 

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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

Wine Shop 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 (Vintage Cellar).


My Review: When smelling the Opera Prima Pink Moscato, I couldn't really pick up any specific scents. Personally, the smell of it didn't seem to appealing. The Moscato had an overwhelmingly sweet taste that didn't match the scent of it at all. I honestly couldn't taste much of the flavors in it because it was so unbelievably sweet for my palate. I felt as if I was drinking sprite and couldn't finish more than half of the tasting.


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Tasting - Bartenura Moscato

Name: Bartenura Moscato
Variety: Moscato
Region: Italy
Country: Spain
Year: 2010
Price: $4.95

Shop Review: The inviting apricot preserves, honey, butter, and roasted almond aromas of this semi-sparkler pull you right in. It's on the sweet side, with stone-fruit flavors kept alive by decent acidity. The palate bubbles and tingles and maintains its balance. Fine as an aperitif or with dessert (Vintage Cellar).

My Review: The Bartenura Moscato, like most Moscatos, was very sweet. I personally found the wine too sweet to enjoy. What I did like about it is that it had a bit of a bubbly quality to it. I think this would be a great beginner wine for timid first time wine drinkers.

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Tasting - Finca del Castillo

Name: Finca del Castillo 
Variety: Tempranillo 
Region: La Mancha 
Country: Spain 
Year: 2011
Price: $4.95

Shop Review: Rooty, spicy and baked on the nose, with aromas that lean towards raisin. The palate is more gritty and acidic, with raisin, cola, and spic flavors. Darkens up on the finish, which is long and peppery, with adequate juiciness and a final note of tomato (Vintage Cellar).

My Review: The Finca del Castillo had a very interesting aroma to it. I got a strong hint of pears, rather than spices. However, the taste was definitely more spicy than fruity. It had a very deep robust taste. The wine had a very long, dry finish, which I didn’t particularly enjoy.

Food: Although I didn't taste this wine with food at the time, I personally would have paired it with a soft cheese.

Tasting - Georges Duboeuf Beaufolais Nouveau

Name: Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau 
Variety: Gamay
Region: Beaujolais
Country: France
Year: 2011
Price: $3.95

Shop Review: Bright and tangy, offering a classic banana note on the nose, with flavors of raspberry, wild strawberry, and light spice. Modest finish (Vintage Cellar).

My Review: The Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau had a wonderful berry smell. I also picked up a hint of caramel, but no banana. I could definitely taste the berries, especially the strawberry. This wine was absolutely wonderful. What I loved the most about this wine is that it truly had a smooth finish, especially for a red. 

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Tasting - La Cappuccina Soave

Name: La Cappuccina Soave
Variety: Garganega
Region: Veneto
Country: Italy
Year: 2011
Price: $7.95

Shop Review: Bright straw yellow in color. Delicate on the nose, whit notes of flowers and almonds. Dry, well-structured and delicately fruity with hints of bitter almonds on the finish that is typical of Garganega-based wines.

My Review: The La Cappuccina Soave had strong floral scents. I was not able to pick up on the almondy scent the shop described, however I could certainly taste it. It is a dry white, as described, but I could also taste the fruitiness. What I really liked about this wine is that it lacked a citrus bite. I could see myself enjoying this on a bright summer day. 

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Tasting - Mars and Venus Chardonnay

Name: Mars and Venus Chardonnay
Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Region: Central Valley
Country: Chile
Year: 2011
Price: $5.95

Shop Review: A very nice value Chardonnay that comfortably over-delivers vs its modest price tag. No oak here, just bushels of clean, crisp, Chardonnay apple and stone fruit with a hint of caramelized pineapple. Juicy and clean, this is a mid-weight white that's just perfect for parties or weeknight sipping (Vintage Cellar).

My Review: The Mars and Venus Chardonnay had a fruity, sweet smell. The Chardonnay had a slightly buttery taste and was kind of sweet. I was definitely able to pick up the fruity flavors that the aromas suggested, namely the apple. I genuinely enjoyed this wine, especially after noticing the extremely reasonable price!

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