Name: Oak Vinyards
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: California (Napa/Sonoma Valley)
Country: United States
Year: 2010
Price: $5.95
Winery review: Quite an interesting Chardonnay, in an era when so many are too sweet and extracted. There's plenty of orange and apricot fruit flavor, but also a brilliant streak of minerality, like a lick of cold steel, and the overall taste is dry. Really easy to like, with lots of complexity to warrant repeated sipping.
My review: This wine was a quite oaky and maybe even skunky on the nose. The taste followed suit with the scent; very oaky, bitter, acidic and dry. I did not enjoy this wine, and I can honestly say the only thing I agree with in the above review is that this wine was dry. Not an enjoyable experience.
I tasted this on its own without food.
Name: OBiKWA
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: ??
Country: South Africa
Year: 2010
Price: $7.95
Winery review: OBiKWA Sauvignon Blanc is the ideal summer wine and smacks of crisp tropical fruit with a smattering of gooseberries and fig. If you're planning a night out with mates - don't forget to bring along a bottle of this yummy potion!
My review: Acidic, tangy, fresh scent on the nose. VERY acidic taste. Also was a bit tangy and sour. I've said this before, but I have the most difficult time picking up on any fruit component in white wine with the exception of the occasional apple or pear. To me this wine was too light and weak-bodied.
I tasted this on its own without food.
Name: Tres Ojos
Variety: Old Vines
Region: ??
Country: Spain
Year: 2009
Price: $6.95
Winery review: Bright ruby color. Primary dark berry aromas are simple but offer very good purity and focus. Juicy blackberry and bitter cherry flavors are youthfully tangy, with good back-end acidity adding snap. The clean, brisk finish leaves behind notes of sweet dark berry preserves and cracked pepper.
My review: Wonderful bouquet. Very creamy/buttery on the nose with elements of blackberry. Completely disappointed with this wine's taste. VERY DRY - the driest wine I have tried to date by far. The girl next to me poured out the rest of this wine after taking a sip. Had a smoky, creamy flavor that overall left a bad taste in my mouth. I was really excited about trying this wine after smelling it, but was completely turned off after tasting.
I tasted this on its own without food.
Name: Faraway Farms
Variety: Shiraz
Region: ??
Country: South Africa
Year: 2008
Price: $5.95
Winery review: Fresh, modern style, with lots of plum pudding, sweet chocolate, mocha, blackberry and boysenberry flavors supported by round, sweet tannins and toast.
My review: Similar on the nose to the Tres Ojos Garnacha. Butter popcorn and cigarette smoke on the nose. Not quite as dry as the last one, but still too dry for my taste. Creamy aftertaste with no distinct fruit component. Shiraz (Syrah) is probably my favorite variety, so I was pretty disappointed this one didn't have more of that typical sweet, jammy component to it.
I tasted this on its own without food.
Name: Primo Amore
Variety: Moscato
Region: ??
Country: Italy
Year: ??
Price: $8.95
Winery review: Straw-yellow with golden reflections and a delicate mousse. Fruity and very inviting, with intense scents of peaches and exotic fruit. Fresh and pleasantly sweet with a taste that reveals its varietal characteristic.
My review: Sugary, sweet apple scent to it. Very bubbly and tasted sweet - which was greatly welcomed after the past two overly dry wines. Did not have a fruit component that stood out to me, but overall this wine was very pleasant to taste.
I tasted this on its own without food.
Name: Zonin
Variety: Pinot Grigio
Region: ??
Country: Italy
Year: 2009
Price: $5.95
Winery review: 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: Scent of crisp apple on the nose. Also had a tart/sour component to it. Tasted very crisp, acidic, and balanced. I was unable to detect much of a fruit component in the taste and tend to have this problem with almost all white wines I try.
I tasted this on its own without food.
Name: Estrella
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: California
Country: United States
Year: 2010
Price: $5.95
Winery review: Intensely flavored and balanced with layers of vanilla, butter and pear, followed by apple, banana and oak.
My review: I was able to pick up a sour (apple?) gum component on the nose but not much else. Tasted rather bitter and had too much oak for my liking. Very acidic and did not have much of a fruit component to me.
I tasted this on its own without food.
Name: San Elias
Variety: Carmenere
Region: Central Valley
Country: Chile
Year: 2010
Price: $5.95
Winery review: 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: Very strong pepperjack cheese component on the nose. I mentioned this to my friend and he said I nailed it with the description. Very spicy scent. Tasted spicy and creamy with a lot of pepper flavoring. A little disappointed with the taste of this wine because the bouquet almost had me wanting to buy it.
I tasted this on its own without food.
Name: Col Des Vents
Variety: Corbieres
Region: ??
Country: France
Year: 2009
Price: $7.95
Winery review: 50% Carignan, 35% Grenache, 15% Syrah. Brambly berry, cherry and raspberry, spices, black pepper... all are present in this authentic French country wide.
My review: Plum, raspberry jam scent to it. Very sweet and buttery on the nose. Good bouquet. Very smooth taste but rather dry. Had a cheese component to the taste and was a bit hot on the aftertaste.
I tasted this on its own without food.
Name: Peter Mertes
Variety: Liebfraumilch
Region: Rheinhessen
Country: Germany
Year: 2009
Price: $5.95
Winery review: 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 aromas, 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: Crisp, clean and sweet fragrance. No distinct fruit component on the nose. Tasted very sweet -- but I kind of liked it. Acidic, refreshing, with a hint of apple on the mid-palette.
I tasted this on its own without food.
Name: Simonet
Variety: Champagne
Region: ??
Country: France
Year: ??
Price: $7.95
Winery review: 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: Smelled kind of hot on the nose. Very acidic, tart/tangy, and had a hint of bitterness. No noticeable fruit taste to it.
I tasted this on its own without food.
Name: Tierra de Luna
Variety: Torrontes-Chardonnay
Region: ??
Country: Argentina
Year: 2009
Price: $7.95
Winery review: 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: Smelled sweet and had some heat on the nose. Very acidic and bitter. Again, not much fruit flavor in this wine either.
I tasted this on its own without food.
Name: Oxford Landing
Variety: Viognier
Region: ??
Country: Australia
Year: 2009
Price: $7.95
Winery review: 88 points, wine spectator: 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: Strong scent of pear and apple on the nose. Tasted spicy, somewhat acidic, and had a little heat to it. Had a bit of a bite as well.
I tasted this on its own without food.
Name: Doural
Variety: Red Tinto
Region: ??
Country: Portugal
Year: 2009
Price: $8.95
Winery review: 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: Sweet popcorn scent on the nose as well as some raspberry and spice notes. Tasted a little dry and was very tannic. Smooth mouth feel with a hint of popcorn flavor.
I tasted this on its own without food.
Name: Estrella
Variety: Merlot
Region: California (Napa)
Country: United States
Year: 2009
Price: $5.95
Winery review: 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: Had the scent of cherries/berries on the nose. Also smelled spicy with a salsa(?) note to it. Very balanced taste. Pepper comes across pretty strong and finishes with a creamy, vanilla aftertaste.
I tasted this on its own without food.
Name: Les Traverses de Fontanes
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Cyriaque Rozier
Country: France
Year: 2009
Price: $10.95
Winery review: This is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon table wine. It is a declassified wine from the vineyards of Cyriaque Rozier in Pic-St-Loup. Made from 40 year old vines and aged completely in stainless steel, this wine is a total revelation! It is highly uncommon to see Cabernet aged in stainless (in fact I've never seen it before). It is a perfect end of summer early fall wine. Fresh, bright fruit and herbs, and a touch of earthiness. May not be what the average Cabernet drinker is expecting, but it is mighty delicious. Great with a little chill while it's still warm out, and great with grill items--burgers!
My review: Very dark purple color. Smells spicy with some heat on the nose. A bit of a creamy raspberry scent. Very dry, tannic finish. Cannot distinguish any specific fruit flavor in it. Sweet mid-palette.
I tasted this on its own without food.
Name: Domaine Manoir du Carra
Variety: Gamay (Beaujolais)
Region: Burgundy
Country: France
Year: 2011
Price: $10.95
Winery review: Redolent of strawberries and roses, fragrant and medium bodied. Refreshing, tart finish.
My review: Smells very light and fruity -- blackberry and cherry mainly but a hint of strawberry as well. Has a bit of heat on the nose. Tastes pretty much like it smells. Very light and fruity with a strong tart finish. Aftertaste has elements of peach/cantelope to it... maybe even pear? Pretty dry but not bitter. Seems like a white whine trapped in a red wines body.
I tasted this on its own without food.
Name: Rubus
Variety: Shiraz
Region: Barossa
Country: Australia
Year: 2010
Price: $12.99
Winery review: A blend of 98% Shiraz and 2% Viognier, this richly concentrated Barossa Shiraz is indicative of the style for which Australia's top production region is famous. The wine is dark in color, rich and dense. There are ample tannins balanced by the powerful fruit. You will note the hints of blackberries, mint, and eucalyptus flavors upfront and in the finish.
My review: Very dark, purple color. Smells fruity -- like a dark grape juice with a hint of raspberry. Also detect a hint of a bubble gum scent. Tastes very smooth and balanced. Rather full-bodied. An appropriate level of tannins and a hint of dryness -- but overall very sweet. Tastes very similar to last night's Louis Martini -- perhaps a bit sweeter and smoother though.
I also tasted this with food. A fried chicken meal:
Brings out a creamier texture in the wine and cancels most of the dryness. Not sure if this was the best pairing, but both items individually are excellent so I figured... why not?
Name: Louis Martini
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Sonoma County (California)
Country: United States
Year: 2009
Price: $12.99
Winery review: The 2009 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon was crafted from several of Sonoma County's most prestigious appellations and blended seamlessly to bring together the unique characteristics of each vineyard, creating a superbly balanced Cabernet Sauvignon. Made to accentuate the high-toned, delightful fruits of Sonoma County's vineyards, this wine offers many layers, featuring aromas and flavors of red cherry, plum and blackberry fruit with an underlying dry creek dustiness. The round, full mouthfeel has just enough structure to lead it into a fruit focused finish.
My review: Very dark color. Smells a little spicy and creamy/buttery. Very rich fruit scent -- raspberry and black cherry? Has a bit of a dry aftertaste but not too bad. Full-bodied with an appropriate level of tannins and acidity. Has a creamy mid-palette. A trace of heat but not bad. -- The empty glass smells like carmalized brown sugar (like the buttery/brown sugar combination my mom used to used to make bananas foster).
I also tasted this with food. A pot roast was prepared with with this wine:
When tasted with the pot roast, it's almost as if the wine enhanced the flavor. A strong cherry flavor came out and all of the dryness in the wine disappeared. Almost had elements of chocolate or roasted coffee. Excellent combination.
Name: Sutter Home
Variety: White Zinfandel
Region: California
Country: United States
Year: 2010
Price: $4.99
Winery review: Its aroma at cool temperatures is bright, reminiscent of chrome steel and fresh grass. Interesting. At cold temperatures, the aroma fades almost completely - just a tiny hint of grass. On the palate, the first impression is of the broad, smooth and sweet middle. The finish is ripe, quick, with a residual sweetness. Friendly sweetness and mild acids trump any sort of notable flavors, especially at colder temperatures.
My review: Smells very sweet and has a small cherry scent. Maybe even a hint of sourness to it. Also is a bit "hot" on the nose. Tastes almost exactly as it smells. VERY sweet with indistinguishable traces of fruit. A sour aftertaste is present. For only 9.5% alcohol, it has a fair amount of heat to it -- leads me to believe it is not very well balanced.
I tasted this on its own without food.
Name: Muscanti
Variety: Brut
Region: ??
Country: Spain
Year: ??
Price: $7.95
Winery review: Lemon blossoms, green apple, toast and honeydew melon are front and center in this crisp refreshing Spanish Sparkler. Silky supple with lingering flavors, yet a tingle of citric acid on the finish. A combination of traditional cava grapes but this wine is not made in the traditional methode champenoise (which is required by Spanish law to be called Cava). This is made with the Charmat process so this wine may only be called 'Spanish sparkling wine'.
My review: Had a sweet, hot, apple scent to it. Tasted very sour and tangy. Had a strong granny apple taste. Very acidic.
I tasted this on its own without food.
Name: Spanish Vines
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: ??
Country: Spain
Year: 2009
Price: $4.95
Winery review: 85 points, wine enthusiast: Apple and floral notes and then an almost buttery palate with baked apple and citrus flavors.
My review: Had an unfavorable nose to me. Very flowery. Tasted bitter and had some heat to it. Could not detect any one distinct fruit flavor.
I tasted this on its own without food.
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