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?
