Tasting- Blackstone Pinot Noir

Name: Blackstone Pinot Noir

Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: California

Country: United States

Year: 2011

Price: $9.00

Review: Deep red brilliant with violet hints. Complex, fruity, and predominant red fruits. Easy to drink, round with persistent sweetness, very well balanced with sweet tannins.
My Review: This wine smelled tart with black cherry undertones.  It tasted well balanced, with hints of nutmeg.  This wine had a light buttery aftertaste and was very smooth, especially considering the alcohol percent. I liked this wine.

Food: Not tasted with food

Tasting- Reserve Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône

Name: Reserve Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône

Variety: Blended
Region: Rhône Valley

Country: France

Year: 2010

Price: $14.95

Vintage Cellar Review: As for their other values, the 2010 Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône Reserve (70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Cinsault) displays loads of ripe flavors. It is very concentrated for a Côtes du Rhône, and is actually an amazing wine. Classic garrigue, black cherry liqueur, lavender, licorice and spice box are all present in this full-bodied, intense, and rich Côtes du Rhône. This is a sensational effort to drink over the next 4-5 years, although it might last even longer.

My Review: This wine smelled like tobacco, cherries and spice. I tasted pepper and black licorice with a little cherry.  This wine was dry.  I did not like this wine. 

Food: Not tasted with food

Tasting- Lobetia Tempranillo

Name: Lobetia Tempranillo

Variety: Tempranillo
Region: La Mancha

Country: Spain

Year: 2011

Price: $9.95

Vintage Cellar Review: Organically and naturally grown and made, this wine allows the varietal and the terroir to stand out cleanly. It shows a nice cherry color with a violet shade because of its youth. Red berries and cherries on the nose. On the palate it is fresh, slightly astringent, and harmonious with a long finish.

My Review: This wine smelled like black cherries.  I tasted cherries and tannins with mild spice.  I though this wine was so-so.  It was not as bold as other tempranillos I've tasted before. 

Food: Not tasted with food

Tasting- Lobetia Chardonnay

Name: Lobetia Chardonnay

Variety: Chardonnay
Region: La Mancha

Country: Spain

Year: 2011

Price: $9.95

Vintage Cellar Review: Organically and naturally grown and made, this wine allows the varietal and the terroir to stand out cleanly. Clean, bright color with a greenish-yellow tone. On the nose, exotic fruits like pineapple. Full flavored, fresh, with good acidity in the mouth, it finishes with tropical fruits.

My Review: This wine smelled like honeysuckle and pineapples.  I could taste pineapples and other tropical fruits I could not identify.  I though this wine was so-so. 

Food: Not tasted with food

Tasting- Trattoria Busa Alla Torre Da Lele

Name: Trattoria Busa Alla Torre Da Lele

Variety: Pinot Grigio
Region: Veneto

Country: Italy

Year: NV

Price: $7.95

Vintage Cellar Review: Named after the famous restaurant in Italy! This is their house white wine! Coppery color from extended skin contact, round and rich texture with juicy melon aromas and flavors with a sweet fennel note on the ultra smooth finish. Great value Grigio! Drink now.

My Review: This wine smelled like pears and canteloupe.  It tasted strongly of pears and apples.  It was smooth and had a sweet aftertaste.  I liked this wine.

Food: Not tasted with food

Tasting- Wilson Daniels Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Wilson Daniels Sauvignon Blanc

Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Central Coast, California

Country: United States

Year: 2010

Price: $7.95

Vintage Cellar Review: Orange blossom and citrus permeate the aromas. Alluring flavors of orange and grapefruit dominate the palate. Bright acidity balances the plush mouthfeel, resulting in a clean finish.

My Review: This wine smelled like citrus and flowers.  I mostly tasted grapefruit.  This wine was crisp and refreshing.  I liked this wine. 

Food: Not tasted with food

Tasting- Chandon Sweet Cuvée

Name: Chandon Sweet Cuvée

Variety: Blended
Region: California 

Country: United States

Year: NV

Price: $9.95

Vintage Cellar Review: This wine is an innovative sparkling wine style revealing vibrant stone fruit and floral aromas with rich, luscious mouthfeel. This wine enlivens the senses and sparks spontaneous moments, complementing your passion for a good life.

My Review: This wine had a predominately floral nose.  I tasted pears with a little spice.  This wine had the perfect amount of carbonation.  I thought this wine was so-so.  

Food: Not tasted with food