Tasting- Robertson Winery Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Robertson Winery Sauvignon Blanc

Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Western Cape

Country: South Africa

Year: 2006

Price: $12.00

Review: Ripe, round aromas of melon and pineapple lead into a crisp, fresh and slightly flinty SB. This has length and complexity but is still light and clean. Its poised balance of minerality and appealing fruit makes it good for pairing or enjoying alone.

My Review:  This wine was fruity and crisp.  I tasted apples and pears.  It had a slightly hot finish. I liked it. 
Food: Not tasted with food

Tasting- Monte Aman

Name: Monte Aman
Variety: Tempranillo
Region: Arlanza
Country: Spain
Year: 2009
Price: $5.95
Vintage Cellar Review: 100% Tempranillo. Fermentation of selected grapes in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature. Aging in American oak casks for 5 months followed by 3 months in the bottle before being released in the market. Inky ruby. Ripe cherry and plum on the nose. Smooth and fleshy, with deep dark fruit flavors complicated by bitter chocolate and anise. A spicy quality adds lift and focus to the weighty fruit. Offers an appealing mix of power and energy and drinks very well right now. 
My Review: This wine smelled spicy and tart.  It tasted bitter and was spicy with distinct pepper. I did not like it. 
Food: Not tasted with food

Tasting- Cortenova Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

Name: Cortenova Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Variety: Montepulciano d' Abruzzo 
Region: Abruzzo
Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $6.95
Vintage Cellar Review: 100% Montepulciano d' Abruzzo Deep ruby red color with violet highlights and a pleasant and fruity bouquet. Full bodied, soft tannins and good acidity. Excellent with pasta dishes and red meats. 
My Review: This wine smelled spicy.  I tasted cherries.  This wine was pretty smooth.  I did not like it. 
Food: Not tasted with food

Tasting- Maipe Chardonnay

Name: Maipe Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2012
Price: $7.95
Vintage Cellar Review: Made from 85% Chardonnay, 15% Viognier. 30% malolactic fermentation, 30% was aged in French oak barrels. Brilliant yellow golden color with green hints. The wine is crisp and filled with white peach, pear, green apples flavors, toasty vanilla. Elegant and luscious wine, well balanced. Crisp and long finish. Pairs well with creamy soups, pork, veal, vegetables.   
My Review: This wine was berry and fruity.  I tasted a hint of vanilla.  This wine was crisp.  I liked it.
Food: Not tasted with food

Tasting- Villa d' Orvieto

Name: Villa d' Orvieto

Variety: Blended
Region: Umbria

Country: Italy

Year: 2011

Price: $6.95

Vintage Cellar Review: 

It’s a blend of Grechetto, Procanico (Trebbiano), and Malvasia. 

Fresh and crisp, it has a beautiful, floral bouquet.  It is wonderful 

with appetizers, fish, chicken, and salads.   

 

My Review: This wine was slightly tart.  I tasted raspberries and mild spice. I thought this wine was so-so. 

Food: Not tasted with food

Tasting- Morada Sangria

Name: Morada Sangria
Variety: Blended (Sangria)
Region: Spain

Country: Spain

Year: NV

Price: $4.95

Vintage Cellar 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.

My Review: This wine smelled very citrus-y. I could smell grapefruit and orange. It tasted like Fresca with orange to me. It was very sweet I liked this wine so much I even bought a bottle. 
Food: Not tasted with food

Tasting- Lost Vineyards Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Lost Vineyards Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon

Variety: Blended (60% Shiraz 40% Cabernet Sauvignon)
Region: Argentina 

Country: Argentina 

Year: NV

Price: $3.95

Vintage Cellar Review: It is dry and contains subtle tobacco undertones with a black licorice, cherry, scent. The oak is in the background. Would pair well hamburger or a steak rather than stand alone. 

My Review: This wine smelled spicy with a hint of black licorice. It was dry and spicy. I did not like this wine. 
Food: Not tasted with food

Tasting- Villa Pozzi Nero D'Avola

Name: Villa Pozzi Nero D'Avola

Variety: Nero D'Avola (Calabrese) 
Region: Sicily 

Country: Italy

Year: 2010

Price: $8.95

Vintage Cellar 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. 

My Review: This wine smelled like plums. I tasted a lot of tannins and a little pepper. I did not like this wine. 
Food: Not tasted with food

Tasting- Tres Ojos Rosé

Name: Tres Ojos Rosé

Variety: Blended (50%Tempranillo 50% Garnacha)
Region: Calatayud

Country: Spain

Year: 2009

Price: $1.95

Vintage Cellar Review: 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.

My Review: This wine smelly spicy with a little bit of cherry. I mainly tasted spice with a hint of berry. I did not like this wine. 
Food: Not tasted with food

Tasting- Les Perles Piquepoul

Name: Les Perles Piquepoul

Variety: Piquepoul
Region: Vin de Pays de l'Herault

Country: France

Year: 2011

Price: $7.95

Vintage Cellar 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.

My Review: This wine smooth and fruity. It was very refreshing and I tasted apples. I liked this wine. 
Food: Not tasted with food

Tasting- Gabriella Chianti

Name: Gabriella Chianti

Variety: Blended (Chianti)
Region: Tuscany

Country: Italy

Year: 2008

Price: $7.95

Vintage Cellar 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: This wine was spicy. I tasted raspberries. I did not like this wine. 
Food: Not tasted with food

Tasting- Domaine de Mirail Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot Rose

Name: Domaine de Mirail Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot Rosé

Variety: Blended
Region: Cotes de Gascogne

Country: France

Year: 2011

Price: $5.95

Vintage Cellar Review: 

There is a fresh, crisp character to this light rosé. It is eye-watering 

in its refreshing character, with balancing acidity, smoothing out 

the edges with a touch of caramel.

My Review: This wine had a light spice taste. I could not specifically taste much else. I thought this wine was so-so.
Food: Not tasted with food

Tasting- Norton Torrontes

Name: Norton Torrontes

Variety: Torrontes
Region: Mendoz

Country: Argentina 

Year: 2011

Price: $5.95

Vintage Cellar Review: Greenish yellow with hints of gold, this Torrontes has intense aromas of white peach, rose petal, and jasmine. Norton Torrontes 2011 is pleasant and well balanced on the palate.
My Review: This wine was mild and smooth. I tasted peaches. I thought this wine was so-so. 
Food: Not tasted with food

Tasting- Dibon Cava Brut Reserve

Name: Dibon Cava Brut Reserve

Variety: Blended

Region: Penedes, Catalonia

Country: Spain

Year: NV

Price: $9.95

Vintage Cellar Review: Xarel-lo, Parellada and Macabeo 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.

My Review: It smelled very fruity. This wine was sparkling and crisp. I tasted apples. I liked this wine.

Food: Not tasted with food

Tasting- Lavarini Valpolicella Classico

Name: Lavarini Valpolicella Classico

Variety: Valpolicella blend
Region: Amarone della Valpolicella Classico

Country: Italy

Year: 2010

Price: $6.95

Vintage Cellar Review: 

65% Corvina Veronese, 25% Rondinella and

10% Molinara. 

The red ruby color and the dry taste give this  

wine joviality and cordiality. It is fresh and fruity, with lovely

strawberry and cherry aromas and flavors, with nice spice and 

a silky texture.

My Review: This wine is dry and smoky. It has a distinct spicy taste. I did not like this wine. 

Food: Not tasted with food

Tasting- Sokol Blosser Meditrina

Name: Sokol Blosser Meditrina

Variety: Blended
Region: Oregon

Country: United States

Year: NV

Price: $7.95

Vintage Cellar 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.

My Review: This wine smelled sweet. I tasted cherry and mild spices. It was an overall mild red wine. I liked it.
Food: Not tasted with food

Tasting- Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay/Semillon

Name: Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay/Semillon

Variety: Blended
Region: South Australia

Country: Australia 

Year: 2008

Price: $5.95

Vintage Cellar 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.

My Review: This wine was tart and crisp. It was very fruity, although, I could not pick out any specific fruits. I liked it.
Food: Not tasted with food

Tasting- Beringer Riesling

Name: Beringer Riesling

Variety: Riesling
Region: California

Country: United States

Year: 2009

Price: $5.95

Vintage Cellar 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.
My Review: This tasted sweet like honey with a hint of something else I could not identify. It was a little dry. I liked it.
Food: Not tasted with food

Tasting- Opera Prima Pink Moscato

Name: Opera Prima Pink Moscato

Variety: Moscato
Region: La Mancha

Country: Spain

Year: NV

Price: $5.95

Vintage Cellar Review: This fine sparkling presents and 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 it own, as an aperitif 

or with all types of sweets and desserts.

My Review: This wine was very carbonated, almost like soda. It was very sweet and crisp with a hint of citrus. This wine is a perfect dessert wine. I liked it.
Food: Not tasted with food

Tasting- Black Opal Shiraz

Name: Black Opal Shiraz

Variety: Shiraz
Region: South Australia 

Country: Australia

Year: 2011

Price: $5.95

Vintage Cellar 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. 

My Review: This wine was spicy, with pronounced pepper. I tasted tannins. This wine was definitely a milder shiraz. I thought it was so-so, but my favorite shiraz I have tasted thus far.
Food: Not tasted with food

Tasting- Bartenura Moscato

Name: Bartenura Moscato

Variety: Moscato
Region: Lombardy

Country: Italy

Year: 2010

Price: $4.95

Vintage Cellar 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 appetizer or with dessert.
My Review: This wine smelled sweet. It tasted like honey and candy. I liked the bubbles. This wine is a perfect dessert wine. I liked it.
Food: Not tasted with food

Tasting- Finca del Castillo Tempranillo

Name: Finca del Castillo Tempranillo

Variety: Tempranillo (Rioja grape variety)
Region: Castilla-La Mancha

Country: Spain

Year: 2011

Price: $4.95

Vintage Cellar 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 spicy flavors. Darkens up on the finish, which is long and peppery, with adequate juiciness and a final note of tomato.
My Review: This wine smelled sweet and spicy. It had an aftertaste of spices and tomato. I thought this wine was so-so.
Food: Not tasted with food

Tasting- Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau

Name: Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau
Variety: Gamay
Region: Beaujolais
Country: France
Year: 2012
Price: $3.95
Vintage Cellar Review: Bright and tangy, offering a classic banana note on the nose, with flavors of raspberry, wild strawberry and light spice. Modest finish.
My Review: I definitely smelled and tasted both banana and spices. I though this wine was so-so.
Food: Not tasted with food

Tasting- Mars and Venus Chardonnay

Name: Mars and Venus Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Central Valley
Country: Chile
Year: 2011
Price: $5.95 
Vintage Cellar 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.
My Review: This wine was woody and acidic, not to mention a bit hollow. I really did not taste much flavor. I did not like it.
Food: Not tasted with food

Tasting- La Cappuccina Soave

Name: La Cappuccina Soave 
Variety: Soave (Garganega grape variety) 
Region: Veneto
Country: Italy
Year: 2011
Price: $7.95 
Vintage Cellar Review: Bright straw yellow in color. Delicate on the nose, with 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: This wine was crisp and tart, although a bit hollow. I tasted apples. It was an easy drinking wine. I thought it was so-so.
Food: Not tasted with food