Tasting- Reserve Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône

Name: Reserve Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône

Variety: 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Cinsault

Region: Rhone Valley

Country: France

Year: 2010

Price: $14.95/ 750 mL, $38.95/3L

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

My review: This wine was a surprise.  For one thing, this is a boxed wine, which is still not a common occurrence for French wines. It had a grapey smell, that was both sweet and striking.  Upon further smells, it became apparently jammy, and full of berries.  However, it tasted nothing like the way it smelled. It was very spicy (the Syrah was evident in this wine), and full of tannins.  Although this wine was not necessarily my cup of tea, I will say it is a wine that will take you by surprise, mostly because its taste and smell are nothing alike. 

I did not drink this with food.

Tasting-Lobetia Tempranillo

Name: Lobetia Tempranillo

Variety: Tempranillo

Region:  La Mancha

Country: Spain

Year: 2011

Price: $9.95

Shop 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.” (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg VA)

My review: For a 2011 Tempranillo, this wine is young.  It’s color was ruby-red, with a pink rim.  Like most Tempranillo’s I’ve had, this wine had a  smell of beef stew broth.  It also had hints of spice and perfume.  The taste also had spicy elements, and the perfumy smells gave way to a taste of bread and meat.  It also had slight acidic notes, as is expected with young wines.

 I drank this without food.

Tasting-Lobetia Chardonnay

Name: Lobetia Chardonnay

Variety: Chardonnay

Region: La Mancha

Country: Spain

Year: 2011

Price: $9.95

Shop 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.” (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg VA)

My review: This wine had a clear smell full of sugar and fruit (much like what was described in the review from the Vintage Cellar).  This wine is an unoaked Chardonnay, and was a delightful, light wine.  It was well balanced with slight acidity, and would be very refreshing on a warm summer’s day.

I drank this without 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

Shop 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. (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg VA)

My review: This wine was light, it could have been mistaken for water. I could sense grapes and tomatoes on the nose.  The taste was very light, slightly sour, and slightly yeasty.  It was a pleasant wine, I agree with the cellar’s review: drink now.

I drank this without food.

Tasting-Ksana Bonarda

Name: Ksana Bonarda

Variety: 100% Bonarda

Region: Mendoza

Country: Argentina

Year: 2008

Price: $9.95

Shop review: “The bouquet is floral and lightly jammy, with berry aromas and a savory note or two. To the uninitiated, this is a great introduction to Bonarda. Finishes solid. Very sweet, berry smell with some rooty undertones. Kind of dry, makes your lips pucker.” (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg VA)

My review: This wine had a rich red violet color, and a strong smell of acetone, berries, and spice.  The smell reminded me of a spiced potpourri.  The taste had little tannins, and was very bitter (it was like swallowing a vitamin D or Prednizone tablet, for those who know that medicine).

I drank this without food.

Tasting- Concannon Shiraz

Name: Concannon Shiraz

Variety: Shiraz

Region: Central Coast California

Country: United States

Year: 2008

Price: $7.95

Shop review: This is an extremely rich, full-bodied wine with a dark fruit core. Aromas of blackberry, blueberry, cassis and dark cherry are followed by more berry fruits and chocolate and mocha on the

palate.” (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg VA)

My review: This wine had a rich red color, as is expected with Shiraz wine.  It had a smell full of spice and twig that filled my entire nose.  The taste had smoky elements, with lamb jerky, and chalky/gritty components.  This wine would probably go well with meat, especially peppered steak.

I did not drink this with food.

Tasting-Chandon Sweet Cuvée

Name: Chandon Sweet Cuvée

Variety: Sparkling wine blend

Region:  California

Country: United States

Year: NV

Price: $9.95

Shop 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..” (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg VA)

My review: This red wine had a brown or orange hue to it, and was quite fizzy.  It had a smell of berries, citrus fruits, and in particular blood orange.  The taste resembled a fruit soda (without sugar).  There were also hints of cheese in this wine.

 I drank this without food.