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.

Tasting-Black Ridge White Zinfandel

Name: Black Ridge White Zinfandel

Variety: Zinfandel

Region: California

Country: United States

Year: NV

Price: $3.95

Shop review: “This fruit forward White Zinfandel displays fresh aromas and crisp flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry. It is incredibly food friendly and will pair well with burgers, sandwiches, fruit salad, and more..” (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg VA)

My review: This color, for that it is a white wine, was actually pink, a looked more like a Rosè. It had a sour smell, like most white wines.  The taste had both sweet and sour components, like a vodka pasta sauce, with elements of twig and meat.  This dish might go well with pasta dishes with white or pink sauces.

I drank this without 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

Shop 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..” (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg VA)

My review: This wine had a slight lemon, very light and gentle color.  It had a smell of fruit, particularly lemon.  It had a strong sugar, grassy, and sweet grape smell as well.  The taste, however, was not as fruity as I had anticipated, but was actually a lot like bread.  This wine was also fizzy.

I drank this without food.

Tasting-Caprice de BastorLamontagne

Name: Caprice de BastorLamontagne

Variety: 60% Semillon, 36% Sauvignon Blanc, 4% Muscadelle

Region: Sauternes

Country: France

Year: 2004

Price: $7.95

Shop review: “Very clean, with lemon, mineral and honey aromas that follow through to a medium body.  Shows vanilla, apple and melon flavors, with a medium finish. Lightly sweet.” (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg VA)

My review: This wine was golden.  It smelled like sweet, ripe grapes with a slight spice.  The taste was sweet, and I could definitely taste the honey and citrus elements, which could soothe a throat better than any herbal tea. This was a good wine!

I drank this without food.

Tasting- Torre Castillo Alegre

Name: Torre Castillo Alegre

Variety: 100% Monastrell

Region: Jumilla

Country: Spain

Year: 2010

Price: $9.95

Shop review: “Bright ruby-red. Dried cherry, pipe tobacco and rose aromas, with a hint of woodsmoke. Sweet and fleshy on the palate, with blackberry and cherry flavors complimented by licorice and a suggestion of dried herbs. The cherry and smoke notes repeat on the finish.” (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg VA)

My review: This wine was aged for 4 months in new American oak barrels.  It had a smell of kosher grape juice, like the kind you can get from your local grocer.  The smell was fruity, sweet, and “grapey”. It also smelled like bread.  The taste had elements of this kosher grape juice (which, since I like kosher grape juice, was very enjoyable), and also had spicy elements, evident of the aging in oak barrels.

I did not drink this with food.

Tasting-Wilson Daniels Merlot

Name: Wilson Daniels Merlot

Variety: Merlot

Region: Central Coast California

Country: United States

Year: 2010

Price: $7.95

Shop review: “Made predominantly from Paso Robles grapes, the wine is full-bodied and silky yet robust, with aromas of black cherry and plum and a palate of blackberry, raspberry, and blueberry jam laced with vanilla and toast.” (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg VA)

My review: The color of this wine was red-brown, with the smell of ripe cheese and berries, with hints of pepper at the end.  The taste reinforced this pepper and spice smell.  It was smooth, with little tannins, and was overall a very nice wine.

 I drank this without food.

Tasting-Bricco Dei Tati Rosè

Name: Bricco Dei Tati Rosè

Variety: 100% Barbera

Region: Langhe (Piedmont, Barbaresco DOC)

Country: Italy

Year: 2012

Price: $6.95

Shop review: “Fresh with aromas of strawberries, cherries, and rose petals, this is an ideal wine with shellfish, salads, chicken, and appetizers.” (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg VA)

My review: This wine had a very pleasant smell of sweet roses and other flowers.  It also had hints of cherry chocolate on the nose.  The taste was acidic, and resembled a vodka or other lighter pasta sauce.  I agree with the review when they say this wine would go well with shellfish- especially shrimp scampi.

I drank this without food.

Tasting- Smoking Loon Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Smoking Loon Sauvignon Blanc

Variety: Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Californina                               

Country: United States

Year: 2009

Price: $7.95

Shop review: “This bleached blonde beauty is reminiscent of fresh green apples, pineapple, and has hints of hibiscus blossoms. The concentration of zesty lemon and gooseberry fills your mouth leaving notes of thyme and melon behind. The bright acid in this wine gives you a zing while the fruit keeps your mouth watering for more. This wine pairs beautifully with a grilled prawn salad with a grapefruit vinaigrette, veggie spring rolls or grilled tilapia with mango salsa.” (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg VA)

My review: The color of this wine was very light, almost like water.  The smell had a fresh, crisp, acidic feel that filled my entire nose.   It smelled like an array of ripe citrus fruits.  The taste had woody, yeasty elements, with a finish that left me feeling refreshed.

I drank this without food.

Tasting-Ruta 22 Malbec

Name: Ruta 22 Malbec

Variety: Malbec

Region: Patagonia

Country: Argentina

Year: NV

Price: $7.95

Shop review: “Stout and dense from the beginning, with blackberry and violet aromas. Despite being a bold and dark Malbec, this is fresh and composed, with sweet blackberry and cassis flavors. Good on the finish, with candied fruit and caramel sweetness.” (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg VA)

My review: This wine had a rich ruby red color, and a smell that was full of jam and berry.  It had a muted taste with slight hints of twig and root.  Overall, this was not a bad wine.

I drank this without food.

Tasting- Château Serres Sainte Lucie Corbières

Name: Château Serres Sainte Lucie Corbières

Variety: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre

Region: Corbières (Languedoc-Roussillon)

Country: France

Year: NV

Price: $4.95

Shop review: “Superb dark garnet color with a few reflections of dark orange. Intense nose of ripe fruits, spices, and roasted coffee. The palate is rounded and full, with silky matured tannins and hints of vanilla. This wine is rich and powerful with layers of tannins.” (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg VA)

My review: This wine had a dark red color with slight brown tints around the edges.  It had a strong smell of permanent marker, barnyard, and manure.  It had slight inky smells to it as well.  The taste carried these permanent marker and barnyard scents, though at a lesser intensity.  The wine also had spicy hints to it, and was overall very smooth.

I did not drink this with food.

Tasting-Cresta Azul

Name: Cresta Azul

Variety: Moscatel, Macabeo, Parellada, Xarel-lo

Region: Emporda

Country: Spain

Year: NV

Price: $5.95

Shop review: “Peach, orange cream and vanilla flavors mingle in this softly bubbly white. Off-dry, but with crisp acidity and a clean finish.” (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg VA)

My review: This wine was very light in color.  And had a smell of green pepper, melon and honeydew, and sprite.  It had a nice, delicate, sweet taste with a slight acidic finish.

 I drank this without food.

Tasting-Veleta Tempranillo Rosado

Name: Veleta Tempranillo Rosado

Variety: Tempranillo

Region: Granada

Country: Spain

Year: 2010

Price: $3.95

Shop review: “Fresh in flavor and crisp in texture, this dry rosé offers berry, tart cherry and light herbal flavors, with firm acidity and a clean finish. Focused and juicy..” (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg VA)

My review: This wine had a redder color to the Veleta Brut Vino Rosado.  It had a smell of berries and pot roast, which is what I expect from a Tempranillo.  It was smooth and coated the inside my mouth.  It had slight tannins, and had bitter and chalky elements to it.

I drank this without food.

Tasting- Veleta Brut Vino Espumoso Rosado

Name: Veleta Brut Vino Espumoso Rosado

Variety: Sparkling Brut Blend

Region: Grenada                                    

Country: Spain

Year: NV

Price: $3.95

Shop review: “Rosé salmon with copper reflections. Slow rising fine bubble that forms “lace” and “rosary”. In the nose is complex and elegant with red fruit, citric, exotic, fresh flowers, and notes of dry fruits and dry flowers. Fresh, gentle, and alive. Perfectly integrated “perlage” with serious and subtle flavors of dry fruits, pomegranate and lemonade. Long lasting scent of flowers and herbs.” (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg VA)

My review: The wine had a brownish color, and the smell of celery and sweet apricot.  When I was smelling this wine, I envisioned the color green.  The taste was very much like perfume, with floral and slight wood hints.

I drank this without food.