Monday, April 28, 2014

Tasting - "Rosemount Estate Moscato"

Rosemount Estate Moscato
Moscato
N/A
Australia
2012
$12-$3.95

Critic Review
Clear, medium-lemon yellow in appearance; lovely citrus and honeysuckle aromas with lemon, honeysuckle, apple and ripe yellow plum flavours.  Serve chilled with angel food cake or fresh fruit and mild cheeses.

My Review
  • Smell: sweet, honey, citrus, sprite, flowers
  • Taste: sprite, lemon, citrus, honey, syrup
  • This wine was almost overly sweet at first but with a balanced finish
Overall this wine was a pretty typical moscato to me, very sweet and light. I did not pair this wine with food.


Tasting - "Ironstone Old Vine Zinfandel"

Ironstone Old Vine Zinfandel
Zinfandel
Lodi
California
2011
$15-$7.95 on sale

Critic Review
Grown in vineyards that are over 45 years old, this medium-bodied Zin has exceptional varietal character with lovely aromas of dark fruit and blackberry. Subtle pepper spice mingles with richly concentrated fruit flavors of blackberry, ripe plums and fresh red raspberries. Barrel aging created its smooth, silky finish and unprecedented depth.  A wonderful wine pairing for variety of dishes. Any type of meat - whether its pork, beef or game - is ideal with this wine. Cioppino is another amazing complement or try it with tomato-based pastas, hearty stews or a plate of strong, aged cheeses.

My Review

  • Smell: woody, spicy, plants, raspberries, blackberries, cherries
  • Taste: spicy, cherry, raspberry, dark wild berries
  • This wine was incredibly silky and creamy on the finish with a great body
Overall this wine was fantastic, I was unsure at the first taste but after the second sip I was hooked. I did not pair this wine with food.

Tasting - "Librandi Ciro Rosso Classico"

Librandi Ciro Rosso Classico
Rosso Classico
N/A 
Italy
N/A
$14-$3.95 on sale

Critic Review
Don’t let the pale garnet color fool you:  this is a substantial wine.  Aromas of red fruits and spice complement undertones of cranberries, wild berries, and plums.  On the palate, ripe tannins and good body make for an incredibly rich, yet easygoing red wine.  Pair this wine with sausage, spicy curry sauces, hot soppressata, and tandoori chicken.

My Review
  • Smell: wild flowers, potpourri, dark apples, cherry, cranberries
  • Taste: cranberries, plums, dark apples, earthy
  • This wine had great tannins for a very enjoyable finish
Overall this wine was very smooth and easy to drink, I think the recommendation is spot on when it says it would be good with sausage and spicy foods. I did not pair this wine with food.


Tasting - "Angove Viognier"

Angove Viognier
Viognier
N/A
Australia
N/A
$15-$5.95 on sale

Critic Review
Bright light straw in colour with some green hues, this wine has a lush ripe tropical fruit aroma. This is a fuller bodied white which fills the mouth with heady flavours of apricot, peach and citrus.  Angove Nine Vines Viognier is perfect for today's relaxed life-style and is the ideal accompaniment to grilled prawns with chilli and garlic or roast pork.

My Review
  • Smell: tropical, beach fruit, citrus, nectarine
  • Taste: orange, pineapple, pear, nectarine, peach
  • This wine was fantastically balanced and very good to drink
Overall this has been one of my favorite wine I've had at these tasting, very sweet and easy to drink. I did not pair this wine with food.


Tasting - "Yealands Estate Sauvignon Blanc"

Yealands Estate Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc
Seaview Vineyards
New Zealand
2008
$21-$7.95

Critic Review
This aromatic wine shows lifted flavours of blackcurrant with underlying notes of wet stone and thyme. The palate is elegant yet full with sufficient weight and texture, balanced by a flinty minerality. This wine is a fantastic match with foods such as cheese salad, poultry dishes and a wide range of seafood dishes including freshly shucked natural oysters, prawns, green lip mussels and creamy scallops.

My Review
  • Smell: earthy, flinty, cherry, light
  • Taste: white grape, cherry, strawberry, earthy
  • This wine had a very stone/rocky after taste, that was mildly dry
Overall this wine was very light and would pair fantastic with seafood. I did not pair this wine with food.


Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Tasting - "Heinz Eifel Shine Riesling"

Heinz Eifel Shine Riesling
Riesling
N/A
Germany
2012
$8.95

Critic Review
This drier-styled Riesling is bright,
fruity and floral with crisp acidity and
clean flavors of apple, pear and peach
that compliment its stony minerality
and earthy complexity. It serves well as
an aperitif and matches a wide variety
of foods, like lighter salad dishes,
shellfish, cream sauces and also
anything with a touch of spice.

My Review
  • Smell: grassy, spring, pollen, flowers, pear
  • Taste: pears, grassy, apples, sweet tarts
  • This wine was very tasty with a perfect dry finish
Overall this Riesling was very good, I rather enjoyed it. I did not pair this wine with food.



Tasting - "Atlas Cumbres Cabernet Sauvignon"

Atlas Cumbres Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon
N/A
Argentina
2010
$15, on sale $6.95

Critic Review
Intense red color with violet highlights,
with clean, fresh and complex aromas
of berries, plums, figs and pepper.
Strong personality is in perfect balance
with a medium body and pleasant
tannins. Ideal for: red meats, cheeses
and strong sauces.

My Review
  • Smell: wild berries, figs, spicy, earthy
  • Taste: plums, cherry, blackberry, oakey
  • This wine was very smooth and pleasant with great balance
Overall this was probably my favorite Cab Sauv I've ever had, very tasty and balanced. I did not pair this wine with food.



Tasting - "Georges DuBoeuf Beaujolais Nouveau"

Georges DuBoeuf Beaujolais Nouveau
Beaujolais Nouveau
N/A
France
2013
$14, $3.95 on sale

Critic Review
Balanced and lightly creamy, offering
pretty flavors of plum sauce and
raspberry coulis threaded with hints of
ground spice. Elegant, with a floral
finish. Drink now.

My Review
  • Smell: strawberry, cherry, raspberry, spice
  • Taste: raspberry, oakey, plum, cherry
  • This wine had a very floral finish that almost tasted like eating flowers
Overall this wine had great balance, I did not prefer the taste personally though. I did not pair this wine with food.


Tasting - "Bricco dei Tati Rose"

Bricco dei Tati Rose
Rose
N/A
Italy
N/A
$7.95

Critic Review
Fresh with aromas of strawberries,
cherries and rose petals. This is ideal
with shellfish, salads, chicken, and with
appetizers.

My Review
  • Smell: wild berry, rose, raspberry
  • Taste: strawberry, raspberry, cherry
  • This wine was very sweet and fruity
Overall this wine was very tasty alone, but would be great paired with food. I did not pair this wine with food.


Tasting - "Frascati Volpetti Malvasia, Trebbiano, Greco"

Frascati Volpetti Malvasia, Trebbiano, Greco
Malvasia, Trebbiano, Greco
N/A
Italy
N/A
$7.95

Critic Review
Straw yellow in color with a soft,
delicate perfume, fruitful flavor, dry
and harmonious taste. Perfect with
appetizers, soups, fish.

My Review
  • Smell: grass, hay, apple, granny smith apple
  • Taste: tart, pear, grape, apple
  • This wine was very dry
Overall this wine was very good, a little dry but with soup(like the description suggests) would be fantastic. I did not pair this wine with food.




Thursday, April 3, 2014

Tasting - "Bellafina Pink Moscato"

Bellafina Pink Moscato
Moscato
N/A
Italy
N/A
$9.95

Critic Review
A blend of Moscato and Rabosos grapes it has a pale rose color, notes of red berries (strawberry and raspberry), with the characteristic and fragrant bouquet and palate that is typical of the Moscato grape.

My Review

  • Smell: candy, garden, honeysuckle, flowers
  • Taste: 7-Up, honeysuckle, flowers, syrup
  • This wine was very smooth with almost a carbonated feel
Overall this wine was incredibly sweet and aromatic. It was like standing in a garden in the middle of spring. I did not pair this wine with food.

Tasting - "Weinert Carascal"

Weinert Carascal
40% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot
Mendoza
Argentina
2008
$13.95

Critic Review
Aged for two years in cask, the 2008 Carrascal is a blend of 40% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot. It has a rustic blackberry, scorched earth and leather-scented bouquet with touches of pressed flowers. The palate is well-balanced with crisp tannins, expressive black tarry fruit and a Bordeaux-like finish. Drink now-2016.

My Review

  • Smell: wood, oak, sticks, forrest, cherry
  • Taste: cherry, strawberry, raspberry, wood
  • This wine was pleasantly robust
Overall this wine tasted way better than it smelled, solid wine. I did not pair this wine with food.

Tasting - "Santa Julia Malbec"

Santa Julia Malbec
Malbec
Mendoza
Argentina
2012
$8.95

Critic Review
The nose is full of mellow raspberry and cherry, while the palate is fleshy and round, with blackberry and a touch of raisin. Plump, not edgy, and ready to drink, with coffee and mocha notes on the finish.

My Review

  • Smell: brie cheese, cherry, raspberry, blackberry
  • Taste: strawberry, dark cherry, blackberry
  • This wine had nice tannins with a smooth finish
Overall this wine was very good, I'm not a huge fan of red wine but this was very drinkable. I did not pair this wine with food.

Tasting - "Gougenheim Torrontes"

Gougenheim Torrontes
Torrontes
Mendoza
Argentina
2012
$9.95

Critic Review
The 2012 Torrontes comes from Chilecito in La Rioja. It has a light floral nose with touches of lemon peel and nectarine. The palate is crisp and taut, showing far more vivacity and fruit that the nose implied, finishing with a flourish of apricot and white peach. Drink now. 

My Review
  • Smell: lemon, bitter, floral, peach
  • Taste: floral, pear, apple, nectarine
  • This wine was incredibly smooth with a full body
This wine was my favorite of the tasting today, very tasty. I did not pair this wine with food.


Tasting - "Santa Julia Pinot Grigio"

Santa Julia Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio
Mendoza
Argentina
N/A
$8.95

Critic Review
Light and clean, which compared to other Argentine Pinot Grigios is not something to dismiss. Feels solid and punchy, with orange and mango flavors. Has nice overall clarity and balance, with a citrusy finish.

My Review

  • Smell: Orange, Citrus, flowers
  • Taste: Orange, lemon, citrus
  • This wine was slightly dry with a medium hot finish
Overall this wine was very good, but did not have a lot of body, almost like water mixed with grape juice. I did not pair this wine with food.

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Tasting - "Jam Jar Sweet White"

Jam Jar Sweet White
Muscat
N/A
South Africa
2011
$8.95

Critic Review
100 % Muscat. Soft floral hints add depth to the otherwise straightforward ripe peach and nectarine aromas. There’s a good balance in the mouth, with a nice acidic lift and slightly lime edge to cut the sweetness on the finish and close with the faintest hint of honeydew melons.

My Review

  • Smell: peach, pear, melon, honey
  • Taste: nectarine, peach, pear, melon
  • This wine was incredibly sweet
Overall this wine was tasty but a little too sweet for me. I did not pair this wine with food.

Tasting - " Entrada Malbec"

Entrada Malbec
Malbec
N/A
Chile
2013
$5.95

Critic Review
Firm and structured, this is a solid wine, laced with mineral acidity and tight tannins. It has a juicy, blackberry fruit component cutting through the texture.


My Review

  • Smell: earthy, blackberry, strawberry
  • Taste: tart, berry, cherry
  • This wine had rich tannins and a great finish
Overall this wine was very good, my first malbec. I did not par this wine with food.

Tasting - "Vina Borga Borsao"

Vina Borga Borsao
Grenache
Campo de Borja
Spain
2012
$6.95

Critic Review
86 Points – Robert Parker
Also made from 100% Grenache, the 2012 Vina Borgia was fermented and aged in stainless steel. Its medium dark ruby color is followed by abundant notes of strawberries and black cherries offered in a straightforward, medium-bodied, soft, hedonistic, round style. It is hard to believe a wine this good can sell for $7 a bottle. Enjoy it over the next 1-2 years.

My Review

  • Smell: cherry, oak, earthy, strawberry
  • Taste: cherry, strawberry, raspberry, oak
  • This wine had nice tannins coming in at the end
Overall this wine was pretty good, not my favorite but good. I did not pair this wine with food.

Tasting - "Peter Lehmann Chardonnay"

Peter Lehmann Chardonnay
Chardonnay
N/A
Australia
2010
$20, $9.95 on sale

Critic Review
The 2010 Chardonnay presents subtle notes of spiced apple slices and ripe peaches with hints of freshly baked bread and melon. Light bodied, clean and refreshingly crisp in the mouth, it offers just enough apple and pear flavor concentration, finishing with medium-long persistence. Drink it now to 2014.

My Review
  • Smell: apple, melon, pear
  • Taste: grape, apple, pear, candy
  • This wine was very refreshing and crisp
Overall this wine was very tasty and drinkable. I did not pair this wine with food.


Tasting - "Protocolo Vino de la Tierra de Castilla"

Protocolo Vino de la Tierra de Castilla
Airen
N/A
Spain
2012
$6.95

Critic Review
Mostly Airen with a little bit of Macabeo .Greenish gold. Subtle aromas of mint, lemon and orange, with a hint of honeysuckle. Dry, understated and focused, offering clean citrus and melon flavors and slow-building sweetness. Finishes dry and brisk, with an echo of lemon. As usual, this is an outstanding value.

My Review

  • Smell: honey, mint, citrus
  • Taste: melon, lemon, mint, citrus
  • This wine was very dry but not overly so
Overall this wine was very decent. Not bad but not great. I did not pair this wine with food.

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Tasting - "R Wines Eco.Love Riesling"

R Wines Eco.Love Riesling
Riesling
South Island
New Zealand
2009
$18, $7.95 on sale

Critic Review
Our South Island Riesling has a range and
combination of flavors unlike any other.
These flavors span citrus, root ginger,
white peach, spices and florals. eco.love
Riesling is made in balance to an off-dry
style. Food Pairing: Asian Fusion,
Seafood, Curry, and anything spicy

My Review
  • Smell: floral, peach, citrus, root beer
  • Taste: peaches, pears, citrus, floral, a little root beer aftertaste
  • This wine had a smooth finish and was slightly buttery
Overall this wine was very good, I enjoy rieslings a lot so I am a little biased but this wine was fantastic. I did not pair this wine with food.

Tasting - "Toschi Cabernet Sauvignon"

Toschi Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon
N/A
California
2011
$8.95

Critic Review
Well-balanced flavors of dark berries and
plums. Spicy fruit finish.

My Review
  • Smell: spicy, cherry, pum
  • Taste: cherry, plums, apricot, spicy
  • This wine had a very interesting finish, fruity and spicy at the same time
Overall this wine was interesting, I don't know if I would ever buy an entire bottle but the taste was nice. I did not pair this wine with food.

Tasting - "Canyon Road Pinot Noir"

Canyon Road Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir
N/A
California
2012
$6.95

Critic Review
Rich, fruit forward cherry flavors, soft
tannins, a medium body and a smooth
velvety finish. Pairs well with creamy
soups, salmon, and savory pork dishes.

My Review
  • Smell: cherry, earthy, musky, oakey
  • Taste: oakey, cherry, raspberry
  • This wine had great tannins with a very smooth finish
Overall this was one of the better pinot noirs I have ever had, would probably be very good paired with something. I did not pair this wine with food.

Tasting - "Wine Men of Gotham Chard. Semillon"

Wine Men of Gotham Chard. Semillon
80% Chardonnay 20% Semillon
N/A
Australia
2008
$7.95

Critic Review
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
  • Smell: fruity, a little musty, butter candy
  • Taste: tropical fruit, melon, guava
  • This wine had a very smooth finish that lasted quite a while
Overall this wine was delicious, very tasty finish that stuck around for a while. I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - "Indwe Sauvignon Blanc"

Indwe Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc
N/A
South Africa
2012
$7.95

Critic Review
Grapes are meticulously sourced from our
grape producers along the Coastal region
of the Western Cape ensuring complexity
and freshness in the wine. Indwe
Sauvignon Blanc is full of layers, balance
and persistence. The wine is imbued with
tropical and citrus notes, with hints of
melon and gooseberry flavors.

My Review
  • Smell: grassy, flint, citrus, orange
  • Taste: orange, lemon, tropical melon
  • This wine was very smooth with a slightly hot finish
Overall I enjoyed this wine, nothing spectacular but still very good. I did not have this wine with food.

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Tasting - "Loredona Riesling"

Loredona Riesling
Riesling
Monterey
California
2011
$15, $7.95 on sale

Critic Review
If you like your Rieslings on the sweet side, this
pretty wine is for you. It’s brisk in Central Coast
acidity, with citrus, peach, honeysuckle and spice
flavors that finish clean and long.

My Review
  • Smell: sweet, honey, syrup
  • Taste: citrus, honey, apple
  • This wine was a little hot but a smooth finish, very sweet
Overall this wine was good but not my favorite. I did not pair this wine with food.











Tasting - "Maipe Malbec"

Maipe Malbec
Malbec
Mendoza
Argentina
N/A
$8.95

Critic Review
Deep purple color with violet tints, complex plum,
fig, strawberry, spices and floral
aromas; rounded and velvety tannins, excellent
length with a distinguished character. Excellent
when paired with game, roasted red meats, pasta
or pizza.

My Review
  • Smell: plum, cherry, earthy, spice
  • Taste: plum, dark cherry, strawberry
  • This wine had strong tannins and a hot finish
Overall this wine was decent, not terrible but not my favorite. I did not have this wine with food.








Tasting - "Villa d’ Rosso Toscano"

Villa d’ Rosso Toscano
Sangiovese
Montepulciano
Italy
2012
$6.95

Critic Review
100% sangiovese grapes and is a wonderful
rendition of a velvety Tuscan red.

My Review
  • Smell: oakey, dark cherry, raspberry
  • Taste: cherry, earthy, oak, wood
  • This wine had a hot finish and lots of tannins
Overall I was not a huge fan of this wine, I usually prefer whites anyways but this one was not appealing to me. I did not have this wine with food.







Tasting - "Arnold Palmer Chardonnay"

Arnold Palmer Chardonnay
Chardonnay
N/A
California
2011
$20, $7.95 on sale

Critic Review
A vibrant Chardonnay from vineyards in cooler
climates of California. Chardonnay is well
known for its characteristic fresh apple fruit
aromas and rounded, rich flavors. Weather
during the 2011 harvest provided ideal growing
conditions for lush, yet perfectly balanced fruit.

My Review
  • Smell: apple, grape, fruity
  • Taste: apple, fruity, sweet
  • This wine was very crisp and refreshing, great for a hot day
Overall I loved this wine, great taste and very light. I did not have this wine with food.









Tasting - "El Sierro Macabeo/Chard"

El Sierro Macabeo/Chard
Macabeo/Chard Blend
N/A
Spain
N/A
$6.95

Critic Review
In the glass, there is a bright and shiny white
wine with an incredibly welcoming, fresh
appetizing aroma reminiscent of ripe tropical
fruits. The flavor is rich, balanced and extremely
comfortable. The near-perfect all-purpose white
wine. As an additional benefit, and good evidence
that El Sierro reflect the new Spain, the bottle is
sealed with the technical viewed perfect screw
cap that at once eliminates any risk of cork flavor
and keeps the fruit and the wine fresher for
longer time.

My Review

  • Smell: pears, tropical fruits, pineapple
  • Taste: fruity, sweet, syrup
  • This wine was very smooth and crisp, light finish
Overall I really enjoyed this wine, not-overly sweet but pleasantly crisp. I did not pair this wine with food.











Sunday, March 2, 2014

Tasting - "First Light Moscato"

First Light Moscato
Moscato
N/A
Australia
N/A
$15, $7.95 on sale

Critic Review
Ripe lychee, tropical fruits and musk on the nose as you near the glass. Lovely grape and stone fruits and on the palate is highlighted with the subtle sweetness and spritz that makes this such a fun drink. Low in alcohol and nicely balanced acidity ensure you will want more than one glass of this easy drinking wine.

My Review
  • Smell: fruity, tropical, sweet
  • Taste: tropical fruit, grape, syrup
  • This wine was very light and smooth
Overall this wine was very sweet and easy to drink, maybe a little too sweet for my taste. I did not have this wine with food.












Tasting - "CalNaturale Cabernet Sauvignon"

CalNaturale Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon
Paso Robles
California
2009
$16, $10.95 liter, $5.95 500 ml

Critic Review
95 % Cabernet Sauvignon with 5% Viognier this certified organic winery produces outstanding quality at reasonable prices offering classic Cabernet flavors of fresh herb, olive, cedar and cassis. Focused and intense, with a charming rustic side and broad tannins that firm up on the finish.

My Review
  • Smell: wood, earthy, cherry, herb
  • Taste: olive, cherry, woody
  • This wine was intense with a hot finish
Overall I did not really like this wine, just not a huge fan of Cab Sauv's in general. I did not have this wine with food.










Tasting - "Georges Duboeuf Beajolais Nouveau"

Georges Duboeuf Beajolais Nouveau
Beajolais Nouveau
Beaujolais
France
2013
$15, $7.95 on sale

Critic Review
Wine Spectator
An aromatic red, with floral and white peach notes accenting the black raspberry and plum flavors. This is open-knit and fresh, offering light tannins on the finish.


My Review
  • Smell: white peach, floral, earthy
  • Taste: raspberry, plum, cherry
  • This wine was very light and slightly hot on the finish
Overall this was probably the fruitiest red wine I have ever had, pretty good. I did not have this wine with food.













Tasting - "Beltrame Friulano"

Beltrame Friulano
Friulano
Friuli
Italy
2009
$15, $9.95 on sale

Critic Review
100% Tocai Friulano Straw-coloured yellow with a pale green tint express an intense, delicately aromatic and floral bouquet.The flavour is dry, soft, slightly fruity, with slightly bitter nuance in its almond aftertaste, and suggestion of peach.

My Review
  • Smell: fruity, floral
  • Taste: fruity, pear, peach
  • This wine was very soft and dry, with an interesting finish
Overall this was my favorite wine of the tasting, very tasty and easy to drink. I did not have this wine with food.








Tasting - "Mas LLunes Maragda"

Mas LLunes Maragda
Grenache Blanc
Emporada
Spain
2010
$16, $9.95 on sale

Critic Review
This Grenache Blanc is exquisitely sculpted with sharp acids and pinpointed minerals, and offers orange, melon and vanilla-honey flavors. A delight to drink, at a great price.

My Review

  • Smell: orange, zest, vanilla, mineral
  • Taste: mineral, orange, honey
  • This wine was very sharp at first but surprisingly smooth finish
Overall I enjoyed this wine moderately, I probably wouldn't buy a bottle but it was still decent. I did not have this wine with food.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Tasting - "Sonnenband Moscato Magnum"

Sonnenband Moscato Magnum
Moscato
N/A
Spain
N/A
$20, $9.95 on sale

Critic Review
This wine is intricate with the delicate
perfumes of white flower blossoms,
profound tropical fruit sweetness, and
energized by citrus nectars.

My Review

  • Smell: flowers, citrus, fruit
  • Taste: sugar, syrup, tropical fruit, sweet citrus
  • This wine was very buttery and smooth
Overall this is probably the sweetest wine I've ever tasted in my life. It reminds me of a premade mimosa, without the carbonation. Quite tasty, though the only time I can see myself drinking this wine is with breakfast. I did not pair this wine with food.


Tasting - "Neu Direction Cabernet Sauvignon"

Neu Direction Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon
Mendoza
Argentina
2010
$15, $7.95 on sale

Critic Review
This Cabernet Sauvignon shows very
good purity of fruit and skillful
winemaking. This wine is full of blackfruit
aromas, depth and style. The palate
pushes ripe plum and berry fruit along
with chocolate, and the finish is chewy
and correct in terms of tannins and
structure.

My Review

  • Smell: blackberries, raspberry, cherry
  • Taste: blackberry, strawberry, chocolate, cherry, raspberry
  • This wine was very full bodied, rich and creamy
Overall this wine was delicious. A very tasty and interesting wine that I enjoyed a lot. I did not pair this wine with food.






Tasting - "Champteloup Pinot Noir"

Champteloup Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir
Loire Valley
France
2011
$15, $7.95 on sale

Critic Review
In the heart of France’s Loire River
Valley lies the Touraine wine region.
Although it produces vast amounts of
well-priced, fresh, mostly white wines,
lovely reds like this are broadening
Touraine’s appeal. This wine may seem
familiar to you. It is a sibling of the
Touraine Sauvignon Blanc we’ve offered
for years. Serge de Bucy employs a light
touch in his winemaking, using no wood
and doing as little as possible to preserve
freshness. Bright cherry and strawberry
fruits are followed by a soft, smooth

palate.

My Review

  • Smell: very earthy, cherry
  • Taste: cherry, strawberry, plum
  • This wine was very dry, but also a very smooth finish
Overall I did not care much for this wine, not terrible, but I probably would not drink it again. I did not pair this wine with food.

Tasting - "Baumann Gentil Classiq"

Baumann Gentil Classiq
Blended - Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Muscat, Gerwurztraminer, and Pinot Gris
Alsace
France
2012
$17, $9.95 on sale

Critic Review
A delicious and fresh blend of Riesling,
Pinot Blanc, Muscat, Gewurztraminer,
and Pinot Gris. Light aromas of fresh fruit
and delicate white flowers start your
journey, followed by crisp flavors of stone
and citrus fruit. A well balanced acidity
on the dry finish ends this French blend

beautifully.

My Review

  • Smell: sweet tarts, candy, fruity pebbles
  • Taste: fresh fruit, sweet tarts, crisp citrus
  • This wine had a dry finish with a very soft body
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this wine and it was very good. I did not have this wine with food.










Tasting - "Fattori Runcaris Soave"

Fattori Runcaris Soave
Garganega
Soave
Italy
2010
$15, $7.95 on sale

Wine Enthusiast Review
86 Points – Wine Enthusiast
From the local Italian word for “to work
the soil,” Runcaris represents an easy,
fresh expression of Soave Classico with
lingering aromas of citrus, yellow rose,

honey, jasmine and dried herbs.

My Review

  • Smell: flowery, citrus
  • Taste: lemon, granny smith apple, flowery
  • This wine was very smooth and light with a soft finish
Overall I enjoyed this wine, not outstanding but most definitely not bad. I did not have this wine with food.