Sunday, April 10, 2016

tasting - Fetzer

Name: Fetzer

Variety: Gewurztraminer
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2014
Price: $12 Sale $8.95
Expert Review: 87 – Wine Enthusiast
"A rainy minerality on the nose of this sweet wine manages to cut through the sugared oranges, honeysuckle and ripe, tropical white fleshed fruit, from peach to cherimoya. The palate is full of honeyed apples, white peach and pineapple, but the decent acidity and chalky element stops it short of treacly."

My Review: The smell was interesting, a lot of white fruit elements, orange, and peach. The taste was similar, white fruit juice, peach. orange, and even apples. It was a cocktail of different fruits.

I did not pair this with food

tasting - Maipe

Name: Maipe

Variety: Malbec
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2015
Price: $12 Sale $6.95
Expert Review: "The 2015 Maipe Malbec is another 100% Malbec, with a deep purple color and a style similar to the Lexicon, with chocolaty, blackcurrant and blackberry fruit, as well as touches of licorice and earth. It is delicious, soft and round."- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (March 2016), 87 pts - Excellent Wine Values for Under $25

My Review: This wine had a lot of smells, I got plum, chocolate, blackberry, and licorice, it was evident that this dark purple wine was gonna taste like red fruit. It did not disappoint, I got black berry jam, plum, chocolate and a earthy taste.

I did not pair this with food

tasting - Manoir du Carra

Name: Manoir du Carra

Variety: Beaujolais Nouveau
Region: Beaujolais
Country: France
Year: 2014
Price: $12 Sale $4.95
Expert Review: "A pretty, floral wine, with a rose petal note underscoring the rich pomegranate and sweet plum flavors. The fresh acidity is balanced, and a light spice note lingers on the finish."
My Review: The smell of this wine was very pleasant, had the smell of flowers, like I was in a field of flowers. The taste had some spice to it, but not overwhelming, I also got hints of red fruits like pomegranate and plum.

I did not pair this with food

tasting - Mapreco

Name: Mapreco

Variety: Vinho Verde
Region: Vinho Verde
Country: Portugal
Year: 2015
Price:$10 Sale $7.95
Expert Review: "The cherry color reveals a slightly fizzy wine that is a very fruitful rosé made from the traditional vinho verde white grapes. Adding a splash of red to offer flavors with notes of strawberry, cherry and berries. A delightful twist on the original."
My Review: The smell was very fruity, had all kinds of smells from white to red fruits, including strawberry, cherry, and pomegranate. The taste was similar, lots of strawberry, and a fruit medley type taste. very enjoyable.


I did not pair this with food

tasting - Mars & Venus

Name:  Mars & Venus

Variety: Chardonnay
Region: La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: 2014
Price: $5.95
Expert 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:The smell of this Chardonnay was very crisp, I got a lot of apple, mango, and pineapple. The taste was similar, crisp, had white grape juice taste paired with the apple. Would be perfect with fish or chicken. 


I did not pair this with food

Sunday, April 3, 2016

Tasting - Beringer

Name: Beringer

Variety: Chenin Blanc
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2014
Price: $5.95
Expert Review: "A fresh green-apple aroma and vivid citrus and crisp apple flavors are supported by vibrant acidity in this medium-bodied wine. The texture is smooth but crisp, making lots of good food pairings come to mind, from pre-meal cheese, to salads, seafood and veggie pastas."
My Review: Very good smelling wine, I got a lot of white fruit smells, apple, melon, pear. The taste was great, crisp and fruity, granny smith apple, pear, melon. Overall my favorite wine from the tasting this week.


I did not pair this with food

tasting - Carraia

Name: Carraia

Variety: Aglianico
Region:Campagna
Country: Italy
Year: 2013
Price: $15 Sale $9.95
Expert Review: "Produced in the Campania region of Italy, this Aglianico has delicious black fruit flavors with hints of licorice, volcanic soil and tar notes. Classic in nature, yet in a lighter, more crowd-pleasing style, the Carraia is made of the ancient Aglianico grape. This black grape originated in Greece and today is widely grown in Basilicata and Campania."

My Review: The smell was intense, it had a licorice smell, red fruits like dark cherry, pomegranate, and other red fruits. The taste was similar with a lot of licorice and cherry and raspberry, and I got a hint of plum.


I did not pair this with food

Tasting - Siema Vino Rosso

Name: Siema Vino Rosso

Variety: Dolcetto, Barbera, Nebbiolo
Region: Piemonte
Country: Italy
Year: 2013
Price: $10 sale $6.95
Expert Review: "Intense ruby red with soft garnet nuances in the glass, the Rosso is intriguingly fresh, fruity and spicy on the nose. Perfectly round and balanced, the wine is particularly soft and dry. Pair with simple dishes like fresh cheese, ham, salami, or pizza for a divine culinary experience."
My Review: The smell had some cherries, pomegranate, and some other red fruit smells. The taste was dry but not too dry, the same red fruits were in the taste, dark cherry, pomegranate, raspberry and black berry.


I did not pair this with food

tasting - Dom de la foret

Name: Dom de la Foret


Variety: Grenache Cinsault
Region: Provence
Country:France
Year: 
Price: $13 sale $8.95
Expert Review:"A stony, pure style, with a warm paving stone note framing the dried cherry and rose water notes. The long, watermelon rind—inflected finish is finely tuned. Shows length and cut, staying lacy in feel. 50% Cinsault and 50% Grenache."
My Review: I got a cherry and watermelon smell from this wine. The taste was similar, watermelon and cherry but I also got hints of raspberry and I got some spice, it also had a high alcohol finish.


I did not pair this with food

tasting - Bricco dei Tati

Name: Bricco dei Tati

Variety: Cortese
Region: Piemonte
Country:Italy
Year: 2013
Price: $10 sale $6.95
Expert Review: “Great Value! Treat this terrific little white like a red: Don’t chill it too much, then let it open for a half-hour to develop its enticing tropical fruit flavors. It’s dry, but the fruit gives an appealing illusion of sweetness. Great as an aperitif or with light seafood dishes.”
My Review: I got a lot of trpical fruit from the smell, like mango and pear. The taste was similar, tropical fruit, pear, mango, but it was slightly dry. Overall very enjoyable wine.


I did not pair this with food

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Tasting - Crane Lake Riesling

Name: Crane Lake

Variety: Riesling
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95
Expert Review: "The trademark German red grape varietal Dornfelder has a lovely purity of soft red berry fruit. Integrated soft tannins combined with forward fruit flavors make for a perfectly balanced everyday sipping wine. Great with grilled red meat, sausage and chicken. Best served slightly chilled."

My Review: The smell had a lot of white fruit. Apple, pear and I got get a hint of lemon. I could also get traces of honey. The taste was very white fruit like. Pear, apple, apricot and slight lemon. Overall, very crisp and tasty wine.


I did not pair this with food

Tasting - Crane Lake Shiraz

Name: Crane Lake

Variety: Shiraz
Region: California
Country:USA
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95
Expert Review: "Beautiful ruby appearance, with blackberry and pepper notes. Tannins and fruit marry well for a soft finish. This wine pairs well with sharp cheddar cheese and hazelnuts. Also try it along with roast lamb at Easter time, veal marsala, or grilled salmon."

My Review:  This wine had a lot of dark red fruit incorporated into the smell, including plum, raspberry, black berry and pomegranate. The taste was slightly dry and I could taste the spices. The fruits were still there, black berry and especially plum.


I did not pair this with food

Tasting - Georges Duboeuf

Name: Georges Duboeuf

Variety: Nouveau
Region: Beaujolais
Country: France
Year: 2015
Price: $12 Sale 5.95
Expert Review: "George Duboeuf is THE king of Beaujolais.  His wines are full of pop, charm and great flavor and his Beaujolais Nouveau is no exception.  A cornucopia of expressive fruit wrapped in an almost-bubblegum-like frame; it is the flagship Nouveau."

My Review: The smell I got from this was red fruit. Raspberry, pomegranate and plum. This wines taste was similar to the smell. Red fruits like plum, black berry and a hint of earth to top it off.


I did not pair this with food

Tasting - Maipe

Name: Maipe

Variety: Torrentes
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2014
Price: $14 Sale $7.95
Expert Review: "The wine has a spring-like nose of fresh white peaches, pears, green apple, green melon and hints of jasmine and rose petals. On the palate, it has a beautiful structure and acidity along with fruit flavors and plenty of body. Well-balanced, this wine displays a pleasant freshness with citrus notes and a long finish."

My Review: The smell was incredible, I got peach, pears and even some apple. as well as other white fruits. The taste was like the smell, very fruity, more specifically, white fruits. melon. peach, etc. It also has a floral taste to it. Overall, great wine. 


I did not pair this with food

Tasting - Tonnino

Name: Tonnino

Variety: Pinot Grigio
Region: Sicily
Country: Italy
Year: 2014
Price: $14 Sale $ 7.95
Expert Review: "Tonnino’s exotic example of Pinot Grigio has a straw to pale gold color. It is fresh and clean on the nose with fruity notes of pear, green apple and white peaches. The palate is true to the nose with a fresh acidity, coriander and lime notes followed by a crisp finish. This wine pairs well with youthful aperitifs, clams or mussels, pastas and risotto dishes."

My Review: Had a very fruity smell, more specifically, white fruits. Smelled like white grape juice, pear, mango, and peach. The taste had an explosion of white fruits just like the smell. Slightly dry with  a lot of peach and pear flavor.


I did not pair this with food

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Winery Visit - Barrel Oak

Barrel Oak Winery is located in Delaplane Virginia, in good old Faquier County. This dog friendly winery was one of the first I attended when I turned 21. What brought me to this great place was its scenery, you could see the beautiful building from I-66. What also drove me here was word of mouth. This winery has gained so much attention in Nova, people from Arlington, Alexandria, DC, Maryland, make the trip annually just to get away from the city and enjoy some great wine.

My girlfriend and I go to this place about 2 times a month and sometimes more, especially her. She loves this place so much, she bought a membership there. She gets free tastings up to 4 people and she gets free cases of wine every once in a while, and she gets to go to the membership only parties. A great purchase in her mind.

Now for the wine I tasted that evening. I got there around 5pm, and it was surprisingly empty. It's usually ridiculously crowded, and dogs running around everywhere. But sometimes it being less crowded is better.

The wines we tasted were some of the usual ones:

          1. Bowhause White 2015
          2. Estate Chardonay 2014
          3. Bowhaus Red 2014
          4. Syrah 2014
          5. This was supposed to be Meritage but they ran out so they gave us a Cab Franc 2013
          6. Goldie 2013
          7. Chocolate Lab

The first wine, Bowhouse White, smelled of tropical fruits, like peach, mango and so on, I could even smell the sugar, I knew from then it was gonna be a very sweet wine. However, after tasting it, it wasn't overwhelming sweet. it was crisp, sweet, tasted like a white tropical fruit punch. This would be the perfect summer sipping wine.

The second wine, Estate Chardonnay, had some very intense smells. It was like smelling one of those sour warhead candies. I got a lot of granny smith apple, and pear. After tasting this wine, my smelling power did not let me down, I got all of this from the taste. Sour, apple, and some pear and very crisp. you could tell this was fermented in a stainless steel tank.

The third wine, Bowhaus Red, smelled of oak, and red fruits like plum, raspberry, blackberry. The taste was that. plum, oaky, dry and some berry elements to it. From what my server said, they do age it in oak before bottling, which gave it all that oak smell and flavor.

The next wine was the Syrah, this was a beautiful dark red color. The smell I got from this was dark cherries and more dark cherries and this isn't a bad thing, I also got a hint of dark chocolate. The taste had both of these elements and some, I got a hint of cranberry and some other red fruits, and the tannin level was pretty high, it coated my palate, this would be great with a big juicy steak.

Next was supposed to be the Meritage, but they were out of stock so they gave us a Cab. Franc. They do not make this wine, they said it was made somewhere in California, I didn't get a chance to look at the bottle. The smell was oaky, and like the last one, a lot of dark cherries. The taste was similar. cherries and oak. The server tested me on the tannin level, low medium or high, I said medium and got it right. this class is turning me into a wine expert.

The sixth wine was the Goldie, this was a great wine. We loved it so much we got a bottle after the tasting. The smell was divine, right away I got a hint of flowers melon, mango, peach, and I could smell the sugar. The taste was even better, sweet, citrus, refreshing, and crisp. I got a lot of melon, which I love, I could drink this all day. 

Finally, the Chocolate Lab. This wine isn't for everyone, everyone who goes with us either loves it or hates it, I personally love it. Smelling this wine you get a huge hit of the obvious, chocolate. You also get a floral smell. The taste is crazy, it's so sweet, it can be overwhelming to some, but I like it. You right away get more chocolate and even some whisky. This is the true definition of a dessert wine.

Overall, I'm never disappointed with Barrel Oak. On weekends they usually have live bands and food vendors come in, brick oven pizza and BBQ. The place is a blast, it's always lively and very pet and children friendly. This winery is doing so well they have decided to create a brewery there, it starts this April or May they said.

We were planning on taking a tour that day, but because it was late, they weren't doing tours. However, I have taken one before there, and its quit the sight. Thousands of barrels of wine in the basement, next time I go I will take pictures of the basement.





Funny fat cat.
Great name, "Dog"




Tasting - Peter Mertes

Name: Peter Mertes

Variety: Sweet Red Dornfelder
Region: California
Country: USA , Germany
Year: 2014
Price: $12 sale $6.95
Expert Review: "The trademark German red grape varietal Dornfelder has a lovely purity of soft red berry fruit. Integrated soft tannins combined with forward fruit flavors make for a perfectly balanced everyday sipping wine. Great with grilled red meat, sausage and chicken. Best served slightly chilled."

My Review: I love sweet red wines and this one was my favorite of the tasting. The smell was outstanding, I got strawberry, raspberry, and other red fruits. The taste was slightly sweet and crisp, not too much tannins, which I like. The taste of the fruit made this very refreshing, I could drink a whole bottle.


I did not pair this with food

Tasting - Castello Sonnino

Name: Castello Sonnino

Variety: Chianti Montespertoli
Region: Chianti
Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $15 sale $8.95
Expert Review: "A blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Trebbiano and Malvasia del Chianti. Rich and modern, with a dark, saturated color and aromas of graham cracker and lemon rind. A juicy palate packed with plum and raspberry is carried by a creamy texture that’s rather toasty in terms of flavor. The finish is round, full and chocolaty."

My Review: This dark red wine had a lot of red fruit smell to it. I got plum, raspberry and dark cherries and even some dark chocolate right of the bat. The taste was similar. dark fruits were the story here and the dark chocolate taste was very delightful on top of the dark fruit taste.


I did not pair this with food

Tasting - Bolla Bardolino

Name: Bolla Bardolino

Variety: Bardolino
Region: Bardolino
Country: Italy
Year: 2013
Price: $18 Sale $ 9.95
Expert Review: "A blend of 60% Corvina, 30% Rondinella, 10% Molinara this bright ruby red wine has hints of black cherry on the nose.  It is soft and fruit-forward, with black-fruit flavors followed by a bright and fresh finish. Serve it as the Italians do – young and lightly chilled. Pairs perfectly with fleshy fish, beef, lamb, red-sauced pastas and pizza."

My Review: I first noticed the beautiful ruby color, when I smelled it I got a great amount of dark cherries and a hint boutique. The taste was similar to the smell, cherries and flowers, and very soft. 


I did not pair this with food

Tasting - Tentuta le Velette

Name: Tenuta le Velette

Variety: Orvieto Classico
Region: Orvieto
Country: Italy
Year: 2011
Price: $18 Sale $6.95
Expert Review: "The Berganorio Orvieto is a subtle wine with a bright palate. It shows white flowers on the nose and light citrus notes in the mouth. Its neutral character means it can accompany a wide range of foods. A blend of 30% Trebbiano, 30% Grechetto, 20% Malvasia, 15% Verdello, and 5% Drupeggio. The estate has 103 hectares on the hill opposite the hill town of Orvieto."

My Review: This light wine was very enjoyable to the nose, I got a hint of flowers as well as white fruit like peach, white grape juice. The taste was not disappointing, hint of citrus, the flowers from the smell and the white fruits I smelled.


I did not pair this with food

Tasting - Aveleda Praia

Name: Aveleda Praia

Variety: Praia
Region: Vinho Verde
Country: Portugal
Year: 2013
Price: $10 Sale $8.95
Expert Review: "A blend of 40% Arinto, 30% Loureiro, 20% Trajadura and 10% Azal. Full of fruit, a lasting peach flavor targeted with laserlike acidity through the finish. It has the bite of salty ocean air and a lot of zing. For langoustines."

My Review: From the smell I got a lot of white fruit, peach, mango. The taste was like the smell fruity (peach, mango) and like the expert said, it was crisp and had an ocean like feel to the wine, very enjoyable.


I did not pair this with food

Sunday, March 6, 2016

Tasting - Dona Sol

Name: Dona Sol  

Variety: Shiraz, Petite Syrah and Symphony
Region:  California
Country:USA
Year: 
Price: $6.95
Expert Review: "Shiraz has a unique jammy fruit character that is well represented in the Sweet Red. Both on the nose and on the palate, jammy fruit, like strawberries, cherry pie and red licorice, entices the senses and pair well with cheeses and desserts."

My Review: I got a lot of strawberry smell from this wine. The taste had a lot of strawberry, cherry, and a hint of flowers, and was sweet. The wine was very good and I loved how it was sweet, very good for dessert. 


I did not pair this with food

Tasting - Velvet Crush

Name:  Velvet Crush

Variety: Merlot, Cabernet, Sauvignon and Petite Sirah
Region: California
Country:USA
Year: 
Price: $6.95
Expert Review: "Velvety smooth texture just like its name. Soft tannins and lush dark fruit character. Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah bring backbone and character, while the Merlot balances out the blend for a soft, smooth texture."

My Review: The smell was dark cherry, sticks, and earthy. The taste was like the smell, cherry, and earthy and dry but pretty smooth. I'm not a big red wine drinker but was not bad. Would pair well with a nice steak.


I did not pair this with food

Tasting - Grand Cru

Name:  Grand Cru

Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $6.95
Expert Review: "This ruby-colored wine has aromas of raspberry, cherry and a hint of vanilla. Flavors of cherry and plum lead to a soft velvety finish. This wine can be enjoyed by itself. It is also an excellent accompaniment with Brie, goat cheese and smoked salmon. Lamb shanks and pork tenderloin are a favorite main dishes to pair with this wine."

My Review: I enjoyed the smell of this wine. I got a lot of dark cherry, black berries. The taste was dark cherries, a little floral taste as well. Overall, great wine.


I did not pair this with food

Tasting - Prime Brume

Name:  Prime Brume

Variety: Garganega
Region: Soave
Country:Italy
Year: 2014
Price: $11 sale $6.95
Expert Review: "Pale color. Fruity, floral minerally inviting aromas of passion fruit, white grapefruit, spice poached pear, and papaya with a lean, racy, bone-dry medium body and a smooth, complex, long lemon, passion fruit, raw hazelnut, and wet stones finish with no tannins and light oak. From the tantalizing nose full of exotic fruit, citrus and minerality thru to the long, crisp finish, this soave can seamlessly go from cocktail hour thru to vibrantly flavored dishes."

My Review: Another great white wine. I got a lot of lemon, pear, and grapefruit when I smelled this. The taste was similar to the smell. Lots of fruit, dry and crisp. Overall, very enjoyable wine.


I did not pair this with food

Tasting - Quintas Melgaco Blue

Name:  Quintas Melgaco Blue

Variety: Vinho Verde
Region: Vinho Verde 
Country: Portugal
Year: 2013
Price: $10 Sale $ 5.95
Expert Review: "Refreshingly crisp white wine from Portugal--Vinho Verde is soft, light and refreshing, and is an uncompromising and ideal wine for everyday pleasure. Its bright color and pineapple aromas are followed by citrus notes. The palate is clean and fresh. Vinho Verde is an excellent accompaniment to fish and shell fish, white meats and salads."

My Review: The smell from this wine was so refreshing. I got a lot of fruit smell, like mango, apple, and pineapple. The taste was similar to the smell, mango/pineapple, very crisp and citrus flavors. Overall great wine and maybe a new personal favorite.  


I did not pair this with food

Sunday, February 28, 2016

Tasting - Crane Lake

Name:  Crane Lake

Variety: White Zinfandel
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95
Expert Review: Light pink wine with floral and tropical aromas: flavors of strawberry, peach and raspberry with a touch of sweetness. This wine is an easy sipping wine that also pairs well with a wide variety of foods ranging from crab cakes or pâté to spicy Asian dishes, glazed ham, and grilled sea bass.

My Review: Overall this was my favorite. The first thing that hit me when I smelled this was strawberry it was delightful. Other fruits include peach, mango, almost like I was sniffing fruit punch. The taste was just like I smelled, fruity, and it was slightly sweet and crisp which I love.


I did not pair this with food

Tasting - Vina Galana

Name:  Vina Galana

Variety: Alicante Bouchet
Region: 
Country: Spain
Year: 2012
Price: $15 Sale $9.95
Expert Review: "From the rare Alicante Bouchet, one of the few grapes in the world with red flesh  this wine has a plush texture carring flavors of brandied cherry and chocolate ganache in this round red. Light tannins and gentle acidity impart a lovely, balanced structure."

My Review: I got the smell of dark chocolate, black cherry, and earthy. This was another dry red wine, which are probably my least favorite types, but it had a nice deep red color and I could see this paring well with a steak.


I did not pair this with food

Tasting - Tonnino

Name:  Tonnino

Variety: Syrah
Region: Sicily
Country:Italy
Year: 2013
Price:  $14 Sale $7.95
Expert Review: "An intense red color. Aromas of violet and blackcurrant enriched by hints of liquorice and black pepper. In the mouth it is full, round, slightly tannic and with a spicy note on the finish."

My Review: The smell was kinda intense. It smelled like hard liqueur and that all I got. It was dry and had a peppery taste to it and the wine really coated the inside of my mouth, very sticky. Overall my least favorite wine of the afternoon.

I did not pair this with food

Tasting - Riebeek Cellars

Name: Riebeek Cellars

Variety: Viognier
Region: Swartland
Country:South Africa
Year: 2015
Price: $12 Sale $7.95
Expert Review: "This is a luscious viognier, featuring a deep yellow color, that explodes with juicy peach and honeysuckle flavors. Viognier can easily become flabby, but this one manages to keep its figure within bounds. I recommend this for immediate, lip-smacking enjoyment."

My Review: This had a lot of white fruit elements when I smelled it, peach, white grape juice, and some honey. When I tasted it I was surprised because to me it had a bubblegum taste to it. Overall very enjoyable


I did not pair this with food

Tasting - Dom Michel Thomas

Name:  Dom Michel Thomas

Variety:  Sancerre Rose
Region: Loire
Country:France
Year:  2013
Price: 8.95
Expert Review: "Bright orange-pink. Lively, mineral-tinged aromas of fresh red berries, orange peel and honeysuckle, with a hint of anise building in the glass. Dry and nervy in the mouth, offering vibrant strawberry and orange pith flavors and a suggestion of rose pastille. The floral element comes back on the finish, which lingers with very good spicy persistence"

My Review: Smelling this wine I immediately got a honey smell. It was a slightly dry and white wine with some strawberry and almost like a flower taste, overall very good wine.

I did not pair this with food

Sunday, February 21, 2016

Tasting - Crane Lake

Name: Crane Lake

Variety: Gewurtztraminer
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95

Expert Review: Slightly high-toned notions of rose petal mingle with lemon on nose and palate of this lightly sweet, richly textured yet balanced Gewürztraminer. This is not as heady as you may expect and will be a treat with spicy Asian dishes. Lychee and rose petal make another very fetching appearance on the finish.

My Review: I got a lemony, white fruit,  and pear smell from this. My girlfriend and I like this one the best because it was slightly sweet, refreshing and it had a lemon taste. 


I did not pair this with food

Tasting - Codirosso

Name:  Codirosso

Variety: Chianti
Region: Tuscany
Country: Italy
Year: 2014
Price: $13 Sale $7.95

Expert Review: "Ruby red color with purple reflections.  Intense vinous bouquet with hints of violets and dark cherry fruit. The flavor is full of ripe fruit and a hint of spice. It is well balanced and dry. The finish is persistent and satisfying."

My Review: Smelling this wine I got dark cherries mix spices a hint of dark chocolate and an earthy smell. The taste was a little too dry for my taste but pairing it with food like pasta or a steak would be delightful.


I did not pair this with food

Tasting - Inwe Pinotage

Name: Inwe Pinotage
Variety: Pinotage
Region: 
Country: South Africa
Year: 2013
Price: $12 Sale $5.95

Expert Review: “A disclaimer: I have never cared much for Pinotage, the indigenous South African grape variety, but this 2013 Pinotage from Indwe, named after the country's national bird, the blue crane, comes across like a light Pinot Noir. Subtle notes of cherries, spice and forest floor are followed by a round, light to medium-bodied, pure, seductive, well-crafted wine.”
 
My Review:  Smelling the wine I got a hint of dark cherries, and an earthy smell. The taste was dry but not to dry, I can taste the spice cherry, overall not my favorite but I can see this being good with a steak.


I did not pair this with food

Tasting - Palacio de Bornos

Name: Palacio de Bornos

Variety: Verdejo
Region: Rueda
Country: Spain
Year: 2013
Price: $12 Sale $5.95

Expert Review: "Zesty and clean, with pure grapefruit and passion fruit aromas. It’s charged up but perfectly balanced, with bright, focused citrus and pineapple flavors. Lemony acidity keeps the finish rolling, then throw in some chive and fresh greens and you have a spot-on Verdejo."

My Review: Smelling the wine, I got a lot of pear and white grape fruit smell. The taste was crisp, buttery, I got a taste of honey and of course the pear.


I did not pair this with food

Tasting - Tonnino Grillo

Name: Tonnino Grillo
Variety: Grillo
Region: Sicily
Country: Italy
Year: 2014

Price: $14 Sale $7.95

Expert Review: "Fruit-forward and tangy, this light-bodied, snappy white offers flavors of guava, apricot, candied grapefruit zest and stone. Drink now. 20,000 cases made."

My Review: When I first smelled the wine I got white fruit smell. Tasting the wine I got white grapes and tropical fruits, overall a very satisfying and crisp wine.

I did not pair this with food.