Tasting - Emeri de Bortoli Sparkling Shiraz

Name: Emeri de Bortoli Sparkling Shiraz

Variety: Shiraz

Region: South Eastern Australia

Country: Australia

Year: N/A

Price: $9.95

Winemaker's notes: A relatively light, fresh style of sparkling Shiraz, with berries and hints of chocolate picking up just a touch of sweet vanilla on the finish.

My Review: Never tried a sparkling red wine, so this was a first. Had a fruity and strong alcohol smell. Taste was sweet and fruity like strawberries. I don't know if it was the bubbles in this wine but I enjoyed this one.

I had this on its own without food.

Tasting - Tres Ojos Garnacha

Name: Tres Ojos Garnacha

Variety: Garnacha

Region: Calatayud

Country: Spain

Year: 2011

Price: $6.95

Winemaker's notes: The wine has a brick red color with a bouquet of red raspberries, spice and white pepper. The palate is incredibly concentrated and rich. The modern styles of Garnacha in Spain are continuously being perceived worldwide as wines of extraordinarily good quality. This wine is fruity, juicy and shows a great depth, ripe tannins, length but yet with wonderful elegance and lightness. Enjoy with sausages, roasted meats, aged cheeses etc.

My Review: I don't enjoy drink spice tasting wine and this one was one of them. Had a peppery smell that I did not like. Tasted pepper and spice. Could taste little of the raspberries but the spice taste was too much for me.

I had this on its own without food.

Tasting - Montebuena

Name: Montebuena

Variety: Tempranillo

Region: Rioja

Country: Spain

Year: 2010

Price: $8.95

Winemaker's notes: Ripe cherry and blackcurrant on the nose and in the mouth. Pliant and seamless in texture, with good heft and back-end energy. Finishes smooth and sweet, with fine-grained tannins providing shape and grip. Still on the young side but this wine drinks very well with an hour or so of decanting; it’s an excellent value for Rioja.

My Review: It had a fruity smell like cherries and blackberries. When I tasted this wine I could taste blackberries. Also had a dry after taste. I did not like this wine that much

I had this on its own without food.

Tasting - Sainte Victoire Côtes de Provence

Name: Sainte Victoire Côtes de Provence

Variety: Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault

Region: Provence

Country: France

Year: 2011

Price: $8.95

Winemaker's notes: Bright salmon pink; typical of the fresh but warm Provence style. Refined and complex on the nose, with summer fruit and floral notes. Dry and crisp, with a delicate flavor and full texture.

My Review: The smell of this wine was very nice. This wine smelled fruity and like flowers. The smell was nothing like the taste of this wine. When I tasted the wine it had a little of the fruity taste but was acidic and wasn't that sweet. 

I had this on its own without food.

Tasting - Canyon Road Chardonnay

Name: Canyon Road Chardonnay

Variety: Chardonnay

Region: California

Country: USA

Year: 2011

Price: $6.95

Winemaker's notes: Medium- bodied wine with notes of crisp apple and ripe citrus fruit with a hint of cinnamon spice. Delicious complement to grilled chicken, lighter pasta dishes or mild cheeses.

My Review: It was really hard to smell with this wine. Kinda smelled fruity and like alcohol. I don't really like chardonnay and this one was similar to the other chardonnay I tried. Tasted oak and acidic. It was an okay wine. 

I had this on its own without food.

Tasting - Potluck Sweet Malbec

Name: Potluck Sweet Malbec

Variety: Malbec

Region:  Mendoza

Country: Argentina

Year: 2010

Price: $7.95

Winemaker's notes: Deep red brilliant with violet hints. Complex, fruity, and predominant red fruits. Easy to drink, round with persistent sweetness, very well balanced with sweet tannins.

My Review: I enjoy this one the most. Had a nice fruity and sweet scent. This one tasted like berries and like the smell was sweet. Maybe it might have been that I didn't like the wine before this but I think i enjoy this and would try this one again. 

I had this on its own without food.

Tasting - Domaine de Grange de Payan

Name: Domaine de Grange de Payan

Variety: Grange

Region: Côtes du Rhône

Country: France

Year: 2011

Price: $8.95

Winemaker's notes: Intensely spicy and precise, with lively red berry flavors and a hint of black pepper. The Grenache, which makes up the majority of the wine, is deeper and more powerful, offering cherry and black raspberry qualities lifted by zesty minerality

My Review: Did not like this one too. Smelled like alcohol and berries. Had that spice taste which I think is the reason why I didn't enjoy this. Also could taste some berries. This wine had a smooth finish and earthy after taste. Would not drink this again, until i enjoy more wine.    

I had this on its own without food.

Tasting - Tinto Figaro

Name: Tinto Figaro

Variety: Garnacha

Region: Calatayud  

Country: Spain

Year: 2009

Price: $6.95

Winemaker's notes: Figaro is 100% Garnacha, made from a selection of the best grapes grown in the oldest vineyards. While not truly an "oaked wine", a short stay in oak barrels provides a nice spicy flavor boost. Bright violet. Dark berry and cherry aromas show a jammy aspect. Supple and gently sweet, with good lift to its black raspberry and boysenberry flavors. Smooth and broad on the finish, leaving behind a hint of spiciness. Extremely easy to drink and an excellent value. 

My Review: Did not like this one. I could smell cherries and that was about it. Tasted a little bit of the berries but was not sweet at all. It also did have that spice taste at the end. I think I am not ready for this wine. Would not drink this again.

I had this on its own without food.

Tasting - Maipe Malbec Rosé

Name: Maipe Malbec Rosé

Variety: Malbec

Region: Mendoza

Country: Argentina 

Year: 2011

Price: $7.95

Winemaker's notes: Intense pink color with violet hints. Fresh red fruit bouquet, strawberry and cherry flavors, balanced acidity, dry and lingering finish. Excellent with tuna or green salad, pasta, spicy Asian dishes.

My Review: Like the Pinot Grigio this wine smelled fruity. It had a sweet smell of berries. Tasted the fruity berries. Also had a pretty dry taste. Overall I though this was a good wine. Would like to recommend to my mom. 

I had this on its own without food.

Tasting - Cortenova Pinot Grigio

Name: Cortenova Pinot Grigio

Variety: Pinot Grigio

Region: ???

Country: Italy

Year: 2012

Price: $7.95

Winemaker's notes: Brilliant straw color with emerald reflections. Fresh and floral bouquet with a hint of pears, apricots and bananas. Fresh and inviting with bright fruit and an easy drinking style with a pleasing hint of almonds in the aftertaste. Pairs well with seafood dishes, risottos with scampi, spaghetti with clams, sole in white wine Perfect also as an aperitif. 

My Review: This was a very light wine. It smelled like flowers and fruits. Also had a little alcohol smell. This wine tasted like what it smelled like. Flowers and fruits with alcohol taste. Very light and smooth wine. It was an okay wine and I would like to try this with  food.

I had this on its own without food.

Tasting - Estancia 2010 Merlot Central Coast

Name: Estancia 2010 Merlot Central Coast 

Variety: Merlot

Region: California 

Country: USA

Year: 2010

Price: $9.99

Winemaker's notes: In a quest to make a great Merlot we include premier fruit from two regions. We chose cool climate Monterey grapes for the exceptional texture they provide and Paso Robles for the rich California red berry characters the region imparts in the finished wine. By blending fruit from the two appellations, we are able to craft a vibrant, delicious Merlot.   

My Review: There were no red wine at my house back home. So I bought this with the 3 Moscato wine. I love the Merlot, just taste the best. This was a pretty good Merlot. I smelled like berries. Was semi-sweet and had a buttery taste. It had a good warm feeling. Would not might buying this again.  

I had this on its own without food.

Tasting - Cellar No. 8 Pinot Noir

Name: Cellar No. 8 Pinot Noir

Variety: Pinot Noir

Region: California

Country: USA

Year: 2011

Price: $8.99

Winemaker's notes: A stylish Pinot Noir with jammy and earthy notes and hints of spice on the nose. These fruit-driven flavors carry over onto the palate and are balanced by structured tannins. The palate offers juicy strawberry jam flavors with a dash of nutmeg spice. Lush and complex on the palate, this Pinot Noir has guts yet a silky finish.

My Review: This was the first time I tried 100% Pinot Noir. I bought this when I was at school and was okay. It smelled very fruity. Tasted buttery with an alcohol taste. Also could taste the nutmeg spice and was a little bitter. Currently I really like Merlot and I think I need to drink more wine to really like Pinot Noir. .

I had this on its own without food.

Tasting - Barefoot Bubbly Pink Moscato Champagne

Name: Barefoot Bubbly Pink Moscato Champagne

Variety: Moscato

Region: Califorina

Country: USA

Year: Not Vintage

Price: $8.99

Winemaker's notes: Deliciously sweet and bubbly with flavors of red tree fruit and fresh berries. A creamy finish collides perfectly with candied cherries and sweet citrus flavors making it the sweetest Bubbly we’ve got.

My Review: My mom's favorite out of the three wine I bought. Smelled a little like alcohol and sweet scent like cherry. I tasted bubbly and sweet. Had a fruity tasted of strawberries and apples. Was a cheap champagne that was good.

I had this on its own without food.

Tasting - Barefoot Moscato

Name: Barefoot Moscato

Variety: Moscato

Region: California

Country: USA

Year: Not Vintage

Price: $8.99

Winemaker's notes: Delightfully sweet with lush fruity aromas. Hints of citrus skip across flavors of juicy peach and ripe apricots. A bright, crisp finish dances in at the end. It’s a bit sweeter than our Riesling.

My Review: This was the second wine I bought for my mom. She like the Flipflop Moscato better. It smelled sweet and had a slight alcohol smell. Tasted sweet with a little alcohol tasted. Also tasted citrus. I thought it was a decent wine.

I had this on its own without food.

Tasting - Flipflop Left Coast Moscato

Name: Flipflop Left Coast Moscato

Variety: Moscato

Region: California 

Country: USA

Year: Not Vintage

Price: $4.99

Winemaker's notes: . Light-bodied Moscato with floral aromas, semi-sweet palate, and a soft, lingering finish. Crisp, bright aromas balance sweet notes which pair with pad thai, chicken salad or vegetable curry. Soles4Souls. Proceeds from flipflop wines benefits Soles4Souls, the international shoe charity dedicated to providing footwear to those in need.

My Review: I bought 3 types of moscato wine to drink with my mom. This one was the cheapest. This wine smelled like flowers. Tasted very light and sweet. It wasn't bad for a cheap wine.   

I had this on its own without food. 

Tasting - Monte Aman

Name: Monte Aman

Variety: Tempranillo

Region: Arlanza

Country: Spain

Year: 2009

Price: $5.95

Winemaker's notes: 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 like dirt. Did not enjoy the smell and was afraid to try it. It tasted exactly as it smelled. Earthy with a little cherry. It also had a pretty dry taste. Did not enjoy this one and would not buy it.

I had this on its own without food.

Tasting - Cortenova Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

Name: Cortenova Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

Variety: Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

Region: ??

Country: Italy

Year: 2010

Price: $6.95

Winemaker's notes: 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 was my favorite of the tasting. Smelled fruity like cherry and sweet. I tasted cherry and a little sweet. The after taste was very rich and smell of the fruits was enhanced. Would try this again.

I had this on its own without food.

Tasting - Maipe Chardonnay

Name: Maipe Chardonnay

Variety: 85% Chardonnay 15% Viognier

Region: Mendoza

Country: Argentina

Year: 2012

Price: $7.95

Winemaker's notes: de 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: Like my other chardonnay review I don't really like them. This one was no different. Did not smell good like pee. Tasted buttery similar to other chardonnay I tried. Will not buy this. 

I had this on its own without food.

Tasting - Villa d' Orvieto

Name: Villa d' Orvieto

Variety: Blend of Grechetto, Procanico, and Malvasia

Region: Orivieto

Country: Italy

Year: 2011

Price: $6.95

Winemaker's notes: 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 okay. Did not really smell like anything. taste was light and a little sweet. I would want to try with food. Easy to drink.

I had this on its own without food.

Tasting - Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau

Name: Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau

Variety: Gamay

Region: Beaujolais

Country: France

Year: 2012

Price: $2.95

Winemaker's notes: The 2012 vintage is vibrant, fruit-forward and best served chilled. Despite the short harvest the quality is excellent! Georges Duboeuf has proclaimed. The color is a lovely ruby red with purplish tints. The aromas are very pleasant, dominated by red berries, and on the palate, they are flavorful, subtle, fresh and fruity with good structure and balance, Duboeuf confirmed. To honor this 30th anniversary, Georges Duboeuf has invited world-renowned techno-illusionist Marco Tempest to become a part of the story and celebration of Beaujolais Nouveau. For the first time, Georges Duboeuf will introduce a label that incorporates an Augmented Reality experience through a smartphone app available for free that allows consumers to have a magical experience with Marco Tempest and Beaujolais Nouveau. Tempest is a virtual magician known for his imaginative combination of computer-generated imagery, quick-cut video and enthusiastic stage presence. Through online videos and via the augmented.

My Review: This wine smelled like roses and alcohol. Tasted Very bitter and rough. Had a taste of pine tree. Had some what of a fruity smell at the end.

I had this on its own without food.