Tasting - First Light Moscato

Name: First Light Moscato

Variety: Moscato

Region: Not Provided

Country: Australia

Price: $7.95

Winery 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: An absolutely delightful Moscato, but perhaps this is because I am very partial to these sparkling wines. The nose had a floral bouquet with plenty of rose, lavender, and tulips. There was also an accented fruit aroma with passion fruit. There was strawberries and cream, vanilla, sugar cookie, and cake icing.  It may seem like it would be a sweet tooth overload, but it really wasn't. It was as if a touch of strawberry was added to Sprite. This Moscato makes for easy, casual drinking and I enjoyed it so much that I bought myself a bottle. I cracked this open last night with Pedro and we ate asian fried rice (which did not pair extremely well) as well as snacked on pretzels (which again, did not fully complement the sweet flavors of the moscato). We also drank this First Light with vanilla and strawberry ice cream, which was absolutely perfect. I usually do not like strawberry ice cream, but the Moscato added just the right component to it so that it was enjoyable for me. A great buy!

Tasting - CalNaturale

Name: CalNaturale

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Paso Robles

Country: United States (California)

Year: 2009

Price: $10.95 1 L, $5.95 500 mL

Winery 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: This was an extremely aromatic red with plum, blueberries, and rich, darker fruits on the nose. It was a brownish red in color that almost resembled a deep earthy tone. There was a velvety aspect to the surface that burst of cherry, plum, oak, and strawberry jam. Like the nose, there was an earthy, dirt component to the palate that complemented the organic fruit taste. Well-balanced tannins and a strong finish concluded this one very well. I did not take this with food. However, a tomato bisque would complement this CalNaturale nicely.

Tasting - Georges Duboeuf

Name: Georges Duboeuf

Variety: Gamay

Region: Beaujolais

Country: France

Year: 2013

Price: $7.95

Winery Review: "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." - Wine Spectator

My Review: This wine was a pretty, light ruby color that hinted at a light tannic balance. The nose had definite tones of strawberry-banana; I had never previously experienced a nose so profound in this one aroma. If you could get past the predominant strawberry-banana, there was a subtle mineral component as well. There was a strong raspberry taste on the palate as well as red fruit and berries. The mid-palate had a chewy texture and the finish was only a couple seconds. It would be a good wine for a first-time wine drinker to ease into, as it was a light, tasteful red that I would enjoy for easy drinking. I did not purchase a bottle, but Pedro enjoyed it so much that he did! It was not paired with food, but I could definitely picture myself eating this with a cobbler.

Tasting - Beltrame

Name: Beltrame

Variety: Tocai Friulano

Region: Friuli

Country: Italy

Year: 2009

Price: $9.95 Sale

Winery 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: Another white, but unlike the previous Mas LLunes it was hay yellow and not lime green. It had a distinct floral bouquet with tones of honeysuckle, pineapple, and orange peel. On the palate I was getting earthy tones of freshly cut grass mixed with pears and even peanuts. I personally did not enjoy this white as much as the Mas LLunes and it was forgettable. It was soft and timid, and I would have liked a more complex harmony of flavors. It was not paired with food, but I'd like to try this with sesame crackers and garlic and herb cheese.

Tasting - Mas Llunes

Name: Mas LLunes

Variety: Grenache Blanc

Region: Emporada

Country: Spain

Year: 2010

Price: $9.95 Sale

Winery 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: The Blanc was a sprightly lime color that reminded one of upcoming springtime. On the nose there were tones of honey dew, tropical fruit, and most prominently mango. It was extremely dry on the palate and leaving almost nothing to the finish. There was watermelon, apple acidity, and mango just like the nose with a distinct metallic and mineral component. There was a smooth, biting quality to this wine that gave it a kick. I really enjoyed this Grenache Blanc, and although it was not taken with food, I could drink this with a shrimp and fruit salad. Overall, an enjoyable and easy going choice.

Tasting - Sonnenband

Name: Sonnenband

Variety: Moscato Magnum

Region: Not Provided

Country: Spain

Year: not provided

Price: $9.95

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

My Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this wine. On the nose there was plenty of sweet aromas such as honeysuckle, lavendar, vanilla cream. This had a smooth surface with a fruit component as well as a floral component. It was girly and sweet with watermelon, strawberry, and honey. This was a fun party Moscato that I would pair with apple pie or maybe even the fruit that it resembled such as strawberries.

Tasting - Neu Direction

Name: Neu Direction

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Mendoza

Country: Argentina

Year: 2010

Price: $7.95

Winery 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: I enjoyed this Cabernet very much. There was strawberry jam, pomegranate, and violet on the bouquet. There was plenty of dark, fresh fruit on the palate such as blackberries, blueberries, and blood red pomegranate, just as the aroma foreshadowed. There was a pleasantly gripping sensation on the body, with a great tannic balance to complement the deep and complex flavors. I did not pair this with food, but I can see this well with almost any type of Asian-marinated dark meat (steak, beef, kabob).

Tasting - Champteloup

Name: Champteloup

Variety: Pinot Noir

Region: Loire Valley

Country: France

Year: 2011

Price: $7.95

Winery 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: On the nose I got a metallic, red fruit and pepper. This was a medium-bodied red with red grape, strawberries, tomato, and some licorice. The tannins were not overpowering and there was a short finish that had a mineral, earthy component. It was a fresh and light Pinot Noir that, in my opinion, could have used more dimension. I would have liked an emphasis on the red peppers and tannins to give this one a stronger personality. I did not pair this with food, but a beef and vegetable skewer would go well with it.

Tasting - Baumann

Name: Baumann

Variety: Pinot Blanc, Muscat, Gewurztraminer, 

and Pinot Gris

Region: Alsace

Country: France

Year: 2012

Price: $9.95

Winery 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: The Baumann was fresh and youthful on both the nose and palate. The bouquet had tones of hibiscus, honeysuckle, and tropical fruit like pineapple, mango, and some lime. The palate reflected the aroma with the same exotic fruit flavors. I got plenty of green apple and pineapple with an earthy undertone. This had a smooth surface texture and light body. It was not paired with food, but I think the Baumann would go well with an herbed salmon.

Tasting - Fattori

Name:  Fattori

Variety: Garganega

Region: Soave

Country: Italy

Year: 2010

Price: $7.95

Winery Review: "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: On the bouquet, it was earthy with hints of oregano, vanilla, and even hints of lemon juice. There was yellow citrus fruits and pineapple on the palate with floral tones. Like the nose, there was also an herbal component that gave this one an exotic spin. This was a medium-bodied wine with a velvety surface smoothness. Overall, it was an enjoyable tasting experience and the herbs made for an interesting combination with the lemon, tangerine, and other citrus I was getting. I didn't pair this with food, but I think it would go great with a Parmesan-covered, alfredo pasta. 

Tasting - Snap Dragon Riesling

Name: Snap Dragon Riesling

Variety: Riesling

Region: California

Country: United States

Year: 2010

Price: $8.99

Wine Critic Review: "A lovely off-dry Riesling that's crisply elegant. This is the kind of wine that shows why Riesling is experiencing an uptick. With apricot, citrus, vanilla, and honeysuckle flavors, it's a great wine to drink with slightly sweet, spicy foods like Vietnamese, Thai, Burmese, or Middle Eastern." -Wine Enthusiast

My Review: I really enjoyed this white. There was tangerines, peaches, lime, and floral undertones on the nose that segued nicely into the tasting experience. It had a satin-like surface smoothness with floral with citrus zest. I also got apricot, honey, and a somewhat mineral finish. This wine could be paired with a light salad with dashes of olive oil and lemon juice. 

Tasting - Bodega Norton Malbec

Name: Bodega Norton Malbec

Variety: Malbec

Region: Mendoza

Country: Argentina

Year: 2011

Price: $9.95

Wine Critic Review: "Ripe red-fruit flavors are nice and normal, while the palate feels fresh and lifted by balancing acids. Focused raspberry and plum flavors are clean and don't push the oak envelope. Overall, this is lively and fun. 87 Points." -Wine Enthusiast

My Review: On the nose, this Malbec had tones of blueberries, tomato juice, and a violet. On the palate, it was silky and full-bodied with a strong, spicy finish. The mid palate released flavors of blackberry jam, coffee beans, and maybe hints of red peppers. This was a pretty standard red for me, and although there some nice tannins, nothing stood out for me. I did not pair this food, but I would definitely try this with a heavier roma tomato pasta with charbroiled chicken.

Tasting - Barefoot Cellars Merlot

Name: Barefoot Cellars Merlot

Variety: Merlot

Region: California

Country: United States

Year: 2011

Price: $5.99

Wine Review: "A surprisingly complex tasting experience. Initial notes of cherries and blackberries, with a short, sweet yet tart finish. Barefoot Merlot is a gem of the wine world- a cheap merlot that actually tastes good." - Budget Wine Review

My Review: This Merlot was a light, ruby color- almost a blush. On the nose, there was milk chocolate and caramel as well as blackberry and licorice. I even noted a hint of dog hair. There was a smooth, velvety texture with a strong mid-palate of strawberry Twizzlers, plum, and prunes. Like the nose, there were hints of dark chocolate to make a strong finish. This was not paired with food, but I think this would taste great with dark chocolate-covered fruits such as strawberries or raspberries. It would also go nicely with a beef-based stew with plenty of carrots and potato.

Tasting - Estancia Pinot Noir

Name: Estancia Pinot Noir

Variety: Pinot Noir

Region: Central Coast, California

Country: United States

Year: 2012

Price: $15.99

Winery Review: The cool fog sweeps in each evening, giving way to warm, sunny days perfect for ripening world-class Pinot Noir. Estancia Pinot Noir displays luscious berry flavors, spice and a rich, supple finish.

My Review: The aroma was pungent and filled with spices with a hint of kerosene oil. The surface texture was furry with full tannins- perhaps more than was to my liking. There were notions of dark, purple grapes, that created a puckery and dry, short finish. The wine was a little aggressive and there was a peppery feel. This was not paired with food, but maybe a grilled roast beef or hearty steak with plenty of garlic and onions would be fitting to complement the peppers and abrasive nature of this one.

Tasting - Cupcake Red Velvet

Name: Cupcake Vineyards Red Velvet

Variety: Blend of Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah

Region: California

Country: United States

Year: 2011

Price: $11.99

Winery Review: Tasting Cupcake Red Velvet revealed cocoa, blackberries and black cherry on the palate.  This was the unexpected pleasant surprise, given the nose.  This is a very smooth and easy drinking wine.  Not dry at all. Well balanced tannins were noted mainly on the front of the tongue and the mouthfeel reminded me of 2% milk.  Creamy for a wine. The finish was long and very enjoyable.  As advertised, hints of coconut were present in the lingering finish.  Additionally, there was no sting of alcohol on the breathe out which was another pleasant suprise from this wine. Overall, I really enjoyed Cupcake Red Velvet.  It’s a great sipper on its own and the Zinfandel base makes for a super smooth easy drinking wine.  Pair with cheesecake.

My Review: The aroma was tangy, hits you right away, and you can almost taste the bitterness. There is a slight hint of dark chocolate. The first taste is very subtle followed by a strong, creamy finish filled with tannins. It had notions of cherry dark chocolate, like the aroma. I paired this wine with a homemade udon noodle soup. The wine was definitely overpowering due to the fact that the soup was very light. I also tried a piece of Hershey's milk chocolate with it, and it was a great pairing. It was like the chocolate prepared the palate for what what would come with wine.

Tasting - Angove Zibibbo

Name: Angove Zibibbo

Variety: Zibibbo

Region: South Australia

Country: Australia

Year: Not Provided

Price: $7.95

Winery Review: "This is a tasty and generous Moscato that opens with plush aromas of honey, peach syrup, white flower, and fragrant exotic fruit. There's a nice sensation of fullness and creaminess in the mouth that is backed by the foamy effervescence of this sparkling dessert wine"

My Review: I loved this Moscato, and I immediately regretted not purchasing a bottle as soon as I was driving away. The nose was perfume-like with tones of peaches and cream, hibiscus, and honeysuckle. It was a pleasant and sweet aroma that segued nicely into the similar palate. It tasted exactly like floral-flavored Sprite, with sprightly bubbles that worked in harmony with the sweet flavor. The sweetness was not overpowering, and this was an easy-going, fun Moscato that I could picture drinking at a daytime party. Keep an eye out for this one and buy it next time!! It was not paired with food, but I think it would be delicious with apple pie or fruit tart.

Tasting - Fetzer Malbec

Name: Fetzer Malbec

Variety: Malbec

Region: Mendoza

Country: Argentina

Year: 2011

Price: $7.95

Winery Review: "Delicious Malbec is 100% from Mendoza, Argentina. It has a vibrant red color with violet tones. Subtle and delicious aromas with an intense mixture of red fruits, plum, and cherry jam. On the palate it's juicy and has intense wood-like tannins that make it a restic, yet versatile wine. Long finish."

My Review: The Malbec had a sweeter nose of blueberries, violet, and pomegranate. There was only a hint of bitter acidity. It was a lime bitterness on the palate with a grainy surface smoothness. There were tones of black cherry and subtle almond. I did like this medium-bodied palate, but perhaps it would make a better impression if it did not follow the previous Grenache. There were less complex and flavors that had yet to open up on my palate. I would definitely give this Malbec another try in a situation where it is not overshadowed by the Grenache. This was not paired with food, but maybe dark chocolate would complement the dark fruit and almond tones.

Tasting - Tres Ojos Garnacha

Name: Tres Ojos 

Variety: Grenache

Region: Aragon

Country: Spain

Year: 2011

Price: $6.95

Winery Review: "Made from 100% Old Vine Garnacha (40-50 year old vines). 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. WineReview 90 points"

My Review: The nose was sappy and smooth- like molasses with chocolate and caramel. It had a leathery suede surface texture with a full-bodied and complex palate full of blackberries, tannins, and cherries. There was a gripping, cayenne pepper quality that made this red a character. A drying 10-15 second finish had some heat that concluded a great experience. I truly enjoyed this rich selection, which does not make for casual drinking but should be enjoyed with a pricey filet or a collection of different cheeses. 

Tasting - The Royal Old Vines Chenin Blanc

Name: The Royal Old Vines Chenin Blanc

Variety: Chenin Blanc

Region: Coastal Region

Country: South Africa

Year: 2012

Price: $7.95

Winery Review: "One of the greatest buys I have tasted this year is this under $10, 100% Chenin Blanc from the Western Cape. A super flowery-scented nose includes notions of ripe honeydew, melons, and pears. This medium-weight, fresh, fruity, crisp, dry, textbook Chenin Blanc will provide immense pleasure over the next 12 months. 90 points." - Robert Parker

My Review: The nose was immensely sweeter than the last white. It smelled like sweet and ripe clementine- plenty girly. It had a crisp, sprightly taste that was surprisingly smooth and hinted at cantaloupe, melon, and even Sweet Tart candy. If there was a white wine equivalent of Sprite, this would be it. It was a delightful blanc that is for easy-drinking. I preferred this white over the previous Sauvignon Blanc because it was fun-loving and memorable. I will be keeping an eye out for this to perhaps pair with a dinner. I am thinking a lemon and pepper chicken would be perfect with it. 

Tasting - Norton Sauvignon Blanc 2012

Name: Norton Sauvignon Blanc 2012

Variety: Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Cuyo

Country: Argentina

Year: 2012

Price $5.95

Winery Review: "Aromas of pithy citrus and pineapple are decent but unrefined, while flavors of tangerine and pineapple are tropical, zesty, and what they are. This is nothing more than a fresh, simple, citrusy white to sip on the patio." 

My Review: The color of this wine was a sunny yellow color. The nose was grassy, with hints of lemon zest and grapefruit. This was a medium-bodied palate, and the taste was just as it smelled. There was a 5-10 second finish of lemonade and pulpy fruit, that reminded one of spring or a day-time cocktail party. The surface texture was quite smooth with a grainy finish to complement the citrus. This wine was a light and young choice, but it did not make a lasting impression... It was very simplistic and easy-going, and I would have purchased it given it was spring or summertime and I could find an appropriate time to drink it- which should be outside enjoying a warm breeze. I did not pair this with food, but a house salad with lemon juice sprinkled on top would go nicely.