Tasting - Jam Jar

Name: Jam Jar Sweet White

Variety: Moscato

Region: South Africa

Country: South Africa

Year: 2011

Price: $8.95

Winery 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: Per every Moscato I've blogged about, I enjoyed this casual Moscato made for easy-drinking. There was honesuckle, rose petals, mango, and peaches on the nose. This was not the sweetest Moscato, which I actually liked, but plenty of watermelon and white peach on the palate to savor. There was also a citrus component- sweet clementines- that made uplifted this Moscato in my book. Next time, I will look for this wine and enjoy with any dessert, but especially fruit tart or cobbler. 

Tasting - Entrada Malbec

Name: Entrada

Variety: Malbec

Region: Chile

Country: Chile

Year: 2013

Price: $5.95

Winery 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: This red had plenty of berry and spices on the nose and palate. It was well-balanced on the tannins and had a medium finish that rounded nicely with prunes, strawberry jams, and a mineral component

 The Entrada Malbec was had a metallic texture that reminded me of stainless steel. It was an enjoyable, but also forgettable red. However, I would like to try this with blackberry cobbler or dark chocolate  drizzled strawberries.

Tasting - Vina Borgia

Name: Vina Borgia Borsao

Variety: Grenache

Region: Campo de Borja

Country: Spain

Year: 2012

Price: $6.95

Winery 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: This red had a metallic, cold quality in aroma and on the palate. There were plenty of dark fruits and licorice, most notably black cherries and plums. The Vina Borgia had a chewy texture with a bold, strong finish and full-bodied tannins. It was a very generic red that I feel like I've tasted before- but it is not to say I did not enjoy it. I did not pair this with food, but like I've said so many times with reds like these, I would have this with roast beef dishes, beef stew, or dark barbequed chicken.

Tasting - Peter Lehmann Chardonnay

Name: Peter Lehmann Chardonnay

Variety: Chardonnay

Region: Australia

Country: Australia

Year: 2010

Price: $9.95 Sale

Winery 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: This was a lighter pale green-yellow color than the previous Protocolo. There was honeydew, pears, and white grape on the nose with subtle hints of pineapple. This was a delicious embodiment of green apple, watermelon, and mango on the palate. It was refreshing and made for easy drinking, with less of a "dry" quality than the previous white. There was a long and bold finish of pear skins. I did not pair this with food, but I think it would taste great with a lemon bar or a meringue pie. 

Tasting - Protocolo

Name: Protocolo Vino de la Tierra de Castilla

Variety: Blend of Airen with Macabeo

Region: Spain

Country: Spain

Year: 2012

Price: $6.95

Winery 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: This white was a pretty golden lime color. There was lemongrass and citrus fruits on the nose. On the palate there were tones of metallic, cool mint chocolate chip ice cream mixed in with the citrus flavors. It reminded me somewhat of a mint julep. The surface texture was smooth and crisp, with a carbonated feel to the finish. For the price, this was a great and clean choice. Like with all whites, this should be enjoyed with light appetizers, salad, and seafood (particularly herbed salmon).

Tasting - Eco Love

Name: R Wines Eco Love

Variety: Riesling

Region: South Island

Country: New Zealand

Year: 2009

Price: $7.95

Winery 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: This was an interesting Riesling compared to the tones I've had before. This definitely had an exotic, Asian flavor feel to it and I especially was sensitive to these flavors growing up in a Vietnamese household with plenty of Vietnamese cuisine. There was lemongrass, lime juice, and apricot on the nose. On the palate, there was these distinct spices that my mother usually uses to cook her Pho, a traditional Vietnamese soup dish. Along with these spices, I was getting coconut, almond butter, and hints of floral bouquet in the form of violet. It was not paired with food, but I can 100% agree with the winery review's suggestion of taking this with Asian food. 

Tasting - Toschi

Name: Toschi Cabernet Sauvignon

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: California

Country: U.S.A

Year: 2013

Price: $8.95

Winery Review: "Well-balanced flavors of dark berries and plums. Spicy fruit finish."

My Review: On the nose there was blackberry jam, licorice, and dark ground pepper. I was getting these same tones on the palate, with added prunes and dark chocolate as well. I wish I could get another sip of this, because I could not decipher all of the flavors from just these sips- I know there was more to the peppery component. At any rate, there was a leathery surface texture, well-balanced tannins, and a medium-brief finish. I think this would taste great with peppered steak or a black shrimp pasta.