Tasting- Protocolo Vino de la Tierra de Castilla

Name: Protocolo Vino de la Tierra de Castilla
Variety: Airen/Macabeo Blend
Region: Castilla
Country: Spain
Year: 2010
Price: $7

Winery review: 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 wine smelled like lemon grass. It tasted like sweet tarts. The finish was high in acidity and was extremely sour. My mouth puckers just thinking about it! This wine would be better with food but for a casual drink, it is a definite pass.

I tried this wine without food.

Tasting- Le Roc des Anges Segna de Cor

Name: Le Roc des Anges Segna de Cor
Variety: 50% Grenache, 30% Carignan and 20% Syrah
Region: Cotes du Roussillion
Country: France
Year: 2012
Price: $24

Winery review: The relation between the Grenache and the terrior of Roc des Anges gives fruity and fleshy grapes. To balance this generosity, they are blended with old Carignan and Syrah giving firm structure and dark colour and resulting in a tender and fruity wine sustained by a real texture of tannins. Four S's: Soft, Smooth, Silky and Smokey! Lively and fresh in the mouth, gentle flavours of red grape and berry, dried sprices and roasted herbs.

My review: This wine was nothing special. The nose was unremarkable and the body had very little traits. Overall the wine just tasted like sweet water with an extremely dry finish. I would rather buy water than this imitation water.

I tried this wine without food.

Tasting- Dom La Blaque Provence

Name: Dom La Blaque Provence
Variety: Grenache/Syrah Blend
Region: Provence
Country: France
Year: 2010
Price: $15

Winery review: Explosive blackberry and blueberry on the nose. Very ripe with blueberry, mulberry, raspberry, some mineral character, layers upon layers of fruit, good texture, and with some backbone that should help it age well. This is definitely more serious than its price tag.

My review: The alcohol in this wine was very noticeable in the nose. This in not a quality I appreciate. The mid pallet had a fair amount of tannin feel and tasted of plums and cherries. On the finish, the wine was very dry with only a small pepper component. I did not enjoy this wine.

I tried this wine without food.

Tasting- Gres St. Vincent Cotes du Rhone

Name: Gres St. Vincent Cotes du Rhone
Variety: Grenache Blend
Region: Southern Rhone
Country: France
Year: 2010
Price: $14

Winery review: From a unique, organic co-op in the Rhone valley, this delicious, Grenache based blend delivers satisfying weight and earthiness but stays light on its feet. Unlike many co-ops that blend growers' fruit into one wine, here each makes their own. Though the blend is dominated by Grenache, the Syrah takes center stage on the nose, with classic notes of liqourice, black fruits, and a wonderful whiff of violets. The tannins and acidity are in wonderful balance here, and on the palate the juicy, exuberant fruit from the Grenache takes over, building to a chocolate note on the finish. A great example of the class and sophistication showing in the 2010 vintange and of the wide range of great values available in the Southern Rhone.

My review: The nose of this wine was reminiscent of blueberries. The wine had a very smooth transition from nose to primary to mid. The finish started off slow but then brought in heat with an arid pepper finish. Had it not been for the harshness of the finish, this would have been a buy.

I tried this wine without food.

Tasting- Coto de Hayas Garnacha Syrah

Name: Coto de Hayas Garnacha Syrah
Variety: 70% Old Vine Garnacha, 30% Syrah
Region: Aragon
Country: Spain
Year: 2012
Price: $9

Winery review: Ruby red color. Pronounced red fruit and spice aromas. Medium bodied, dry and easy going. Fresh, fruity, and lightly peppery with mild acidity and soft tannins.

My review: This wine had a very small nose. The mid pallet was filled with the delectable taste of cherry pie. The finish was extremely dry with only a small hint of pepper. I preferred this finish over many of the bolder finishes I have experienced with red wines from Spain.

I tried this wine without food.

Tasting- Vincent Dampt Chablis

Name: Vincent Dampt
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Burgundy
Country: France
Year: 2012
Price: $22

Winery review: The 2011 Butternut is a wine that lives up to its name. It has round, creamy notes, hints of hazelnut and a finish that doesn't want to quit. Grapes from the regions of Carneros and Coombsville in Napa and Santa Lucia and Arroyo Seco in Monterey broaden the flavor profile of Butternut. The 2010 Butternut spent 14 months in 100% new French oak. From a group of savvy wine blenders based in St. Helena, Napa Valley.

My review: This wine is nothing to write home about. The nose was tiny and only had a tiny hint of pear. The mid pallet was watery and light. The finish was very long and tart. It was much too oak-y for my enjoyment. 

I tried this wine without food. 

Tasting- Butternut Chardonnay

Name: Butternut Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Napa Valley, California
Country: United States
Year: 2011
Price: $15

Winery review: The 2011 Butternut is a wine that lives up to its name. It has round, creamy notes, hints of hazelnut and a finish that doesn't want to quit. Grapes from the regions of Carneros and Coombsville in Napa and Santa Lucia and Arroyo Seco in Monterey broaden the flavor profile of Butternut. The 2010 Butternut spent 14 months in 100% new French oak. From a group of savvy wine blenders based in St. Helena, Napa Valley.

My review: I really enjoyed this wine. It had tones of vanilla and butterscotch. The oak was not heavy or too bold. The feel of the wine was smooth with a slightly dry finish. This wine was very well made and delightful. 

I tried this wine without food. 

Tasting- Eudald Cava Brut Familia

Name: Eudald Cava Brut Familia
Variety: Blend of Macabeu, XarelAlo, Parellada and Chardonnay
Region: Cava
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $16

Winery review: From a 9th generation winemaker who is pushing the envelope for quality and value.  This traditional-styled Cava is a blend of Macabeu, XarelAlo, Parellada and Chardonnay all grown in organic/biodynamic vineyards.  Our first reaction to tasting it was, “Wow – this is really good!”  There’s plenty of elegant white and even some red fruit set off by a fine yeasty/bready character and a dash of seaside minerality.  Creamy, with small, refined bubbles, and ready to enjoy anytime you need a little lift. 

My review: The nose of this wine reminded me of apricots. I really enjoyed the bubbly mouth feel of this wine. The finish was reminiscent of sour grapefruit. I actually really enjoyed this wine. 

I tried this wine without food. 

Tasting- Rioja Antanio Reserva

Name: Rioja Antanio
Variety: Rioja Blend
Region: Rioja
Country: Spain
Year: 2008
Price: $18

Winery review: Antaño Reserva is a ruby red cherry wine of Rioja, with iridescences in tile color, shows an intense aroma of vanilla, mature fruits and leather. In the mouth is very soft, tasty and easy to drink. The retronasal sensation is complex and persistence.

My review: The nose on this wine was not very bold but it had subtle hints of cherry. The body of this red was very light and watery. On the finish, the wine was extremely dry. It left me wanting for something else. The server suggested that it may be better if paired with steak and I agree. 

I tried this wine without food. 

Tasting- Alamos Torrontes

Name: Alamos Torrontes
Variety: Torrontes
Region: Salta
Country: Argentina
Year: 2012
Price: $11

Winery review: A delightful representation of the high elevation Salta region, the Alamos 2012 Torrontes has bright floral aromas of orange and jasmine blossom. On the palate, this wine is as pleasant as a sunny spring day with citrus and peach flavors that lead to a crisp finish

My review: When I smelled the nose of this wine, I knew I would not like it. There is a sweetness to the nose that is overpowering. This mouth puckering sweetness follows through the mid pallet all the way to the finish. At the finish, it sits right behind your molars reminding you that the nose doesn't lie. This wine tastes like candied pineapples coated with more sugar than a person should eat for a month. I did not care for this wine. 

I tried this wine without food. 

Tasting- Ryan Patrick Red Head Red

Name: Ryan Patrick Red Head Red
Variety: 88% Merlot, 10% Primitivo and 2% Malbec
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington
Country: United States of America
Year: 2012
Price: $11

Winery review: A blend of 88% Merlot, 10% Primitivo and 2% Malbec that is smooth and inviting.  Ripe raspberry and bright strawberry lead to a lush juicy mid-palate and an enticing finish.  First sip could lead to an empty bottle and for the price, lead to another one.

My review: I enjoyed the nose of this wine. It smelled just like cherries jubilee. The mid pallet was very enjoyable with hints of peach and an overall sweetness. The finish had a mild pleasant spice. I really enjoyed this wine. 

I tried this wine without food. 

Tasting- Familia Pacheco Jumilla

Name: Familia Pacheco Jumilla
Variety: Monastrell/Syrah blend
Region: Jumilla
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $9

Winery review: This coupage of Monastrell and Syrah is dark red-maroon in color with a full body. Red berry aromas can be appreciated on the nose, with a slight touch of lactose and balsalmic sensations. Familia Pace Pacheco Organic is a balanced, full bodied, fresh wine enhanced by seasoned tannins and the reoccurring traces of ripe fruit.  

My review: The nose of this wine had a strange dry sensation to it. The taste of this wine was very lacking. Until the final overwhelming pepper finish, I felt like I was drinking water. 

I tried this wine without food. 

Tasting- Les Remparts Bordeaux

Name: Les Remparts Bordeaux
Variety: Bordeaux
Region: Bordeaux
Country: France
Year: 2010
Price: $9

Winery review: Features good crushed berry fruit, with a savory lacing and a flash of dark licorice on the finish. Fresh and direct. 

My review: HUGE NOSE! The bouquet of this wine was made entirely of blueberry muffins! The mid pallet, sadly, was not. The mid pallet was reminiscent of aged plums, that had not yet dried up. The finish was very dry and uninviting. 

I tried this wine without food. 

Tasting- De Martino Legado Reserva Chardonnay

Name: De Martino Legado Reserva Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Limari Valley
Country: Chile
Year: 2010
Price: $11

Winery review: The 2010 Legado is aged in French oak for 11 months. It has a light hazelnut scented bouquet with a touch of wild mushroom. The palate is medium-bodied with a beeswax and spice infused entry, crisp acidity and phenolic, slightly over-worked but still intriguing finish of dried pineapple and honeycomb. 

My review: This wine smelled fishy, most like salmon, some tuna hints. The primary pallet was bubbly and the mid pallet had hints of popcorn. The finish was thankfully short. This

I tried this wine without food. 

Tasting- Chateau du Trignon Roussanne

Name: Chateau du Trignon Roussanne
Variety: Roussane
Region: Cotes du Rhone
Country: France
Year: 2012
Price: $18

Winery review: It's unusual to find 100% Roussane wines, but this is a terrific example at a realistic price. It's broad and mouth-coating but still seems fresh, with melon, pear and pineapple flavors that linger on the tightly focused finish. Drink over the next year or two. 

My review: This wine had a nice floral nose with main nodes of carnations. The mid pallet was bubbly and had strong grape nodes. The finish was very short but very dry. Overall this wine was enjoyable. 

I tried this wine without food. 

Tasting- Ryan Patrick Riesling

Name: Ryan Patrick Riesling
Variety: Riesling
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington
Country: United States of America
Year: 2012
Price: $11

Winery review: Light and silky, with pretty, delicate pear, floral and spice flavors, lingering gently. 

My review: The nose of this wine seemed to create bubbles that smelled like pears in my nose.  The overall body was light. This finish had hints of soap and spice. I do not care for a soapy wine, so this one was not for me. 

I tried this wine without food. 

Tasting- Ryan Patrick Chardonnay

Name: Ryan Patrick Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington
Country: United States of America
Year: 2012
Price: $11

Winery review: A very stylish effort with crisp, zippy fruit showing pineapple, lime and star fruit. Great mouth feel and a very refreshing finish. The wine puts the fruit out front. 

My review: This wine had a soapy nose. The overall taste I found was honey. I enjoyed the light bubbly mouth feel. The finish had a lot of zest and was reminiscent of lemons. I enjoyed this wine. I think the fact that it was 'naked' and not aged in oak barrels added to my enjoyment. 

I tried this wine without food. 

Tasting- Masseria Cicella Primativo

Name: Masseria Cicella Primativo
Variety: Primitivo
Region: Salento
Country: Italy
Year: 2011
Price: $16

Winery review: A wine sourced purely from Primitivo grapes grown and harvested throughout Lizzano, Torricella and Toranto. The long maceration of the skins provides a rich extraction and an intense, deep ruby red colo with a particular aroma of blackberry and plum. The smoothness f its palates amazes as its flavor whole and persistent with a pleasant sweetness in the end. An ideal complement to meats, game and cheeses. 

My review: When I tasted this wine, it made me want a steak. The nose had nodes of sweet sugared plums. The body was very watery and light. The finish was just right. It had the pepper of a true red, but not too much. However, the alcohol content, 14.5%, seemed to be a bit too much for a dinner wine. 

I tried this wine without food. 

Tasting- Postales Cabernet/Malbec

Name: Postales Cabernet/Malbec
Variety: Cabernet/Malbec
Region: Patagonia
Country: Argentina
Year: 2012
Price: $13

Winery review: Intense red color with violet hues. Aromas of red fruits, ripe berries and plum. Gentle and pleasant on the mouth with soft tannins and a long balanced aftertaste. 

My review: This wine smells like roasting berries over a pine wood fire. It tastes like a prune and finishes with lots of pepper. It really did not appeal to my pallet. 

I tried this wine without food. 

Tasting- Marc Roman Malbec

Name: Marc Roman Malbec
Variety: Malbec
Region: Southern France
Country: France
Year: 2011
Price: $11

Winery review: A heat loving varietal, Malbec thrives in the warm sunshine of Southern France where consistent weather and patience allow tannins to ripen fully. Its this warm climate that allows Marc Roman to make rich and velvety malbec, packed with black spice notes and dark berry fruit. You will love this wine!

My review: This wine has an enormous nose! It basically slaps you in the face with a raspberry bush! The overall body is smooth and transitions nicely into a big spicy pepper finish. This wine has all the right components for a red wine lover. 

I tried this wine without food. 

Tasting- La Linda Viognier

Name: La Linda Viogner
Variety: Viogner
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2010
Price: $12

Winery review: Exotic, clear and bright, almost gold in colour. Well defined notes of orchid, musk and ripe apricot. It reveals an unctuous texture on the palate. Long aftertaste with piercing acidity. 

My review: This wine begins with a sweet rich woody nose. The mid pallet had an overall mineral apricot taste. The finish was very spicy but yet enjoyable. I really enjoyed this wine. 

I tried this wine without food. 

Tasting- Barth Rene Riesling D'Alsace

Name: Barth Rene Riesling D'Alsace
Variety: Riesling
Region: Alsace
Country: France
Year: 2011
Price: $17

Winery review: Dry, delicately grapey, had an elegant bouquet with mineral and floral notes.

My review: The nose of this wine was sweet with hints of roses. There was a slight bubble on the mid pallet that made the mouth feel very enjoyable. The finish was very dry and sour. I would try this wine again, but I wouldn't go looking for it. 

I tried this wine without food. 

Tasting- Postales Sauvignon Blanc Semillon

Name: Postales Sauvignon Blanc Semillon
Variety: Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend
Region: Patagonia
Country: Argentina
Year: 2012
Price: $12.95

Winery review: Intense, floral and fruity, with citrus notes and a mineral touch. Gentle, fruity, balanced and distinguished acidity. Delicious finish.

My review: The nose of this wine was very light and understated. I enjoyed the mid pallet which was light and with hints of peach. The finish of this wine was a bit rough and woody. I did not care for the finish. 

I tried this wine without food. 

Tasting- Accordini Le Viole Recioto

Name: Accordini Le Viole Recioto Della Valpolicella Classico
Variety: 65% Corvina , 20% Rondinella , 15% Corvinoni
Region: Veneto
Country: Italy
Year: 2011
Price: $35

Winery review: Sweetly fragrant, the Recioto displays linzer torte and black cherry with notes of loam and bitter chocolate. It's viscous and very densely flavored, finishing on a rich, sweet note. 

My review: I really liked this wine! It smelled of sugar plums. The overall flavors were of chocolate, candy and candied pecans. This is definitely a wine that I would try again. 

I tried this wine without food.