Tasting - 2005 El Coto de Rioja Coto de Imaz Reserva

Name - 2005 El Coto de Rioja Coto de Imaz Reserva

Variety - Tempranillo

Region - Rioja

Country - Spain
Year - 2005
Price - $15

Wine Enthusiast Review - Much like the 2004, this wine straddles traditional and modern lines. The nose offers light raisin, spearmint, brick dust and leafy red fruit aromas, while the palate may seem acidic and sour to some but reflective of old Rioja to others. Strong American oak accents of dill, coconut and vanilla are present on the palate and finish. Drink now through 2012. 

My Review - I tasted this at a Wegman's so it was not in proper wine glasses. This exercise made it very clear how important the vessel is for tasting. These were taken out of small plastic cups, almost like shot glasses and it was very difficult to find a scent. There was very little on the nose. This wine was quite full bodied with less distinct tannins than the previous red of that afternoon. This red was very fresh, an easy Tempranillo to swallow. It tasted of berries and chocolate. This smooth wine was complex and I would use this at dinner with the correct food pairing. 

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - El Coto Blanco

 Name - El Coto Blanco

Variety - Macabeo

Region - Rioja

Country - Spain
Year - 2012
Price - $8

Gnarly Vines Review - This is a friendly, flavorful white made from 100% Viura (a.k.a. Macabeo). Juicy fruit and citrusy acidity combine nicely with floral notes and a hint of fine herbs. Try with a grilled cheese sandwich flanked by a bowl of tomato soup or chili.

My Review - I tasted this at a Wegman's so it was not in proper wine glasses. This exercise made it very clear how important the vessel is for tasting. These were taken out of small plastic cups, almost like shot glasses and it was very difficult to find a scent. There was very little on the nose. From what I could smell it reminded me of vinegar. The wine had a dry taste and a light body, almost watery. I would not recommend this wine.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - El Coto Crianza

Name - El Coto Crianza

Variety - Tempranillo

Region - Rioja

Country - Spain
Year - 2008
Price - $11

Wine Enthusiast Review - Straightforward cherry and raspberry aromas carry a floral accent. It feels zesty and tight with plum, herb and tomato flavors, with a finish that shows a vanilla note. A fresh, simple wine at every turn. 

My Review - I tasted this at a Wegman's so it was not in proper wine glasses. This exercise made it very clear how important the vessel is for tasting. These were taken out of small plastic cups, almost like shot glasses making it much harder to get a scent. This wine has a fruity scent. It was light on the palette and also a bit tangy. This was not my favorite from the tastings of the day. Probably wouldn't purchase it. 

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Bourgogne Clos de Loyse

Name - Chateau des Jacques Bourgogne Clos de Loyse

Variety - Chardonnay

Region - Bourgogne- Beaujolais

Country - France
Year - 2010
Price - $18

Maker's Review - The Clos de Loyse creates a very individual style of Chardonnay derived from its granite soils, which lie to the south of Burgundy.The ‘Clos de Loyse' Burgundy is vinified in oak barrels, just like its northern cousins. The grapes are placed in the barrels straight after clarification, and there it undergoes both its alcoholic fermentation and its malolactic fermentation (either partial or full). The wine is matured on its lies, and undergoes regular batonnage. Of the Allier oak barrels used for this wine, 50% are new. The Château des Jacques Clos de Loyse white Burgundy is a fruity wine with vanilla-tinged aromas. It is quite structured and tends to show good balance. It's the perfect match for poultry, fish, shellfish and goat's cheeses.

My Review - I tasted this at a Wegman's so it was not in proper wine glasses. This exercise made it very clear how important the vessel is for tasting. These were taken out of small plastic cups, almost like shot glasses and it was very difficult to find a scent. There was very little on the nose. I could smell hints of citrus. The wine was very light on the tongue with a strong acid finish. I thought it was very pleasant and drinkable. Would be a very easy table wine.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Monte Aman

Name - Monte Aman

Variety - 100% Tempranillo

Region - Arlanza
Country - Spain
Year - 2009
Price - $5.95

Shop review - 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 red had a very strong scent of almost marshmallow, reminded me of a campfire. But also berries and perhaps some chocolate coming through. The wine tasted toasty, an even stronger taste of toasted marshmallow and smoke. Additionally it tasted of violet and charred fruit. There was also some acidity on the swallow. I liked the wine for the price but not my favorite red in the world.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Cortenova Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

Name - Cortenova Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

Variety - 100% Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

Region - Abruzzo
Country - Italy
Year - 2010
Price - $6.95

Shop review - 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 meat.

My Review - This red had a very strong scent to it. The scent of fruit, cherry was very present. Almost smelled like sweet syrup. The taste was surprisingly not as strong as the scent. It had a thick body in consistency but not a strong finish. There was a light spice to it, almost charred. Also it had an acidic tone to in that lingered on the tongue and palate.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Maipe Chardonnay

Name - Maipe Chardonnay

Variety - 85% Chardonnay, 15% Viognier

Region - Mendoza
Country - Argentina
Year - 2012
Price - $7.95

Shop review - Made 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 - This Chardonnay had a strong scent. Very acidic on the nose with fruity undertones. When tasting the wine the flavor was not at all as strong. I usually hate Chardonnay but this was a nice wine in my opinion. It was fruity, crisp and very balanced. I would purchase this wine for a meal pairing.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Villa d' Orvieto

Name - Villa d' Orvieto

Variety - Grechetto, Procanico (Trebbiano), and Malvasia 

Region - Orvieto
Country - Italy
Year - 2011
Price - $6.95

Shop review -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 from Orvieto was very fragrant and floral on the nose. It has a very light texture but a loud flavor. Light hints of meat or spice but the main flavor coming through was flowers. While it might have been a bit flowery for my taste I thought it was enjoyable.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Dibon Cava Brut Reserve

 

Name - Dibon Cava Brut Reserve
Variety - 5% Macabeo, 25% Xarel-lo, 30% Parellada
Region - Penedes
Country - Spain
Year - NV
Price - $9.95

Shop review - Light gold with plenty of bubbles, this wine has aromas of apples and pears with pleasant floral notes. Crisp and light-bodied on the palate, stone fruit flavors are accompanied by a mild minerality and balanced acidity. A delicious sparkler for a great price!

My Review - This bubbly wine had a very tart and crisp scent to it, fruity as well. The wine tasted buttery, with an oily texture to the body, it sticks on the tongue. There was a very light taste with little complexity to it. There was definitely some hints of pear in the flavor.

I tasted this on its own with no food.