Tasting - Wilson Daniels Merlot

Name - Wilson Daniels Merlot

Variety - Paso Robles grapes

Region - Central Coast, California
Country - United States of America
Year - 2010
Price - $7.95

Shop review - Made predominantly from Paso Robles grapes, the wine is fullbodied and silky yet robust, with aromas of black cherry and plum and a palate of blackberry, raspberry and blueberry jam laced with
vanilla and toast.

My Review - This distinctly ruby wine had a plum scent. Also on the nose was chocolate, mocha, coffee grinds and a bit of spice. This Merlot was very warm and a bit spicy, perhaps the heat of alcohol. The wine had a light to medium body, and almost light or watery. The wine had coffee and toasted undertones. This wine was not my favorite.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Bricco Dei Tati Rose

Name - Bricco Dei Tati Rose

Variety - 100% Barbera

Region - Calamadrana
Country - Italy
Year - 2012
Price - $6.95

Shop review - Fresh with aromas of strawberries, cherries, and rose petals, this an ideal wine with shellfish, salads, chicken, and appetizers

My Review - This pink wine distinct smell, very strong. The wine had a very fruity nose, it smelled of rose-hips and strawberry. The Rose tasted very fruity, juice-like with a tart alcohol taste. The wine is very juicy a berry, cherry juice. I liked this wine for when I am in the mood for a fruit easy drink.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Smoking Loon Sauvignon Blanc

Name - Smoking Loon 

Variety - Sauvignon Blanc

Region - Napa, California
Country - United States of America
Year - 2009
Price - $7.95

Shop review - This bleached blonde beauty is reminiscent of fresh green apples,pineapple and has hints of hibiscus blossoms. The concentration
of zesty lemon and gooseberry fills your mouth leaving notes of thyme and melon behind. The bright acid in this wine gives you a zing while the fruit keeps your mouth watering for more. This wine pairs beautifully with a grilled prawn salad with a grapefruit
vinaigrette, veggie spring rolls or grilled tilapia with mango salsa.

My Review - This yellow-white wine had a fruity scent. It smelled very crisp and tart with a definite sugar, almost of green apple. The taste of the wine was quite muted. The smell was much stronger than the taste. The Smoking Loon had a light taste with a nice finish, overall a decent white.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Ruta 22 Malbec

Name - Ruta 22 Malbec

Variety - Malbec

Region - Patagonia
Country - Argentina
Year - 2011
Price - $7.95

Shop review - Stout and dense from the beginning, with blackberry and violet aromas. Despite being a bold and dark Malbec, this is fresh and composed, with sweet blackberry and cassis flavors. Good on the finish, with candied fruit and caramel sweetness.

My Review - This ruby colored wine had a great scent. It smelled fruity, cherry and cassis with a tang and warmth on the nose. Once tasted the Malbec had a great velvet, smooth finish. I thought this was delicious, Toasty fruit, chocolate and rich fruit could all be tasted in this wine. I purchased a bottle of this for myself and am really excited to pair this for a great dinner.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Chateau Serres Sainte Lucie Corbieres

Name - Chateau Serres Sainte Lucie Corbieres

Variety - Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre

Region - Corbieres
Country - France
Year - 2010
Price - $4.95

Shop review - Superb dark garnet color with a few reflections of dark orange. Intense nose of ripe fruits, spices, and roasted coffee. The palate is rounded and full, with silky matured tannins and hints of vanilla. This wine is rich and powerful with layers of tannins.

My Review - This red had a strong and almost complex scent. The smell of this wine reminded me of oil or dirt. Also there was a smell of almost diaper and a burnt fruit pie. The taste of the wine was absolutely toasty. This red tasted a bit like burnt coffee or burnt vanilla. There was also a roasted aftertaste and slight spice afterwards.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Cresta Azul

Name - Cresta Azul

Variety - Moscatel, Macabeo, Parellada, Xarel-lo

Region - Girona
Country - Spain
Year - NV
Price - $5.95

Shop review - Peach, orange cream and vanilla flavors mingle in this softly bubbly white. Off-dry, but with crisp acidity and a clean finish.

My Review - The white wine smelled very sweet. You could smell the sugar and flowers on the nose, almost of honeysuckle. I really enjoyed this wine it had a light finish. It tasted of a variety of fruit with a clear citrus taste. It was definitely off-dry as described and I really like that.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Veleta Tempranillo Rosado

Name - Veleta Tempranillo Rosado

Variety - Tempranillo

Region - Grenada
Country - Spain
Year - 2010
Price - $3.95

Shop review - Fresh in flavor and crisp in texture, this dry rose offers berry, tart cherry and light herbal flavors, with firm acidity and a clean finish. Focused and juicy.

My Review - This very rose colored wine had a strong nose. The scent to me was fruity and flowery with slight hints of a 'poopy' scent as well. On the tongue the wine was smooth and medium-bodied. It was a bit velvety or buttery. I liked the taste of the wine it was lightly fruity with a bit of vague spice. I purchased this wine and thought it was fine for one bottle but would not purchase it again.

I tasted this on its own with no food.