Tasting-Mas LLunes Maragda

Name- Mas LLunes Maragda 
Variety- Grenache Blanc
Region- Emporada
Country- Spain
Year- 2010
Price- $16 (Sale: $9.95)

Wine 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:  On the nose, this wine had a a nice scent that was not too empowering. I agree with the wine review and believe that there were hints of melon and sharp acidity. There was a tart taste that probably was a result of the fresh citrus flavors. This was enjoyable and would pair perfectly with a nicely glazed tilapia. 

I tried this on it's own without food. 

Tasting - Sonnenband Moscato Magnum

Name- Sonnenband Moscato Magnum
Variety- Muscat
Region- n/a
Country- Spain
Year- n/a
Price- $9.95

Wine review: This wine is intricate with the delicate perfumes of white flower blossoms, profound tropical fruit sweetness, and energized by citrus nectars. 

My review:  This tasted like any typical moscato and was very sweet. On the nose you could even tell how sweet the wine was going to taste. There was a strong fragrance paired with an extremely light body. I would pair this wine with light fruit desserts or a nice salad. 

I tried this on it's own without food. 

Tasting - Neu Direction Cabernet Sauvignon

Name- Neu Direction Cabernet Sauvignon
Variety- Cabernet Sauvignon
Region- Mendoza
Country- Argentina
Year- 2010
Price- $7.95

Wine 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 agree with the wine review and believe this wine had a very nice structure. There was black raspberry on the nose and also some strawberries. I got a hint of cranberries tasting the wine and other deep fruits. I enjoyed this wine and would pair it with a glazed chicken dinner. 

I tried this on it's own without food. 

Tasting - Champteloup Pinot Noir

Name- Champteloup Pinot Noir
Variety- Pinot Noir
Region- Loire Valley (Touraine wine region)
Country- France 
Year- 2011
Price- $7.95

Wine 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: The aroma of the wine was not overwhelming and gave a slight must scent. There was a little bit of a woody tast, but it was very enjoyable. There were nice fruits like dark strawberries and overall a medium body with an even finish. There was some complexity in the wine that was hard to pinpoint, but I would pair this wine with shrimp or a dish with a light mushroom sauce.  

I tried this on it's own without food. 

Tasting - Baumann Gentil Classiq

Name- Baumann Gentil Classiq
Variety- Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Muscat, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Gris
Region- Alsace
Country- France 
Year- 2012
Price- $9.95

Wine 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: This nice blend of grapes combined to produce a floral smell. The taste and smell matched and I picked up traces of light pears and apple with a touch of honey. There was a unique combination and produced a dry finish. I could see this wine paired with a seafood nice with a oil olive sauce. 

I tried this on it's own without food. 

Tasting - Fattori Runcaris Soave

Name- Fattori Runcaris Soave 
Variety- 100% Garganega 
Region- Soave
Country- Italy 
Year- 2010
Price- $7.95

Wine 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.-Wine Enthusiast 

My review: On the nose, this wine had a very nice citrus smell. It was a faint, yet enjoyable, scent that reflected garden herbs and flowers. The wine had a nice body with a very pleasant aftertaste. There was a feeling of thirst after drinking the wine, but still was not dry. I would enjoy this wine with anything similar to a light salmon dish.

I tried this on it's own without food. 

Tasting- 2011 Fetzer Gewürztraminer Shaly Loam

Name- Fetzer Gewürztraminer Shaly Loam
Variety- 
Region- CA
Country- USA
Year- 2011
Price- 

Wine review: On the nose there's lychee, pear, clover honey & ripe red apple ~ On the palate it's medium bodied with nice acidity to balance the sweetness & there's flavours of clove, elderflower, pear & sweetened lime ~ A great value everyday Gewürztraminer.

My review:  The wine smelled like honeysuckle, traces of honeydew melon, and peach. There was a light and fruity smell that was very sweet and inviting. The taste was extremely acidic but balanced with a perfect citrus. The wine had a great body and also had a lingering mango flavor. I thoroughly enjoyed this wine. I would pair this wine with a white fish, such as tilapia. 

I tried this on it's own without food. 

Tasting- Bay Bridge Chardonnay

Name- Bay Bridge Chardonnay
Variety- Chardonnay
Region- Central Valley, California
Country- United States
Year- 2012
Price- $2.99

Wine review: The nose was pear and some apple, not much else. Maybe a little mineral. The flavor was pears and some grassy notes. A hint of butter and some mineral. very green. Not much finish. Drinkable, but nothing spectacular about it. probably not something i will purchase again.

My review: On the nose, there were hints of cucumber and apple. Other various faint fruits were there and even traces of melon were recognized. The smell matched the flavor and there were also some straw-like notes. The dry aspects of the wine made the wine slightly boring. While there were some delightful light fruit notes, the overall taste of the wine was nothing too bold. 

I tried this on it's own without food. 

Tasting - Bay Bridge Pinot Grigio

Name- Bay Bridge Pinot Grigio
Variety- Pinot Gris
Region- Central Valley, California
Country- United States
Year- 2012
Price- $2.99

Wine review: "This is a cheap wine my wife bought for cooking, and it surely tasted cheap too.  The alcohol taste was very strong, (hot?) there was almost this chemical taste to it.  It was also pretty bitter/sweet, couldn't really enjoy it, and didn't want to! Recommended for cooking only!"

My review:  On the nose, there was actually a scent that resembled that of urine. The faint pee smell really was a strange scent and the acidity of the wine could be discovered just from the smell. After tasting the wine, there was a slight citrus flavor and it was accompanied by a mush. Additionally, there were faint pear flavors. The tart aftertaste finished the wine and you could tell again the level of acidity in the wine. I would try to pair this with a grilled pork or light pasta cuisine. 

I tried this on it's own without food. 

Tasting- Bay Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon

Name- Bay Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon
Variety- Cabernet Sauvignon
Region- California
Country- United States
Year- 2012
Price- $2.99

Wine review: "My 1st initial thoughts was that it smelled fruity and took in the oaky-vanilla notes, finally deciphering the 'fruity' notes as a combination of red berries. The subtle undertones of the tannins arrive first to your taste buds. The tannins are light and delightfully tickle the back of your tongue. They leave your mouth feeling like it was just seduced in a sweet summers affair and dazzled with an oak diamond on the eve of autumn. The wine is smooth and sultry with an almost crisp, fresh finish."

My review:  The rasberry and cranberry scent of the wine mixed with a charred wood smell. On the palate, the wine was oaky and had a smoky aftertaste. The flavor was very enjoyable and the flavors resealed small hints of vanilla that mixed in with an almost sawdust taste. The wine flowed nicely throughout the tasting and had great body. The dry aftertaste left a slight berry flavor in the mouth, yet still had a refreshing aspect. I would want to pair this wine with a glazed chicken dinner. 

I tried this on it's own without food. 

Tasting - Bay Bridge White Zinfandel

Name- Bay Bridge White Zinfandel 
Variety- White Zin
Region- California
Country- United States
Year- 2012
Price- $2.99

Wine review: Pale pink hue. Subdued strawberry nose. A soft entry leads a gentle, light-bodied palate with supple acidity. Modest sweetness is balanced by acidity through the finish. Not overly flavorful, but pretty well balanced. 

My review:  The cheap price was a crowd-pleaser even before the wine was uncorked. The sweet and subtle hint of ripe strawberries hit the nose and a pleasant fruit salad scent. On the palate, the citrus flavor kicked in and resembled a squeeze of lime. I agree with the review and believe that there is a nice balance from both smell and taste. The initially sweet taste has a zing of tartness to it and everything is blended very softly. The wine is not overwhelming and bursting with flavors, but instead makes a perfect wine to easily sip on with friends. 

I tried this on it's own without food. 

Tasting- Angove Zibibbo Sparkling Moscato

Name- Angove Zibibbo Sparkling Moscato
Variety- Zibibbo 
Region- South Australia
Country- Australia
Year- 2013
Price- $7.95

Critics 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:  The sparkling moscato would be an easy fan favorite. The smell reminded me of something I had tried before, but I could not pinpoint the familiar scent. On the nose, there were clear hints of cherry and honey. It was very sweet and resembled a taste similar to 7up with cherry. The bubbly and delicious zing made the wine perfect for a dessert pairing a nice finish to any evening.

I tasted this on it's own without food.

Tasting-Fetzer Malbec

Name- Fetzer Malbec
Variety- 100% Malbec
Region- Mendoza
Country- Argentina
Year- 2011
Price- $7.95

Critics review: Delicious Malbec is 100% from Mendoza, Argentina. It has a vibrant red color with violet tones. Subtle and deliciious 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 rustic, yet versatile wine. Long finish.

My review:  I thoroughly enjoyed this wine. It had wonderful berry tones and oak tannins. The scent was very distinct and unique. The earthy taste and wood-like flavor was very interesting. Although it was a bright red hue, the flavor and smell surprised me. Overall, the wine reminded me of drinking something similar to scotch. I would pair this with a juicy steak dinner.

I tasted this on it's own without food.

Tasting-Tres Ojos Garnacha

Name- Tres Ojos Garnacha
Variety- 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 10% Mourvedre 
Region- Calatayud
Country- Spain
Year- 2011
Price- $6.95

Critics review: "This semi-opaque ruby, custom cuvee of 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 10% Mourvedre is made specifically for Fran Kysela. It exhibits very fresh,ripe dark red fruit with very good palate weight and depth and ends with rich fruit notes. Made from organically grown grapes. Incredible value!" 
-I-WineReview (December 2013), 90 pts.

My review: On the nose, the Garnacha reflected dark berries and had a nice maroon color. The scent and color combination made the wine very inviting even before tasting the wine. The taste was somewhat surprising due to the noticeable charcoal flavor. The depth of the wine left a great lasting flavor with a somewhat dry aftertaste. I would pair this with a nice pasta dinner. 

I tasted this on it's own without food.

Tasting-The Royal Old Vines Chenin Blanc

Name- The Royal Old Vines Chenin Blanc
Variety- 100% Chenin Blanc
Region- Coastal Region (Western Cape)
Country- South Africa
Year- 2012
Price- $7.95

Critics 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: On the nose, a fruity scent and various floral aromas. The taste matched the scent and was fresh. The aftertaste was definitely more acidic and gave off a dryness. The wine had good body to it and a perfect balance. Honeysuckle comes to mind after tasting the wine. I really think any type of chicken and light fish dinner would pair nicely with this wine.

I tasted this on it's own without food.

Tasting-Norton Sauvignon Blanc

Name- Norton Sauvignon Blanc 
Variety- Sauvignon Blanc
Region- Mendoza
Country- Argentina
Year- 2012
Price- $5.95

Critics 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: On the nose, the wine had a nice lemon scent as well as a very subtle floral smell. The taste was slightly sweet and overall brought a refreshing experience. It had a bit of tang and tart taste, but overall a very crisp flavor. The acidity that worked in the best way for this simple yet satisfying wine. 

I tasted this on it's own without food.

Tasting-Weinkeller Erbach Flonheimer Adelberg Sylvaner

Name- Weinkeller Erbach Flonheimer Adelberg
Variety- Sylvaner
Region- Rheinhessen
Country- Germany
Year- 2010
Price- $4.95

Critics review: "The fruity, mouthwatering wine has a nice acidity-sugar balance and comes form the so called 'Rheinhessen-Switzerland', the hearland of Rheinhessen. It has a floral bouquet and is full of lemon zest, hint of passion fruit, and smells like yellow fruit, lemon-grass and green tea, all wrapped around a pleasant creaminess and a semi-dry profile. The finish is zippy and refreshing. Perfect for party on the deck as it comes in a liter bottle!"

My review:  I was looking forward to trying this wine, but I was unfortunately not impressed. The smell had a lemon-grass scent, but I felt as though it was mixed with too many flavors which didn't match well with one another. On the palate, it was sweet and had flavor that I could not pinpoint. There were floral accents and maybe herbal flavors and scents that were too overpowering. I would describe this wine as too dry for being a white wine. I would pair this with something from the grill, such as grilled chicken.

I tasted this on it's own without food.

Tasting- Montebuena Rioja

Name- Montebuena Rioja
Variety- 100% Tempranillo
Region- Rioja
Country- Spain
Year- 2010
Price- $8.95

Critics review: "(100% Tempranillo, raised entirely in American oak): Vivid ruby. Ripe cherry and blackcurrant on the nose and in the mouth. Pliant and seamless in texture, with good heft and back-end energy. Finishes smooth and sweet, with fine-grained tannins providing shape and grip. Still on the young side but this wine drinks very well with an hour or so of decanting; it's an excellent value for Rioja."
-Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (September 2012), 90 pts

My review:  This wine was described as a popular favorite at the Vintage Cellar, but I did not agree completely with that statement. On the nose, the wine smelled ripe and consisted of what reflected deep dark fruits. The taste did not come off as strong as the smell, but instead more of a subtle sweetness.The wine had a good flow and felt consistently strong throughout the palate stages. There was also a hint of mustiness and almost oak-like taste in the wine flavor.  I would like to pair this with a pasta dish with a marinara sauce.

I tasted this on it's own without food.

Tasting- Delaroche Cotes du Rhone

Name- Delaroche Cotes du Rhone
Variety- 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 10% Mourvedre
Region- Rhone Valley
Country- France
Year- 2011
Price- $8.95

Critics review: : "This semi-opaque ruby, custom cuvee of 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 10% Mourvedre is made specifically for Fran Kysela. It exhibits very fresh, ripe dark red fruit with very good palate weight and depth and ends with rich fruit notes. Made from organically grown grapes. Incredible value! - I-WineReview (December 2013), 90 pts.

My review:  The nice berry color of the wine and berry scent gave a wonderful first impression of the wine. The fruit started and ended with a perfect flavor and the palate balance was perfect. Some hints of possible plum and raspberry flavors come to mind. Any steak dinner or stew with fresh vegetables would pair nicely with this wine.The taste of the wine tastes more expensive than the price as well!

I tasted this on it's own without food.

Tasting-Maipe Torrontes

Name- Maipe Torrontes
Variety- 100% Torrontes
Region- Mendoza
Country- Argentina
Year- 2013
Price- $7.95

Shop review: Spring-like nose of fresh white peaches, pears, green apple, green melon and hints of jasmine and rose petals. On the palate, it has a beautiful structure and acidity along with fruit flavors and plenty of body. Well balanced, this wine displays a pleasant freshness with citrus notes and a long finish. Best enjoyed in its youth either by itself, or as a wonderful partner with smoked meats, mild to medium-strong cheeses, seafood and a great partner for spicy food as well.

My review: Floral scents and on the nose and you can tell it is going to taste sweet. The wine was indeed tasteful on the palate and was fruity with a bit of an acid bite. The shop review is accurate in my eyes and spot on describing the wine as well balanced. It has a citrus taste and  is definitely refreshing. I would love to eat this wine with a nicely grilled fish.

I tasted this on it's own without food.

Tasting- Cortenova Pinot Grigio

Name- Cortenova Pinot Grigio
Variety- 100% Pinot Grigio
Region- Venezie, Italy
Country- Italy
Year- 2012
Price- $7.95

Shop review: Brilliant straw color with emerald reflections. Fresh and floral bouquet with a hint of pears, apricots, and bananas. Fresh and inviting with bright fruit and an easy drinking style with a pleasing hint of almonds in the finish. Pairs well with seafood dishes, risottos with scampi, spaghetti with clams, sole in white wine. Perfect also as an aperitif.

My review: Not bad at all! The scent was soft and reflected sweet fruits like strawberries. Looking at the color of the wine, it appeared clear and very crisp. It tasted a tad bit sour initially, but the aftertaste was satisfying. It had a simple flavor that would be refreshing and enjoyable to drink with a light dinner. It was slightly dry on the palate, but it did not negatively impact the solid overall taste.

I tasted this on it's own without food.