Tasting - El Sierro Tempranillo/Cab

Name: El Sierro Tempranillo/Cab
Variety: 80% Tempranillo, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Valencia
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: Dark ruby in color with rich aromas of red fruit and light spices. It is a real knock-out with delicious flavors of dark cherries, blackberries and vanilla all perfectly integrated. The Tempranillo provides wonderful spice and fruit, while the Cabernet Sauvignon gives structure and depth with the beautiful use of oak.

My Review: This wine had a very earthy aroma with some notes of cherries. Upon tasting, it was very tannic which took away from the fruit flavors. There were definitely flavors of oak and some fruit but it was overpowered by the tannins.

I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Decoy Napa Red

Name: Decoy Napa Red
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Region: Napa County, California
Country: United States
Year: 2011
Price: $33.00

Winery Review: Abundant layers of dark fruit and well-developed tannins. On the nose, layers of blackberry and blueberry mingle with hints of herbs and black olives. The rich fruit notes continue on the palate and lead to a long, structured finish.

My Review:This wine had a strong peppery, oaky aroma like most Cabernets. Upon tasting, there were light fruit flavors but the oak once again came through too strongly. It had a tannic finish but was well balanced so the tannins did not take away from the wine.

I did not have this wine with food. 

Tasting - Bellafina Pink Moscato

Name: Bellafina
Variety: Moscato and Rabosos
Region: Veneto
Country: Italy
Year: N/A
Price: $9.95

Winery Review: It has a pale rose color, notes of red berries (strawberry and raspberry) with the characteristic and fragrant bouquet and palate that is typical of the Moscato grape

My Review: This Moscato, as with most was very fruity and sugary in both aroma and taste. It had a very strong strawberry flavor that tasted similar to Italian soda. However, despite being sweet, it was not overly sweet and the carbonation helped to cut down the sweetness.

I did not have this wine with food. 

Tasting - Weinert Carrascal

Name: Weinert Carrascal
Variety: 40% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2008
Price: $13.95

Winery Review: It t has a rustic blackberry, scorched earth and leather-scented bouquet with bunches of pressed flowers. The palate is well-balanced with crisp tannins, expressive black tarry fruit and a Bordeaux-like finish.

My Review: This wine had a very leathery, heavy oak aroma. It also had a burnt wood smell. Upon tasting, it had a very heavy burnt, oaky flavor and very high tannins with an acidic finish. The tannins and oak overpowered the wine and I got no fruit flavors and it seemed very unbalanced.

I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Santa Duc Gigondas

Name: Santa Duc Gigondas
Variety: 75% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre, 15% Syrah and Cinsault
Region: Gigondas
Country: France
Year: 2011
Price: $43.95

Winery Review: Aged completely in foudre, it exhibits lots of blueberry, blackberry and kirsch fruit intermixed with hints of crushed rocks and spring flowers. This medium to full-bodied, soft Gigondas is ideal for drinking during its first 6-10 years of life.

My Review: This wine had a very strong woody, oak aroma. There was not much fruit aroma or flavor. It was very mineral in flavor and had a very tannic finish which I did not like.

I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Santa Duc Cotes du Rhone Les Vielles Vignes

Name: Santa Duc Cotes du Rhone Les Vielles Vignes
Variety: 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Morvedre, 10% Cinsault, Cournoise, Carignan
Region: Cotes du Rhone
Country: France
Year: 2010
Price: $15.95

Winery Review: The old vines give great depth and density to the wine. Older vines produce less fruit, the flavors coming through the grapes are concentrated into those fewer clusters. The nose is of plump, dark fruit; ripe black cherry and blackberry as well as a bit of mint. The palate is full of lovely berry fruits, lush ripe strawberry, black raspberry and black currants and undertones of wild herbs, like a basket of freshly picked forest berries and herbs. Those lush flavor and herbal notes make this a nice partner for a cozy crock of French Onion Soup.

My Review:This wine had a smoky, spicy aroma with hints of oak. After tasting, there were some hints of berry fruits but it was very tannic and acidic which took away from the flavors.

I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Plungerhead Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Foxglove Paso Robles Zinfandel
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
Region: Lodi, California
Country: United States
Year: 2011
Price: $14.95

Winery Review: We made a very refined Cabernet Sauvignon with great fruit, tannin and acid balance. Not one element dominates the rest as this wine truly shows harmony. To the blend, we added Merlot for softness and finesse and a little Petit Verdot for color and round tannins. The result is a classic glass of Lodi Cab that will pair well with foods on a white tablecloth setting of a dining room or on a blanket in a park toasting the sunset.

My Review: This wine was extremely oaky and smoky on the aroma. The oak was overwhelming and took over the flavors in the wine. It finished very tannic and I found it to be unbalanced.

I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Moulin de Gassac Rose

Name: Moulin de Gassac Rose
Variety:40% Grenache, 40% Carignan, 20% Syrah
Region: Languedoc
Country: France
Year: 2013
Price: $10.95

Winery Review: A delightful salmon-pink wine is produced using the traditional saignee process. After macerating on the skins for approximately 10 hours, the juice is then pumped off and fermented in temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks. Aromatics of strawberries and crushed red fruit leap from the glass. In the mouth, it is fresh with excellent acidity, some mineral components and good length. Very food friendly. It is a great companion to just about anything you want to throw at it.

My Review: This wine had nice berry aromas of strawberry and raspberry. After tasting, the flavor was overpowered by tannins and a dry acidic finish. I did not really like this wine.

I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Moulin de Gassac Blanc

Name: Moulin de Gassac Blanc
Variety: 40% Grenache Blanc, 30% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Clairette
Region: Languedoc
Country: France
Year: 2012
Price: $9.95

Winery Review: Variously described as "Lafite in the Languedoc", "the only Grand Cru of the Midi" and "exceptional", Mas de Daumas Gassac has consistently been the Languedoc glod standard for the past four decades. The 80-hectare, organically farmed estate is located deep in the sultry Midi, but enjoys a temperate microclimate as a result of altitude, which gives the wines a lovely deftness of touch. Try with coconut fish curry, penne al pesto, seafood gratin or cheese souffle.

My Review: This wine had a very fruity and floral aroma. However upon tasting, the fruit did not come out too much and it had a dry and somewhat bitter finish. It actually had some herbal flavor instead of fruit flavor.

I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay/ Semillon

Name: Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay Semillon
Variety: 80% Chardonnay, 20% Semillon
Region: South Australia
Country: Australia
Year: 2008
Price: $7.95








Winery Review: It gives a moderate intensity of melon, guava, apricot and butterscotch aromas. The medium bodied palate provides attractive acidity along with plenty of tropical fruit flavors and a medium-long finish.

My Review: This wine had a very sugary and honey like aroma. Taste wise, I did not get much out of this wine, it seemed thin to me and only had an acidic finish with little flavor.

I did not have food with this wine.

Tasting - McPherson Tre Colore

Name: McPherson Tre Colore
Variety: 27% Carignan, 62% Mourvedre, 11% Viognier
Region: Lubbock, Texas
Country: United States
Year: 2012
Price: $16.95

Winery Review: This light body, easy drinking red wine has aromas of cedar, black pepper and dried cherries and other rebellious berry characteristics. The taste of this approachable wine is rich and smoky with a smooth finish. This is a wine made for a man, but perfect for a woman. The approachable qualities in this light bodied red make it an easy match for both people and dishes. Feature this wine with your next chicken dinner or cheeses from all over the world.

My Review: This wine had a wood, spice aroma to it. There were some berry flavors in this wine but it was more tannic and had a drier finish that I did not find to be smooth.

I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - McPherson La Herencia

Name: McPherson La Herencia
Variety: 75% Temparanillo, 9% Syrah, 6% Mourvedre, 5% Grenache & Carignan
Region: Lubbock, Texas
Country: United States
Year: 2012
Price: $16.95

Winery Review: Spanish-style red wine made to give a tip of the hat to both the Spanish explorers who first crossed the Texas High Plains, and to those who first envisioned a Texas wine industry> This delicious blend is packed full of juicy bramble fruit, tobacco leaf, and spice. The wine fermented in stainless steel and aged fourteen months in new and neutral French oak giving more weight than 2010 but still round tannins and a pleasantly savory finish. Enjoy this wine on its own or with your favorite Texas BBQ.

My Review: This wine had a smoky, oak aroma as well as some tobacco aromas. However, after tasting, the berry fruit flavors came through and it was nicely balanced. There was a light tannic finish that surprisingly had some acidity to it.

I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - McPherson Les Copains

Name: McPherson Les Copains
Variety: 45% Viognier, 35% Roussanne, 16% Grenache Blanc, 4 % Marsanne
Region: Lubbock, Texas
Country: United States
Year: 2012
Price: $16.95

Winery Review: Les Copains, French for "the buddies", is a term that symbolizes this exquisite combination of Rhone-style varietals. McPherson Cellars is known for creating old world blends with a modern approach and this is no exception. Soft, rich, and balanced, Les Copains embodies the award -winning wines that Km McPherson is renowned for producing.

My Review:This wine had a sweet, floral aroma. Again this wine was fruit front with an acidic finish. Despite the blend of grapes, the flavor seemed one sided and there was not much going on.

I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - El Sierro Macabeo/Chardonnay

Name: El Sierro Macabeo/Chardonnay
Variety: 95% Macabeo. 5% Chardonnay
Region: Valencia
Country: Spain
Year: 2012
Price: $6.95

Winery Review: In the glass, there is a bright and shiny white wine with an incredibly welcoming, fresh appetizing aroma reminiscent of ripe tropical fruits. The near perfect all-purpose white wine.

My Review: This wine had a very floral, slightly acidic nose. Upon tasting, I did not get many flavors unfortunately. The wine was very thin and bitter for me and was not very good.

I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Ryan Patrick Red Head Red

Name: Ryan Patrick Redhead Red
Variety: 88% Merlot, 10% Primitivo, 2% Malbec
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington
Country: United States
Year: 2012
Price: $10.95

Winery Review: Supple and succulent, with pretty cherry, pomegranate and spice flavors on a medium-weight frame, lingering pleasantly.

My Review: This wine had a bitter yet sweet bean paste aroma to it. After tasting, it was smooth with slight acidity in the finish. The tannins were light while the flavor came through as a sweet bean paste. Overall, not a bad red.

I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Familia Pacheco Jumilla

Name: Familia Pacheco Jumilla
Variety: 80% Monastrell, 20% Syrah
Region: Jumilla
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $8.95

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 balsamic sensations. Familia Paco Pacheco Organic is a balanced, full-bodied, fresh wine enhanced by seasoned tannins and the reoccuring traces of ripe fruit.

My Review: This wine had a very distinct new tire smell and some spices on the aroma. After tasting, there was definite spices present with a dry finish that was a bit dry. I did not get fruit flavor from this wine and it was not one of my favorites.

I did not have food with this wine.

Tasting - Les Ramparts Bordeaux 2010

Name: Les Ramparts Bordeaux 2010
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot
Region: Bordeaux
Country: France
Year: 2010
Price: $8.95

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: This wine had a very smoky, oaky aroma that was immediately present. After tasting, there were flavors of berry fruits although there was a tannic finish which cut the fruits short. This wine was a bit too smoky and tannic for my taste.

I did not have wine with this food.

Tasting - Postales Cabernet/Malbec

Name: Postales Cabernet/Malbec
Variety: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Malbec
Region: Patagonia
Country: Argentina
Year: 2012
Price: $12.95

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

My Review: This red had a strong floral aroma with not much fruit aromas. After tasting, the tannins were definitely softer than other reds and it had a slightly acidic finish. I also found this wine to be a bit bitter which I did not like.

I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Postales Sauvignon Blanc Semillon

Name: Postales Sauvignon Blanc Semillon
Variety: 65% Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Semillon
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 long finish.

My Review: This wine had a slightly acidic nose with not much fruity, citrus aroma. After tasting, I did not find much going on with this wine. It was very thin and lacked any prominent flavors. The finish was slightly acidic. Overall not my favorite wine.

I did not have this wine with food. 

Tasting - CalNaturale Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: CalNaturale Cabernet Sauvignon
Variety: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Viognier
Region: Paso Robles, California
Country: United States
Year: 2009
Price: $16.00

Winery Review: This certified organic winery produces outstanding quality at reasonable prices offering classic Cabernet flavors of fresh herb, olive, cedar and cassis. Focused and intense, with a charming rustic side and broad tannins that firm up on the finish.

My Review: This wine had a very earthy, herby and cedar aroma as is typical of Cabernet Sauvignon. Upon tasting, the woody flavor and earthy tones came through. It also had a very tannic finish and left my mouth very dry.

I did not have this wine with food.