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 - Omo Ze Bel Merlot

Name: Omo Ze Bel Merlot
Variety: 100% Merlot
Region: Scicilia
Country: Italy
Year: 2011
Price: $6.95

Winery Review: This bright, soft Merlot comes from a hilly vineyard on the Alcesti family estate in beautiful Sicily. It has hints of red cherries and freshly cut hay.

My Review: This wine smelled of wet leaves and a vegetal, forest aroma. Upon tasting, I got no fruit flavors and was tannic and acidic. There were some flavors of oak but not much else.

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 - Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon
Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Sonoma County, California
Country: United States
Year: 2012
Price: $33.00

Winery Review: Alluring black cherry and raspberry jam aromas, was well as more subtle notes of nutmeg, spice and chocolate. On the palate, lovely layers of raspberry and plum are supported by excellent structure and seamlessly integrated oak.

My Review: This wine had a very oaky aroma mixed with spices and very little fruit. After tasting, I found the oak component to be too heavy and overpowered the rest of the flavors. The finish was also very tannic and combined with the oak flavor, I did not like this wine very much.

I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Decoy Merlot

Name: Decoy Merlot
Variety: 100% Merlot
Region: Sonoma County, California
Country: United States
Year: 2012
Price: $33.00

Winery Review: Aromas of strawberry compote, plum and cherry wood are supported by hints of clove and cinnamon from the well-integrated oak. The red fruit continues on the palate with layers of fresh strawberry and raspberry. Bright acid lengthens the finish, which concludes with soft, mature tannins.

My Review: This wine had an aroma of cinnamon and oak with little fruit aromas. After tasting, the fruits came through on the front and mid palates with a tannic finish that made it very dry.

I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Urban Tinta del Pais Ribera del Duero

Name: Urban Ribera Tinta del Pais
Variety: 100% Tempranillo
Region: Ribera del Duero
Country: Spain
Year: 2009
Price: $14.95

Winery Review: The 2009 Urban Ribera from what looks to be a great vintage, was aged in French oak for 4 months. Deep purple in color with an inviting perfume of violets, Asian spices, black cherry, and blackberry on the palate it is layered, plush and intense. While likely to evolve for 1-2 years, this outstanding value can be enjoyed now and over the next 5-6 years.

My Review: This wine had a floral, forest aroma. Upon tasting, there were hints of blackberry and had a tannic finish. The wine also seemed thin for a red.

I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Decoy Pinot Noir

Name: Decoy Pinot Noir
Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Sonoma County, California
Country: United States
Year: 2012
Price: $33.00

Winery Review: Lovely aromas of ripe strawberry and raspberry, as well as subtle notes of sandalwood and spice. On the palate, it is elegantly structured with abundant red fruit, excellent mid-palate weight and a lingering finish with a hint of fresh earth.

My Review: This wine had a oaky and peppery aroma with very little fruit. After tasting, there were more flavors of berry fruits than expected and had a light tannic finish that was not overpowering.

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 Julia Malbec

Name: Santa Julia
Variety: 100% Malbec
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2012
Price: $8.95

Winery Review: The nose is full of mellow raspberry and cherry, while the palate is fleshy and round, with blackberry and a touch of raisin. Plump, not edgy, and ready to drink with coffee and mocha notes on the finish.

My Review: This Malbec had aromas of raspberry and blackberry with some smells of oak. After tasting, the fruit flavors of berries came through and had a light tannic finish. It was very smooth and easy to drink.

I did not  have food with this wine.

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 - Burgess Syrah

Name: Burgess Syrah
Variety: 100% Syrah
Region: Napa Valley, California
Country: United States
Year: 2009
Price: $19.95

Winery Review: Inviting color of dark purple garnet lead your nose to very pretty aromas and flavors of plum, blackberry and spice. A rich, round mouthfeel and long, smooth finish confirm why we love Syrah so much.

My Review: This wine had an interesting coconut aroma with some plum coming through. After tasting, there were light fruit flavors and it had a smooth finish with light tannins.

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 - Picket Fence Pinot Noir

Name: Picket Fence Pinot Noir
Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Russian River Valley, California
Country: United States
Year: 2012
Price:$17.95

Winery Review: Aromas of brandy-macerated red cherries, bay laurel, duck fat, forest floor, toasty baking spices and warm vanilla. The chewy red and black fruits come through in the mouth with layers of fine tannins and just a whisper of smoldering French oak. A delicious finish ends this wine on a lush note of creme brulee topped with plum compote.

My Review: This wine had a smoky, woody aroma. There was not much fruit flavor and had flavors of spices instead. The finish was slightly tannic but more acidic than expected.

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 - Foxglove Paso Robles Zinfandel

Name: Foxglove Paso Robles Zinfandel
Variety: 100% Zinfandel
Region: Paso Robles, California
Country: United States
Year: 2012
Price: $15.95

Winery Review: Superb, with loads of character, the 2012 Zinfandel delivers beautiful bramble, potpourri and spice-driven aromatics, medium-bodied richness and real depth and class; the fact that it sells for a song is just icing on the cake.

My Review: This wine had a very unique smell. It had a rotten fruit and vegetable smell that was very strong. After tasting, it had a lot of pepper flavor and seemed like a hot wine with an acidic finish.

I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Patty Green Lia's Vineyard Pinot Noir

Name:Patty Green Lia's Vineyard Pinot Noir
Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Willamette Valley
Country: Oregon
Year: 2012
Price: $37.95

Winery Review: One of the best value Oregon Pinot Noirs for 15 years, fresh and mouthwatering with sweet black berry/cherry fruit flavors and Patty's trademark full-bodied style. There's a bit of very appealing field herbs and earth in the mix and a smooth silky finish. It's ready to drink but is so well balanced I'd treat it like a higher priced wine and cellar it for 5-15 years. By all accounts one of the top 3 vintages in Oregon's production history.

My Review: This wine had a very woody and spice based aroma. On tasting, it was vegetal with little fruit flavors. It also had a tannic finish that was slightly bitter.

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 - Entrada Malbec

Name:Entrada Malbec
Variety: 100% Malbec
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: Firm and structured, this is a solid wine, laced with mineral acidity and tight tannins. It has a juicy, blackberry fruit component cutting through the texture.

My Review: This wine had a very grassy and woody aroma. Upon tasting, there were fruit and berry flavors with a slight acidic finish. Overall, a smooth wine that wasn't bad but was not great.

I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Vina Borga Borsao

Name:Vina Borgia Borsao
Variety: 100% Grenache
Region: Campo de Borja
Country: Spain
Year: 2012
Price: $6.95

Winery Review: Also made from 100% Grenache, the 2012 Vina Borgia was fermented and aged in stainless steel. Its medium dark ruby color is followed by abundant notes of strawberries and black cherries offered in a straightforward, medium-bodied soft, hedonistic, round style.

My Review: This wine had a spicy aroma with only hints of berry fruits. After tasting, it had very light fruit flavors with a very tannic finish. I also found this wine to be very warm which I did not like.

I did not have this wine with food.