Tasting - Reserve Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône

Name: Reserve Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône
Varietal: 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Cinsault
Region: Rhone
Country: France
Year: 2010
Price: $14.95/ 750mL, $38.95/ 3L

Wine Shop Review: It is very concentrated for a Cotes du Rhone, and is actually an amazing wine. Classic garrigue, black cherry liqueur, lavender, licorice and spice box are all present in this fullbodied, intense, and rich Cotes du Rhone. This is a sensational effort to drink over the next 4-5 years, although it might last even longer.

My Review: There were cherry and blackberry notes to this wine on its nose. It hard a soft tannnic structure to it and had a smooth mouth-feel with a slightly sweet finish to polish of the wine.

I tasted this wine by itself.

Tasting - Lobetia Tempranillo

Name: Lobetia Tempranillo
Varietal: Tempranillo
Region: La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $9.95

Wine Shop Review: Organically and naturally grown and made, this wine allows the varietal and the terroir to stand out cleanly. It shows a nice cherry color with a violet shade because of its youth. Red berries and cherries on the nose. On the palate it is fresh, slightly astringent, and harmonious with a long finish.

My Review: Good mix of dark berry, jammy flavors along with the spicy and mild tannic finish that you will usually find in a Tempranillo wine. This was a well balances wine that was very smooth and enjoyable to drink.

I tasted this wine alone.

Tasting - Lobetia Chardonnay

Name: Lobetia Chardonnay
Varietal: Chardonnay
Region: La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $9.95

Wine Shop Review: Organically and naturally grown and made, this wine allows the varietal and the terroir to stand out cleanly. Clean, bright color with a greenish-yellow tone. On the nose, exotic fruits like pineapple. Full flavored, fresh, with good acidity in the mouth, it finishes with tropical fruits.

My Review: There was pear and tangerine scents on the nose of this wine that carried over into the flavor of this fruity and acidic, refreshing treat of a wine.

I tasted this wine by itself

Tasting - Trattoria Busa Alla Torre Da Lele

Name: Trattoria Busa Alla Torre Da Lele
Varietal: Pinot Gris
Region: Veneto
Country: Italy
Year: NV
Price: $7.95

Wine Shop Review: Named after the famous restaurant in Italy! This is their house white wine! Coppery color from extended skin contact, round and rich texture with juicy melon aromas and flavors with a sweet fennel note on the ultra smooth finish. Great value Grigio! Drink now.

My Review: I got grassy and sharp acidic aromas on the nose of the wine and thought that it had tart almost bitter taste to it. It was not what I was expecting especially after reading the description, but I really liked this wine.

I tasted this wine without food

Tasting - Ksana Bonarda

Name: Ksana Bonarda
Varietal: Bonarda
Region: Medoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2008
Price: $9.95

Wine Shop Review: The bouquet is floral and lightly jammy, with berry aromas and a savory note or two. To the uninitiated, this is a great introduction to Bonarda. Finishes solid. Very sweet, berry smell with some rooty undertones. Kind of dry, makes your lips pucker.

My Review: Dark purple, rich wine and the first I have had the opportunity to taste that had sediment in it. Floral, fruity scent to the wine and a jammy, dark berry flavor to it.

I tasted this wine on its own.

Tasting - Concannon Shiraz

Name: Concannon Shiraz
Varietal: Shiraz/Syrah
Region: Central Coast, California
Country: USA
Year: 2008
Price: $7.95

Wine Shop Review: This is an extremely rich, full-bodied wine with a dark fruit core. Aromas of blackberry, blueberry, cassis and dark cherry are followed by more berry fruits and chocolate and mocha on the palate.

My Review: You could tell this was going to have a heavier smokey flavor to it just by the nose. It had a thick mouth feel to it that hung around with blackberry and tobacco flavors along with some dark coffee notes.

I tasted this wine without any food.

Tasting - Black Ridge White Zinfandel

Name: Black Ridge White Zinfandel
Varietal: Zinfandel
Region: Central Coast, California
Country: USA
Year: NV
Price: $3.95

Wine Shop Review: This fruit forward White Zinfandel displays fresh aromas and crisp flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry. It is incredibly food friendly and will pair well with burgers, sandwiches, fruit salad, and more.

My Review: Floral nose, with a smooth fruity cherry flavor to it. Easy to drink, it would be a fun wine for a large party.

I tasted this wine on its own.