Tasting - Morada Sangria

Name: Morada Sangria
Country: Spain
Year: NV
Price: $4.95

Wine Shop Review: Morada Sangria is a traditional Spanish drink made with red wine and citrus extracts. Garnet color and fresh on the palate. Pasteurization preserves the color, aromas and flavors. 7% Alc. It is a very refreshing Sangria with around 85 grams of sugar. Sangria is now one of the hottest items in the beverage industry and it's growing exponentially year to year. Serve well chilled, on its own or with lemonade and slices of fruit
like peach, banana or apple.

My Review: Sweet to the taste with strong orange and tangerine flavors. Easy to drink and would be a good dessert-type beverage.

I tasted this wine by itself.

Tasting - Lost Vineyards Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Lost Vineyards Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon
Varietal: 60% Shiraz, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Argentina
Country: Argentina
Year: NV
Price: $3.95

Wine Shop Review: It is dry and contains subtle tobacco undertones with a black licorice, cherry, scent. The oak is in the background. Would pair well hamburger or a steak rather than stand alone.

My Review: Scents as well as tastes of berries and cherries. There were also spicy and smokey flavors that finished this wine off well.

I tasted this wine by itself.

Tatsing - Villa Pozzi Nero

Name: Villa Pozzi Nero
Varietal: Calabrese
Region: Sicily
Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $8.95

Wine Shop Review: Very dark purple, with a reddish-violet edge, typical of this grape. Black plums, a hint of licorice and subtle spice, not overly complex but appealing. A big mouth full of juicy black fruit is well structured by tart acidity and soft but distinct tannins.

My Review: Scents of blackberry on the nose. the wine had spicy and woody flavors that made it interesting.

I tasted this wine by itself.

Tasting - Tres Ojos Rose

Name: Tres Ojos Rose
Varietal: 50% tempranillo, 50% granacha
Region: Calatayu
Country: Spain
Year: 2009
Price: $1.95

Wine Shop Review: This medium rose-colored rosado boasts a spicy red cherry/plum nose with a soft lush attack of red berry fruit flavors and a crisp dry finish. Simple and refreshing and a natural for tapas.

My Review: Sweet scents of cherry and raspberry were strong in this wine. The taste came across sort of flat with no prevailing flavor, but it did have a nice spicy flavor at the finish.

I tasted this wine by itself.

Tasting - Les Perles Piquepoul

Name: Les Perles Piquepoul
Varietal: Piquepoul
Region: Cotes de Thau
Country: France
Year: 2011
Price: $7.95

Wine Shop Review: Light and young, this is a straightforward but enjoyable selection that would be an ideal match for light fare such as grilled chicken salads or fluke. Apple flesh, nectarine, and sweet citrus oil aromas and flavors appear on the nose and palate, while the short finish is infused with a flavor of green melon rind.

My Review: I could smell scents of freshly cut grass in this wine. It had acidic as well as apple and citrus flavors and was very refreshing.

I tasted this wine on its own.

Tasting - Gabriella Chianti

Name: Gabriella Chianti
Varietal: Sangiovese
Region: Tuscany
Country: Italy
Year: 2008
Price: $7.95

Wine Shop Review: This beautiful wine has the very deep red, almost purple, color that you would expect in a Chianti. The first thing you notice is the fruit, balanced by a bit of spice. It’s a good dry wine with a bold flavor. Even with it’s boldness, this Chianti is velvety smooth.

My Review: Rich red wine with a spicy bitter taste.

I tasted this wine by itself

Tasting - Lavarini Valpolicella Classico

Name: Lavarini Valpolicella Classico
Varietal: 65% Corvina Veronese, 25% Rondinella & 10% Molinara
Region: Veneto
Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $6.95

Wine shop review: The red ruby color and the dry taste give this
wine joviality and cordiality. It is fresh and fruity, with lovely
strawberry and cherry aromas and flavors, with nice spice and
a silky texture.

My review: Earthy wine with smokey bark flavors and a finishes with a pucker.

I tasted this wine by itself

Tasting - Dom de Mirail Cabernet/Merlot Rose

Name: Dom de Mirail Cabernet/Merlot Rose
Varietal: 50% cabernet sauvignon, 50% merlot
Region: Cotes de Gascogne
Country: France
Year: 2011
Price: $5.95

Wine shop Review: There is a fresh, crisp character to this light rosé. It is eye-watering in its refreshing character, with balancing acidity, smoothing out the edges with a touch of caramel.

My Review: Well-balanced wine with cherry flavors.

I tasted this wine by itself

Tasting - Norton Torrontes

Name: Norton Torrontes
Varietal: Torrontes
Region: Mendoz
Country: Argentina
Year: 2011
Price: $5.95

Wine Shop Review: Greenish yellow with hints of gold, this Torrontés has intense aromas of white peach, rose petal, and jasmine. Norton Torrontés 2011 is pleasant and well balanced on the palate.

My Review: A smooth wine with hints of freshly cut grass.

I tasted this wine by itself

Tasting - Dibon Cava

Name: Dibon Cave
Varietal: 45% Macabeo, 25% Xarel-lo, 30% Parellada
Region: Penendes
Country: Spain
Year: NV
Price: $9.95

Wine Shop Review: The nose offers regal yeast and richness, while the palate has complexity to prop up apple, citrus and grapefruit flavors. Solid from front to back, with health and freshness.

My Review: This wine has a flavors of orange peel and lemon zest and has an acidic bite to it.

I tasted this wine by itself.

Tasting - Opera Prima Pink Mescato

Name: Opera Prima
Varietal: 
Region: La Mancha Spain
Country: Spain
Year: NV
Price: $7.95

Wine Shop Review: This fine sparkling presents and intense aroma of fresh berries and tropical fruits with hints of white flavor petals. Delicate bubbles caress the palate offering a silky and pleasant sweetness well balanced by a crisp, refreshing finish. Ideal on it own, as an aperitif or with all types of sweets and desserts.

My Review: Strong floral and perfumey scents wine a fruity taste and slight fizz make this an easy wine to drink.

I tasted this wine by itself

Tasting - Black Opal Shiraz

Name: Black Opal Shiraz
Varietal: Shiraz
Region: South Eastern Australia
Country: Australia
Year: 2011
Price: $5.95

Wine Shop Review: The Black Opal wines are sourced from vineyards found in SouthAustralia along the Limestone Coast, at Langhorne Creek and in the infamous Barossa Valley. Black Opal Shiraz is rich red in the glass. Aromas of blackberry, pepper and spice followed with rich plum flavors round out the palate. Soft tannins give structure to the fruit-driven palate.



My Review: A musty smell with flavors of cherry and tangerine and also a peppery kick.

I tasted this wine by itself

Tasting - Sokol Blosser Meditrina

Name: Sokol Blosser Meditrina
Varietal: Pinot Noir, Syrah, Zinfandel
Region: Oregon
Country: USA
Year: NV
Price: $7.95

Wine Shop Review: It’s created from the finest Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Zinfandel. The taste is lush and velvety with expressive notes of raspberry and cherry. It pairs nicely with pasta and anything off the grill.

My Review: This wine had a nice taste of raspberry and a peppery finish to get a good mix of flavors.

I tasted this wine by itself

Tasting - Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay/Semillon

Name: Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay/Semillon
Varietal: 80% Chardonnay, 20% Semillon
Region: South Australia
Country: South Australia
Year: 2008 
Price: $5.95

Wine Shop Review: Gotham’s 2008 Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay Semillon is a blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Semillon. 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: By far the coolest name of a vineyard I have heard so far. This wine had a mix of fruit flavors that included pear and kiwi which made for an interesting taste and an enjoyable wine.

I tasted this wine by itself

Tasting - Beringer Riesling

Name: Beringer Riesling
Variety: Riesling
Region: California 
County: USA
Year: 2009
Price: $5.95

Wine Shop Review: This wine is the perfect balance of honeysuckle and bright peach
flavors. A perfect compliment to light fare, appetizers, or just
sharing with friends.

My Review: Sweet to the taste wild mild acidity with tastes of honey and citrus fruit. Good wine that all can enjoy.

I tasted this wine by itself

Tasting - Finca del Castillo Tempranillo

Name: Finca del Castillo Tempranillo
Varietal: Tempranillo
Region: La Mancha, Spain
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $4.95

Wine Shop Review: Rooty, spicy and baked on the nose, with aromas that lean towards raisin. The palate is more gritty and acidic, with raisin, cola, and spic flavors. Darkens up on the finish, which is long and peppery, with adequate juiciness and a final note of tomato.

My Review: Earthy tasting with a spicy finish and aftertaste. Good to sip on and think over all of the flavors hidden inside.

I tasted this wine on its own.

Tasting - Georges Deboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau

Name: Georges Deboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau
Variety: 100% Gamay
Region: Beaujolais, France
Country: France
Year: 2012
Price: $3.95

Wine Shop Review: Bright and tangy, offering a classic banana note on the nose, with flavors of raspberry, wild strawberry and light spice. Modest finish.

My Review: Sweet wine wine a strong smell of strawberries. Tastes of strawberries as well as a hint of cherry. Crisp, refreshing finish and an all around enjoyable drink.

I tasted this wine by itself.

Tasting - Mars and Venus Chardonnay

Name: Mars and Venus Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Central Valley, Chile
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $5.95

Wine Shop Review: A very nice value Chardonnay that comfortably over-delivers vs. its modest price tag. No oak here, just bushels of clean, crisp, Chardonnay apple and stone fruit with a hint of caramelized pineapple. Juicy and clean, this is a mid-weight white that’s just perfect for parties or weeknight sipping.

My Review: Light wine with many subtle fruity flavors. Nice fresh tasting wine that would be good anytime.

I tasted this wine without any food.

Tasting - La Cappuccina Soave

Name: La Cappuccina Soave
Variety: 100% Garganega
Region: Verona, Italy
Country: Italy
Year: 2011
Price: $7.95

Wine Shop Review: Bright straw yellow in color. Delicate on the nose, with notes of flowers and almonds. Dry, well-structured and delicately fruity, with hints of bitter almonds on the finish that is typical of Garganega-based wines.

My Review: Although there is a sweet smell to this wine, don't be fooled it has a dry taste to it. There are strong citrus and almond flavors when you first taste it with a crisp refreshing finish.

I did not taste this wine with food.