Name: Vega Douro Red Wine
Variety: Touriga Franca Blend
Region: Douro
Country: Portugal
Year: 2009
Price: $9.99 (on sale)
Winery Review: Smooth and wood-aged, this has a polished texture. Fruit flavors of blueberry and red cherry combine with the rounded tannins and a spice note to give a rich feel. Full yet elegant, age this for the next two years.
My Review: This was my first time trying a Portuguese wine. It was on sale at the Vintage Cellar. This grape was very similar to Tempranillo. Pretty dark with dark berry flavors and aromas but with a little bit of spice. It would definitely taste good with a big steak.
I did not eat while tasting this wine.
Name: Reserve Grand Veneur Cotes du Rhone
Variety: 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Cinsault
Region: Rhone Valley
Country: France
Year: 2010
Price: $14.95/ 750mL , $38.95/ 3L
Winery Review: As for their other values, the 2010 Grand Veneur Cotes du Rhone Reserve (70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Cinsault) displays loads of ripe flavors. 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: A very good Cotes du Rhone. I'm always a fan of Cotes du Rhones. The Grenache flavors really come through. I think the Syrah and Cinsault keeps it calm. Lots of dark cherry flavors with a little bit of spice.
I did not eat while tasting this wine.
Name: Lobetia Tempranillo
Variety: Tempranillo
Region: La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $9.95
Winery 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: Very true Tempranillo. Very spicy and bold. I liked this aspect about it. Dark berry flavors and aromas. It would probably be fantastic with a meat dish.
I did not eat while tasting this wine.
Name: Lobetia Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $9.95
Winery 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: I'm not the biggest chardonnay fan but I really enjoyed this wine. I actually bought a bottle to take home with me. I rarely drink spanish white wines so this was very intriguing. In the store it was rich with floral components. When I tried my bottle at home, I think it needed to breath because it was much more closed off and sharp. I didn't like it as much at home.
I did not eat while tasting this wine.
Name: Trattoria Busa Alla Torre Da Lele
Variety: Pinot Grigio
Region: Veneto
Country: Italy
Year: NV
Price: $7.95
Winery 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 was told that this wine was unoaked but I got a lot of vanilla and oaky aromas. A simple but solid composition. I actually enjoyed this wine quite a bit. Very vegetal which is typical for 'Old World' wines.
I did not eat while tasting this wine.
Name: Concannon Shiraz
Variety: Shiraz
Region: Central Coast, California
Country: USA
Year: 2008
Price: $7.95
Winery 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: Dark aromas of berries. A bit of roast on the nose as well. An intriguing nose indeed. Tastes were rich and dark of blackberries. A pretty dense and complex wine.
I did not eat while tasting this wine.
Name: Ksana Bonarda
Variety: Bonarda
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2008
Price: $9.95
Winery 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: Definitely a floral bouquet. Very strong on the nose. Lots of spice on the palate. Very dominate. Solid berry profiles with well-balanced levels of tannins.
I did not eat while tasting this wine.
Name: Vega Douro Red Wine
