Tasting - "Morada Sangria"

•Name: Morada Sangria

•Variety: Sangria Blend

•Region: N/A

•Country: Spain 

•Year: NV

•Price: $4.95

•Shop/wine critic/winery 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.

•Your review: This wine tasted like juice. TONS of sugar, which of course I didn't hate, but it definitely did not taste it had any alcohol in it at all. It had a fruity and citrusy smell. It was cold and refreshing. I gave this bottle three stars.

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Tasting - "Lost Vineyards Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon"

•Name: Lost Vineyards Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon

•Variety: 60% Shiraz 40% Cabernet Sauvignon

•Region: N/A

•Country: Argentina

•Year: NV

•Price: $4.95

•Shop/wine critic/winery 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.

•Your review: This wine had a strong berry smell and was red in color. It had a unique taste that was not tart, yet not too earthy. I gave it four stars! 

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Tasting - "Villa Pozzi Nero D'Avola"

•Name: Villa Pozzi Nero D'Avola

•Variety: 100% Nero D'Avola

•Region: Sicily

•Country: Italy

•Year: 2010

•Price: $8.95

•Shop/wine critic/winery 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.

•Your review: It was a deep red coloring with a forest and earthy bite to it. It had a light and mossy smell to it. I really enjoyed this red! I gave it three stars. 

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Tasting - "Tres Ojos Rose"

•Name: Tres Ojos Rose

•Variety: 50% Tempranillo 50%Garnacha

•Region: Calatayud

•Country: Spain

•Year: 2009

•Price: $1.95

•Shop/wine critic/winery 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.

•Your review: This wine was light pink with slight orange tones. It had a sweet, almost carmel smell to it. For only $1.95, it was a pretty tasty wine! I give it two starts.  

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Tasting - "Les Perles Piquepoul"

•Name: Les Perles Piquepoul

•Variety: 100% Piquepoul

•Region: Cotes de Thau

•Country: France

•Year: 2011

•Price: $7.95

•Shop/wine critic/winery 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.

•Your review: This wine was a light yellow and it was suggested to pair it with brie, chicken or tuna. It had a pleasant, soft smell with a tart, but refreshing taste. I could see it being the perfect summer wine! I give this wine three stars.

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Tasting - "Gabriella Chianti"

•Name: Gabriella Chianti

•Variety: 100% Sangiovese

•Region: Tuscany

•Country: Italy

•Year: 2008

•Price: $7.95

•Shop/wine critic/winery 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.

•Your review: This wine was a dark red in color. It had a very unique, strong smell. This red was pretty dry and earthy. I was excited to try a wine from Italy!

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Tasting - "Lavarini Valpolicella Classico"

•Name: Lavarini Valpolicella Classico

•Variety: 65% Corvina Veronese, 25% Rondinella and 10% Molinara

•Region: Valpolicella

•Country: Italy

•Year: 2010

•Price: $6.95

•Shop/wine critic/winery review: 65% Corvina Veronese, 25% Rondinella and 10% Molinara

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.

•Your review: This wine had a very fruity, berry smell to it. The spice flavor was surprising, but pleasant. I would definitely try this wine again.  

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Tasting - "Dom de Mirail Cabernet/Merlot Rose"

•Name: Dom de Mirail Cabernet/Merlot Rose

•Variety: Cabernet and Merlot

•Region: Cotes de Gascogne

•Country: France

•Year: 2011

•Price: $5.95

•Shop/wine critic/winery 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.

•Your review: This wine was very pale in color. It didn't have very strong of a taste or smell. It was pretty plain. I think it would taste better with a very strong food pairing.

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Tasting - "Norton Torrontes"

•Name: Norton Torrontes

•Variety: 100% Torrontes.

•Region: Mendoz

•Country: Argentina

•Year: 2011

•Price: $5.95

•Shop/wine critic/winery 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.

•Your review: This wine had a very pleasant, almost flowery smell. It had a light color and was different than what I expected! I think this would be a great alternative for my usual white wine.

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Tasting - "Dibon Cava"

•Name: Dibon Cava

•Variety: 45% Macabeo, 25% Xarel-lo, 30% Parellada

•Region: Pendes

•Country: Spain

•Year: NV

•Price: $9.95

•Shop/wine critic/winery review: Xarel-lo, Parellada and Macabeo

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.

•Your review: This wine was light in color with a very crisp taste. It had a slightly sweet and fruity flavor. I enjoyed this wine a lot.

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Tasting - "Opera Prima Pink Moscato"

•Name: Opera Prima Pink Moscato

•Variety: 100% Moscat

•Region: Castilla

•Country: Spain

•Year: NV

•Price: $5.95

•Shop/wine critic/winery 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.

•Your review: The pink-orange colored Moscato had a very flowery smell. It was bubbly, tasted delicious with hints of raspberry. and was not too sweet. I loved this wine.

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Tasting - "Sokol Blosser Meditrina"

•Name: Sokol Blosser Meditrina

•Variety: 28% Pinot Noir, 50% Syrah, and 22% Zinfandel (Blended) 

•Region: Dundee, OR

•Country: USA

•Year: NV

•Price: $7.95

•Shop/wine critic/winery 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.

•Your review: This wine had a red-orange coloring and a rich, buttery smell! It smelled just sensational and I was very excited to try it! It had a slightly earthy taste and was my favorite red to date. I think this wine would taste excellent paired with food.

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Tasting - "Black Opal Shiraz"

•Name: Black Opal Shiraz

•Variety: 100% Shiraz (Syrah)

•Region: Barossa Valley

•Country: South Eastern Australia

•Year: 2011

•Price: $5.95

•Shop/wine critic/winery review: The Black Opal wines are sourced from vineyards found in South Australia 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.

•Your review: This wine was a dark red and had a slight purple tint. It smelled slightly sugary and  of berries. The taste was very hardy. 

•Did not have food with the wine. 

Tasting - "Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay/Semillon"

•Name: Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay/Semillon

•Variety: 80% Chardonnay and 20% Semillon

•Region: Adelaide

•Country: South Australia

•Year: 2008

•Price: $5.95

•Shop/wine critic/winery 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.

•Your review: It had an almost rotten, pungent smell. It was light yellow in color and had a very strong taste. 

•Did not have food with the wine.