Tasting- Ksana Bonarda

Name: Ksana Bonarda
Variety: 100% 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 notes 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:  I detected a very earthy, dirty flavor from this wine that was surprisingly pleasant. Notes of asparagus and vegetables were on the nose. A peppery, spicy finish made this wine intriguing. A little dry, but not too dry. I would drink this wine again.

I tasted this wine with on its own without food.

Tasting- Black Ridge White Zinfandel

Name: Black Ridge White Zinfandel

Variety: 100% White Zinfandel

Region: California
Country: USA

Year: NV
Price: $3.95
 

Winery 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: I found this wine to be rather plain- there was nothing too special about it, although it was drinkable, and was a great price. Hints of dry fruits like peaches and raspberries were evident throughout the wine. The texture of the wine was a bit syrupy and viscous. I would probably not drink this wine again.

I tasted this wine with on its own without food.

Tasting- Chandon Sweet Cuvee

Name: Chandon Sweet Cuvee
Variety: Pinot Noir

Region: California
Country: USA

Year: NV
Price: $9.95
 

Winery Review: This wine is an innovative sparkling wine style revealing vibrant stone fruit and floral aromas with rich, luscious mouth feel. This wine enlivens the senses and sparks spontaneous moments, complementing your passion for a good life.

 
My Review: I really enjoyed this sparkling wine. Strong notes of mixed berries gave this wine a bold, fruity flavor. The wine was extremely refreshing and crisp, just as a sparkling wine should be. I would absolutely drink this wine again!

I tasted this wine with on its own without food.

Tasting- Wilson Daniels Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Wilson Daniels Sauvignon Blanc

Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Central Coast, California
Country: USA

Year: 2010

Price: $7.95
 

Winery Review: Orange blossom and citrus permeate the aromas. Alluring flavors of orange and grapefruit dominate the palate. Bright acidity balances the plush mouth-feel, resulting in a clean finish.

My Review: This wine had a strong fruity nose, almost like fruit salad. Strong acidity of sour green apples was present and enhanced the clean, crisp feeling of the wine. I would drink this wine again!

I tasted this wine with on its own without food.

Tasting- Caprice de Bastor-Lamontagne

Name: Caprice de Bastor-Lamontagne
Variety: 60% Semillon, 36% Sauvignon Blanc, 4% Muscadelle

Region: Sauternes
Country: France

Year: 2004
Price: $9.95
 

Winery Review: Very clean, with lemon, mineral and honey aromas that follow through to a medium body. Shows vanilla, apple, and melon flavors, with a medium finish. Lightly sweet.

My Review: This wine had sugary notes on the nose. It tasted extremely sweet, almost syrupy, and had a honey-like component. This wine would be great with dessert to tone down its overwhelming sweetness. I enjoyed the wine but next time I would rather drink it with dessert, maybe some cheesecake or chocolates!

I tasted this wine with on its own without food.

Tasting- Torre Castillo Alegre

Name: Torre Castillo Alegre
Variety: 100% Monastrell

Region: Jumilla
Country: Spain

Year: 2010

Price: $9.95
 

Winery Review: 4 months in new American oak barrels. Bright ruby-red. Dried cherry, pipe tobacco, and rose aromas, with a hint of woodsmoke. Sweet and fleshy on the palate, with blackberry and cherry flavors complimented by licorice and a suggestion of dried herbs. The cherry and smoke notes repeat on the finish.

My Review: This wine had a very earthy, dirty element to it. I almost detected a campfire, smoky like flavor to the wine, which was surprisingly pleasant. This wine tasted very natural and I felt like the terroir was apparent from the notes of the wine. I would drink this wine again!

I tasted this wine with on its own without food.

Tasting- Wilson Daniels Merlot

Name: Wilson Daniels Merlot
Variety: 100% Merlot

Region: Central Coast, California
Country: USA

Year: 2010
Price: $7.95
 

Winery Review: Made predominantly from Paso Robles grapes, the wine is full-bodied and silky yet robust, with aromas of black cherry and plum and a palate of blackberry, raspberry, and blueberry jam laced with vanilla and toast.

My Review: This wine smelled fruity, but was ultimately very dry. It had notes of deep plums and spice. The wine was complex and had balanced tannins, and would pair well with many different types of food. For me, the wine was too dry and I would probably not drink it again.

I tasted this wine with on its own without food.