Tasting - 2013 Be Bright Pinot Grigio

Name: Be Bright
Variety: Pinot Grigio
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $7

Winery review: "Undoubtedly your wine glass is half full (if not more.) Full oflight and lovely whimsical wisdom complemented by the perfect touch of unforgettable charm." Winery Notes



My review: I wasn't exactly wowed with this wine. On the nose there are aromas of oranje peel and pear with a nice light floral smell. There was a little bite to this white wine, but red apple came through to the palate. Other flavors included pear and a citrus fruit blend. Not complaining because the price was rather cheap. I'd buy this one again if I'm sticking to a budget.

This wine was tasted on it's own with no food.

Tasting - 2012 Hazana Tradicion Rioja Vendimia

Name: Hazana Tradicion Rioja
Variety: 85% Tempranillo, 15% Graciano
Region: Rioja
Country: Spain
Year: 2012
Price: $12

Winery review: "Inky ruby. Lively, smoke-accented aromas of redcurrant and cherry, with a suave floral quality in the background. Zesty red fruit flavors are complemented by notes of blood orange, rose and musky herbs. Packs a flavorful punch and finishes brisk and spicy, leaving floral pastille notes behind. This wine, which delivers exceptional value, was made by Miguel Angel Rodriguez, winemaker at Vinicola Real, for importer Eric Solomon." Reviewed by: International Wine Cellar - 90pts

My review: Another Spanish wine coming at you, popped the cork on this one and I was transported into an orchard of cherry trees. My nose was picking up strawberry and  vanilla aromas with hints of leather. Flavors of deep strawberry and plum were present. A solid wine!

This wine was tasted on it's own with no food.

Tasting - 2012 Antucura Malbec

Name: Antucura Malbec
Variety: Malbec
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2012
Price: $16.99

Winery review: "A wonderful velvet texture with great purity. Dense bramble fruit with hints of violets. Good length and lovely juiciness, and with a firm, fine tannic structure." 95 points Decanter Tasting Panel

My review: I decanted this bad boy and wow did this wine taste amazing! The aromas were wonderful with smooth earthy notes like oak, and black currant. Other smells included a brown sugar and black spice mix with hints of plum. On the palate this wine is a great blend of cherry and plum notes with cedar wood and hints of pecan. A very well-balanced wine. Easily one of the best I've tasted thus war in my winery experience.

This wine was tasted on it's own with no food.

Tasting - 2010 Biagio Toscana

Name: Biagio Toscana
Variety: 85% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Savuignon
Region: Tuscany
Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $10

Winery review: ":Intense ruby red color. Intense perfume of oak and fruit. Characteristic flavor of red berries and plums with persistent oak finish. Ideal to accompany roasts, chops and mature cheese. Serve at room temperature." - Wine maker notes

My review: This wine was aged in oak for 12 months and I picked up on the earthy notes, however I the aromas were much lighter than expected. A fall time leafy smell hit my nose, accompanied with a raspberry jam aroma with hints of peppercorn and plum. This medium body wine brought black cherry flavor to the palate. A tinge of acidity and peppercorn was present along with a hint of basil. I'm not a proponent of spicy wines, yet the spice wasn't overwhelming, overall I quite enjoyed this wine.

This wine was tasted on it's own with no food.

Tasting - 2011 Bodegas Zerran Monstant

Name: Bodegas Zerran Monstant
Variety: 50% Garnacha, 40% Mazuelo, 10% Syrah
Region: Monstant
County: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $15.99

Winery review: "Even more so is the 2011 Zerran, which ratchets up the level of concentration and ripe fruit. It reveals abundant kirsch, lavender, black raspberry and dusty, loamy, earthy scents intermixed with notions of spring flowers and blackberries. There is not any oak evident in this dense effort. Its completeness and overall equilibrium are impressive... " 92 points Robert Parker

My review: The earthy aromas are surprisingly fresh, with a spring time oaky smell. Other aromas include black currant with deep cherry and red licorice scents. I'm really starting to favor the Spanish for their excellent wine crafting. A nice sugary cherry flavor hits the palate, like a cherry jolly rancher. Earthy notes in the mix with some oak barrel taste. The wine is complex yet light on the palate, a very smooth tasting wine. I'm definitely a fan of this wine.

This wine was tasted on it's own with no food.

Tasting - 2014 Riebeek Cellars

Name: Riebeek Cellar
Variety: Chenin Blanc
Region: Swartland
Country: South Africa
Year: 2014
Price: $6.95

Winery review: "Here's another great-value white from this popular and widely available label. With its crisp acidity and apple-pear flavors, chenin blanc plays well with a wide variety of foods - David McIntyre" - The Washington Post (October 22nd 2014), *1/2

My review: A pleasant citrus and orange peel with heavy lemon grass on the nose. Additionally, hints of floral came through to the nose. A creamy texture with lemon grass and apricot flavors. No burn at all with finish. A smooth and light wine. Very nice!

Tasting - 2014 San Elias

Name: San Elias
Variety: Carmenere
Region: Central Valley
Country: Chile
Year: 2014
Price: $5.95

Winery review: Beautiful red fruit aromas. Supple and round in the mouth. The wine pairs well with full flavored cheeses and lamb. - Winemaker notes

My review: I suppose you get what you pay for, this wine smelled off to me. There was a rotten type of smell probably attributed to the vegetable scents which I am new too. Kept my nose in there and did pick up hints of cherry and plum with some oak scents as well. The taste was not my favorite considering I'm not a big fan of vegetables, there was also a spicy and cherry flavor present. I'm going to stay away from this wine.

Tasting - 2013 Santa Luz Alba Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Santa Luz Alba Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Valle Central
Country: Chile
Year: 2013
Price: $6.95

Winery review: A nose of pineapple, lemon and pear with tropical flavors are balanced by juicy acidity and soft oak notes. Fermentation and maceration lasting 20 days occurred in stainless steel tanks, after which the a portion of the wine matured in oak for one month. - Winemaker notes

My review: After diving in with the nose I picked up on the smell of a fruit basket. Hints of apples, pears, and lemon came through with some citrus scents as well. I really enjoyed this wine, I was surprised by the taste for the price. There was a watermelon and lemon flavor present. I wanted more of this stuff.

Tasting - 2010 Tineta Avanate

Name: Tineta Avante
Variety: Tempranillo
Region: Vinos de la Tierra
Country: Spain
Year: 2010
Price: $19.95

Winery review: "Even better is the 2010 Avante, which comes from a vineyard planted in 1960. This unfiltered, 2,000-case cuvee is also 100% Tinto Fino. It offers plenty of charcoal, graphite, black currant, licorice and forest floor notes in a rich, full-throttle format. Consume it over the next 5–7 years." Bob Parker - 92 points

My review: After uncorking this great bottle of wine I had a feeling this was a good one. The berry flavors are slightly subtle making you wonder what's in store for the palate. Blackberry and raspberry on the nose with beautiful aromas of oak and cedar, and hints of dark chocolate. High acidity, sweet blackberry and cherry notes with a great blend of chocolate and earth notes. A very good wine.

Tasting - 2013 Burgans Albarino

Name: Burgans Albarino 2013
Variety: Albarino
Region: Rias Baixas
Country: Spain
Year: 2013
Price: $15.99

Winery review: "Green-tinged yellow. Intense orchard and pit fruit aromas are complemented by ginger, white flowers and orange zest, along with a strong mineral overtone. Silky and expansive on the palate, offering sappy pear and peach flavors, a touch of honey and a refreshingly bitter note of pear skin. Anise and chamomile notes come up with air and linger on the long, gently sweet, mineral-driven finish. This wine has a relatively low 1.5 grams per liter of residual sugar." - International Wine Cellar -90 points

My review: Such a relief on the nose with unique fruit flavors like apple and apricot. Slight floral hints with subtle peach aromas. A buttery and creamy texture with a slight kick. The taste of apples and other great fruit flavors. Wow! No burn at all, almost like a kids' juice box.

Tasting - Vintage 2012 Bogle Vineyards Merlot

Name: Bogle Vineyards Merlot
Variety: 100% Merlot
Region: Clarksburg, California
Country: USA
Year: 2012
Price: $12

Winery review: "Supple and easygoing, with appealing flavors of black cherry, toasty oak and herb. Drink now through 2018." - Wine Spectator 88 points

My review: A straight forward purple color poured from the bottle. The aromas were quite pleasing with plum and cherry and a nice floral scent. Taste was harsh with the acidity and burn. I picked up a plum flavor with spicy notes. Not my favorite wine yet, however this wasn't a bad choice and I would try this again, decanted of course.

The wine was tasted on it's own with no food.

Tasting - Shotfire Barossa Shiraz 2012 Thorn-Clarke

Name: Shotfire Barossa Shiraz
Variety: 100% Shiraz
Region: Thorn-Clarke
Country: Australia
Year: 2012
Price: $ 17

Winery review: "This is a fantastic example of Barossa Shiraz. Rich cherry jam and sweet spice with a touch of vanillin oak on the nose and a smoothly textured, full flavoured palate with ripe grainy tannins. Great stuff!" - Dan Murphy 92 points

My review: A dark red color I dove right in and picked up cherry, plum and black currant on the nose with hints of black licorice. Phenomenal deep cherry and raspberry jam flavors with no bite and smooth texture. Medium body with nice legs. Winegasmic!

The wine was tasted on it's own with no food.

Tasting - Willm Alsace Gewurztraminer 2013 Reseve

Name: Willm Alsace
Variety: 100% Gewurztraminer
Region: Alsace
Country: France
Year: 2013
Price: $15

Winery review: "A lovely classic gewürztraminer with aromas of rose petals, lychee and baking spices. Yet this one is not over-the-top in its aromatics. Medium-bodied. Perfect for curried and spicy dishes. Great price." - Natalie Maclean 88 points

My review: A nice light gold color filled the glass and I was excited to try this wine. The aromas were superb with citrus, lemon zest, watermelon fruits. Wonderful light earthy notes like a bouquet of fresh flowers, I though I was in a florist shop for a moment. The wine had melon and orange flavors with light earthy notes. Crisp and refreshing with a slight burn. A good wine, I will come back to this one.

The wine was tasted on it's own with no food.

Tasting - Rubus Wine Selections Old Vines Zinfandel 2012

Name: Rubus Old Vines Zinfandel
Variety: 98% Zinfandel 2% Cabernet Sauvignon
Country: USA
Region: Lodi, California
Year: 2013
Price: $ 12.95

Winery review: Bold spicy and loaded with ripe black fruits the Rubus Old Vine Zinfandel is a keeper. Intense plum black currant and black raspberry dominate but black pepper cedar and anise notes also abound. - Snooth

My review: After pouring a glass the color was nice plum purple. A heavy spice aroma filled my nostrils. The wine had a decent blackberry taste with an extremely spicy, peppery flavor. This wine isn't very complex and I'm going to avoid buying again for a while. 

The wine was tasted on it's own with no food.

Tasting - Lopez de Haro Rioja Hacienda

Name: Lopez de Haro
Variety: 90% Tempranillo 5% Graciano 5% Garancha
Country: Spain
Region: San Vicenta de la Sonsiera
Year: 2005
Price: $14.95

Winery review: The beautifully designed label for the wines of Bodegas Classica imply a more traditional expression of Rioja, but “classic contemporary” is perhaps a more appropriate description. Thirty-six year old Raul Acha comes from a long line of winemakers and has a doctorate in viticulture from the University of Rioja. These are excellent wines brimming with personality and well-judged, prudent winemaking. - Robert Parker 92 points

My review: A rich dark purple with heavy legs. A big whiff of berries, dark chocolate and a nice earthy/chestnut smell. I wish I would have decanted the wine because there was a decent bite and burn. Immediately tasted berries, a heavy fruit sensation with black currant. Except for the burn the wine was awesome.

The wine was tasted on it's own with no food.

Tasting - Tenuta Sassoregale Manemma Toscana Sangiovese

Name: Tenuta Sassoregale
Variety: Sangiovese
Region: Manemma Toscana
Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $13.95

Winery Review: No professional reviews found. An excerpt from the wine maker. "Its color is a bright ruby red. On the nose, it is clean and precise, with hints of morello cherries, wild berries and a moderate spiciness. On the palate it reveals a full-bodied, assertive flavor, which expresses both great intensity and elegance." -Tenuta Sassoregale

My Review: The color was a nice dark red. What really caught my eye is the year, I haven't tried a wine with such an old date. The smell was a heavy dark berry mix, with cranberry and raspberry. I was happy to pick up on other scents such as dark chocolate, brown spice, and olives. The wine tasted like a medium body, with cherry/plum flavors and significant petrol taste towards the finish. A solid wine I would come back to.

The wine was tasted on it's own with no food.

Tasting - Ferrari-Carano Pinot Grigio

Name: Ferarri-Carano
Variety: Pinot Grigio
Region: Sonoma County, California
Country: USA
Year: 2012
Price: $11.99

Winery Review: No professional reviews found. An excerpt from the wine maker. "With its delicate aromas and delicious flavors, our 2012 Ferrari-Carano Pinot Grigio is a refreshing, light-style white wine for sipping or as an aperitif. This wine has aromas of nectarine, lime, melon and honeysuckle complemented by flavors of Meyer lemon, white peach and honeydew melon. Our Pinot Grigio has clean, refreshing acidity with a round mouthfeel and a crisp, lingering finish."

My Review: The color was yellowish/gold flake. The smells consisted of pears, apple, and lemon peel. The initial taste was a red apple mixed with orange peel, the finish I experienced a nice lemony flavor. I enjoyed the velvety, smooth feeling the wine had as I swirled it. The after taste was too acidic and burned a little more than I wanted. The wine would make an okay dinner wine, but wouldn't be my first choice. A decent wine in all.

The wine was tasted on it's own with no food.

Tasting - Milton Park Shiraz

Name: Milton Park Shiraz South Australia

Variety: Shiraz

Region: South Australia

Country: Australia

Year: 2013

Price: $14.95

Winery Review: "Fresh, focused and taut, with firm tannins around a lively core of blueberry, currant and mocha flavors, persisting against the texture. Drink now through 2017. 25,000 cases made.?H.S." Wine Spectator (August 31st 2013), 88 Points

My Review: At first glance I saw another dark red wine, however upon further examination I began to see a medium purple. I immediately picked up on aromas such as a tinder bundle, cherry, wild flowers, and a deep berry mix. The taste was a heavy raspberry, almost like a gusher oozing flavor into my mouth. I tasted some cherry and earthy tones as well. A really good wine, didn't dry my mouth out. I liked the richness of the raspberry taste, and experienced a mid-palate for the first time with this wine. Gratifying. 

The wine was tasted on it's own with no food.