Tasting-- Accordini Le Viole Amorone Riserva Classico Superiore

Name: Accordini Le Viole Amorone Riserva Classico Superiore 
Variety: 70% Corvina and Corvinoni, 20% Rondinella, 10% Rossignella
Region: Verona
Country: Italy
Year: 2006
Price: $49.95

Winery review: "92 Pts I-Wine Review. Opaque black. Dark and brooding, the Riserva Le Viole is a winterwine to be consumed with braised meats and hearty stews. It's lush and big flavored, bold and rich with dense black/redfruit, black olives, and huge extract on the finish that goes on forever. Decant before serving. Aged 60 months in oakbarrels and 24 months in tankl."

My review: This intense and deep red (black?) smelled pungent and complex. The smell was quite herby. It's legs were thick indicative of heavy tannins. Upon tasting, i noticed a strong, abrasive slightly fruity/tobacco flavor. The mid-palate on this was quite active and heavy. Once i got into this wine I could taste the fruits. However, i was unable to taste the olives. The oak is noticeable, though. Would recommend to bearded lumberjacks.

Tasting -- Luis Canas Rioja Crianza

Name: Luis Canas Rioja Crianza
Variety: 95% Tempranillo
Region: Rioja
Country: Spain
Year: 2009
Price: $18.95

Winery review: "91 Points Robert Parker. Beautiful ruby color and a clean, intense nose of wild berries with just enough lactic and spicy notes. The palate shows sweet tannins and good balance, intense and fresh. This is a crowd-pleaser and a great value."

My review: This red wine from the Rioja region in Spain is a solid wine. It was very tasty as it kicked you in the mouth with spicy fruit bombs. The nose on this one is powerful and clean but tempting. Even a novice could taste the tannins on this wonderful spanish wine.

Tasting-- Col des Vents Corbieres

Name: Col des Vents Corbieres
Variety: 50% Carignan, 35% Grenache, 15% Syrah
Region: Languedoc
Country: France
Year: n/a
Price: $9.95

Winery review: "Brambly berry, cherry and raspberry, spices, blackpepper... all are present in this authentic French country wine. There are also some aromas of Garrigue (Rosemary, thyme, and lavender) giving a minty, herbal notes, that are quite refreshing as well. The wine is a perfect match with a nice rosemary marinated roasted lamb."

My review: This elegant red looks a plum / rose color. It's aroma is quite tantalizing with hints of blueberry, raspberry, and cherry, with a tease of black pepper. The black pepper is surely present on the palate but complemented perfectly a nice array of berries. Its body was rich and legs were stunning. This wine has character.

Tasting-- Valminor Albarino

Name: Valminor Albarino
Variety: 100% Albarino
Region: Rias Baixas
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $14.95

Winery review: "90 points, Stephen Tanzer. Pit and orchard fruits on the highly fragrant nose and palate. At once fleshy and focused, with very good cut and an undercurrent of chalky minerality. Closes firm and long, with resonating spiciness and a refreshing note of bitter quinine."

My review: This shy yellow white wine is really great smelling! It's bouquet was quite perfume-like of spices and flowers with perhaps a dash of fruit. It has a nice body and it's flavor profile was quite similar to the winery review! It's minerality was definitely there as it's fruity flavors take much of the spotlight. A solid finish, i'd say.

Tasting-- Maipe Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Maipe Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: N/A
Price: $8.95

Winery review: "Filled with notes of honeyed grapefruit, honeydew melon, and figs, it is a light to medium-bodied, fresh, lively Sauvignon Blanc that has significantly more character than one would exprect in a 13$ wine."

My review: A lovely white wine with a medium-lightish body. It smelled refreshing with honey coalescing with melon. It was very appetizing. Legs were weak but the taste was quiet citrus with remnants of malic acid. Honey snuck in during the aftertaste. Would recommend because it is cheap!

Tasting - Shotfire Cabernet/Shiraz

Name: Shotfire Cabernet/Shiraz
Variety: 56% Cabernet Sauvignon 44% Shiraz
Region: Barossa Valley
Country: Australia
Year: 2010
Price: $17.95

Winery review: "91 pts--Robert Parker. Anotehr winner and sensational, the 2010 Shotfire Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz is a blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon and 44% Shiraz. A whopper of a wine, it is deep ruby/purple and possesses loads of glycerin and full body along with stunning notes of wood spice, graphite, blackberry and pepper. Rich, chewy, and dense, in a typically bold, exuberant Aussie style, this is a wine to drink over the next 6 - 10 years."

My review: I loved this wine. This red had a nose that was rich with dark fruit, and black currant. It's taste was full of tannins, with a woody complex flavor that pushes out the grapes. With light heat, and a ton of flavor, this has a really nice finish.

Tasting -- Odoardi Savuto

 Name: Odoardi Savuto
Variety: 45% Gaglioppo, 15% Greco Nero, 15% Nerello Cappuccio, 15% Magliocco Canino and 10% Sangiovese
Region: Calabria
Country: Italy
Year: 2006
Price: $9.95

Winery review: "89 -- Wine Spectator. A beefy, herb-tinged red, sporting dense layers of plum sauce, grilled fig and currant paste, stacked with notes of roasted game, rosemary and hummus. The finish lingers, despited noticeable tannins. Gaglioppo, Greco Nero, Nerella, Cappuccio, Magliocco Canino, and Sangiovese. Drink now through 2016. 14000 cases made.

My review: This monster of a red caught my eyes with it's brownish-red hue and my tongue with its crazy taste. The legs in this wine were beastly, and the aroma was complex but tantalizing. It had a meaty smell, but possible herby. It's taste was dry with hints of herbs, olives, earth, twig, ect. It had a lingering aftertaste but I was craving another sip-- despite it's power.

Tasting - Willm Alsace Grand Cru Riesling

 Name: Willm Alsace Grand Cru
Variety: 100% Riesling
Region: Kirchberg de Barr
Country: Germany
Year: 2011
Price: $20.95

Winery review: "92 pts -- Wine Enthusiast. With Great intensity and structure, this is a wine that's all about texture and potential. It's expressive with white fruits and perfume, but there's a richness that's still to come. Drink from 2016 and see how the minerality and acidity will come into balance."

My review: This wine is a soft white. This is a drier Riesling. The nose is a watery floral tone with hints of honey. Upon tasting, I noticed a bit apple and honey. There is definitely some mineral in this drink. It had a crisp finish with a little heat. 

Tasting - Jesus Diaz Blanco Vinos de Madrid

 Name: Jesus Diaz Blanco Vinos de Madrid
Variety: 100% Malvar
Region: Madrid
Country: Spain
Year: N/A
Price: $8.95

Winery review: "Vinos de Madrid is a region of Spain not often encountered in the US, while Malvar is considered a regional specialty but remains unknown outside of central Spain. Zesty acidity and tropical fruit make this obscure buy a great food wine."

My review: This wine is a pale lemon color. It's light bouquet hints of tropical fruit with soft citrus notes and flowers. This dry wine reminds me of honeysuckle, then with a raspberry mid palate, and a short tropical after-taste. Some bitter / mineral aspects at the end.

Tasting - Dibon Cava Brut Reserva

 Name: Dibon Cava Brut Reserva
Variety: 45% Macabeo, 25% Xarel-lo, 30% Parellada
Region: Penedes
Country: Spain
Year: N/A
Price: $9.95

Winery review: "88 pts -- Wine Enthusiast. Light apple aromas are elgant and not over the top, while the tangerine and orange flavors are lean and focused. This is a light-framed Cava with a clean, fast, tasty profile and finish. Not yeasty or heavy at all."

My review: A very bright white. Its bouquet is crisp with hints of apple and floral tones. Upon tasting you get a wave of bittery goodness and an undeniable apple flavor. The finish is quick but strong. I noticed a comfortable numbing of the tongue. This wine would be a good make-out wine.

Tasting_Angove Zibibbo

Name: Angove Zibibbo
Variety: 100% Moscata
Region: South
Country: Australia
Year: 2013(?)
Price: $7.95

Winery review: "This is a tasty and generous Moscato  that opens with plush aromas of honey, peach syrup, white flower and fragrant exotic fruit. There’s a nice sensation of fullness and creaminess in the mouth that is backed by the foamy effervescence of this sparkling dessert wine."

My review: A white dessert wine with a light body. Smelled very sweet, much like dessert. Upon tasting I was surprised at how in your face sweet this is. It was tangy with hints of peach and apricot, simply covered in sugar. To me this is a headache-in-a-bottle. Would recommend to those who want to get white-girl wasted.

Tasting -- Fetzer Malbec

Name: Fetzer Malbec
Variety: 100% Malbec
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2011
Price: $7.95

Winery review: "Delicious Malbec is 100% from Mendoza, Argentina. It has a vibrant red color with violet tones. Subtle and delicious aromas with an intense mixture of red fruits, plum and cherry jam. On the palate it’s juicy and has intense wood-like tannins that make it a rustic, yet versatile wine. Long finish"

My review: A deep ruby/maroon look to this one. Upon sniffage I get a sense of a deep fruit (plum and cherry, maybe pear) with a spicy kick. On my tongue this one did some work, as it tasted of black currant and cherry. I did observe some heat that I feel was a bit of a detriment to the wine overall. Interesting spicy feels to it. Would serve to kids who drink natty light.

Tasting-- Tres Ojos

Name: Tres Ojos
Variety: 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre
Region: Calatayud
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $6.95

Winery review: "This semi-opaque ruby, custom cuvée of 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 10% Mourvedre is made specifically for Fran Kysela. It exhibits very fresh, ripe dark red fruit with very good palate weight and depth and ends with rich fruit notes. Made from organically grown grapes. Incredible value!"
- I-WineReview (December 2013), 90 pts.

My review: This dark maroon red wine was divine! It smelled reminiscent of flowers and spanish spices. The legs on this one were such a tease! If I could have I would of tasted another glass of Tres Ojos, as it is very tasty between black currant and various spices. Overall, a very balanced wine ( hence the symbol for Libra on the label). Would serve to a Libra, for giggles.

Tasting -- The Royal Old Vines Chenin Blanc

Name: The Royal Old Vines Chenin Blanco
Variety: 100% Chenin Blanc (Old Vine)
Region: Western Cape
Country: South Africa
Year: 2012
Price: $7.95

Winery review: Robert Parker: 90 pts
"One of the greatest buys I have tasted this year is this under $10, 100% Chenin Blanc from the Western Cape. A super flowery-scented nose includes notions of ripe honeydew melons and pears. This medium-weight, fresh, fruity, crisp, dry, textbook Chenin Blanc will provide immense pleasure over the next 12 months"

My review: This lovely drink had a wonderful bouquet of poignant pear and tickly flowers. I just had to give it a second sniff. Upon tasting -- my favorite part-- this wine was sweet and reminded me of tropical candy gazing upon the sun set. Some heat, but i like that in whites. Would serve to snobby wine-o father.

Tasting -- Norton

Name: Norton Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2012
Price: $5.95

Winery review: "Aromas of pithy citrus and pineapple are decent but unrefined, while flavors of tangerine and pineapple are tropical, zesty and what they are. This is nothing more than a fresh, simple, citrusy white to sip on the patio."

My review: The holy juice found in this particular bottle smells of sweet, sweet honey in the glass. With a light body, this caresses your taste buds with an acidic bang and then a sour apple/citrus finish. Would serve to a friend I wasn't trying to impress. 

Name: Weinkeller Erbach Flonheimer Adelberg
Variety: 100% Silvaner
Region: Rheinhessen
Country: Germany
Year: 2010
Price: $18.00

Winery review: “The fruity, mouthwatering wine has a nice acidity-sugar balance and comes from the so called 'Rheinhessen-Switzerland', the heartland of Rheinhessen. It has a floral bouquet and is full of lemon zest, hint of passion fruit, and smells like yellow fruit, lemon-grass and green tea, all wrapped around a pleasant creaminess and a semi-dry profile. The finish is zippy and refreshing. Perfect for party on the deck as it comes in a liter bottle!”

My review: This white wine gleamed a white / yellowish color whilst in the glass. It's aroma resembled dew-laden melons and cut sugar-cane. It's finish is round with melon and apricot. This wine is light bodied and quite marvelous. I did not enjoy this wine with food.

Tasting - Montebuena

Name: Montebuena
Variety: 100% Tempranillo
Region: Rioja
Country: Spain
Year: 2010
Price: $8.95

Winery review: Vivid ruby. Ripe cherry and blackcurrant on the nose and in the mouth. Pliant and seamless in texture, with good heft and back-end energy. Finishes smooth and sweet, with fine-grained tannins providing shape and grip. Still on the young side but this wine drinks very well with an hour or so of decanting; it's an excellent value for Rioja."
- Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (September 2012)-- 90 pts 
My review: Divine! This red wine has a blatant peppery presence and a bit of cherry upon sniffage that is quite appetizing. The taste on this one was hard to pin point but I did notice a slight fruity taste with slight pepper.Overall, a very tasty medium-bodied Rioja. Not enjoyed with food.

Tasting - Delaroche Cotes du Rhone

Name: Delaroche Cotes du Rhone
Variety: 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre
Region: Rhone Valley
Country: France
Year: 2011
Price: $8.95

Winery review: "This semi-opaque ruby, custom cuvée of 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 10% Mourvedre is made specifically for Fran Kysela. It exhibits very fresh, ripe dark red fruit with very good palate weight and depth and ends with rich fruit notes. Made from organically grown grapes. Incredible value!"
- I-WineReview (December 2013), 90 pts.
My review: Divine! This red wine smells dark and fruity. It bursts with woody flavor and delivers a grand tasting experience with a solid mid-palate. I did observe some heat but it was far from over powering. Not paired with food.

Tasting - Maipe Torrontes

Name: Maipe Torrontes
Variety: 100% Torrontes
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2013
Price: $7.95

Winery review: Spring-like nose of fresh white peaches, pears, green apple, green melon and hints of jasmine and rose petals. On the palate, it has a beautiful structure and acidity along with fruit flavors and plenty of body.  Well balanced, this wine displays a pleasant freshness with citrus notes and a long finish. Best enjoyed in its youth either by itself, or as a wonderful partner with smoked meats, mild to medium-strong cheeses, seafood and a great partner for spicy food as well.

My review: Delicious! This wine is beautiful even in the glass with it's clear golden look. It's bouquet was highly floral with notes of nutty melon. It smelled quite sweet. Maipe Torrontes is a medium-full bodied white with a dry and bitter taste-- although still pleasant. I didn't drink this with food.

Tasting - Cortenova Pinot Grigio

Name: Cortenova Pinot Grigio
Variety: 100% Pinot Grigio
Region: Venezie
Country: Italy
Year: 2012
Price: $7.95

Winery review: Brilliant straw color with emerald reflections.
Fresh and floral bouquet with a hint of pears, apricots and bananas. Fresh and inviting with bright fruit and an easy drinking style with a pleasing hint of almonds in the aftertaste. 
Pairs well with seafood dishes, risottos with scampi, spaghetti with clams, sole in white wine  Perfect also as an aperitif.

My review: Delicious! Initially I tasted a fruity-explosion of pears and banana followed by a crisp almost-citrus taste. This wine displayed a lovely shimmering yellow when placed under fluorescent lights. Upon smelling, the citrus component was forefront but I definitely smelled a pleasant fruity smell. This has a light body and I did not pair with food.