Tasting - Ruta 22 Malbec

Name: Ruta 22 Malbec
Variety: Malbec
Region: Patagonia
Country: Argentina
Year: NV
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: "Stout and dense from the beginning, with blackberry and violet aromas. Despite being a bold and dark Malbec, this is fresh and composed, with sweet blackberry and cassis flavors. Good on the finish, with candied fruit and caramel sweetness." Vintage Cellar wine notes

My Review: For only 8 bucks this South American beauty is a steal! Phenomenal bouquet that sends rich blackberry, blueberry, and strawberry flavors. Great balance between light tannins, semi-dry, big tannins, and big alcohol! Some vegetable hints through the tasting sequence that left a refreshing natural taste to go along with the fruit. Little toasty vanilla on the finish lead to a great wine from sniff to swallow!

I sampled the wine without food.

Tasting - Reserve Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône

Name: Reserve Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône
Variety: 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Cinsault
Region: Rhone Valley
Country: France
Year: 2010
Price: $14.95/ 750mL or $38.95/ 3L

Winery Review: "As for their other values, the 2010 Grand Veneur Cotes du Rhone Reserve 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," Vintage Cellar wine notes

My Review: Ah back to the French blends after a rough first encounter. On the nose; very musty and natural smelling with some autumn smoke and barnyard hiding in the background. Great ruby red color accentuates a full bodied, aggressive wine that is definitely age worthy. Terroir making itself known on the pallet in the form of a minerally, rocky after taste. Once again, not really my cup of tea but keep trying until you can figure out these strange, oddballs!

I sampled the wine without food.

Tasting - Lobetia Tempranillo

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." Vintage Cellar wine notes

My Review: Round two of Lobetia organic wines was just as good as the first! I was initially impressed with the deep red hue of the temp, definitely couldn't see through it. Berries on berries on berries on the nose with the nice addition of cherries and plum to the pallet upon tasting. I sensed a little bit of the earth, Spanish terroir, which I enjoyed, and the combination of earthiness and fruit created a well balanced flavor blend. Mild tannic structure made this wine very approachable for new drinkers, and a spicy, peppery finish appeals to those experienced.

I sampled the wine without food.

Tasting - Lobetia Chardonnay

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." Vintage Cellar wine notes

My Review: My interest in the wine grew exponentially once I found out it was made with all organic grapes, and I was eager to compare it against other (non-organic i guess?) chards. Props to Espana for pulling off a kick butt wine with being green! Which ironically enough there was a little green shimmer in this wine. Good bye California oak monster and hello druity paradise! Mangoes, apricots, and  kiwi highlight this fruity studded cast with crisp acidity and a fabulous finish as their co-stars. Slightly hallow on the mid-pallet but an overall satisfying wine!

I sampled the wine without food.

Tasting - Trattoria Busa Alla Torre Da Lele

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." Vintage Cellar wine notes

My Review: I believe this is the first Pinot Grigio we've at the VC this semester, and what a better time for one! Very light, crisp spring wine that would pair well with a picnic and a warm day. Very fruity from the nose to the finish with an emphasis on peach and apple flavor profiles. Medium bodied with a little more color than most whites but I enjoyed the strong acidity and distinct flavors of the Gris. Score one for Pinot Grigio!

I sampled the wine without food.

Tasting - Concannon Shiraz

Name: Concannon Shiraz
Variety: Shiraz
Region: Central Coast, California
Country: United States
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." Vintage Cellar wine notes

My Review: This might have been one of the strangest noses I've picked up one yet: new shoe smell? For some reason I felt like I was standing in a Foot Locker during this sniffy sniff but someone must have mashed some raspberries and and plums in with those fresh pairs of Jordans. Great balance with a slightly chewy texture and a lively/spicy, earthy finish. Pretty hollow mid-pallet but all in all I really enjoyed with Shiraz and its semi-dry appeal.

I sampled the wine without food.

Tasting - Ksana Bonarda

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." Vintage Cellar wine notes

My Review: Fantastic deep red hue accompanied with a bitter grapefruit smell on the ol' nose. Boysenberry and pepper initially jumped out on the pallet followed by some of its toasty coffee friends. Long strawberry finish with a light puckering tannic structure. Rich aromas supported by an equally agreeable and friendly South American terroir. Great gem form the other America!


I sampled the wine without food.