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.

Tasting - Black Ridge White Zinfandel

Name: Black Ridge White Zinfandel
Variety: Zinfandel
Region: Central Valley, California
Country: United States
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." Vintage Cellar wine notes

My Review: As you may expect with an American Zin this puppy was bursting with spicy, fruity flavors from the get-go! Great West Coast fruit flavors coming on the nose, cherry, plum, and even some ripe apples. You get the great jammy components of a red Zin without the powerful tannic punch to the face. More tame than its siblings, it delivers great balance with a slight body due to its semi-sweet nature. Great after taste and an overall chill wine to drink.


I sampled the wine without food.

Tasting - Chandon Sweet Cuvée

Name: Chandon Sweet Cuvée
Variety: Blended Sparkling Rose, infused with Pinot Noir
Region: Napa Valley
Country: United States
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 mouthfeel. This wine enlivens the senses and sparks spontaneous moments, complementing your passion for a good life." Vintage Cellar wine notes

My Review: This Californian spritzer has a very unique color for a rose; tangerine orange. A bit odd from what I'm used to but it delivered none the less with zesty dark berry flavors and a little hidden spice. The bubbles were very subtle, not overpowering the pallet but making their presence known while providing a crisp, fresh finish. My only complain is that it seemed a little flabby. But how can a sparkling wine seem flabby? Great question, but once the bubbles quickly disappear a lack of acidity reared its ugly head. Such soft fruit flavors and an enjoyable effervescent start tarnished by a dull, flat finish. Not too bad overall but nothing to write home about.


I sampled the wine without food.

Tasting - Wilson Daniels Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Wilson Daniels Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Central Coast, California
Country: United States
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 mouthfeel, resulting in a clean finish." Vintage Cellar wine notes

My Review: A great straw yellow color with a potent lemony/fruity bouquet. I got a little bitter pear on the mid-pallet with some light acidity after kick. Very light bodied and refreshing with its summer-esque qualities and strong backbone. Low complexity, approachable Sav Blanc that flourishes on the florals and elegant simplicity. 


I sampled the wine 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: $7.95

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." Vintage Cellar wine notes

My Review: On the nose I got a weird combination of yellow mustard and rubbing alcohol so I can't say I was particularly pumped to try this wannabe dessert wine. Very hollow and hot with weedy, dandelion flavors. Way way way way way too over the top sweet, the wine was chewy just because of its ridiculous sugar content, seemed more like corn syrup than anything else. Definitely picked ip on the honey flavors and it left a honey-esque  feeling in my mouth too, that coated kind of "dog with peanut butter on the roof of its mouth" kind of thing. Light and crisp, prefect combination for for a white wine but out of balance with the sugar overload.


I sampled the wine 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." Vintage Cellar wine notes

My Review: And the Spanish wines continue to impress. A nice vibrant red color with a strong dark berry nose and a hint of some autumn leaf smell (via barrel aging) showing itself. Semi-sweet and earthy with a medium body and very smooth, delicate finish. Really showing some of that Iberian Peninsula terroir in an elegant compilation of Monastrell and it's best friend American oak. 


I sampled the wine without food.

Tasting - Wilson Daniels Merlot

Name: Wilson Daniels Merlot
Variety: Merlot
Region: Central Coast, California
Country: United States
Year: 2010
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: "Made predominantly from Paso Robles grapes, the wine is fullbodied 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." Vintage Cellar wine notes

My Review: Wham bam thank you ma'am, if you got the jelly, this wine will bring the jam! POW! Plenty of jammy, fruity action all up in your mouth. Dark berries create an immense flavor profile that is both complex and desirable. Long finish with plenty of penetrating peppery spice action on the mid pallet. I could smell the oak and taste the oak bringing some toasty goodness to round out this medium bodied, well balanced tannic wine. Classic California Merlot that I wouldn't mind laying around the house.


I sampled the wine without food.

Tasting - Bricco Dei Tati Rosè

Name: Bricco Dei Tati Rosè
Variety: 100% Barbera
Region: Piedmont
Country: Italy
Year: 2012
Price: $6.95

Winery Review: "Fresh with aromas of strawberries, cherries, and rose petals, this an ideal wine with shellfish, salads, chicken, and appetizers" Vintage Cellar wine notes

My Review: If I didn't know any better I could have sworn I was walking through a blossoming spring strawberry patch, not smelling wine in the VC. Explosion of lovely strawberry and plum components on the nose, very floral, light, and delicate. A little bit hotter than I would have liked but the sweet berry flavors blended together very well. However this was a pretty bland wine, low complexity, low tannins, low excitement. Maybe a touch too much sugar for my pallet, left that sugar coated feeling on my teeth. Overall I enjoyed this rose but it left me looking for just a little more pep and zing that I wasn't finding under a heavy strawberry blanket. Definitely a solid spring/summer picnic or cookout type of wine.


I sampled the wine without food.

Tasting - Smoking Loon Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Smoking Loon Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: California
Country: United States
Year: 2009
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: "This bleached blonde beauty is reminiscent of fresh green apples, pineapple and has hints of hibiscus blossoms. The concentration of zesty lemon and gooseberry fills your mouth leaving notes of thyme and melon behind. The bright acid in this wine gives you a zing while the fruit keeps your mouth watering for more. This wine pairs beautifully with a grilled prawn salad with a grapefruit vinaigrette, veggie spring rolls or grilled tilapia with mango salsa." Vintage Cellar wine notes

My Review: I think this might have been my least favorite wine I've sampled thus far at the VC. Nose was heavy on citrus, particularly lemon, and grass giving it a little zesty pep. This wine must have been hibernating this winter though because it was the flabbiest flab wine I've had, so if anyone doesn't know what that means and wants to find out how important acidity is to wine, go grab a bottle of this. Smooth, light bodied, and semi-sweet with a light vanilla, tobacco taste with some hints smokiness in the background. I believe this was my first experience with Sauvignon Blanc, off on the wrong foot but always time to win me over.


I sampled the wine without food.