Tasting - Sokol Blosser Meditrina NV

Name: Sokol Blosser Meditrina NV
Variety: 50% Syrah, 28% Pinot Noir, 22% Zinfandel
Region: Oregon
Country: United States
Year: No Vintage
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: "It's created from the finest Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Zinfandel. The taste is lush and velvety with expressive notes of raspberry and cherry. It pairs nicely with pasta and anything off the grill." Vintage Cellar wine notes

My Review: This big bold red packed a string punch of cherries to the schnoz with its interesting varietal blend. Sweet cherries dominated the initial taste punch followed by what I thought to be an apple accented mid-palate. Very vibrant and all around fruity, very savory and easy to sip.

I sampled the wine without food. 

Tasting - Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay/Semillon

Name: Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay/Semillon
Variety: 80% Chardonnay, 20% Semillon
Region: Barossa Valley
Country: Australia
Year: 2008
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: "Gotham’s 2008 Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay Semillon is a blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Semillon. It gives a moderate intensity of melon, guava, apricot and butterscotch aromas. The medium bodied palate provides attractive acidity along with plenty
of tropical fruit flavors and a medium-long finish" Vintage Cellar wine notes

My Review: Considered a fairly unorthodox blend or grapes, I sensed a very strong citrus presence on the nose of this down-under wine. It was dry on the palate with a clean finish that accented the fruity flavors very nicely. With the citrus vibes was also a nice acidity that kept the wine balanced and fresh. Favorite white of the night and probably the most interesting and intriguing label work yet.

I sampled the wine without food. 

Tasting - Beringer Riesling

Name: Beringer Riesling
Variety: 100% Riesling
Region: Napa Valley
Country: United States
Year: 2009
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: "This wine is the perfect balance of honeysuckle and bright peach flavors. A perfect compliment to light fare, appetizers, or just sharing with friends." Vintage Cellar wine notes

My Review: I thought this Riesling had a rather harsh, alcoholic smell that almost shot a tingle through my nose. I could easily taste the apricot flavor and found its crisp finish enjoyable. A medium body white wine that I personally wasn't crazy about but still a decent wine.

I sampled the wine without food. 

Tasting - Finca del Castillo Tempranillo

Name: Finca del Castillo Tempranillo
Variety: 100% Tempranillo
Region: La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $4.95

Winery Review: "Rooty, spicy and baked on the nose, with aromas that lean towards raisin. The palate is more gritty and acidic, with raisin, cola, and spic flavors. Darkens up on the finish, which is long and peppery, with adequate juiciness and a final note of tomato." Vintage Cellar wine notes

My Review: The darkest of em all, the Tempranillo was a really unique drink. Very fulled bodied, it left almost a coated feeling on my tongue afterwards which I wasn't crazy about. The mid-pallet was very interesting as a battle between some semi-soft cherries and pepper waged war with the spicy kicked ultimately winning and sticking around for the aftertaste. Probably a little too diverse and bold for my newbie taste but I'd like to try it again after I up my tasting skills.

I sampled the wine without food. 

Tasting - Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau

Name: Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau
Variety: 100% Gamay
Region: Beaujolais
Country: France
Year: 2012
Price: $3.95

Winery Review: "Bright and tangy, offering a classic banana note on the nose, with flavors of raspberry, wild strawberry and light spice. Modest finish." Vintage Cellar wine notes

My Review: Pronouncing this wine is harder than any review I could write but right off the bat its rich, deep red color indicated a very fully bodied wine. I might as well have stuck my nose in a banana when taking my first whiff, very strong. It was kind of one-dimensional, nothing really going on after that initial fruiting blast. But for under four bucks this wine is a steal, I even invested in one for myself!

I sampled the wine without food. 

Tasting - Mars and Venus Chardonnay

Name: Mars and Venus Chardonnay
Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Region: Central Valley
Country: Chile
Year: 2011
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: "A very nice value Chardonnay that comfortably over-delivers vs. its modest price tag. No oak here, just bushels of clean, crisp, Chardonnay apple and stone fruit with a hint of caramelized pineapple. Juicy and clean, this is a mid-weight white that's just perfect for parties or weeknight sipping." Vintage Cellar wine notes

My Review: I found this Chardonnay and the La Cappuccina Soave to taste pretty similar, except this wine packed a little more punch in the fruit department. The nose was very strong on the apple with a little bit of citrus hiding behind it. Once again though, I felt some heat coming through but gave the crisp, dry taste a thumbs up. Not crazy about it but wouldn't mind grabbing a bottle!

I sampled the wine without food. 

Tasting - La Cappuccina Soave

Name: La Cappuccina Soave
Variety: 100% Garganega
Region: Veneto
Country: Italy
Year: 2011
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: "Bright straw yloow in color. Delicate on the nose, with notes of flowers and almonds. Dry, well-structured and delicately fruity, with hints of bitter almonds on the finish that is typical of Garganega-based wines." Vintage Cellar wine notes

My Review: Just from looking at the name you can tell this wine is straight outta Italy! It had a very light, golden color and was a pretty dry wine, which I enjoyed. I definitely picked up on the flowery hints but I caught a little more heat than I would have liked. I didn't taste very many different flavors but found the dryness and crisp taste refreshing!

I sampled the wine without food.