Date of Tasting: April 25th, 2013
Name:Reserve Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône
Variety: 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Cinsault
Region: Rhone Valley
Country:France
Year: 2010
Price: $14.95/ 750mL OR $38.95/ 3L
Shop Review: As for their other values, the 2010 Grand Veneur Cotes du Rhone Reserve (70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Cinsault) 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, although it might last even longer.
My Review: On my nose, this wine smelt very spicy. I was also able to detect some cherry notes. On my palate, I again detected the cherries. It was a fairly dry wine. This was an alright wine.
With or Without Food: Without food
Date of Tasting: April 25th, 2013
Name:Lobetia Tempranillo
Variety: Tempranillo
Region: La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $9.95
Shop 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.
My Review: On my nose, I was able to detect some cherry notes. On my palate, it tasted very earthy. It was also a pretty dry wine. I was not a big fan of this wine.
With or Without Food: Without food
Date of Tasting: April 25th, 2013
Name:Lobetia Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $9.95
Shop 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.
My Review: On my nose, I smelt a very fruity wine. On my palate, it had some tart characteristics. I was able to taste a peachy or apricot flavor. It was a fairly good wine.
With or Without Food: Without food
Date of Tasting: April 25th, 2013
Name:Trattoria Busa Alla Torre Da Lele
Variety: Pinot Grigio
Region: Veneto
Country:Italy
Year:NV
Price: $7.95
Shop 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.
My Review: On the nose, this wine was very fruity, and I was able to detect some grapefruit like notes. On my palate, it was a very dry wine. It was also very acidic and had some fruit notes.
With or Without Food: Without food
Date of Tasting: April 18th, 2013
Name:Concannon Shiraz
Variety: Shiraz
Region: Central Coast, California
Country: USA
Year: 2008
Price: $7.95
Shop 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.
My Review: On the nose, this was a very fruity wine. On my palate, I was able to detect some fruity notes as well as a bit of chocolate flavors. This was a very, very rich wine.
With or Without Food: Without food
Date of Tasting: April 18th, 2013
Name:Ksana Bonarda
Variety: Bonarda
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2008
Price: $9.95
Shop 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.
My Review: On the nose, this wine had floral notes. On my palate, I was able to detect some earthy flavor as well as some berry flavors. This wine was also very dry. I did not particularly care for this wine.
With or Without Food: Without food
Date of Tasting: April 18th, 2013
Name:Black Ridge White Zinfandel
Variety: Zinfandel
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: NV
Price: $3.95
Shop 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.
My Review: On the nose, it had a very fruity smell. I was able to detect some berry notes within the wine. On my palate, I was able to detect some cherry notes. It was also a bit sweet. I thought this was a fairly good wine.
With or Without Food: Without food
