Date of Tasting: February 14, 2013
Name: Norton Torrontes
Variety: Torrontes
Region: Mendoz
Country: Argentina
Year:2011
Price: $5.95
Shop Review: Greenish yellow with hints of gold, this Torrontés has intense aromas of white peach, rose petal, and jasmine. Norton Torrontés 2011 is pleasant and well balanced on the palate.
My Review: On the nose, I could detect some apple notes. Originally just based off of the smell, I thought it was going to be a sweet wine. When I tasted it, it turned out to be very dry.
With or Without Food: Without food
Date of Tasting: February 14, 2013
Name: Dibon Cava
Variety: Xarel-lo, Paredalla, and Macabeo
Region: Near Barcelona in Northeastern Spain
Country: Spain
Year: NV
Price: $9.95
Shop Review: The nose offers regal yeast and richness, while the palate has complexity to prop up apple, citrus and grapefruit flavors. Solid from front to back, with health and freshness.
My Review: On the nose, it smelt a little soapy but also crisp. I cold smell a freshness of grape juice. On the palate, it was very rich. The wine was a little tart in my opinion.
With or Without Food: Without food
Date of Tasting: February 7, 2013
Name: Opera Prima Pink Moscato
Variety: 97% Muscat and 3% Tempranillo
Country: Spain
Year: NV
Price: $5.95
Shop Review: This fine sparkling presents an intense aroma of fresh berries and tropical fruits with hints of white flavor petals. Delicate bubbles caress the palate offering a silky and pleasant sweetness well balanced by a crisp, refreshing finish. Ideal on its own, as an aperitif or with all types of sweets and desserts.
My Review: I really enjoyed the color of this rose-tinted wine. On the nose, it was very light and had some floral notes. On the palate, I could detect a very fruity flavor. The light carbonation was also enjoyed. I thought this wine was very good!
With or Without Food: Without food
Date of Tasting: February 7, 2013
Name: Black Opal Shiraz
Variety: 50% Syrah, 28% Zinfandel, and 22% Pinot Noir
Region: South Eastern Australia
Country: Australian
Year: 2011
Price: $5.95
Shop Review: The Black Opal wines are sourced from vineyards found in South Australia along the Limestone Coast, at Langhorne Creek and in the infamous Barossa Valley. Black Opal Shiraz is rich red in the glass. Aromas of blackberry, pepper and spice follow with rich plum flavors round out the palate. Soft tannins give structure to the fruit-driven palate.
My Review: When my glass was poured, I did notice the color, and as described in the shop review, it was a ruby color. On the nose, it came off very spicy. On the palate, I was able to taste some of the berry flavors. Overall, this wasn't an overpowering red wine at least for my palate.
With or Without Food: Without food
Date of Tasting: February 7, 2013
Name: Sokol Blosser Meditrina
Variety: 50% Syrah, 28% Zinfandel, and 22% Pinot Noir
Region: Oregon
Country: USA
Year: NV
Price: $7.95
Shop 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.
My Review: On the nose, I could smell a vinegar scent. After this smell, I was able to detect some of the cherry scent; however, it was pretty faint in my opinion. I could taste some of the "vinegar" smell that I had noted earlier. I also detected some woody aspects which made this wine a little more interesting.
With or Without Food: Without food
Date of Tasting: February 7, 2013
Name: White Men of Gotham Chardonnay/Semillon
Variety: 80% Chardonnay and 20% Semillon
Region: South Australia
Country: Australia
Year: 2008
Price: $5.95
Shop 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.
My Review: The wine label on this particular bottle drew me in. The overall smell of this wine was relatively fresh and crisp. On the palate, I was able to detect some of the fruity flavors. Towards the finish, there was more of a bitter taste, which I wasn't particularly fond of. Overall, this wine was okay, but not one of my favorites of the tasting session.
With or Without Food: Without food
Date of Tasting: February 7, 2013
Name: Beringer Riesling
Variety: 100% Riesling
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2009
Price: $5.95
Shop 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.
My Review: I do believe that this was the first Riesling that I have tasted in my wine experience thus far. I was excited to taste this wine since this particular varietal of grape has come up in several different lectures. On the nose, I was able to detect citrus smells. On the palate, I was able to detect the fruity flavor as well as some floral flavors. This wine was a good balance of sweetness. Overall, I enjoyed it.
With or Without Food: Without food
