Tasting -"Toso Moscato"

Name: Toso
Variety: Moscato

Region: Unknown

Country: Italy
Year: Unknown
Price: $9.95

Review: "This Moscato is reminiscent of honeysuckle and rose petal. The quality is equivalent to a top level Asti Spumante DOCG. Sweet sparkling wine obtained from a careful selection of the Moscato grapes. It has a pale straw yellow color with fine foam and bubbles. Tropical fruit flavors, refreshing. Excellent to match desserts, fruit and dried pastries.

My review: This wine smelled like strawberry kiwi, very sugary, and kind of like lemonade. It tasted like orangeade mixed with a pink lemonade. I would love to try this wine with food, such as desserts.

I tasted this wine on its own without food.

Tasting -"Thorn Clarke James Goddard Shiraz"

Name: Thorn Clarke James Goddard
Variety: Shiraz

Region: Unknown

Country: Australia
Year: 2009
Price: $7.95

Review: "The outstanding 2011 James Goddard Shiraz (aged 14-16 months in american and French hogsheads) delivers considerable value and flavor authority. Its deep ruby/purple color is accompanied by notes of blackberries, black currants, licorice, graphite and subtle barbecue smoke. Rich, fleshy and dense, it is best consumed over the next 3-4 years."

My review: This wine smelled like cherries and weird, stinky vegetables. It had a strange taste and a long finish but it was difficult to identify specific flavors. I don't think I would drink this wine again.

I tasted this wine on its own without food.

Tasting -"El Sierro Tempranillo/Cab"

Name: El Sierro
Variety: Tempranillo/Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Unknown

Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $7.95

Review: "Dark ruby in color with rich aromas of red fruit and light spices. It is a real knock-out with delicious flavors of dark cherries, blackberries and vanilla all perfectly integrated. The Tempranillo provides wonderful spice and fruit, while the cabernet Sauvignon gives structure and depth with the beautiful use of oak."

My review: This wine smelled like cranberry and had a very light nose. It tasted chewy, chocolaty and had hints of strawberry. I would love to try this again as a dessert wine.

I tasted this wine on its own without food.

Tasting -"Altas Cumbres Torrontes"

Name: Altas Cumbres
Variety: Torrontes

Region: Unknown

Country: Argentina
Year: Unknown
Price: $5.95

Review: "Yellow colour with greenish nuances. Very intense aroma of fresh grapes, flower perfume and mature peaches. Fresh in the mouth. Light and easy to drink. Ideal with seafood, Thai and Chinese food.

My review: This wine had a very weak nose except for having a bit of a grassy smell. I found this wine to be very tart, and could not identify many tastes. I do not think I would drink this wine again.

I tasted this wine on its own without food.

Tasting -"Avery Quinn Chardonnay"

Name: Avery Quinn
Variety: Chardonnay

Region: Napa Valley

Country: USA
Year: Unknown
Price: $6.95

Review: "The 2011 vintage marks a return to form for this great value Chardonnay. The aromas feature creamy, mellow, golden apple, pineapple, fresh butter and a touch of vanilla. then rich, ripe, flavors of yellow pear, pineapple, fresh apple, cream and buttered toast swell up and finish your moth before a juicy, apple and carmel inflected finish makes your mouth water (and smile!)."

My review: This wine smelled like Granny Smith apples and had hints of citrus. It tasted like what cold apple cider would taste like, a smoother kind of apple juice. I really liked this wine and would drink it again.

I tasted this wine on its own without food.

Tasting -"Bellafina Pink Moscato"

Name: Bellafina
Variety: Moscato

Region: Unknown

Country: Italy
Year: Unknown
Price: $9.95

Review: "A blend of Moscato and Rasobos grapes it has a pale rose color, notes of red berries (strawberry and raspberry), with the characteristic and fragrant bouquet and palate that is typical of the Moscato grape.

My review: This wine smlled like peaches, lemons and grapefruits. It also smelled like the "Blacksburg Sunset" smoothie from Deets. It tasted like lemon-lime soda, like Sprite, and lemonade. 

I tasted this wine on its own without food.

Tasting -"Weinert Carrascal 2008"

Name: Weinert Carrascal
Variety: 40% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot

Region: Unknown

Country: Argentina
Year: 2008
Price: $13.95

Review: "Aged for two years in a cask, the 2008 Carrascal is a blend of 40% Malbec, 35% Cabarnet Sauvignon and 24% Merlot. It has a rustic blackberry, scorched earth and leather scente bouquet with touches of pressed flowers. The palate is well-balanced with crisp tannins, expressive black tarry fruit and a Bordeaux-like finish. Drink now-2016."

My review: This wine had a peppery nose, with elements of leather and mulch as well. It tasted like dirty vegetables, blackberries, grapes and was tarty. I would like to try this wine again with food. 

I tasted this wine on its own without food.

Tasting -"Santa Julia Malbec Sustainable 2012"

Name: Santa Julia Malbec Sustainable
Variety: Malbec

Region: Unknown

Country: Argentina
Year: 2012
Price: $8.95

Review: "The nose is full of mellow raspberry and cherry, wile the palate is fleshy and round, with blackberry and a touch of raisin. Plump, not edgy, and ready to drink, with coffee and mocha notes on the finish.

My review: This wine had a smooth nose. It smelled like cherries and oranges. It tasted very peppery and spicy and had a medium finish. I didn't really like this wine. 

I tasted this wine on its own without food.

Tasting -"Gougenheim Torrontes"

Name: Gougenheim
Variety: Torrontes

Region: Unknown

Country: Argentina
Year: Unknown
Price: $9.95

Review: "The 2012 Torrontes comes from Chilecito in La Rioja. It has a light floral nose with touches of lemon peel and nectarine. The palate is crisp and taut, showing far more vivacity and fruit that the nose implied, finishing with a flourish of apricot and white peach. Drink now."

My review: This wine had a very light peachy nose. It tasted like orange peel, had a tarty taste, and tasted like lemon too. I would like to try this wine again.

I tasted this wine on its own without food.

Tasting -"Santa Julia Pinot Grigio"

Name: Santa Julia
Variety: Pinot Grigio 

Region: 

Country: Argentina
Year: Unknown

Price: $8.95

Review: "Light and clean, which compared to other Argentine Pinot Grigios is not something to dismiss. Feels solid and punchy, with orange and mango flavors. Has nice overall clarity and balance, with a citrusy finish."

My review: On the nose, this wine smelled like buttered popcorn and also had hints of lemon. It tasted sweet, and very much like honey. It had a lingering taste, and a medium finish. I liked this wine a lot and would try it again.

I tasted this wine on its own without food.

Tasting -"R Wines Eco.Love Riesling"

Name: R Wines Eco.Love
Variety: Riesling

Region: South Island

Country: New Zealand
Year: 2009
Price: Sale -$18 --> $7.95

Review: "Our South Island Riesling has a range and combination of flavors unlike any other. These flavors span citrus, root ginger, white peach, spices and florals. eco.love Riesling is made in balance to an off-dry style. Food Pairing: Asian Fusion, Seafood, Curry, and anything spicy."

My review: This wine had barely early nose and had flowery elements on the nose. It was a very light wine. It tasted sweet, had a medium finish, and to me, tasted like strawberry Pop Rocks. This was a very interesting wine. I would like to try it again.

I tasted this wine on its own without food.

Tasting -"Toschi Cabernet Sauvignon"

Name: Toschi
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: California

Country: USA
Year: 2011
Price: $10

Review: "Well-balanced flavors of dark berries and plums. Spicy fruit finish.

My review: On the nose this wine smelled very spicy. It also smelled like a kind of cherry salsa and smelled peppery. This wine tasted spicy, salty and peppery. I did not like this wine at all.

I tasted this wine on its own without food.

Tasting -"Canyon Road Pinot Noir"

Name: Canyon Road
Variety: Pinot Noir

Region: California

Country: USA
Year: 2010
Price: $6.95

Review: "Rich, fruit forward cherry flavors, soft tannings, a medium body and a smooth velvety finish. Pairs well with creamy soups, salmon, and savory pork dishes."

My review: I was curious about tasting this wine upon seeing its light color. On the nose, I smelled cherry and strawberry elements. It tasted chocolaty, cherry, and had a velvety finish. It reminded me of a dessert wine. I would love to try this wine with food.

I tasted this wine on its own without food.

Tasting -"Wine Men of Gotham Chard. Semillon"

Name: Wine Men of Gotham
Variety: 80% Chardonnay and 20% Semillon

Region: South Australia 

Country: Australia
Year: 2008
Price: Sale $7.95

Review: "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: On the note I smelled buttered popcorn for this wine. This wine wasn't too light or too heavy. It did have a long finish. I liked this wine and would like to try it again, maybe with food this time. 

I tasted this wine on its own without food.

Tasting -"Indwe Sauvignon Blanc"

Name: Indwe
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Western Cape

Country: South Africa
Year: Unknown
Price: $7.95

Review: "Grapes are meticulously sourced from our grape producers along the Coastal region of the Western Cape ensuring complexity and freshness in the wine. Indwe Sauvignon Blanc is full of layers, balance and persistence. The wine is imbued with tropical and citrus notes, with hints of melon and gooseberry flavors.

My review: On the nose this wine had hints of citrus and lemongrass. Despite how light the nose was, this wine was incredibly chewy. I was surprised by the oakiness of this wine also. I would have to try it again to decide how I feel about it for sure. 

I tasted this wine on its own without food.

Tasting -"2011 Ecco Domani Pinot Grigio"

Name: Ecco Domani
Variety: Pinot Grigio

Region: Trento-Alto Adige

Country: Italy
Year: 2011
Price: $10

Review: "This wine has a clear, straw yellow color, with light golden reflections. It possesses pleasant floral and tropical fruit aromas and a freshness which makes this vintage truly unique. This wine has a light, crisp, and refreshing flavour, with fruit character and refined elegance." -Wine Tasting Notes

My review: This wine has a very lemongrassy nose and not much else. It was very light and I'm not sure how much I liked it. I would have to try this wine again to make up my mind, or I would like to try it with food.

I tasted this wine on its own without food.

Tasting -"2012 Da Vinci Pinot Grigio "

Name: Da Vinci
Variety: Pinot Grigio

Region: Veneto

Country: Italy
Year: 2012
Price: Regular price $15; Sale $9.99

Review: "Da Vinci Pinot Grigio is sourced primarily from the Trentino-Alto Adige region. It is crisp and acidic with floral aromas and ripe flavors of apple, citrus and tropical fruit. A small percent of the blend is from surmaturo grapes, which are left on the vine after initial harvest. Using these grapes intensifies the tropical fruit characteristics and creamy mouthfeel." -Gary's Wine

My review: I didn't feel that this wine had much of a nose, except for small hints of citrus. This wine had an overpoweringly strong lemon smell, and an overwhelming lingering taste. This wine is not one of my favorites that I have tried.

I tasted this wine on its own without food.

Tasting -"2013 Robertson Winery Sauvignon Blanc"

Name: Robertson Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Robertson Valley

Country: South Africa
Year: 2013
Price: $8

Review: "Full bodied with powerful varietal flavours of bell-pepper, green apple and freshly cut grass. Good structure with lovely balancing acidity. Enjoy now with seafood, smoked salmon, roast chicken and pork." -Robertson Winery

My review: I tasted this wine at Lillie's, a restaurant/bar in Times Square. Before I knew this was a South African Sauvignon Blanc, I thought it was an Australian because when I smelled it, it smelled like the normal cat pee smell you get with Australian Sauvignon Blancs. I also noted the smell of lemongrass. This wine was very light, but also had a lingering taste. I found it to be lemony and had hints of other citrus elements.

I tasted this wine on its own without food.

Tasting -"Loredona Riesling"

Name: Loredona
Variety: Riesling
Region: Monterey, California

Country: USA
Year: 2011
Price: Regular price $15; Sale $7.95

Review: "If you like your Rieslings on the sweet side, this pretty wine is for you. It's brisk in Central Coast acidity, with citrus, peach, honeysuckle and spice flavors that finish clean and long."

My review: This riesling had a very floral nose, which drew me in. I normally don't like rieslings, but I was looking forward to tasting this wine after the sweet, floral nose. When I tasted this wine, I noticed how light it was, while also being citrusy and sweet. The sweetness would've been overwhelming had it not been for the lightness of the wine. I liked this wine so much that I bought a bottle!

I tasted this wine on its own without food.

Tasting -"Maipe Malbec"

Name: Maipe
Variety: Malbec
Region: Mendoza

Country: Argentina
Year: 2012
Price: $8.95

Review: "Deep purple color with violet tints, complex plum, fig, strawberry, spices and floral aromas; rounded and velvety tannins, excellent length with a distinguished character. Excellent when paired with game, roasted red meats, pasta or pizza.

My review: This Malbec had an extremely spicy nose. After smelling it, I was very eager to taste this wine. It had a chewy taste and a spicy finish. It also had a lingering taste. I would love to taste this wine with the recommended food.

I tasted this wine on its own without food.

Tasting -"Villa d' Rosso Toscano"

Name: Villa d' Rosso Toscano
Variety: 100% sangiovese grapes
Region: Montepulciano

Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $6.95

Review: "100% Sangiovese grapes and is a wonderful rendition of a velvety Tuscan red."

My review: This wine had a very strong grape juice nose, with elements of cherries. I knew this would be a very fruity wine after smelling it. This wine tasted like a simple fruit juice to me, or a V8 Splash drink. I would be interested to try with wine with food, particularly cheeses, to see how the flavor would change.

I tasted this wine on its own without food.

Tasting -"Arnold Palmer Chardonnay"

Name: Arnold Palmer Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Napa, California

Country: USA
Year: 2012
Price: Regular price $20; Sale $7.95

Review: "A vibrant Chardonnay from vineyards in cooler climates of California. Chardonnay is well known for its characteristic fresh apple fruit aromas and rounded, rich flavors. Weather during the 2011 harvest provided ideal growing conditions for lush, yet perfectly balanced fruit."

My review: This chardonnay had an extremely smoky nose, with elements of buttered popcorn. I knew immediately that it would be an interesting wine to taste. When tasting it, my instincts from the smoky nose proved correct. This chardonnay was very woody and smoky as well. It was the oakiest wine that I have ever had. 

I tasted this wine on its own without food.

Tasting -"El Sierro Macabeo/Chard."

Name: El Sierro 
Variety: Macbeco/Chardonnay
Region: Valencia

Country: Spain
Year: 2012
Price: $6.95

Review: "In the glass, there is a bright and shiny white wine with an incredibly welcoming, fresh appetizing aroma reminiscent of ripe tropical fruits. The flavor is rich, balanced and extremely comfortable. The near-perfect all-purpose white wine. As an additional benefit, and good evidence that El Sierro reflect the new Spain, the bottle is sealed with the technical viewed perfect screw cap that at once eliminates any risk of cork flavor and keeps the fruit and the wine fresher for longer time."

My review: Upon smelling this wine, I noticed that it had a very strong nose. It was a strong floral nose. While it had a decently light taste, it had a full citrusy finish and a lingering taste. I would like to taste this wine again.

I tasted this wine on its own without food.

Tasting -"First Light Moscato"

Name: First Flight Moscato
Variety: Moscato
Region: Unknown

Country: Australia
Year: Unknown
Price: Regular price $15; Sale $7.95

Review: "Rich lychee, tropical fruits and musk on the nose as you near the glass. Lovely grape and stone fruits and on the palate is highlighted with the subtle sweetness and spritz that make this such a fun drink. Low in alcohol and nicely balanced acidity ensure you will want more than one glass of this easy drinking wine."

My review: I smelled a lot of fruity elements in this wine. In particular, this wine smelled like lemonade. When I tasted it, it hardly tasted like wine to me. It tasted like a lemon-lime soda, and I can't decide if I liked it or not. I would have to try this wine again to decide.

I tasted this wine on its own without food.

Tasting -"CalNaturale Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2009"

Name: CalNaturale
Variety: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Viognier
Region: Paso Robles
Country: California
Year: 2009
Price: $10.95 (1 Liter); $5.95 (500ml)

Review: "95% Cabernet Sauvignon with 5% Viognier this certified organic winery produces outstanding quality at reasonable prices offering classic Cabernet flavors of fresh herb, olive, cedar and cassis. Focused and intense, with a charming rustic side and broad tannins that firm up on the finish."

My review: On the nose I smelled a lot of grape and cherry scents. I thought it was going to be a pretty sweet wine. When I tasted it I noticed it was a very full body wine and was very chewy. I would want to try this wine again.

I tasted this wine on its own without food.