Tasting - Opera Prima Pink Moscato

Name: Opera Prima
Variety: Pink Moscato (97% Muscat, 3% Tempranillo)
Region: La Mancha
Country: Spain
Price: Regular Price $10, Sale $6.95

Winery Review

A blend of Muscat 97% and Tempranillo 3%. This fine sparkling presents an intense aroma of fresh berries and tropical fruits with hints of white flower 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. Serve it very cold, between 7 and 9°.

My Review

I knew from the beginning that I was going to enjoy this wine. Having previously tasted the Opera Prima Sparkling Moscato, I knew that the Pink Moscato was going to be a treat. It gave off a refreshing floral note in the beginning and came in strong with a myriad of berries and citrus fruits. The flavor was incredibly sweet but well balanced. It was very refreshing and easy to drink. One of my favorites thus far.

I did not eat food with this wine.

Tasting - Cortenova Primativo

Name: Cortenova 
Variety: Zinfandel / Primativo
Region: Puglia
Country: Italy
Year: 2012
Price: Regular Price $10, Sale $6.95

Winery Review

Dark, ruby-red color with violet highlights. Intense and fragrant bouquet with a rich array of red and black fruit aromas and flavors. Harmonious and velvety on the palate. Great balance and structure. 100% Zinfandel

My Review

This wine really offered nothing unique in the way of scent. It was honestly quite boring and bland with no real smells standing out. Perhaps a hint of caramel or some fruity smells. It honestly just smelled like grapes and alcohol. The taste was just as disappointing, it was bitter, and unpleasantly dry. It left me looking for something more fulfilling.

I did not eat food with this wine.

Tasting - Riebeek Cellars Shiraz

Name: Riebeek Cellars
Variety: Shiraz
Region: Swartland
Country: South Africa
Year: 2013
Price: Regular Price $12, Sale $6.95

Winery Review

Often referred to as Shiraz Country, the Riebeek Valley is renowned for exceptional Shiraz wines. The Riebeek Shiraz is a lively rich wine, full bodied with a subdued smokiness on the nose and a pallet of ripe fruit and interesting spice.

My Review

Despite my disposition for red wines my initial smell test of this wine delighted me. This was one of the best smelling wines I have ever had the fortune of tasting. There were so many smells in this wine. Immediately I was greeted with a warm cocoa mixed with caramel scent. It also presented a strong smell of cherries and a woody earthy scent. It really warmed up the cold winter day. For someone who does not like red wines the taste of this was deliciously sweet with just the right amount of dryness. It was a truly enjoyable wine.

I did not eat food with this wine.

Tasting - Petrucco Ribolla Gialla

Name: Petrucco
Variety: Ribolla Gialla 
Region: Friuli
Country: Italy
Year: 2009
Price: Regular Price $21, Sale $7.95

Winery Review

87 points –Wine Enthusiast

This well-priced Friulano would pair nicely with spicy Indian or Thai food thanks to the creaminess and richness of its mouthfeel. In addition, the wine offers a solid bouquet of peach and melon that would not compete with fragrant ingredients 100% Ribolla Gialla.

My Review

My first impression of the Petrucco was that every smell that it gave off was overpoweringly strong. It had an incredibly sweet aroma that lead me to believe that it would be a very sweet wine like a Moscato but it turned out not to be the case. After the initial shock subsided the wine greeted me with scents of grapefruit and a bit of and earthy, grassy smell. The taste was alright but nothing to rave over. Not too strong in either direction.

I did not eat food with this wine.

Tasting - Le Jade Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Le Jade
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Languedoc
Country: France
Year: 2013
Price: Regular Price $10, Sale $5.95

Winery Review

89 points -Beverage Testing Institute

Silvery straw color. Lively aromas and flavors of pineapple, yellow apple, melon, and Meyer lemon with a silky, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tingling, complex, medium-long finish with notes of lemongrass, pear, and lemon with no tannins and no oak. Bright and crisp with layers of juicy pineapple, pear, lemongrass and ripe melon make this perfect for repeated sipping or enhancing fresh farm to table cookery

My Review

The initial smell of the Le Jade was surprisingly refreshing. I was greeted with an onslaught of fruity aromas. What came in strongest was the scent of apples, followed shortly by lemon and a few other fruits that I had difficulty placing. The taste however was a bit of a let down for me, as it was shockingly bitter after such a sweet initial smell. The aftertaste was the most bitter by far however which left a bad sensation in the mouth.

I did not eat food with this wine.

Tasting - Coastal Vines White Zinfandel

Name: Coastal Vines
Variety: White Zinfandel
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: Regular Price $6.95

Winery Review

This White Zinfandel has a beautiful pink salmon color and crisp acidity. The wine shows juicy fruit flavors of strawberry and cherry, with a tangy sweet finish. Pairs well with mild cheeses, crab cakes, and spicy Asian cuisine.cheeses.

My Review

This wine gave off an almost overpoweringly sweet scent with many floral notes. It gave off an almost perfume like aroma that was incredibly powerful and reminded me strongly of many of the Moscatos I have already reviewed. The taste was unnaturally sweet, which was perfect for me and the flavor was light and flowery. I thoroughly enjoyed this wine.

I did not eat food with this wine.

Tasting - Ilurce Tempranillo

Name: Ilurce
Variety: Tempranillo
Region: Rioja
Country: Spain
Year: 2008
Price: Regular Price $14, Sale $5.95

Winery Review

88 points – Stephen Tanzer

Dark purple. Zesty, youthfully medicinal aromas of dark berries, licorice and cracked pepper. Juicy and fresh, with smooth texture and sweet cherry and spice flavors framed by dusty tannins. Finishes with a suggestion of slightly roasted fruits and good clinging persistence. Delivers a lot of power and richness for the money. 

My Review

This wine had a deliciously sweet aroma and gave off a variety of scents that just seemed to keep appearing out of the blue with each swirl. Caramel and cocoa seemed to be overwhelming scents with a soft finish of cherry. This wine was a smooth sip, however was incredibly acidic after taste which I was told was due to the aging process of the wine. 

I did not eat food with this wine.

Tasting - San Elias Carmenere

Name: San Elias
Variety: Carmenere
Region: Valle Central
Country: Chile
Year: 2014
Price: Regular Price $19, Sale $5.95

Winery Review

This medium-bodied red offers roasted plum, kirsch, sage and game notes, with light tannins supporting the spicy finish.

My Review

This wine gave off a very herbal smell, reminding me of some spice that might be cooked with. There were soft undertones of various fruits and the wine gave off a warm smell.

I did not eat food with this wine.

Tasting - Riebeek Chenin Blanc

Name: Riebeek
Variety: Chenin Blanc
Region: Swartland
Country: South Africa
Year: 2014
Price: Regular Price $10, Sale $6.95

Winery Review

Fresh kiwifruit, green apple and almond notes bounce along, showing a flash of plantain on the friendly finish. Drink now. 

My Review
After much swirling and thinking, the above wine gave off notes of grapefruit or other similar citrus fruits. After the initial citrus shock, the sweet yet sour smell of green apple shines through to give this wine a strong finish. It was incredibly sour to the tongue and strongly acidic. It would not be a first round pick for any personal event of mine. 

I did not eat food with this wine.

Tasting - Santa Luz Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Santa Luz
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Valle Central
Country: Chile
Year: 2013
Price: Regular Price $11, Sale $6.95

Winery Review

Like any good Sauvignon Blanc, this opens with oceanic aromas of citrus fruits, sea foam and minerality. In the mouth, it is juicy and stony, with washing acidity. Flavors of honeydew, lime and a nice grassiness finish firm, with good backbone. Drink this with salads, shellfish and ceviche.

My Review

The first smell of this Sauvignon Blanc revealed a strong lemon scent. It seems to be backed by an earthy scent that came in slowly as the lemon faded. The taste of the wine was overwhelmingly bitter and was very hot. It was quite strong and did not have a very complex finish.

I did not eat food with this wine.

Tasting - Canyon Road Moscato

Name: Canyon Road
Variety: Moscato
Region: California, USA
Country: USA
Price: Regular Price $12, Sale $6.95

Winery ReviewFloral, with tea rose and cherry blossom notes, this balanced Moscato shows flavors of ripe white cherry, candied plum and almond on the smooth finish.

My Review
This was surprising the first Moscato that I thoroughly did not enjoy. Upon initial smell I had high hopes for it as I always do. It gave off a strong floral scent with a soft finish of some mild citrus or fruity notes, potentially some orange. This Moscato was entirely too sweet and although having an easy initial taste, was strongly bitter at the end which ruined the overall experience for me.

I did not eat food with this wine.

Tasting - Resonata Nero D'Avola

Name: Resonata Nero D'Avola
Variety: Nero D'Avola
Region: Sicily
Country: Italy
Year: 2013
Price: Regular Price $14, Sale $6.95

Winery Review

The grapes are soft pressed and the juice is placed in stainless steel along with the skins for a maceration of 8 to 10 days with daily pumping over of the juice to extract more color and sweet tannins. Dense ruby red with violet reflections. Lush and ripe bouquet full of mulberries, blackberries and spice. Harmonious and well balanced with good berry fruit in a spicy background. Excellent with lamb, grilled and barbecued meats, dishes with olives or capers and seasoned cheeses.

My Review

This wine had a strong berry smell that really backed up its already fruity aroma. It had the deepest crimson color, and was not at all translucent like other red wines I have seen. It looked like it was hearty and thick in flavor and consistency. It was slightly bitter to taste and stung the tongue. However I am slightly biased as I do not enjoy red wines.

I did not eat food with this wine.

Tasting - Canyon Road Pinot Noir

Name: Canyon Road Pinot Noir
Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: California, USA
Country: USA
Price: Regular Price $12, Sale $6.95

Winery Review

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

My Review

This wine had a strong hint of cherry and a small undertone of what I guessed was a chocolate or caramel smell. It had an incredibly warm aroma.  This wine was a lot less bitter than other red wines I have tasted and was even fairly sweet. Although it was not among my favorites I did enjoy it.

I did not eat food with this wine.

Tasting - Maipe Torrontes

Name: Maipe Torrontes
Variety: Torrontes
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2013
Price: $7.95

Winery Review
Spring-like nose of fresh white peaches, pears, green apple, green melon and hints of jasmine and rose petals. On the palate, it has a beautiful structure and acidity along with fruit flavors and plenty of body. Well balanced, this wine displays a pleasant freshness with citrus notes and a long finish.

My Review
This was one of the best smelling wines out of the group that we tasted. It had citrus notes coming in from all spectrums and honestly made it impossible for me to place just one. It had a slightly floral hint once all of the fruity aroma died down and smelled sweet. The amount of different flavors was a bit overwhelming at first but it was a thoroughly enjoyable wine. 

I did not eat food with this wine.

Tasting - Hugl Grüner Veltliner

Name: Hugl
Variety: Grüner Veltliner 
Region: Niederösterreich
Country: Austria
Year: 2013
Price: Regular Price: $14, sale $7.95

Winery Review
Wine enthusiast gave it 89 pointsA fresh scent of green pears greets the nose. What follows comes in a light, crisp citrus vein, supported by a rounded mouthfeel. A refreshing wine for immediate drinking

My Review
The first smell that got after swirling was a green apple smell, followed by some sort of citrus fruit, either oranges or lemons it was hard to tell which. It was sweet and easy to drink. Overall not a bad first taste.

I did not eat food with this wine.

Tasting - Opera Prima Sparkling Moscato

Name: Opera Prima Sparkling Moscato
Variety: Sparkling Moscato
Region: La Mancha, SpainCountry: Spain
Price: Regular Price $15, Sale $6.95


Winery Review
85 Points – Wine Enthusiast

Flowery and sweet smelling, then round and fairly smooth in the mouth. The bubbles and flavor package of tropical fruits galore is pleasant and shouldn’t offend anyone. Finishes clean and easy. A mango boat of flavor.

My Review
This was the wine that I was most excited to taste being a huge fan of Moscato. The initial smell offered a strong floral scent, and a hint of Jasmine. It had a very strong sugary smell to it that I thoroughly enjoyed. The bubbles really brought out the taste which was a the perfect amount of sweet and citrus. Overall this was my favorite wine.

I did not eat food with this wine.

Tasting - Foxhollow Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Foxhollow Cabernet Sauvignon
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: California, USA
Country: USA
Year: 2012
Price: $5.95

Winery Review
Rich and supple with juicy plum, blackberry and chocolate flavors and a pleasant sense of sweetness backed up by good acidity and moderate tannins. Offers early complexity and charm with real richness and depth.

My Review
When smelling this wine, I was able to extract a fruity aroma. I got a deep smell that was a great break from the previous citrus heavy wines we had tasted. Upon tasting it was a very warm wine and offered a lot in the way of non-overpowering alcohol content.

I did not eat food with this wine.

Tasting - B&G Chicken & Turkey Cotes du Rhone

Name: B&G Chicken & Turkey Cotes du Rhone
Variety: A blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 20% Carignan.
Region: Rhone Valley, France
Country: France
Price: Regular Price $10, Sale $5.95

Winery Review
85 Points – Wine Enthusiast
Deep red garnet color with purple highlights. Intense nose of morello cherry, tobacco and liquorice. Good structure on the palate with lots of fruits and a long fruity and spicy finish. A true delight.

My Review
Upon initial smelling of this wine, I got a strong whiff of caramel that really complimented the hint of cherry that backed the initial smell. It had a strong alcohol body it, that caused me to be initially stand-offish. However after tasting it, it was a nice change of pace from the lighter wines and was not as strong as I assumed it would be.
I did not eat food with this wine.

Tasting - Foxhollow Chardonnay

Name: Foxhollow ChardonnayVariety: ChardonnayRegion: California, USACountry: USAYear: 2012Price: $5.95

Winery ReviewThis Chardonnay’s aromas of tropical pineapple, crisp green apple and citrus are supported by underlying nuances of vanilla. The finish is smooth and creamy yet balanced with enough acidity to accentuate the vibrant fruit flavors with a hint of orange blossoms.

My ReviewThis Chardonnay gave off a very strong scent of green apples, to the point where it could have been fermented apple juice. I was very excited to taste it. However, upon tasting, I discovered that it was very light and gave off further citrus flavors as I tried to determine the other smells and tastes hidden within. I am not a huge fan of chardonnay to begin with, but this wine was not horrible. I discovered last week I am more of a Moscato fan.

I did not eat food with this wine.

Tasting - Fontana Candida Frascati

Name: Fontana Candida Frascati
Variety: A blend of 60% Malvasia Bianca di Candia, 30% Trebbiano and 10% Malvasia del Lazio.
Region: Frascati, Italy
Country: Italy
Price: Regular Price $12, Sale $5.95

Winery ReviewThis Frascati, made from grapes grown in volcanic soils near Rome and cold filtered, is a pale straw gold. On the nose it offers light-as-a-zephyr lemon and a hint of grass. On the tongue it is ultra crisp and delightfully flinty, its lemon and clementine flavors as smooth as old silk. At the end of a nice clean finish a dab of ripe pear takes a bow.

My ReviewThis wine gave off a strong citrus smell that reminded me of lemons. After a thorough swirling, I noticed smaller earthy traces. It tasted strong at first but mellowed quickly on the tongue. I noticed an interesting fruity flavor that I could not place, however on the whole the wine was fairly bitter and was not enjoyed by me.

I did not eat food with this wine.