Name: Allamand
Variety: Malbec
Region: Uco Valley
Country: Argentina
Year: 2010
Price: $11.99
Winery review: It is a 100% Malbec that comes from 15-20 year old vines planted in the Uco Valley region. Located at the foot of the Andes reange, more than 3,150 ft above sea level, this region produces some of the most refined and elegant Malbecs from Argentina. Deep purple color, lots of violets in the nose, and natural great acidity, are the typical characteristics of this typical Uco Valley "appellation" Malbec.
My review: I thought this was an acceptable wine. The nose was earthy and spicy. I thought there was a tart taste which brought to mind the flavor of black olives. There was definite heat coming through this wine, however it mixed well with the pasta dish I was eating.
Name: Crucero
Variety: Carmenere
Region: Colchagua
Country: Chile
Year: 2010
Price: $7.99
Winery review: Alcohol 13.5% "Herbal, powerful and varietally on the money, with common, but well executed aromas of earth, blackberry and olives. The palate offers proper weight and intensity, while the flavors of black plum, raspberry and tea are just herbal enough to scream out "Carmenere." Tasty and consistent from nose to finish. -M.S."
-Wine Enthusiast (December 1st 2010), 88 pts +BEST BUY "Top 10 under 10"
My review: I really enjoyed this wine. Like the previous wine I smelled definite earthy aroma sprinkled with spices. It was dry on the palatte with a prominent pepper taste. I thought it paired well with the crab-tart appetizer which off-set the pepper very well.
Name: Maipe
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2010
Price: $8.99
Winery review: Alcohol 13.5% This Cabernet Sauvignon has an intense ruby red color with aromas and flavors of ripe blackcurrant, rep pepper, mint, chocolate and vanilla hints. The fruits and tannins are perfectly balanced to give a wine of excellent structure making it ideal for grilled meats, game, pasta or pizza.
My review: This wine was full of flavor. A full bodied wine, no doubt. The nose was filled with that blackcurrant aroma described above. The palette was filled with potent black berry flavors and some earthy hints. I drank this wine without any food.
Name: Gen 5
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Lodi, California
Country: USA
Year: 2009
Price: $11.25
Winery review: Alcohol 13.9% - We strive for a friendly Cabernet Sauvignon, with juicy red and black fruit flavors that are well-balanced and textured and soft on the palatte.
Review: 92 points ('09), Wilfred Wong: "Taking Lodi into a whole new level, the finely-tuned '09 Gen 5 Cabernet shows intricate and complex flavors; ripe for sure, yet classy and refined; long finish."
My review: I thought this was an interesting Cabernet. I could smell the heat on the nose mixed with a smoky aroma. Although the alcohol content is fairly high, the well balanced tannic structure made it easy to drink. Definite smoky flavors on the palette with a mushroom taste coming through as well. The wine paired nicely with the pasta dish I was eating.
Name: Crucero Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Curico Valley
Country: Chile
Year: 2010
Price: $10.25
Winery review: Sauvignon Blanc is the fabled grape of both Bordeaux Blanc and the Loire Valley (Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume). This varietal exhibits aromas of musk melon, pine, and grass. The finish is zesty and citrus-like, and goes very well with chicken and seafood.
My review: I thought this was a nice supple white wine. The nose was a lemony, zesty mix. Definitely smooth on the palette emitting very low heat. It went very well with the salad provided. I can definitely see my self drinking this wine to refresh on a hot day.
Name: Picpoul de Pinet
Variety: Picpoul de Pinet
Region: Coteux Du Languedoc
Country: France
Year: 2010
Price: $8.50
Winery review: alcohol 12.5% - Citrus and exotic fruit dominate this fresh, crisp and lively wine from the South of France. Well-balanced with good acidity. A perfect match to seafood or shell fish.
My review: This wine was a little to tart for my taste. I definitely felt some heat coming through which I think overpowered the exotic fruit flavor described above. It tasted much better after eating a crab tart and I agree that this wine is best suited to be paired with seafood.
Name: Manos Negras
Variety: Malbec
Region: San Juan
Country: Argentina
Year: 2009
Price: $12.75
Winery review: Alcohol 13% - The high altitude desert of the Tulum Valley in San Juan, Argentina provides ideal conditions for this once minor Spanish grape to flourish in unique and exciting ways. The warm sunny days and cool mountain nights produce wine of light yellow color, with explosive floral aromas, citrus fruit flavors and a crisp, clean finish.
My review: This was probably my favorite wine of the night. I definitely smelled those strong floral aromas in the nose. I tasted a bit of the citrus flavor but definitely more floral flavors. This one had a crisp zing too it and went very well brie.
Name: Sombras Del Sol Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Valle Central
Country: Chile
Year: N/A
Price: $6.99
Winery review: Alcohol 13.5% - This refreshing Chardonnay has intense aromas of sweet tropical fruit and notes of vanilla and chestnuts. A blend of freshness and creaminess, the citrus character comes through along with sweet fruit on the palette.
My review: This was a full-bodied wine comprised of salty olive and zesty citrus flavors. Despite the reletively high alcohol content it was pretty smooth on the palette and allowed for flavors to come through. This wine went well with the crab tart and salad served at the tasting.
Name: Rinaldi Red Dream
Variety: 100% Malvasia Nera
Region: N/A
Country: N/A
Year: N/A
Price: $12.99
Winery review: Alcohol 7% - The wine is ruby red but not too deep, fruity and pleasant. It's a dessert wine, it is possible to appreciate it at his best if you serve it chilled. This frothy and fruity red wine delivers flavors of honeysuckle and black pepper. Light, fun and exciting; it's great for parties and light fare.
My review: I enjoyed the light fruitiness of this wine. There were definite honey and citrus flavors and it went very well with the chocolate cupcake. There wasn't enough alcohol to justify this as a go to wine, but I did quite enjoy it.
Name: Opera Prima Moscato
Variety: Sparkling: Macabeo, Parellada and Pansa Blanca
Region: Castilla La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: N/A
Price: $5.95
Winery review: This is an amazing value for an inexpensive Moscato sparkler that is great for many occasions. Its bright fruit aromas of lychee and lime are appealing and the flavors of honeydew, lime and lychee are delightful. Great for cake or fruit-based desserts.
My review: This wine was very sweet and light. I got strong honey and floral flavors and a very zesty aftertaste. The heat was very low which allowed many flavors to show through. I thought this wine was delightful.
I tasted this on its own with no food.
Name: Le Lapin Multiplicity
Variety: Petit Sirah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Refosco
Region: Paso Robles, California
Country: USA
Year: N/A
Price: $6.95
Winery review: Multiplicity is a blend of grapes the rabbit ridge is keeping under wraps for now. The nose is black cherry, blackberry, a little plum and some spice, with a touch of forest floor. the palate is full of fruit and spice, with flavors of black cherry and a slight cranberry note. Nice firm tannins and a medium finish.
My review: I really liked this wine. I thought the review above was very accurate. I tasted a lot of dark berry and cherry flavors with a touch of spice. I also got hint of chocolate in the aftertaste. The heat was balanced well with the flavors. A great full-bodied wine.
I tasted this on its own with no food.
Name: Marques de Moral Crianza Tempranillo
Variety: 100% Tempranillo
Region: Valdepenas
Country: Spain
Year: 2007
Price: $7.95
Winery review: 87 Points, Stephen Tanzer
Medium red. Aromas of redcurrant and cherry, plus a hint of dried rose. Fleshy and smooth, with moderate depth to its slightly bitter red fruit flavors. Finishes with decent breadth and grip, with the redcurrant element joined by a hint of white pepper.
My review: I thought this wine was fairly tart and bitter. I got a strong peppery flavor and could also feel the heat coming through. I tasted a little bit of those red fruit flavors on the second swish. Overall, this one didn't tickle my fancy.
I tasted this on its own with no food.
Name: Coldstream Hills Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Yarra Valley
Country: Australia
Year: 2009
Price: $7.95
Winery review: Predominantly fermented at cool temperatures in stainless steel tanks, with a small portion barrel fermented in older French oak, the wine is blended, bottled and released three to four months after fermentation. The nose shows fragrant gooseberry characters with underlying passionfruit and lychee aromas. Minerally, stalky notes are evident and provide additional complexity. The palate is a fine and elegant style with zesty lemon acidity and length. Varietal characters of passionfruit pulp and gooseberry dominate with hints of lemon peel in the background.
My review: This wine was just "OK" for me. I thought it was a bit hot. I did like the woody herbal flavors and it had a very zesty aftertaste. I didn't get too much of a passionfruit taste which I think was overpowered by the alcohol.
I tasted this on its own with no food.
Name: Royal Chenin Blanc
Variety: 100% Chenin Blanc
Region: Swartland
Country: South Africa
Year: 2009
Price: $4.95
Winery review: "This wine packs a deceptive punch. And that punch tastes of apples, pears and quince, with an appealing herbal tone that helps it pair well with salads and other light fare. Don't drink too cold, or you might miss all the fruit." - Washington Post (June 2010)
My review: I thought this wine was very crisp and light. It had a nice level of heat and tasted very fruity. I detected lemon and apples mostly. Very good wine.
I tasted this on its own with no food.
Name: Crucero
Name: Maipe
Name: Gen 5
