Tasting Rojo Garnacha Gran Rojo 2011

• Name: Rojo Garnacha Gran Rojo 2011 

• Variety: Garnacha

• Region: N/A

• Country: Spain 

• Year: 2011

• Price: $9.95

• Shop/wine critic/winery review:"The 2011 Rojo Garnacha has the colour of blackberry with blue tones, almost opaque. Intense and pleasant aromas of licorice and wild red and black berries fill the nose, with mineral undertones. Well-rounded and balanced on the palate, it is elegant and fresh. Red fruit, minerals and a hint of fresh thyme linger on the finish. It’s surprisingly silky and full-bodied, with a rich varietal expression."
• My review: This red wine was a very nice wine. It had a very dark and red color. It smelled full of fruit, tannins and oak. It was a very strong wine, it is well balanced. Even though it tasted very strong of tannins at first, the fruitiness and acidity blended it together very well and it had a nice finish. It is also a dry wine, which is something that I enjoy a lot. 

• I had this wine at wine tasting. 

Tasting Robert Hall Orange Muscat

• Name: Robert Hall Orange Muscat 

• Variety: Muscat

• Region: California

• Country: U.S 

• Year: 2012

• Price: $11.95

• Shop/wine critic/winery review:"A vivid yellow-gold in color, this wine entertains the senses with fresh citrus and orange blossom aromas with a touch of sweet ginger spice echoed by bright, sweet tropical fruit flavors. Medium-bodied, the Orange Muscat features a balancing crisp acidity that brightens the finish. Pair with spicy cuisine, as an accompaniment to dessert or as an aperitif. 3.2% residual sugar."
• My review: This white wine was plain and not very exciting. The color was a light yellow. I thought it didn't smell like much, it did not contain very many powerful flavors. The wine itself tasted very light, it had some acidicity and fruit. But overall, it was very light and the finish was soft. I did not think this wine was worth to buy a bottle of. 

• I had this wine at wine tasting. 

Tasting Primo Amore Juliet

• Name: Primo Amore Juliet 

• Variety: Garganega and Moscato 

• Region: Frizzante

• Country: Italy 

• Year: 2011

• Price: $5.95

• Shop/wine critic/winery review:"The NV Juliet is a semi-dry lightly effervescent white wine with light citrus fruit flavors, a pleasantly tart mid-palate, and a crispy finish. Primo Amore is a new series of four wines and another example of the winemaking talent and entrepreneurship of Zonin, Italyas largest and most successful family wine empire. Primo Amore is clearly geared to new wine drinkers and those seeking easy drinking table wines that are modern, affordable and pleasant to drink. All wines in the series have Stelvin screw-cap enclosures and two, Romeo and Juliet, are low in alcohol 5 vol. 70 Garganega and 30 Moscato."
• My review: This white wine was very low in alcohol, which made it really easy to drink. It had a light yellowish color that is kind of mixed and bizzare. The smell was very nice, fruity and citrusy. The wine itself tasted very good, smooth and sweet. I thought it was not like a regular glass of wine, it tasted more like a mixed alcoholic drink. Definitely a nice wine. 

• I had this wine at wine tasting. 

Tasting Guenoc Sauvignon Blanc 2011

• Name: Guenoc Sauvignon Blanc 2011 

• Variety: Sauvignon Blanc 

• Region: California 

• Country: U.S 

• Year: 2011

• Price: $13.95

• Shop/wine critic/winery review:"Guenoc Lake County Sauvignon Blanc is made from Estate Grown grapes. Cool fermented in stainless steel tanks to retain its aroma the wine has a complex mix of tropical fruit including pineapple, quince, and guava. The lively acidity enhances juicy flavors of grapefruit and white peaches on the long finish. A perfect quaffing wine on a summer day or anytime you need a little sunshine."
• My review: This white was made beautifully. It had a light, and clear yellow color. It smelled amazing, full of fruits and acidic. It was very well balanced, first I tasted the acidity of the wine. Then the fruitness kicked in and the combination made it a very refreshing wine. I would definitely recommend this wine to anyone that is likes white wine. 

• I had this wine at wine tasting. 

Tasting Yellow Tail Shiraz

• Name: Yellow Tail Shiraz 

• Variety: Shiraz 

• Region: Southern Australia  

• Country: Australia 

• Year: 2013

• Price: $11.95

• Shop/wine critic/winery review:"Ripe cherries and strawberries, spice, and vanilla aromas. This bold Shiraz wine is well balanced, with earthy tones and lingering fruit on the tongue."
• My review: This red wine had a dark red color. It smell very earthy, full of tannins and some herbal components. Overall, I liked this wine. It tasted well balanced, strong of tannins at first. But it calmed down and it tasted smoothier. I thought the finish is a little too hot, but it is bearable.   

• I had this wine at home with no food. 

Tasting Rosemount Estate Moscato

• Name: Rosemount Estate Moscato

• Variety: Moscato 

• Region: Southern Australia  

• Country: Australia 

• Year: 2012

• Price: $3.95

• Shop/wine critic/winery review:"Clear, medium-lemon yellow in appearance; lovely citrus and honeysuckle aromas with lemon, honeysuckle, apple and ripe yellow plum flavours. Serve chilled with angel food cake or fresh fruit and mild cheeses."
• My review: This white wine smelled sweet, fruity and acidic. It had a light golden and yellow color. I thought the wine was sweet and acidic at the same time. It was well-balanced and the finish is pretty soft. Overall, I thought this wine would be a good wine for new wine drinkers to try, it is easy to drink and refreshing. 

• I had this wine at a wine tasting. 

Tasting Ironstone Old Vine Zinfandel

• Name: Ironstone Old Vine Zinfandel

• Variety: Old Vine Zinfandel 

• Region: Lodi, California 

• Country: U.S 

• Year: 2011

• Price: $3.95

• Shop/wine critic/winery review:"Grown in vineyards that are over 45 years old, this medium-bodied Zin has exceptional varietal character with lovely aromas of dark fruit and blackberry. Subtle pepper spice mingles with richly concentrated fruit flavors of blackberry, ripe plums and fresh red raspberries. Barrel aging created its smooth, silky finish and unprecedented depth.  A wonderful wine pairing for variety of dishes. Any type of meat - whether its pork, beef or game - is ideal with this wine. Cioppino is another amazing complement or try it with tomato-based pastas, hearty stews or a plate of strong, aged cheeses."
• My review: This red wine had a dark and red color. I can smell strong hints of tannins before I even put my nose in the glass. After getting past the tannins, I could smell some fruit components and spices as well. I thought this wine was well made, it seems that they tried to balance out the high tannins with spices and fruits. Overall, I enjoyed the wine. It has a hot finish, but it is not too overpowering. 

• I had this wine at a wine tasting. 

Tasting Librandi Ciro Rosso Classico

• Name: Librandi Ciro Rosso Classico

• Variety: Gaglioppo

• Region: Calabria 

• Country: Italy

• Year: 2010

• Price: $3.95

• Shop/wine critic/winery review:"Don’t let the pale garnet color fool you:  this is a substantial wine.  Aromas of red fruits and spice complement undertones of cranberries, wild berries, and plums.  On the palate, ripe tannins and good body make for an incredibly rich, yet easygoing red wine.  Pair this wine with sausage, spicy curry sauces, hot soppressata, and tandoori chicken. "
• My review: This Italian wine is a nice red wine. The color was red/violet, not too dark. It smelled very nice, some fruit components and tannins. First when I tasted the wine, I could only taste the tannins. However, after a little while. The wine became smooth and light. It was very pleasant to drink this wine, I definitely recommend it to new drinkers.  

• I had this wine at a wine tasting. 

Tasting Angove Nine Vines Viognier

• Name: Angove Nine Vines Viognier

• Variety: Viognier

• Region: South Australia 

• Country: Australia

• Year: 2009

• Price: $7.95

• Shop/wine critic/winery review:"Bright light straw in colour with some green hues, this wine has a lush ripe tropical fruit aroma. This is a fuller bodied white which fills the mouth with heady flavours of apricot, peach and citrus.  Angove Nine Vines Viognier is perfect for today's relaxed life-style and is the ideal accompaniment to grilled prawns with chilli and garlic or roast pork."
• My review: This white wine has a dark and golden color. It smelled very acidic, and a little fruity. Overall, I did not think this wine was well balanced. Beside from the hot finish and the acidity, I did not experience much fruit flavors. 

• I had this wine at a wine tasting. 

Tasting Yealands Estate Sauvignon Blanc

• Name: Yealands Estate Sauvignon Blanc

• Variety: Sauvignon Blanc

• Region: Marlborough

• Country: New Zealand

• Year: 2008

• Price: $7.95

• Shop/wine critic/winery review:"This aromatic wine shows lifted flavours of blackcurrant with underlying notes of wet stone and thyme. The palate is elegant yet full with sufficient weight and texture, balanced by a flinty minerality. This wine is a fantastic match with foods such as cheese salad, poultry dishes and a wide range of seafood dishes including freshly shucked natural oysters, prawns, green lip mussels and creamy scallops."
• My review: This Sauvignon Blanc has a nice golden color, very clear. I thought it smelled very acidic and fruity at the same time. This wine was very well balanced, I enjoyed the acidity and fruitiness. At first I taste nothing but its strong acidic flavors, but then the fruity components kick in and balance it out right. I thought this wine was well made and definitely deserves a try. 

• I had this wine at a wine tasting. 

Tasting Heinz Eifel Shine Riesling

• Name: Heinz Eifel Shine Riesling

• Variety: Riesling

• Region: N/A

• Country: Germany

• Year: 2012

• Price: $9.95

• Shop/wine critic/winery review:"This drier-styled Riesling is bright, fruity and floral with crisp acidity and clean flavors of apple, pear and peach that compliment its stony minerality and earthy complexity. It serves well as an aperitif and matches a wide variety of foods, like lighter salad dishes, shellfish, cream sauces and also anything with a touch of spice."
• My review: This riesling smelled very fruity and sweet. I was excited to try this wine. It has a crisp and golden color, it was very clear. This wine tastes like very acidic and dry, which is something that I really enjoy. I loved this wine, I wanted more than just a little glass at the wine tasting. It had a full body, and a soft finish. 

• I had this wine at a wine tasting. 

Tasting Altas Cumbres Cabernet Sauvignon

• Name: Altas Cumbres Cabernet Sauvignon

• Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon  

• Region: Mendoza

• Country: Argentina 

• Year: 2013

• Price: $6.95

• Shop/wine critic/winery review:"Intense red color with violet highlights, with clean, fresh and complex aromas of berries, plums, figs and pepper. Strong personality is in perfect balance with a medium body and pleasant tannins. Ideal for: red meats, cheeses and strong sauces."
• My review: This wine was very well made, it had dark and red color. It smelled strong of tannins, along with berries and different spices. I thought this wine was going to be a overpowering wine, but it turned out to be well-balanced. I thought this wine tasted very under control, the acidity along with the tannins and oak. I thought everything just blend together well. However, this wine does have a hot finish.  

• I had this wine at a wine tasting. 

Tasting Georges DuBoeuf Beaujolais Nouveau

• Name: Georges DuBoeuf Beaujolais Nouveau

• Variety: Gamay 

• Region: Beaujolais

• Country: France 

• Year: 2013

• Price: $3.95

• Shop/wine critic/winery review:"Balanced and lightly creamy, offering pretty flavors of plum sauce and raspberry coulis threaded with hints of ground spice. Elegant, with a floral finish. Drink now."
• My review: This wine smelled nice, it had hints of floral components and different berries. I thought the wine smelled better than its actual taste, I found this wine to taste boring and simple. There was not much going on with the body of the wine, it was light and plain. 

• I had this wine at a wine tasting. 

Tasting Bricco dei Tati Rose

• Name: Bricco dei Tati Rose

• Variety: Barbera 

• Region: Piedmont

• Country: Italy 

• Year: 2011

• Price: $7.95

• Shop/wine critic/winery review:"Fresh with aromas of strawberries, cherries and rose petals. This is ideal with shellfish, salads, chicken, and with appetizers."
• My review: I thought this wine was very interesting. It smelled very fruity and sweet. I did not enjoy this wine because I do not like sweet wines. This wine was sweet from the first taste, it was acidic and sweet. It was not balanced very well, it was more sweet than acidic. The finish was pretty soft. 

• I had this wine at a wine tasting. 

Tasting Frascati Volpetti

• Name: Frascati Volpetti 

• Variety: Malvasia, Trebbianoy, Greco

• Region: N/A

• Country: Italy

• Year: 2012

• Price: $7.95

• Shop/wine critic/winery review:"Straw yellow in color with a soft, delicate perfume, fruitful flavor, dry and harmonious taste. Perfect with appetizers, soups, fish."
• My review: This white blend smelled very fruity and strong of tanins. When I tasted the wine, it was very acidity, but it was balanced out very well with the fruitiness and the sweetness of the wine. In my opinion, this wine was very well made and is worth of the price. 

• I had this wine at a wine tasting. 

Tasting Avery Quinn Chardonnay

• Name: Avery Quinn Chardonnay

• Variety: Chardonnay  

• Region: Napa Valley

• Country: U.S

• Year: 2011

• Price: $6.95

• Shop/wine critic/winery 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 fill your mouth before a juicy, apple and caramel inflected finish makes your mouth water (and smile!). "
• My review: This white wine was a beautiful wine to taste. It had a darker golden color, which is different from the previous chardonnay that I have tried. This wine possessed smells of fruits, butter and vanilla. It was a very pleasant smell, so it got me excited to actually taste the wine. I thought the wine was well-balanced, it had the right amount of acidity and sweetness at the same time. It was a very easy wine to drink, and the finish was not overpowering. Overall, this wine was a very well made wine and I enjoyed it. 

• I had this wine at a wine tasting. 

Tasting Omo Ze Bel Merlot

• Name: Omo Ze Bel Merlot

• Variety: Merlot  

• Region: Sicily

• Country: Italy

• Year: 2011

• Price: $6.95

• Shop/wine critic/winery review:" This bright, soft Merlot comes from a hilly vineyard on the Alcesti family estate in beautiful Sicily. It has hints of red cherries and freshly cut hay.  Exceptional value."
• My review: This red wine was one of my favorite at the wine tasting. It had a dark and purple color. I thought the smell of this wine was very pleasant, it was full of berries and some oak, along with tannins of course. Moving on to the taste, this wine had a very strong taste of oak, perhaps it was in an oak barrel for too long. I found this wine to be not well balanced, it was a bit too overpowering of tannins for me as well. This wine also had a hot finish.  

• I had this wine at a wine tasting. 

Tasting El Sierro Tempranillo & Cabernet

• Name: El Sierro Tempranillo & Cabernet

• Variety: Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon  

• Region: Valencia

• Country: Spain

• Year: 2011

• Price: $7.95

• Shop/wine critic/winery 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 red blend is a very interesting one, blending two grapes that are both full of tannins. I find the color of this wine to be pretty dark and red. When I first smelled the wine, all I could smell is the overpowering tannins. After I battle through the tannins aromas, I smelled some blackberries, cherries, and the oak. I thought this wine was pretty well balanced, the tannins is not overpowering, it was complimented pretty well with the acidity. I thought the finish was not too hot for my palate, and it was a well made wine. 

• I had this wine at home with crackers.