Tasting- Redtree Cabernet Sauvignon

Redtree Cabernet Sauvignon

Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region:  California

Country: United States

Year: 2010

Price: $8.00

Tasting Notes: "Our Cabernet Sauvignon opens with aromas of cherries and subtle hints of oak and cedar in the background. The mouthfeel of this wine is full, displaying a jammy mid-palate of red fruits, finishing with gentle tannins."

My review: Not my favorite Cab Sauv, just because I didn't feel there was anything significant to make it memorable. But it was flavorful and had a very Merlot smell. It was a wet wine, in the sense that it didn't have the mouth-drying effect I get from some dry wines and it had an acidic finish that I liked.

I tasted this on its own and with no food.

Tasting- Santa Julia Cabernet Sauvignon

Santa Julia Cabernet Sauvignon

Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Mendoza 

Country: Argentina

Year: 2012

Price: $8.99

Tasting Notes: "Ruby red with purple highlights and good intensity. A nose mainly of black cherries, prunes, gooseberries, blackberries and spices. Full-bodied and rich. Balanced with fine tannins. A long and persistent finish." 

My review: I found the flavor stringent and intriguing. It had a bold smell but not an "in-your-face" flavor. It was very smooth with slight cherry and raisin hints to taste. Definitely enjoyed this one!

We paired this with a nice sharp cheddar cheese and I think it complimented the style of the wine very well.

Tasting-Mezzacorona Pinot Noir

Mezzacorona Pinot Noir

Variety: 100% Pinot Noir

Region: Vigneti delle Dolomiti 

Country: Italy

Year: 2010

Price: $10.99

Tasting Notes: "A bit of rose petal and crushed rock greets the nose, joined by mint herbs, a touch of pepper bacon, and nice raspberry candy and perfumed pomegranate fruit. This is a bit of a lean style, certainly acid-driven, but with lovely depth of flavor. There are nice nuanced notes of mineral, herb and earth framing the raspberry fruit and a light vanilla top note adding some detail. Really shows some nice tension in the mouth and on the moderately long, refreshing finish, where the small-scaled tannins make themselves apparent. A very nice, pure expression of Pinot Noir."

My review: This was a very smooth wine and medium-bodied. I liked the fruit-driven palate and the slight crisp finish. I would like to pair this with a food if I bought it again.

I tasted this on its own and with no food.

Tasting- Mt. Monster Shiraz

Mt. Monster Shiraz

Variety: 100% Shiraz

Region: Limestone Coast

Country: Australia

Year: 2010

Price: $12.95

Tasting Notes: "Deep purple in color. Ripe blackberry and plum fruits on the nose with floral notes. Varietal fruit-driven palate, with cherry/berry fruit and spice flavors. Soft tannins compliment the fruit with mouth-filling generous finish." 

My review: This wine almost had a stale smell to me. There were hints of tobacco and vanilla on the palate. As with a lot of shiraz I've had, this wine had a hint of sweetness on the tongue immediately, which was then replaced with the soft tannic finish.This was not my favorite shiraz, but I enjoyed it and would buy it again.

I tasted this on its own and with no food.

Tasting-Ruta 22 Malbec

Ruta 22 Malbec

Variety: Malbec

Region: Patagonia

Country: Argentina

Year: 2011

Price: $7.95

Tasting Notes: "Stout and dense from the beginning, with blackberry and violet aromas. Despite being a bold and dark Malbec, this is fresh and composed, with sweet blackberry and cassis flavors. Good on the finish, with candied fruit and caramel sweetness."

My review: I didn't think this wine had too distinct of a smell or taste. There was a hint of plum, but overall I thought it was kind of flat.

I tasted this on its own and with no food.

Tasting-Chateau Serres Lucie Corbieres

Chateau Serres Sainte Lucie Corbieres

Variety: Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre

Region: Corbieres

Country: France

Year: 2010

Price: $4.95

Tasting Notes: "Superb dark garnet color with a few reflections of dark orange. Intense now of ripe fruits, spices and roasted coffee. The palate is rounded and full, with silky matured tannins and hints of vanilla. This wine is rich and powerful with layers of tannins."

My review: A hint of pomegranate and sweetness, with tannins on the finish made for a very pleasant wine. I actually bought a bottle of this wine because I loved the silky elements to it. It almost caresses your mouth.

I tasted this on its own and with no food.

Tasting-Cresta Azul

Cresta Azul

Variety: Moscatel, Macabeo, Parellada, Xarel-lo

Region: Emporda

Country: Spain

Year: Non-Vintage

Price: $5.95

Tasting Notes: "Peach, orange cream and vanilla flavors mingle in this softly bubble white. Off-dry, but with crisp acidity and a clean finish."

My review: It smelled sweet, but the taste wasn't overpowering. It was clear, which was interesting to me. I liked the hint of orange and the slight moscato flavor.

I tasted this on its own and with no food.