Tasting-Tilia Malbec

Tilia Malbec

Variety: Malbec

Region: Eastern Mendoza and Uco Valley

Country: Argentina

Year: 2011

Price: $9.95

Tasting Notes: "Tilia Malbec has a dark, blackish purple color. The nose offers ripe black fruits, black pepper spice and floral notes. The mouthfeel is full yet soft and supple, with black raspberry and currant flavors mingled with notes of sweet spice and a touch of leather. The finish is long and persistent with soft, sweet tannins."

My review: This wine had a huge nose when I poured it. I could smell the plum and blackberry from a few feet away. I was very excited because it was my first Malbec and I thought with a huge nose I would get huge flavor as well. It was a nice dry red because it wasn't too dry and it had a nice acidic finish. Some tannins in the back of the mouth, but not overly complex. 

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting-Pinot Evil

Pinot Evil: Pinot Grigio

Variety: Pinot Grigio

Region: California

Country: United States

Year: Non-vintage

Price: $14.00

Tasting Notes: "Pinot Grigio is light-bodied, has a lovely ripe cherry nose that cascades into a smooth, velvet finish. Enjoy this wine with roasted duck, seasoned fish, rosemary garlic pork or with friends when you just monkey around.”

My review: There was a grapefruit smell to this wine and a mild citrus taste, which I enjoyed. It was semi-dry and very smooth to taste. I enjoyed this wine as a simple white. Perfect for people who want to branch out from sweet whites into more dry whites because it's not overpoweringly dry.

I tasted this with: a Cajun shrimp dip and I think that really enhanced the flavor. I think without the dip I might have noticed the lack of complexity in the wine, but the food added flavor to my palate made it more enjoyable. 

Tasting-Unoaked Moscato

Simply Naked Unoaked Moscato

Variety: Moscato

Region: California

Country: United States

Year: 2011

Price: $6.99

Tasting Notes: "Simply Naked wines reveal themselves as they really are, without being hidden by the flavor of oak. Our winemaker has chosen not to oak age the wines, allowing the crisp fruit flavor and the true varietal characteristics to shine through. Simply Naked Moscato is a sweetly balanced wine with floral notes and peach flavors of orange marmalade, peach and honey."

My review: I was eager to try another unoaked wine after I enjoyed the unoaked chardonnay so much, but this one failed to impress me. I think the fact that it was a moscato made the lack of complexity, due to being unoaked, very apparent. The sweetness combined with the lack of acidity fell flat. It was smooth but almost heavy in my mouth. This is not to say that it is a poorly made wine, I just didn't care for the unoaked moscato flavor.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting-Amusant Bubbly Pink Moscato

Variety: Moscato, a small blend of other reds

Region: California

Country: United States

Year: Non-Vintage

Price: $5.99

Tasting Notes: "This is a bubbly wine that's made primarily with Moscato grapes, so its aromatic bouquet greets you with every sip. The wine's off-dry balance (meaning sweet, but not too sweet) leads to flavors of apricot, peach, bergamot (think Earl Grey tea), a touch of mint and hints of orange blossom. These flavors get a boost from the fine bubbles, and the wine concludes with a clean and crisp finish."

My review: This was an interesting moscato because it wasn't overly sweet like others that I've had before. It had the typical fruity smell and sweet taste, but not over the top like I expected. That gained huge points with me because sometimes moscatos, especially the pink ones, are too much. However, there was something lacking in this wine. It wasn't a light and crisp as others that I've had in the past. I think there are better moscatos at the same price point. 

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting-Simply Naked Unoaked Chardonnay

Simply Naked Unoaked Chardonnay

Variety: 100% Chardonnay

Region: California

Country: United States

Year: 2011

Price: $7.99

Winemaker's Notes/Tasting Notes: "Lively aromas of melon, peach and lemon sorbets, and praline with a silky fruity medium body and a juicy, tangy orange and pear finish. A lovely, mouthwatering chardonnay that is sure to please. A rich, fruit forward wine with crisp apple, melon and pear flavors and a touch of honey. Pairs well with chicken, turkey, salmon, and pasta with cream sauce."

My review: I thoroughly enjoyed trying my first unoaked chardonnay. I could definitely taste the difference between this and a traditional chardonnay, but it was a welcome difference. An easy white wine with a fruity complexity to it.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting-Korbel Sweet Rose

Korbel Sweet Rose Champagne

Variety: Pinot Noir, Zinfandel

Region: California

Country: United States

Year: Non-Vintage

Price: $11.99

Tasting Notes: "Korbel Sweet Rosé is made from a complex selection of both red and white grape varieties. The blend is designed to have very bright fruit flavors and aromas. The harvesting of the red varieties such as zinfandel and sangiovese early in the ripening process helps achieve the desired style for this cuvée. Excellent with Fresh fruit or appetizers such as grilled prawns and mango salsa, or with a selection of ripe cheeses." (Korbel.com)

My review: I loved this champagne. It was very light, smooth and crisp in the mouth. It also had a very pleasant finish to it, which had a hint of sweetness. But the overall champagne was not too sweet, even though it's called sweet rose; it had more of the consistency of a hard cider. Highly recommended!

I tasted this on its own with no food.