Name: Oxford Landing Viognier
Variety: Viognier
Region: Somewhere in South Australia
Country: Australia
Year: 2009
Price: $8
Winery review: 88 Points, Wine Spectator. Bright and lively,this white is appealing for its pear, lychee and sweet spice character, which comes together smoothly against a silky texture.
My review: Strong floral nose. I felt the heat of this wine more so than the others in the tasting. I picked up slight peachy characteristics while tasting.
I tasted this on its own with no food.
Name: Tierra de Luna Torrontes-Chardonnay
Variety: 80% torrontes and 20% chardonnay
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2009
Price: $8
Winery review: Fresh and crisp, with floral aromas and flavors of quince and pear, this wine is a versatile companion to informal meals, and is excellent as an aperitif.
My review: I got apple hints on the nose and in tasting; not much of the floral and pear that was advertised. However, it was crisp and refreshing. I purchased a bottle after the tasting.
I tasted this on its own with no food.
Name: Simonet Blanc de Blancs
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: not specified
Country: France
Year: not specified
Price: $8
Winery review: On the nose, there is some bread-yeast and some toast, same on the palate. Great for an everyday bubbly or for mimosas!!
My review: Very mild smells; picked up the smell of grape juice, not bread or yeast. Nice bubbles and crisp taste that goes down smoothly.
I tasted this on its own with no food.
Name: Heinz Eifel Shine Riesling
Variety: Riesling
Region: Pfalz
Country: Germany
Year: 2010
Price: $9
Winery review: Flint and mineral notes accent pineapple and lime aromas, while on the palate, the wine shows plenty of ripe, citrusy fruit flavors. Tangy acids on the long finish provide balance.
My review: Citrus, grapey nose with hints of mud and dirt. The earthy flavors were most present as I tasted this wine, and there was a level of acidity that did not please me as I swallowed. I was a little disappointed as most of the other Rieslings I have tasted of late have been great. Not this one.
I tasted this on its own with no food.
Name: Don Ramon Tinto
Variety: 75% Grenache, 25% Tempranillo
Region: Campo de Borja
Country: Spain
Year: 2008
Price: $8
Winery review: 75% Grenache, 25% Tempranillo. Aged 3 months in American Oak casks. Ruby red in color, with creamy aromas of earth and cherry. Flavor turns toward deeper and darker black cherry and raspberry on a medium framework. A subtle earthiness underneath the bright fruit adds some depth and complexity.
My review: Big earthy nose with hints of spice and woodiness. Picked up the oak as I tasted along with hints of some dark berry mix. I wasn't a fan of this one, but the label looked cool.
I tasted this on its own with no food.
Name: Resonata Nero D'Avola
Variety: Nero d'Avola
Region: Sicily
Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $7
Winery review: 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.
My review: Smells of dark berries and earth were followed with tastes of dark berries, roasted meat, and a little bit of the described spice. I was impressed enough to pick up a bottle after the tasting.
I tasted this on its own with no food.
Name: Protocolo Blanc
Variety: Did not specify.
Region: Castilla
Country: Spain
Year: 2010
Price: $7
Winery review: 87 Points, Stephan Tanzer. Greenish gold. Subtle aromas of mint, lemon and orange, with a hint of honeysuckle. Dry, understated and focused, offering clean citrus and melon flavors and slow-building sweetness. Finishes dry and brisk, with an echo of lemon. As usual, this is an outstanding value.
My review: Citrusy, flowery nose. Did not get any mint when smelling the wine. Lots of citrus flavors but I could feel a little bit too much of the heat of this wine. It just did not go down well for me.
I tasted this on its own with no food.
