Tasting- Norton Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Norton

Variety:  Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Mendoza

Country: Argentina

Year: 2012

Price: $ 5.95

Winery Review: Aromas of pithy citrus and pineapple are decent but unrefined, while flavors of tangerine and pineapple are tropical, zesty and what they are. This is nothing more than a fresh, simple, citrusy white to sip on the patio.

Personal Review: As stated in a previous blog post, I am sick this week. Therefore, I am not able to get a good smell and that is a big part of tasting of the wine. The wine was very fruity. I tasted the zesty-ness of the lemon upon first taste.I enjoyed this wine and would drink it again! It was crisp and had a small bite to it. I did not pair it with food. 

Tasting- The Royal Old Vines Chenin Blanc

Name: The Royal

Variety:  Old Vines Chenin Blanc

Region: Unkown

Country: South Africa  

Year: 2012

Price: $ 7.95

Winery Review: 90 Points – Robert Parker "One of the greatest buys I have tasted this year is this under $10, 100% Chenin Blanc from the Western Cape. A super flowery-scented nose includes notions of ripe honeydew melons and pears. This medium-weight, fresh, fruity, crisp, dry, textbook Chenin Blanc will provide immense pleasure over the next 12 months."

Personal Review: As stated in a previous blog post, I am sick this week. Therefore, I am not able to get a good smell and that is a big part of tasting of the wine. I prefer white wines, so I would be interested to try it again when my cold is gone. However, I got a fruity and flowery scent and taste. It was golden and very light. It had a smooth finish. I would love to try this wine again, preferably with food! 

Tasting- Tres Ojos Garnacha

Name: Tres Ojos

Variety:  Garnacha

Region: Calatayud

Country: Spain  

Year: 2011

Price: $ 6.95

Winery Review: This semi-opaque ruby, custom cuvée of 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 10% Mourvedre is made specifically for Fran Kysela. It exhibits very fresh, ripe dark red fruit with very good palate weight and depth and ends with rich fruit notes. Made from organically grown grapes. Incredible value!"

Personal Review: As stated in a previous blog post, I am sick this week. Therefore, I am not able to get a good smell and that is a big part of tasting of the wine.  This wine was not to my taste. It smelled like red wine, did not pick up any specific smells. It was very dry. It made me want to drink a bottle of water after a taste. It was also very sour, it made my mouth pucker. Overall, it was okay. I may need to try it again to decide if I like it or not. I did not pair it with food. Maybe if I did, it would have been better. 

Tasting- Fetzer Malbec

Name: Fetzer

Variety:  Malbec

Region: Mendoza

Country: Argentina

Year: 2012

Price: $ 5.95

Winery Review: Delicious Malbec is 100% from Mendoza, Argentina. It has a vibrant red color with violet tones. Subtle and delicious aromas with an intense mixture of red fruits, plum and cherry jam. On the palate it’s juicy and has intense wood-like tannins that make it a rustic, yet versatile wine. Long finish.

Personal Review: As stated in a previous blog post, I am sick this week. Therefore, I am not able to get a good smell and that is a big part of tasting of the wine.  I thought the wine smelled like red wine. I did not get an specific smells in the wine. The color was dark red. I thought the wine was fruity and had a smooth finish, it was not very dry (which I prefer) and it was very light.  I did not try it with food. However, I can imagine if I did it would only get better! 

Tasting - Angove Zibibbo Sparkling Moscato

Name: Angove Zibibbo

Variety:  Sparkling Moscato

Region: South

Country: Australia

Year: 2012

Price: $ 5.95

Winery Review: This is a tasty and generous Moscato that opens with plush aromas of honey, peach syrup, white flower and fragrant exotic fruit. There’s a nice sensation of fullness and creaminess in the mouth that is backed by the foamy effervescence of this sparkling dessert wine.

Personal Review: This week I have a cold. Therefore, It was difficult to really be able to taste and smell the wine. I have definitely learned that smelling wine is a huge part of tasting it. However, this wine has been my favorite of all of the ones I have tasted so far! It was bubbly. Which made it light and smooth. It was very fruity and sweet. It was low in alcohol and the fruit flavor showed through perfectly. I did not try this wine with food. However, I'm not sure what this would pair with because it is so sweet.