Tasting - Tobin James Silver Reserve Syrah

Name: Tobin James Silver Reserve Syrah
Variety: Syrah
Region: Paso Robles, California
Country: USA
Year: 2009
Price: $48
Review: Ah, the Silver Reserve Syrah! Always one of the best wines we make, the 2009 is no exception. This wine exhibits all the qualities that a classic Syrah should have: graceful layers of fruit interlaced with hints of spices and herbs. A long, lingering finish completes this perfect Syrah. The wine tastes amazing, but as with any great Syrah, it will continue to improve in the bottle for 4 to 6 years. But why wait? You're not cheating yourself by enjoying it now. Try it with herb-rubbed lamb. (From the James Gang Club insert)

My Review: After having numerous cheap Syrahs, I was thrilled to try one of quality (Thanks Dad!). I thought the nose on this wine had a lot of blackberries, and when it was open for a while it took on a jammy quality. I could taste oak at first, but it was a very smooth oak feeling. As the meal went on, I began to taste more black pepper, with a black cherry aftertaste. A very good wine.

Food? I had this wine with a grilled ribeye steak with grilled potatoes and asparagus. I thought the steak enhanced the tannins in this wine - it brought them more to my notice, but in a good way.

Tasting - Reserve Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône

Name: Reserve Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône
Variety: 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Cinsault blend
Region: Rhone Valley
Country: France
Year: 2010
Price: $14.95
Review: As for their other values, the 2010 Grand Veneur Cotes du Rhone Reserve (70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Cinsault) displays loads of ripe flavors. It is very concentrated for a Cotes du Rhone, and is actually an amazing wine. Classic garrigue, black cherry liqueur, lavender, licorice and spice box are all present in this fullbodied, intense, and rich Cotes du Rhone. This is a sensational effort to drink over the next 4-5 years, although it might last even longer.

My Review: A very dark cherry aroma with hints of other smells in the nose. I thought the wine tasted spicy and thick, almost tobacco-like. I didn't think this wine had a very strong finish to it, it kind of disappeared off of my palate quicker than expected.

Food? I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Lobetia Tempranillo

Name: Lobetia Tempranillo
Variety: Tempranillo
Region: La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $9.95
Review: Organically and naturally grown and made, this wine allows the varietal and the terroir to stand out cleanly. It shows a nice cherry color with a violet shade because of its youth. Red berries and cherries on the nose. On the palate it is fresh, slightly astringent, and harmonious with a long finish.

My Review: I thought the aroma on this wine was very rich - a deep cherry smell with hints of something like chocolate. The taste had spice that finished smoothly, although I really couldn't pick any specific flavors out of the wine.

Food? I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Lobetia Chardonnay

Name: Lobetia Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $9.95
Review: Organically and naturally grown and made, this wine allows the varietal and the terroir to stand out cleanly. Clean, bright color with a greenish-yellow tone. On the nose, exotic fruits like pineapple. Full flavored, fresh, with good acidity in the mouth, it finishes with tropical fruits.

My Review: I thought this had a stronger fruit smell than the previous wine (the Trattoria) - maybe a mix like pear and peaches? I thought the wine was very smooth. I did detect the "tropical fruits", although I tasted more of a passion fruit blend, like a smoothie I had at Jamba Juice the other day. A pretty good wine.

Food? I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Trattoria Busa Alla Torre Da Lele

Name: Trattoria Busa Alla Torre Da Lele
Variety: Pinot Grigio
Region: Veneto
Country: Italy
Year: NV
Price: $7.95
Review: Named after the famous restaurant in Italy! This is their house white wine! Coppery color from extended skin contact, round and rich texture with juicy melon aromas and flavors with a sweet fennel note on the ultra smooth finish. Great value Grigio! Drink now.

My Review: I smelled some faint fruit in the nose of this wine. I detected somewhat of a floral taste, but it was mainly masked by the very tart aspects of the wine. Not impressed.

Food? I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Concannon Shiraz

Name: Concannon Shiraz
Variety: Shiraz
Region: Central Coast, California
Country: USA
Year: 2008
Price: $7.95
Review: This is an extremely rich, full-bodied wine with a dark fruit core. Aromas of blackberry, blueberry, cassis and dark cherry are followed by more berry fruits and chocolate and mocha on the palate.

My Review: I thought this wine had a very dark fruit smell at first, but that quickly gave away to a vegetal or almost dirt-like component to the aroma. I thought it was spicy on the first taste but it didn't have a whole lot of power to finish out the rest of the palate.

Food? I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Ksana Bonarda

Name: Ksana Bonarda
Variety: Bonarda
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2008
Price: $9.95
Review: The bouquet is floral and lightly jammy, with berry aromas and a savory note or two. To the uninitiated, this is a great introduction to Bonarda. Finishes solid. Very sweet, berry smell with some rooty undertones. Kind of dry, makes your lips pucker.

My Review: A very jammy aroma to the wine. I thought the wine had some nice tannins and tasted a little spicy which went into a nice smooth finish. Overall it tasted pretty good.

Food? I did not have this wine with food.