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 - 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 - Wilson Daniels Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Wilson Daniels Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Central Coast, California
Country: USA
Year: 2010
Price: $7.95
Review: Orange blossom and citrus permeate the aromas. Alluring flavors of orange and grapefruit dominate the palate. Bright acidity balances the plush mouthfeel, resulting in a clean finish.

My Review: The first aroma I got from the wine was the generic pear white wine smell, although I was later able to detect a fairly floral scent. I thought the wine itself was very tart and light - an easily drinkable white that I liked a lot and would drink again.

Food? I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Black Ridge White Zinfandel

Name: Black Ridge White Zinfandel
Variety: White Zinfandel
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: NV
Price: $3.95
Review: This fruit forward White Zinfandel displays fresh aromas and crisp flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry. It is incredibly food friendly and will pair well with burgers, sandwiches, fruit salad, and more.

My Review: The wine was a nice rose color. I detected a light berry smell. I thought it was a fairly sweet wine with a berry flavor that matched the aroma with a pleasant aftertaste. I thought it was pretty good, and for the $3.95 price I definitely bought a bottle to drink later (how could you not?).

Food? I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Chandon Sweet Cuvée

Name: Chandon Sweet Cuvée
Variety: Blended
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: NV
Price: $9.95
Review: This wine is an innovative sparkling wine style revealing vibrant stone fruit and floral aromas with rich, luscious mouthfeel. This wine enlivens the senses and sparks spontaneous moments, complementing your passion for a good life.

My Review: I thought this wine was a strange orange rose color - a super bubbly sparkling wine. I detected peaches in the aroma of the wine. All of the bubbles contributed to a nice fizz on the palate. I thought it tasted pretty good, although the sweetness was not necessarily what I was expecting. I'd try it again, though.

Food? I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Wilson Daniels Merlot

Name: Wilson Daniels Merlot
Variety: Merlot
Region: Central Coast, California
Country: USA
Year: 2010
Price: $7.95
Review: Made predominantly from Paso Robles grapes, the wine is fullbodied and silky yet robust, with aromas of black cherry and plum and a palate of blackberry, raspberry and blueberry jam laced with vanilla and toast.

My Review: I caught quite the aroma of plum on the nose with this wine. It seemed like there was a lot of spice to this wine - I expected it to have more of a distinct flavor, but at the end of the tasting I ended up with just spice and tannins.

Food? I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Smoking Loon Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Smoking Loon Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2009
Price: $7.95
Review: This bleached blonde beauty is reminiscent of fresh green apples, pineapple and has hints of hibiscus blossoms. The concentration of zesty lemon and gooseberry fills your mouth leaving notes of thyme and melon behind. The bright acid in this wine gives you a zing while the fruit keeps your mouth watering for more. This wine pairs beautifully with a grilled prawn salad with a grapefruit vinaigrette, veggie spring rolls or grilled tilapia with mango salsa.

My Review: I didn't detect much in the nose of this wine. I thought the taste was very acidic, with hints of something I could not place - perhaps the lemon mentioned above. The wine finished with a crisp feeling on the palate.

Food? I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Canyon Road Chardonnay

Name: Canyon Road Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2011
Price: $6.95
Review: Medium- bodied wine with notes of crisp apple and ripe citrus fruit with a hint of cinnamon spice. Delicious complement to grilled chicken, lighter pasta dishes or mild cheeses.

My Review: I thought this wine smelled of apple with some other fruit flavors mixed in. Upon tasting, it seemed sweet at first, but then finished with an acidic aftertaste. I did think it tasted like something specific, but I couldn't place it. Overall, I didn't think it was bad.

Food? I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Beringer Riesling

Name: Beringer Riesling
Variety: Riesling
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2009
Price: $5.95
Review: This wine is the perfect balance of honeysuckle and bright peach flavors. A perfect compliment to light fare, appetizers, or just sharing with friends.

My Review: I thought this wine was very crisp on the first note. I also thought it had a distinct flavor that I could not place - perhaps the honeysuckle that is referenced in the above review?

Food? I did not have this wine with food.