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 - 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 - Maipe Malbec Rosé

Name: Maipe Malbec Rosé
Variety: Malbec
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2011
Price: $7.95
Review: Intense pink color with violet hints. Fresh red fruit bouquet, strawberry and cherry flavors, balanced acidity, dry and lingering finish. Excellent with tuna or green salad, pasta, spicy Asian dishes.

My Review: I thought this wine had a light and fruity smell, specifically of strawberries. I thought it tasted extremely smooth, like a lighter good red wine. I actually really liked this wine and would probably buy it in the future.

Food? I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Steeple Jack Moscato

Name: Steeple Jack Moscato
Variety: Moscato
Region: South Australia
Country: Australia
Year: 2011
Price: $7.95
Review: Lemonade and lychee aromas lead to a luscious palate that’s alive with juicy lychee and tropical fruit flavours with slight spritz. This is an extremely refreshing drop that’s the perfect lunchtime drop in the warmer months. (From Wine Selectors)

My Review: This wine was so good. There was a little bit of citrus smell, reminiscent of pineapples. The taste was very smooth, maybe even slightly floral. I thought there was a well-balanced sweetness that blended well with the effervescence. Definitely buying again.

Food? I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Bartenura Moscato

Name: Bartenura Moscato
Variety: Moscato
Region: Provencia di Pavia
Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $4.95
Review: The inviting apricot preserves, honey, butter, and roasted almond aromas of this semi-sparkler pull you right in. It's on the sweet side, with stone-fruit flavors kept alive by decent acidity. The palate bubbles and tingles and maintains its balance. Fine as an aperitif or with dessert.

My Review: This wine was so good. It smelled like gummy candy. It had a super sweet but delicious taste - it reminded me strongly of liquefied candy. I would have bought it but they ran out at the store. Definitely something I want to purchase and drink again.

Food? I did not have this wine with food.