Tasting - Varas Vinho Tinto

Name: Varas Vinho Tinto
Variety: Castelao, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca and Pinot Noir
Region: Estremadura
Country: Portugal
Year: unknown
Price: 3 Liter Box (4 bottles) - $21.95 ($5.49/bottle)

Critic Review: This smooth Portuguese red is a blend of Castelão (45%), Tinta Roriz (25%), Tinta Barroca (20%) and Pinot Noir (10%). The vineyards are located near Lisbon, planted in sunny gentle slopes of clay and limestone soils. The wine was aged in oak barrels.

My Review:  You could clearly detect the alcohol on the nose of this wine, but it had hints of cherries and raspberries in the bouquet as well.  It tasted like dark cherries with a smoky aftertaste and it had a creamy body.  I did not try this wine with food. 

Tasting - Oveja Negra Syrah-Cab Rose Reserva

Name: Oveja Negra Syrah-Cab Rose Reserva
Variety: Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Maule Valley
Country: Chile
Year: 2010
Price: $6.95

Critic Review: Oveja Negra Reserva Rosé is bright cherry-red in color and has an attractive nose with aromas of raspberries and strawberries as well as plum and a bit of green apple. Crisp and juicy on the palate with a slight sweetness that accompanies the red fruit flavors. Pleasing natural acidity with medium-high intensity, nice persistence, and a fresh finish.

My Review: This wine had an earthy aroma with a hint of green apple mixed in.  The taste was somewhat tangy with hints of oak and very slightly spicy.  I did not try this wine with food. 

Tasting - gPG Garganega Pinot Grigio

Name: gPG Garganega Pinot Grigio
Variety: Garganega and Pinot Grigio
Region: Venezie
Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $8.95

Critic Review:  gPG is from the delle Venezie regions of northeastern Italy. A clean and crisp palate with plenty of texture and weight follows aromas of apples and zesty lemons. It's perfect with grilled white fish or light risotto.

My Review: This wine had a very tangy aroma of limes.  It also tasted very acidic, like green apples, lemons and limes, but the acidity wasn't too overpowering.  Overall it was light and crisp.  I did not try this wine with food.

Tasting - Peter Mertes Liebfraumilch Rheinhessen Qualitatswein

Name: Peter Mertes Liebfraumilch Rheinhessen Qualitatswein
Variety: White Blend
Region: Rheinhessen
Country: Germany
Year: 2009
Price: $5.95

Critic Review: Leibfraumilch is a soft, delicate wine of the Rheinhessen and Palatinate districts. The original wine was named after the Leibfraumilch monastery in Worms, where the monks were the first wine growers and produced an unusually pleasing wine. Wines of the Rheinhessen and Palatinate are noted for their aroma, well balanced harmony, and fragrance. Leibfraumilch, as all excellent white wines is best served chilled. We suggest serving with cold entrees, as well as poultry, such as chicken or turkey, or even with a mild Cheddar, mellow and slightly nutty with a medium consistency.

My Review:  This wine smelled like pastries, honey and nuts.  It tasted really sweet like white grape juice mixed with honey.  It was very hard to detect any alcohol while tasting.  I did not try this wine with food.

Tasting - Col Des Vents Corbieres

Name: Col Des Vents Corbieres
Variety: Red Blend
Region: Languedoc-Roussillon
Country: France
Year: 2009
Price: $7.95

Critic Review: 50% Carignan, 35% Grenache, 15% Syrah. Brambly berry, cherry and raspberry, spices, black pepper…all are present in this authentic French country wine.

My Review: This wine hand the aroma of raspberries and blackberries.  The alcohol was easily detectible and it was spicy in flavor, like black pepper.  I didn't try this wine with food.

Tasting - San Elias Carmenere

Name: San Elias Carmenere
Variety: Carmenere
Region: Central Valley
Country: Chile
Year: 2010
Price: $5.95

Critic Review: The grapes for this Carménère are selected from vineyards in the Central Valley. Beautiful red fruit aromas. Supple and round in the mouth, the wine pairs well with full flavored cheeses and lamb.

My Review: This wine smelled sweet, like dark cherries and herbal at the same time.  The mid palate and finish are very smoky.  The overall taste is very herbal and a little harsh.  I didn't really care for this wine and I did not try this wine with food. 

Tasting - Estrella Chardonnay

Name: Estrella Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Napa, California
Country: USA
Year: 2010
Price: $5.95

Critic Review: Intensely flavored and balanced with layers of vanilla, butter and pear, followed by apple, banana and oak.

My Review: This Chardonnay had a very sweet aroma of pears.  It was crisp and fairly smooth with a very distinct smoky aftertaste.  I did not try this wine with food.