Name: Viña Santurnia Rioja Crianza
Variety: Tempranillo
Region: Rioja
Country: Spain
Year: 2006
Price: $11.95
Winery review
Here is our latest incredible find in value Rioja. Very classic, traditional styling, with a terrific balance between mouthwatering berry fruit and damp forest floor nuances. Traditional Rioja, with its Burgundian characteristics and slightly plumper fruit profile, works wonders with food. Simply put, the 2006 Viña Santurnia Crianza Rioja is pure deliciousness! In all seriousness, this property, located a mere 3 kilometers from Muga over in the Rioja Alavesa, really over-delivers when it comes to consistently making wonderful Crianza, with impeccable balance and typicity, for an incredibly fair price. This wine is produced in comparably tiny quantities for Rioja, 5,000 cases, all the more reason to join the many customers who have purchased past vintages of this terrific, satisfying wine in case quantities.
My review
The wine had an interesting smell, a blend of fruit, tobacco and... leather? It tasted good, with a medium body with a nice not too sweet fruity taste.
I tasted this alone with no food.
Name: Sol'Acantalys Cotes du Rhone
Variety: Red Rhone Blend
Region: Rhone
Country: France
Year: 2010
Price: $8.95
Winery review
Bright and juicy Côtes du Rhône with hints of spice and pepper. This young and fresh Côtes du Rhône from Les Vignerons de Tavel shows superb notes of red berry fruits and spice, particularly pepper.
My Review
Smells peppery, tastes fruity with a nice medium body
I tasted this alone without food
Name: Doural Tinto
Variety: Red blend
Region: Douro
Country: Portugal
Year: 2009
Price: $8.95
Winery review
This Portuguese tinto (red) blend exhibits a deep red color with violet hues. The nose is vibrant and fruity. The palate offers notes of spice, cherry, and dark berry supported by good structure. Pairs well with red or game meat, cheeses and fish.
My review
Smells fruity, but doesn't taste too fruity but is still sweet. It has a thin body.
I tasted this alone without food.
Name: Nykteri Santorini Yannis
Variety: White blend
Region: Santorini
Country: Greece
Year: 2010
Price: $13.95
Winery review
I feel first for the compelling story of this 'night work' wine, and then for the aroma and taste, and can't think of a wine to compare it to. "Nykteri - Dry White Wine Appelation of Origin Santorini of superior quality." Since 3,500 years ago, the Nykteri is synonymous to Santorini's famous white wines. The formula to 'instant wine making' on the night of the same day that the grapes were harvested solved the problem of the variety's sensitive aroma deterioration. The wine is matured for 3 months at least in barrels. In this way the wine's contact with barrel's wood gives the Nykteri a special finesse. Characteristics crystal-clear, semi-yellow wine. Dominated by the aromas of jasmine, citrus fruits, flowers and pear, all these enhanced with a gentle vanilla sense. A strong body with warm personality and a long lasting taste. Serve with grilled anything as well as with local Greek dishes such as tomato meatballs and lava dip.
My review
I did not particularly like this wine, it was very dry and had a strange not very pleasant aftertaste.
I drank this alone without food.
Name: Casa Bianca Spumante Rosato
Variety: 100% Pino nero prosecco and red
Region: Asoli
Country: Italy
Year: Blend of vintages
Price: $11.95
Winery review
Prosecco is very popular in Italy. The wine is often served as a festive aperitif but mild dry Prosecco Spumante is also very suitable as a companion of appetizers and entrees. Prosecco is a generic term and can be sold in many different qualities. The best have their own appellation , as Casa Bianca. The vineyards of Montello and the hills of Asoli located in northern Italy. This rosato spumante is made from white grape pino nero prosecco and red. By fermenting them together creates the pale pink color and a flavor that is more powerful than the white variety. Spicy rosato spumante with a fine, persistent mousse, juicy fresh red fruit in the aroma and a rich, smooth and lasting flavor.
My review
This wine was rather dry and not as sweet as I expected. It has a fruity flavor without the sweetness that is usually associated with fruit.
I tasted this alone without food.
Name: Crios Malbec
Variety: 95% Malbec, 5% Bonarda
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2010
Price: $14.95
Winery Review
5% Bonarda in its blend. It spent 9 months in 50% new French and American oak. Notes of balsam wood, smoke, black cherry, and spice box lead to a similarly styled wine that comes off as just a bit too lean. Again, the flavors are pleasant, but it should be drunk over the net several years while it retains its fruit
My Review
This wine was very good and wasn't too heavy. Seems like a good wine to have a few glasses of with dinner.
Drank by itself without food.
Name: Oraison Cotes du Rhone
Variety: 60% Grenache, 40% Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault and Mourvedre
Region: Rhone
Country: France
Year: 2007
Price: $10.95
Winery Review
Full of spicy red fruit aromas, with cigar box and licorice tones as well. In the mouth it is rich and complex, while retaining its fruit flavors. Serve with barbecue, grilled meats, and any hearty or spicy recipe.
My Review
Was very smooth and flavorful, I think the blend of grape varieties gives it a full and unique flavor.
Tasted by itself with no food.
Name: Alta Luna Phases
Variety: 40% Teroldego, 30% Lagrein, 30% Merlot
Region: Dolomiti IGT, Trentino
Country: Italy
Year: 2009
Price: $9.95
Winery Review
Aged in small oak barrels for 12 months, then further refined in bottle before release. Deep ruby red, dark cherry, plum and blackberry aromas combine with intriguing spicy notes. Rich, concentrated dark fruit character against powerful yet silky tannins and bright acidity. Excellent structure, with a distinctive freshness to the fruit that creates an elegant profile.
My Review
Tasted like a cheap wine, looked promising but tasted like it was trying to be too many things at once.
Name: Candoni Prosecco
Variety: 100% Prosecco
Region: Veneto
Country: Italy
Price: $15.95
Winery Review
Delicate and fruity with a hint of honey. It is crisp and clean in the mouth with a pleasant acidity that leaves behind a delicious and persistent freshness with a dry, well-balanced taste.
My Review
A very sweet/fruity wine, but with an interesting less sweet aftertaste.
I had this alone without food.
Name: Las Rocas Garnacha
Variety: Grenache
Region: Calatayud
Country: Spain
Year: 2008
Price: $22
Wine.com review
"The wine shows a deep ruby, almost purple color, with a spicy, rich cranberry bouquet. Its dark cherry flavors are highlighted by excellent structure and depth all supported by elegant oak. Round and full in the mouth, with supple tannins and a fruit-filled finish."
My review
Very tasty. Smooth wine with no alcoholic bite, tastes like it would go well with meat or chocolate.
I tasted this wine with no food.
