Tasting - Atlas Cumbres Torrontes

Name:  Atlas Cumbres Torrontes
Variety:  100% Torrontes
Region:  Salta
Country:  Argentina
Year:  2010
Price:  $5.95

Winery Review:  Yellow colour with greenish nuances. Very intense aroma of fresh grapes, flower perfume and mature peaches. Fresh in the mouth. Light and easy to drink. Ideal with seafood, Thai and Chinese food.

My Review:  In the wine glass, this wine was a bright golden color.  On the nose it was very floral with smells of honeysuckle.  On the palate it is light and slightly acidic.  This Torrontes had tastes of peaches and honey.  This wine was only semi-sweet and delicious.


I did not drink this wine with food.

Tasting - Avery Quinn Chardonnay

Name:  Avery Quinn Chardonnay
Variety:  Chardonnay
Region:  Napa
Country:  California
Year:  2011
Price:  $6.95

Winery Review:  The 2011 vintage marks a return to form for this great value Chardonnay.  The aromas feature creamy, mellow, golden apple, pineapple, fresh butter and a touch of vanilla.  Then rich, ripe, flavors of yellow pear, pineapple, fresh apple, cream and buttered toast swell up and fill your mouth before a juicy, apple and caramel inflected finish makes your mouth water (and smile!).

My Review:  In the wine glass, this wine was a golden yellow color.  On the nose it has a very buttery and pear smell.  On the palate it was very light and flavorful.  This wine tasted of butter and caramel.  I enjoyed this Chardonnay.

I did not drink this wine with food.

Tasting - Bellafina Pink Moscato

Name:  Bellafina Pink Moscato
Variety:  Moscato and Rabosos
Region:  Veneto growing region
Country:  Italy
Price:  $9.95

Winery Review:  A blend of Moscato and Rabosos grapes it has a pale rose color, notes of red berries (strawberry and raspberry), with the characteristic and fragrant bouquet and palate that is typical of the Moscato grape.

My Review:  In the wine glass this Moscato is dark pink in color.  It smells like flowers and white grapes.  On the palate this wine was mouth-watering and extremely sweet.  It tasted of honeysuckle.  This would be a good wine choice for an appetizer or a dessert because it is so sweet.

I did not drink this wine with food.

Tasting - Weinert Carrascal

Name:  Weinert Carrascal
Variety:  40% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot
Region:  Mendoza
Country:  Argentina
Year:  2008
Price:  $13.95

Winery Review:  Aged for two years in cask, the 2008 Carrascal is a blend of 40% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot. It has a rustic blackberry, scorched earth and leather-scented bouquet with touches of pressed flowers. The palate is well-balanced with crisp tannins, expressive black tarry fruit and a Bordeaux-like finish. Drink now-2016.

My Review:  This wine is a dark reddish-brown color in the wine glass.  It has heavy oak smells.  On the palate it is very dry and acidic with a heavy mouth-feel.  This wine had very interesting flavors of wood and leather.  This is definitely a wine that needs to be paired with food.

I did not drink this wine with food.

Tasting - Santa Julia Malbec

Name:  Santa Julia Malbec
Variety:  100% Malbec
Region:  Mendoza
Country:  Argentina
Year:  2012
Price:  $8.95

Winery Review:  The nose is full of mellow raspberry and cherry, while the palate is fleshy and round, with blackberry and a touch of raisin. Plump, not edgy, and ready to drink, with coffee and mocha notes on the finish.

My Review:  In the wine glass this Malbec is a dark red color.  On the nose, this wine smells like raspberries.  On the palate this was was acidic and  semi-dry with a medium mouth-feel.  This wine had oak and prune flavors and was one of the better Malbecs I have tried.

I did not try this wine with food.

Tasting - Gougenheim Torrontes

Name:  Gougenheim Torrontes
Variety:  Torrontes
Region:  Mendoza
Country:  Argentina
Year:  2012
Price:  $9.95

Winery Review:  The 2012 Torrontes comes from Chilecito in La Rioja. It has a light floral nose with touches of lemon peel and nectarine. The palate is crisp and taut, showing far more vivacity and fruit that the nose implied, finishing with a flourish of apricot and white peach. Drink now.
 
My Review:  In the wine glass this wine is yellow.  The Torrontes smells very clean like lemons.  On the palate this wine was very crisp and light and tasted like lemons.  This fruity wine was very good.

I did not drink this wine with food.

Tasting - Santa Julia Pinot Grigio

Name:  Santa Julia Pinot Grigio
Variety:  100% Pinot Grigio
Region:  Mendoza
Country:  Argentina
Year:  2012
Price:  $8.95

Winery Review:  Light and clean, which compared to other Argentine Pinot Grigios is not something to dismiss. Feels solid and punchy, with orange and mango flavors. Has nice overall clarity and balance, with a citrusy finish.

My Review:  In the wine glass this wine was a light yellow color.  On this nose this wine smelled like flowers and oranges.  It was very crisp and light on the palate.  This Pinot Grigio tasted very fruity.  I was able to catch hints of pear, honey, and citrus flavors.  There was a slightly acidic finish.  This was a very pleasant Pinot Grigio.

I did not drink this wine with food.