Tasting - Rosemount Moscato

Name:  Rosemount Moscato
Variety:  Muscat
Region:  South Eastern
Country:  Australia
Year:  2012
Price:  $3.95

Winery Review:  Clear, medium-lemon yellow in appearance; lovely citrus and honeysuckle aromas with lemon, honeysuckle, apple and ripe yellow plum flavours.  Serve chilled with angel food cake or fresh fruit and mild cheeses.

My Review:  In the wine glass this wine was bright yellow.  It smelled very floral and citrusy.  On the palate this was a very light and crisp wine.  This Moscato tasted like lemons and honey.  This would be a great beverage in the summer time.

I did not drink this wine with food.

Tasting - Ironstone Old Vine Zinfandel

Name:  Ironstone Old Vine Zinfandel
Variety:  Zinfandel
Region:  Lodi
Country:  USA
Year:  2011
Price:  $7.95

Winery Review:  Grown in vineyards that are over 45 years old, this medium-bodied Zin has exceptional varietal character with lovely aromas of dark fruit and blackberry. Subtle pepper spice mingles with richly concentrated fruit flavors of blackberry, ripe plums and fresh red raspberries. Barrel aging created its smooth, silky finish and unprecedented depth.  A wonderful wine pairing for variety of dishes. Any type of meat - whether its pork, beef or game - is ideal with this wine. Cioppino is another amazing complement or try it with tomato-based pastas, hearty stews or a plate of strong, aged cheeses.

My Review:  In the wine glass this wine was a red and purple color.  It hit me with very dark fruity smells.  On the palate this wine had a heavier mouth-feel. It had fruity flavors of blackberries and grapes.  This was a decent wine.

I did not drink this wine with food.

Tasting - Librandi Ciro Rosso Classico

Name:  Librandi Ciro Rosso Classico
Variety:  Gaglioppo
Region:  Calabria
Country:  Italy
Price:  $3.95

Winery Review:  Don’t let the pale garnet color fool you:  this is a substantial wine.  Aromas of red fruits and spice complement undertones of cranberries, wild berries, and plums.  On the palate, ripe tannins and good body make for an incredibly rich, yet easygoing red wine.  Pair this wine with sausage, spicy curry sauces, hot soppressata, and tandoori chicken.

My Review:  This wine was a deep red color in the wine glass.  It smells like raspberries and spices. On the palate this wine was mouth-filling and medium-bodied. This wine had definite spice flavors and the tannins were highly noticeable.  This wine was a little too acidic for my tastes.

I did not drink this wine with food.

Tasting - Angove Viognier

Name:  Angove Nine Vines
Variety:  Viognier
Region:  South
Country:  Australia
Price:  $5.95

Winery Review:  Bright light straw in colour with some green hues, this wine has a lush ripe tropical fruit aroma. This is a fuller bodied white which fills the mouth with heady flavours of apricot, peach and citrus.  Angove Nine Vines Viognier is perfect for today's relaxed life-style and is the ideal accompaniment to grilled prawns with chilli and garlic or roast pork.

My Review:  In the wine glass this wine was a dull yellow color.  This wine smells like sweet honeysuckle.  On the palate this wine was light with good texture.  It had distinct flavors of peach and honey.  This was a decent wine that might pair well with grilled or roasted chicken.

I did not drink this wine with food.

Tasting - Yealands Sauvignon Blanc

Name:  Yealands Seaview Vineyard
Variety:  100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region:  Marlborough
Country: New Zealand
Year:  2008
Price:  $7.95

Winery Review:  This aromatic wine shows lifted flavours of blackcurrant with underlying notes of wet stone and thyme. The palate is elegant yet full with sufficient weight and texture, balanced by a flinty minerality. This wine is a fantastic match with foods such as cheese salad, poultry dishes and a wide range of seafood dishes including freshly shucked natural oysters, prawns, green lip mussels and creamy scallops.

My Review:  In the glass this wine was a yellow color.  It smelled of grass and citrus.  On the palate this wine was very light and crisp with a good texture.  This Sauvignon Blanc had tastes of pear and grapefruit, with mineral flavors on the finish.  I thought this was a very light enjoyable wine.

I did not drink this wine with food.

Tasting - Heinz Eifel Shine Riesling

Name:  Heinz Eifel Shine
Variety:  Riesling
Region:  Rhine
Country:  Germany
Year:  2012
Price:  $9.95

Winery Review:  This drier-styled Riesling is bright,
fruity and floral with crisp acidity and
clean flavors of apple, pear and peach
that compliment its stony minerality
and earthy complexity. It serves well as
an aperitif and matches a wide variety
of foods, like lighter salad dishes,
shellfish, cream sauces and also
anything with a touch of spice.

My Review:  In the wine glass this Riesling was yellow.  It had a strong smell of lemon and grass.  On the palate it was very light and refreshing.  It tasted of lemons and pears. I enjoyed this Riesling, especially because it wasn't extremely sweet.

I did not drink this wine with food.

Tasting - Atlas Cumbres Cabernet Sauvignon

Name:  Atlas Cumbres
Variety:  Cabernet Sauvignon
Region:  Mendoza
Country:  Argentina
Year:  2010
Price:  $6.95

Winery Review:  Intense red color with violet highlights,
with clean, fresh and complex aromas
of berries, plums, figs and pepper.
Strong personality is in perfect balance
with a medium body and pleasant
tannins. Ideal for: red meats, cheeses
and strong sauces.

 My Review:  In the wine glass this wine was a red/brown color.  It had a very strong smell of oak.  On the palate this wine was very dry and acidic with a medium mouth-feel.  This wine had flavors of oak and leather.  A good Cabernet to eat with red meat.

I did not drink this wine with food.