Tasting - Opera Prima Pink Moscato NV

Name: Opera Prima Pink Moscato NV
Variety: Muscat Rose A
Region: Castilla La Mancha
Country: Spain
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: This fine sparkling presents and intense aroma of fresh berries and tropical fruits with hints of white flavor petals. Delicate bubbles caress the palate offering a silky and pleasant sweetness well balanced by a crisp, refreshing finish. Ideal on it own, as an aperitif or with all types of sweets and desserts.

My review: The smell was both flowery and sweet.  My favorite part of this wine was that it was bubbly and smooth.  Blackberry, raspberry and cherry are flavors which add to the crisp finish.  I did not have this with food.  Delicious!

Tasting - Black Opal Shiraz

Name: Black Opal Shiraz
Variety: Syrah
Region: South Eastern Australia
Country: Australia
Year: 2011
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: The Black Opal wines are sourced from vineyards found in South Australia along the Limestone Coast, at Langhorne Creek and in the infamous Barossa Valley. Black Opal Shiraz is rich red in the glass. Aromas of blackberry, pepper and spice followed with rich plum flavors round out the palate.  Soft tannins give structure to the fruit-driven palate.

My review: Cherry, cedar, smoky on the nose.  Bold, spicy and gave almost to much heat at the end.  I was not a big fan of this wine, but I am sure having it with food would change the taste.  I would not recommend drinking this wine without food like I did.

Tasting - Sokol Blosser Meditrina NV

Name: Sokol Blosser Meditrina NV
Variety: Non-Varietal Red Blend
Region: Oregon
Country: United States
Year: 2004
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: It's created from the finest Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Zinfandel. The taste is lush and velvety with expressive notes of raspberry and cherry. It pairs nicely with pasta and anything off the grill.

My review: Blackberry and oak on the nose.  The taste was very dry, acidic with flavors of cherry and plum.  I enjoyed this wine so much that I bought a bottle to bring home after the tasting.  I would definitely recommend it!  I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay/Semillon

Name: Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay/Semillon
Variety: Chardonnay and Semillon
Region: South Australia
Country: Australia
Year: 2008
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: Gotham’s 2008 Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay Semillon is a blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Semillon. It gives a moderate intensity of melon, guava, apricot and butterscotch aromas. The medium bodied palate provides attractive acidity along with plenty of tropical fruit flavors and a medium-long finish.

My review: The smell was flowery, with hints of melon and chocolate.  The taste was bitter, mouth-puckering and tart.  I did not have food with this wine.

Tasting - Beringer Riesling

Name: Beringer Riesling
Variety: Riesling
Region: California
Country: United States
Year: 2009
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: This wine is the perfect balance of honeysuckle and bright peach flavors. A perfect compliment to light fare, appetizers, or just sharing with friends.

My review:  Fruity and jammy on the nose while the taste is dry with a hint of sweetness.  There were softer tannins that gave the wine some structure and it ended with a little bit of heat.  I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Mars and Venus Chardonnay

Name: Mars and Venus Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: A very nice value Chardonnay that comfortably over-delivers vs. its modest price tag. No oak here, just bushels of clean, crisp, Chardonnay apple and stone fruit with a hint of caramelized pineapple. Juicy and clean, this is a mid-weight white that's just perfect for parties or weeknight sipping.

My review:  Raspberry, plum and apple on the nose.  Light and sweet on the palate with a hint of pineapple.  I did not have it with food.

Tasting - Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau

Name: Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau
Variety: Gamay
Region: Burgundy
Country: France
Year: 2012
Price: $3.95

Winery Review: Bright and tangy, offering a classic banana note on the nose, with flavors of raspberry, wild strawberry and light spice. Modest finish.

My review: Bubblegum, spice and banana on the nose.  Fruity, blackberry, raspberry and softer tannins to taste.  I did not have it with food, but I would like to have it with a meal in the future.

Tasting - Bartenura Moscato

Name: Bartenura Moscato
Variety: Muscat
Region: Lombardy
Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $4.95

Winery 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: Semi-sweet on the nose with pear and lemon scents.  Crisp and fruity with a very light finish.  I did not have it with food, but I agree that it would go very well with dessert.  It was delicious!

Tasting - Finca del Castillo Tempranillo

Name: Finca del Castillo Tempranillo
Variety: Tempranillo
Region: La Manchua
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $4.95
Winery Review: Rooty, spicy and baked on the nose, with aromas that lean towards raisin. The palate is more gritty and acidic, with raisin, cola, and spic flavors. Darkens up on the finish, which is long and peppery, with adequate juiciness and a final note of tomato.
My review: On the nose it was earthy and smoky.  Smooth, bold, spicy and peppery on the palate.  I did not have it with food and it was certainly not my favorite.

Tasting - La Cappuccina Soave

Name: La Cappuccina Soave
Variety: Garganega
Region: Veneto
Country: Italy
Year: 2011
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: Bright straw yellow in color. Delicate on the nose, with notes of flowers and almonds. Dry, well-structured and delicately fruity,with hints of bitter almonds on the finish that is typical of Garganega-based wines.

My review: I really enjoyed it! On the nose, it was very light with hints of lemon. I agree with the winery that it was dry, acidic and bitter, but at the same time fruity.  I did not have it with food, but I would like to try it with a meal in the future.