Tasting - Pepperwood Grove Merlot

Name : Pepperwood Grove

Variety: Merlot

Region:Valle Central

Country: Chile
Year:Unable to find (so a mixture perhaps?)

Price: $8.99

Shop/wine critic/winery review: 

Dark Ruby in color with aromas of cherry, cedar and a hint of raspberry. This Merlot shows flavors of dark plum and cherry pie filling, with a touch of French oak driven vanilla notes.

Your Review: 

Right off the bat, I loved the reusable cork.  The roommates and I figured it was worth saving, in case we need to break a cork and need to move a bottle of wine.  I opened this wine and smelled it initially, and then after about an hour in a decanter.  It was strong and medicinal at first sniff, but it definitely softened with time.  Gosh I feel like I'm learning.  Woo.  Definitely noted black fruit, and by now I am not surprised.  I did note some light vanilla creaminess to the wine.  Those two alone sound like the combination of a fantastic candle, and wine, but there was a bit more to it.  There was some cedar maybe, and we noticed maybe something like oregano.  Something with a little bit of a pepper smell, but a little more friendly.  Overall, I really liked everything about this wine.  If I ever need to buy box wine, I'd upgrade to the Green Box of this. 

I did not try this with food. 

Tasting - Big House Cabernet Sauvignon

Name : Big House 
Variety: Cab Sav 
Region: California 
Country: USA
Year: 2013 
Price: $6.79 
Shop/wine critic/winery review: 

The Usual Suspect Cabernet Sauvignon is a bomba de fruta, replete with a vibrant and enticing nose that draws the drinker to a very Big House state of mind. This Cabernet Sauvignon was coolly fermented and aged in neutral oak to give it a unique profile. We then added a soupçon of Grenache to this Cab to exercise its aromatic potential. Bang on the bars of the cell — the Warden welcomes in our newest inmate.

Your Review: 

It seems like a cop out, but it has that red berry taste, and only a light pepper smell/taste.  I really appreciated that it had a lighter mouthfeel (or body, as I learned), which made it a good wine on its own.  I think it ended okay, maybe something there could be better balanced? I don't really, know, but it was a bit weird. 

I actually had this wine with my dad this weekend.  I know he loves Cab Sav, and after a long day spent driving to visit me, I knew my parents would need a bottle of wine waiting in Blacksburg. He loved it, so we ended up buying 2 more bottles to have on hand.  It was cheap, and they paid for it.  Love them. 

I had this wine with a jarlsberg dip and some bagel chips.  Fantastic.  It probably would be good with some red meat, but I ain't about that life.  

Tasting - Schmitt Sohne Kabinett

Name: Schmitt Sohne Variety: Piesporter Michelsberg Kabinett Region: Mosel Country: Germany Year: 2011 Price: $7.99 Shop/wine critic/winery review:   
A very crisp, moderately light bodied wine reminiscent of slightly tart granny smith apples. The lively acidity results in a juicy, clean palate feel that is ideal for a wide range of foods, from cheeses and appetizers to  shellfish and meats. Your Review: 
Oh gosh I wish I was able to try this wine.  I was looking into German Rieslings, and when I found this I was excited.  I was hoping for a nice dry Riesling to counter the others sweet New World ones I've tried.  I got to open the bottle, and notice that the cork was a lovely blueish color on the inside.  And then the smell hits me.  It was horrible.  Like moldy cheese on steroids.  Oh my gosh.  I couldn't breathe around it, but it was really really interesting to see a cork failure that led to wine spoiling. I had to pour a glass to see if the color was off.  As I don't know what this wine is supposed to look like, it seemed to be an okay color.  So that was interesting to note as well.  I dumped out the rest of the bottle, and waited to see what would  happen when the wine sat out for a bit.  It didn't change much, still bad. 
I thought it important enough in my wine tasting knowledge that I had to include this.

Tasting - Covey Run Gewurztraminer

Name: Covey Run

Variety: Gewurztraminer

Region: California

Country: USA
Year: 2011

Price: $6.99

Shop/wine critic/winery review: 

Floral and aromatic in the nose with flavors of lychee, rose, and sugared pear on the palate. This is the perfect wine to quaff ice cold on the patio on a sunny afternoon. It is made with early consumption in mind, and best enjoyed while young. We like pairing this wine with spicy foods and Asian cuisine as it cools the heat of the food and complements the intense and exotic flavors.

Your Review: 

Its a darker golden color, and a thicker, almost syrup-y texture in the glass.  I drank this immediately out of the cabinet, and then after I chilled it for maybe an hour or so.  I preferred it chilled.  Had an apricot nose that I was able to determine.  Maybe something floral.  I really enjoyed this wine chilled while I was watching TV at the end of the day.  It definitely had something sweet, but was better when chilled a bit.  It was less syrupy.  I tasted the apricot, or some kind of fruit.  I am surprised that this is a 2011 white wine. 

I did not have this with food. 

14 Hands Chardonnay

Name:14 Hands

Variety: Chardonnay

Region:  Washington

Country: USA
Year: 2011

Price: $11

Shop/wine critic/winery review: 

This Chardonnay displays aromas and flavors of fresh apple with subtle hints of vanilla and buttery caramel. On the palate, notes of sweet oak and spice give way to a soft, lingering finish

Your Review: 

It may be that this is my first WA wine (that I think!), but I smell apple.  Crisp green Washington apple.  I think this was an oak aged Chardonnay (as is common), so it has that buttery texture.  I definitely taste apple, but mixed with something else that I can't place.  I worry I may be getting a bit sick; my taste buds are not up to par. 

I did not try this with food.  

Tasting - Coastal Vines White Zinfandel

Name: Coastal Vines

Variety: White Zinfandel

Region: California

Country: USA
Year: 2013

Price: $6.95

Shop/wine critic/winery review: 

This White Zinfandel has a beautiful pink salmon color and crisp acidity. The wine shows juicy fruit flavors of strawberry and cherry, with a tangy sweet finish. Pairs well with mild cheeses, crab cakes, and spicy Asian cuisine.

Your Review: 

Still no.  Sorry grandma, I am not a fan of your favorite wine.  This pink wine is berry fruity and it really is tangy.  That smell and taste is definitely not to my liking. 

I did not try this with food.

Tasting - Ilurce Tempranillo

Name:Ilurce 

Variety: Tempranillo 

Region:Rioja 

Country: Spain
Year: 2008

Price: $14, sale $5.95

Shop/wine critic/winery review: 

(88 points – Stephen Tanzer) Dark purple. Zesty, youthfully medicinal aromas of dark berries, licorice and cracked pepper. Juicy and fresh, with smooth texture and sweet cherry and spice flavors framed by dusty tannins. Finishes with a suggestion of slightly roasted fruits and good clinging persistence. Delivers a lot of power and richness for the money.

Your Review:

I love a good Tempranillo, and this did not disappoint.  It is a rich dark color, and it it an unfiltered wine, so it left some nice residual grape skins on the sides of my glass.  It has a cherry taste, but not strong or artificial. It was pleasant with some spice as well.  I definitely see this with food. 

I did not try this with food.