Tasting- Reserve Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône

Name: Reserve Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône
Variety: 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Cinsault
Region: Rhone
Country: France
Year: 2010
Price: $14.95
Shop review:

As for their other values, the 2010 Grand Veneur Cotes du Rhone

Reserve (70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Cinsault) displays loads of ripe flavors. It is very concentrated for a Cotes du Rhone, and is actually an amazing wine. Classic garrigue, black cherry liqueur, lavender, licorice and spice box are all present in this full-bodied, intense, and rich Cotes du Rhone. This is a sensational effort to drink over the next 4-5 years, although it might last even longer.

My review: Driest wine I have had in a while! Very sweet for a red but the blend is distinct. Probably go well with a steak dinner and some pasta.

Tasted with food or not: None.

Tasting- Lobetia Tempranillo

Name: Lobetia Tempranillo
Variety: Tempranillo
Region: La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $9.95
Shop review:

Organically and naturally grown and made, this wine

allows the varietal and the terroir to stand out cleanly. It shows a nice cherry

color with a violet shade because of its youth. Red berries and cherries on the nose. On the palate it is fresh, slightly astringent, and harmonious with a long finish.

My review: Very dry to the taste and the skin can be present in the taste. Licorice taste and smooth finish.

Tasted with food or not: None.

Tasting- Lobetia Chardonnay

Name: Lobetia Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $9.95
Shop review:

Organically and naturally grown and made, this wine

allows the varietal and the terroir to stand out cleanly. Clean, bright color with

a greenish-yellow tone. On the nose, exotic fruits like pineapple. Full flavored, fresh, with good acidity in the mouth, it finishes with tropical fruits.

My review: Apple scent and very fresh like a soda. Very warm taste and stings the throat a bit while drinking.

Tasted with food or not: None.

Tasting- Trattoria Busa Alla Torre Da Lele

Name: Trattoria Busa Alla Torre Da Lele
Variety: Pinot Grigio
Region: San Juan
Country: Italy
Year: NV
Price:$7.95
Shop review:

Named after the famous restaurant in Italy! This is

their house white wine! Coppery color from extended skin contact, round and

rich texture with juicy melon aromas and flavors with a sweet

fennel note on the ultra smooth finish. Great value Grigio! Drink now.

My review: The nose is pungent with white grapes and cantaloupe almost. It has a rubbery taste with very little tart for a Pinot Grigio.

Tasted with food or not: None.

Fork & Cork!

HORTON CELLARS
1) 2012- Viognier (Spicy Rhone White)- Viognier - $20
My review: Dry white, very refreshing. Not very tart but a crisp finish.
Winery review: Exotic Honey and tropical fruit aromas jump from the glass.

Full-bodied, viscous mouth feel. A classic Condrieu.

2) NV- Sweet Concord (America's Sweet Red)- Concord- $12
 My review: Favorite wine! Sweet and delicious like juice.
Winery Review: Highly aromatic, fruity grapey flavors, sweet crisp finish.  Wine for "Hard Times!"

3)NV- North Ridge (Dry Earthy Red)- Cabernet Franc - $15
My review: It was very hot, and had a balanced finish. Not as dry as I would have expected.
Winery Review: Made from the Portuguese grape Touriga Nacional, this dry red

has earth undertones and a black pepper spice finish.

4) NV- South Ridge (Off-dry Red)- Cabernet Sauvignon -$15
My review: I enjoyed this wine more than the North Ridge, it was sweeter like a white. It smelled like a blend of berries and had an off-dry finish.
Winery review: A sweeter wine made with Touriga Nacional, this wine has

notes of anise, cherry and sweet pepper spice.

5) NV- Raspberry- Cabernet Franc- $12
My review: This wine was delicious! It tasted like a raspberry smoothie, and had a distinct raspberry scent.
Winery review: Raspberry with a small blend of Cabernet Franc

6) NV- Blanco XOCO (White Chocolate Dessert Wine)- Vidal Blanc- $16
My review: Tasted like a tootsie roll. It was sweet but not too sweet and had a syrupy finish.
Winery review: Made with Rkatsiteli, Vidal Blanc & Chocolate essence

7) NV- Rojo XOCO (Red Chocolate Dessert Wine)- Touriga Nacional- $16
My review: This one tasted just like a Hershey's Dark Chocolate kiss. Perfect dessert wine!
Winery review: Made with Touriga Nacional & Chocolate essence

This was a great experience I had with my friends at this wine festival. The lines were a bit long for my liking, but the secret was to buy a bottle with your friends in order to drink during your wait. Definitely made for a more interesting wait. I ended up buying a barbecue pork sandwich to eat with my Sweet Concord Wine, which probably sounds weird but it was a good pairing I think. Maybe I had already drank a bit too much wine but the sweet taste of the Concord balanced the pork barbecue well because they were both sweet and it dulled the salty pork taste.

 Check out this guy!

Dinner- David Doan's Apartment 2/26

#1- 2011 Flip Flop Pinot Grigio
California $5.99
The Pinot and crab dip were an interesting pairing. The creamy dip was complimenting the sweet and semi-sour taste of the pinot. I think it could have been a bit better with perhaps a chicken or a light fish such as a tilapia.

#2- 2010 Fontan de Falliere White gasogne wine
France $4.00
A very bland wine, did not have a distinct scent or even taste. I think this was a "miss" as far as a pairing was considered. The wine almost had too much of a plastic taste, very artificial and the marinara only augmented this taste.

#3- 2011 The Usual Suspect Cabernet Sauvignon
California $7.95
Pairs perfectly with the pasta with homemade marinara sauce! The pasta makes the wine taste almost fruity and accentuates the flavor. Very hearty meal.

#4- 2009 Beringer Riesling
California $5.99
The Riesling pair well with the trout and asparagus! I am biased of course because I love Riesling wines. It was sweet and medium-dry, just the way I like it. It gave the trout a very distinct richness that could not be done without a white wine. This was the perfect pairing of the evening.

#5- Morada Sangria
Spain $3.95
This was my plate and pairing of the evening. The Sangria was a minute-maid type flavor in that it was very fruity, almost like a juicebox. This reminded me of an after-school snack of cheese and a capri-sun! The cheese makes the wine taste almost dry but the variety of cheese was very good. Overall a decent pairing.

#6 2012 Alamos Malbec
Argentina $9.99
This was a heavy Malbec! It had a heavy body and went down like a liquor almost, very smooth and kind of spicy. I think the dark chocolate was a good pairing for this because it gave the wine almost a cherry coke or Disarrono taste. I enjoyed this as my "dessert", definitely a great choice.

 This was a fun time between some good friends. Some stayed a bit longer than we expected, and probably drank a bit more than we expected (all of it) but it was so worth it! I hope to do this again in the future after college. Get-togethers between friends breaking bread is something that you can only do once in a while, and to share wine is a great thing.

Tasting- Ksana Bonarda

Name: Ksana Bonarda
Variety: Bonarda Piemontese
Region: Piedmont
Country: USA
Year: 2008
Price: $9.95
Shop review:

The bouquet is floral and lightly jammy, with berry aromas and a savory note or two. To the uninitiated, this is a great introduction to Bonarda. Finishes solid. Very sweet, berry smell with some rooty undertones. Kind of dry, makes your lips pucker.

My review: Another distinct scent of jam, almost too jammy if that makes sense. Licorice taste and smooth like a liquor.

Tasted with food or not: None.

Tasting- Concannon Shiraz

Name: Concannon Shiraz
Variety: Shiraz
Region: Rhone
Country: USA
Year: 2008
Price: $7.95
Shop review:

This is an extremely rich, full-bodied wine with a dark fruit core. Aromas of blackberry, blueberry, cassis and dark cherry are followed by more berry fruits and chocolate and mocha on the palate.

My review: Smells like strawberry jam. Off-dry and smoky finish, kind of reminded me of a charred steak. Not my ideal wine.

Tasted with food or not: None.

Tasting- Chandon Sweet Cuvee

Name: Chandon Sweet Cuvee
Variety: Champagne
Region: Napa
Country: USA
Year: NV
Price: $9.95
Shop review:

This wine is an innovative sparkling wine style revealing vibrant stone fruit and floral aromas with rich, luscious mouthfeel. This wine enlivens the senses and sparks spontaneous moments, complementing your passion for a good life.

My review: Very cidery nose and distinct floral scent. Very tart and sparking finish, much like a champagne. Could be a proper dessert wine.

Tasted with food or not: None.

Tasting- Black ridge white Zinfandel

Name: Black Ridge White Zinfandel
Variety: Zinfandel
Region: Puglia, Dalmatia
Country: USA
Year: NV
Price: $9.95
Shop review:

This fruit forward White Zinfandel displays fresh aromas and crisp flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry. It is incredibly food friendly and will pair well with burgers, sandwiches, fruit salad, and more.

My review: Strong cherry nose, you can almost taste it. Taste like a raspberry smoothie almost, very good!

Tasted with food or not: None.

Tasting- Wilson Daniels Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Wilson Daniels Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Bordeaux
Country: France
Year: 2010
Price: $7.95
Shop review:

Orange blossom and citrus permeate the aromas. Alluring flavors of orange and grapefruit dominate the palate. Bright acidity balances the plush mouthfeel, resulting in a clean finish.

My review: Orange nose with a hint of pears. Mildly sweet on the finish and good for a light dish like a fish.

Tasted with food or not: None.

Tasting- Caprice de Bastor- Lamontagne

Name: Caprice de Bastor- Lamontagne
Variety: 60% Semillon, 36% Sauvignon Blanc, 4% Muscadelle
Region: Bordeaux
Country: France
Year: 2004
Price: $7.95
Shop review:

Very clean, with lemon, mineral and honey aromas that follow through to a medium body. Shows vanilla, apple and melon flavors, with a medium finish. Lightly sweet.

My review: Almost no distinct scent. Very sweet almost syrupy taste. Not a dessert wine technically but could pass as one with the proper dish like a cheesecake or key lime pie.

Tasted with food or not: None.

Tasting- Torre Castillo Alegre

Name: Torre Castillo Alegre
Variety: Monastrell
Region: Rhone
Country: Spain
Year: 2010
Price: $9.95
Shop review:

4 months in new American oak barrels

Bright ruby-red. Dried cherry, pipe tobacco and rose aromas, with a hint of woodsmoke. Sweet and fleshy on the palate with blackberry and cherry flavors complimented by licorice and a suggestion of dried herbs. The cherry and smoke notes repeat on the finish.

My review: Cherry nose with a hint of black berries. Another warm wine. Oaky finish and has a bite to it. Finish lasts for quite a while.

Tasted with food or not: None.

Tasting- Wilson Daniels Merlot

Name: Wilson Daniels Merlot
Variety: Merlot
Region: Mendoza
Country: California, USA
Year: 2010
Price: $7.95
Shop review:

Made predominantly from Paso Robles grapes, the wine is full-bodied and silky yet robust, with aromas of black cherry and plum and a palate of blackberry, raspberry and blueberry jam laced with vanilla and toast.

My review: Distinct berry scent, clearly a blend of berries. Small hint of vanilla or cream in the nose. Very hot wine, the finish is dry and tart. Could go well with a red meat.

Tasted with food or not: None.

Tasting- Bricco Dei Tati Rosè

Name: Bricco Dei Tati Rosè
Variety: Barbera
Region: Piedmont
Country: Italy
Year: 2012
Price: $6.95
Shop review:

Fresh with aromas of strawberries, cherries, and rose petals, this an ideal wine with shellfish, salads, chicken, and appetizers.

My review: Scent of licorice and hint of cherry. Off-dry finish for light colored red but could go well with a light meal.

Tasted with food or not: None.

Tasting- Smoking Loon Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Smoking Loon Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Bordeaux
Country: California, USA
Year: 2009
Price: $7.95
Shop review:

This bleached blonde beauty is reminiscent of fresh

green apples, pineapple and has hints of hibiscus blossoms. The concentration

of zesty lemon and gooseberry fills your mouth leaving notes of

thyme and melon behind. The bright acid in this wine gives you a zing while the fruit keeps your mouth watering for more. This wine pairs beautifully with a grilled prawn salad with a grapefruit vinaigrette, veggie spring rolls or grilled tilapia with mango salsa.

My review: Intoxicating scent of apples and cider. Very fruity nose. Very warm taste and not dry at all. Good dinner wine.

Tasted with food or not: None.

Tasting- Ruta 22 Malbec

Name: Ruta 22 Malbec
Variety: Malbec
Region: Patagonia
Country: Argentina
Year: N/A
Price: $7.95
Shop review:

Stout and dense from the beginning, with blackberry and violet

aromas. Despite being a bold and dark Malbec, this is fresh and

composed, with sweet blackberry and cassis flavors. Good on the finish, with candied fruit and caramel sweetness.

My review: Strong berries in the nose and almost like a bouquet of flowers. Dry finish that leaves your entire mouth parched. Almost hot to the taste but definitely a wine for the more experienced drinker.

Tasted with food or not: None.

Tasting- Château Serres Sainte Lucie Corbières

Name: Château Serres Sainte Lucie Corbières
Variety: Syrah blend
Region: Rhone
Country: France
Year: N/A
Price: $4.95
Shop review:

Superb dark garnet color with a few reflections of dark orange.

Intense nose of ripe fruits, spices, and roasted coffee. The palate is rounded and full, with silky matured tannins and hints of vanilla. This wine is rich and powerful with layers of tannins

My review: Smells like fruit juice but settled like a liquor. Smooth taste and medium dry for a dark red. Could go well with a medium cooked dark meat like a steak.

Tasted with food or not: None.

Tasting- Cresta Azul

Name: Cresta Azul
Variety: Moscatel
Region: Navarra
Country: Spain
Year: NV
Price: $5.95
Shop review:  Peach, orange cream and vanilla flavors mingle in this softly

bubbly white. Off-dry, but with crisp acidity and a clean finish.

My review:Smells like maple syrup with a hint of vanilla. Very refreshing like an orange slice! Tart and crisp finish like a white should be. Refreshing wine.

Tasted with food or not: None.

Tasting- Veleta Tempranillo Rosado

Name: Veleta Tempranillo Rosado
Variety: Tempranillo
Region: Grenada
Country: Spain
Year: 2010
Price: $3.95
Shop review:

Fresh in flavor and crisp in texture, this dry rosé offers berry, tart

cherry and light herbal flavors, with firm acidity and a clean finish. Focused and juicy

My review: Strong scent of peach. Dry finish that lasts for almost a minute. Distinct acidity in the initial taste but settled well.

Tasted with food or not: None.

Tasting- Veleta Brut Vino Espumoso Rosado

Name: Veleta Brut Vino Espumoso Rosado
Variety: Brut
Region: Champagne
Country: Spain
Year: NV
Price: $3.95
Shop review:

Rosé salmon with copper reflections. Slow rising fine bubble that

forms “lace” and “rosary”. In the nose is complex and elegant with

red fruit, citric, exotic, fresh flowers, and notes of dry fruits and dry flowers. Fresh, gentle, and alive. Perfectly integrated “perlage” with serious and subtle flavors of dry fruits, pomegranate and Lemonade. Long lasting scent of flowers and herbs.

My review:  It was meant to be cold but it had a medium dry finish. Almost champagne like taste and very bubbly. I didn't enjoy it but it would have been better chilled. Distinct nose of raisins.

Tasted with food or not: None.

Dinner- Bonett-Endara Family Household (Italy)

This Easter weekend I thought it would be appropriate to share my love of wine with my family and gain some credit as well. I had been keeping my family in contact with how my wine course was going and I mentioned the dinner assignment and my mother was thrilled to help! So naturally I picked up all the wines and gave her some dish ideas to pair them with. The following is each pairing of wine and dish, followed by a review of each gathered from my entire family.

Valpolicella w/lamb and potatoes, tomato sauce and rice: The Valpolicella had a distinct cherry taste and light dry finish. Very smooth finish.
The lamb paired very well with this wine because of the spicy taste and the potatoes compliment the sweet taste of the wine. My family enjoyed this one perhaps the most because we like red meat in our household and the red wine paired perfectly with the dark lamb.

Model land ars vitis Riesling w/ sea bass, chicken, salad, vegetables: This was a heavy meal that even my dad could barely finish!  the nose is cidery, scent of sugars and fruits. The taste is crisp like a soda, it has a very sweet finish. The sea bass pairs with the Riesling very well, the salad dressing compliments the sweet taste of the Riesling. I think the fish preceding the chicken is a good combination. The fish is lighter and the wine is has a light taste. The chicken with the veggies is a great way to finish this meal. My brother and father did not enjoy the chicken and veggies portion as much and mentioned that perhaps they would have paired better with a Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay. Interesting to hear someone else's opinion from time to time, so I accepted their critique.

Sparkling Shiraz w/ strawberry shortcake: Blackberry and black cherry nose. I think the strawberry shortcake is the best pairing of the evening because the Shiraz alone tastes like strawberry shortcake! Vanilla finish and compliments the whipped cream on the shortcake. My entire family enjoyed this portion because how can you not enjoy strawberry shortcake and a dessert wine!?

All in all, it was a great experience and the bonding time I had with my family after not seeing them since winter break was valuable. It was a nice break from the craziness of school and work, and this dinner came at a perfect time. Nothing like being around loved ones for a holiday and sharing some wine amongst each other. I cannot wait to try this again.

As my nephew Mason would say, "Stay thirsty my friends".

(Disclaimer: No minors were served alcohol at this dinner)

Tasting- Montebuena

Name: Montebuena
Variety: Tempranillo
Region: Rioja
Country: Spain
Year: 2010
Price: $8.95
Shop review: Ripe cherry and blackcurrant on the nose and in the mouth. Pliant and seamless in texture, with good heft and back-end energy. Finishes smooth and sweet, with fine-grained tannins providing shape and grip. Still on the young side but this wine drinks very well with an hour or so of decanting; it's an excellent value for Rioja.
My review: Incredibly dry, distinct nose of blackberries and almost blueberries. I taste blueberries in the finish, but I did not enjoy this wine at all.

Tasted with food or not: None.

Tasting- Tres Ojos Garnacha

Name: Tres Ojos
Variety: Garnacha
Region: San Joaquin Valley
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $6.95
Shop review: The wine has a brick red color with a bouquet of red raspberries, spice and white pepper. The palate is incredibly concentrated and rich. The modern styles of Garnacha in Spain are continuously being perceived worldwide as wines of extraordinarily good quality. This wine is fruity, juicy, and shows a great depth, ripe tannins, length but yet with wonderful elegance and lightness. Enjoy with sausages, roasted meats, aged cheeses, etc.
My review: Very sweet and medium dry finish. Delicious taste that could go well with a steak or heavy meal.

Tasted with food or not: None.

Tasting- Sainte Victoire Cotes de Provence

Name: Sainte Victoire Cotes de Provence
Variety: Grenacha, Syrah, Cinsault blend
Region: Provence
Country: France
Year: 2011
Price: $8.95
Shop review: Bright salmon pink; typical of the fresh but warm Provence style. Refined and complex on the nose, with summer fruit and floral notes. Dry and crisp with a delicate flavor and full texture.
My review: Tart taste the nose smells almost like a beer. Full of cherry taste and berries, deceivingly good.

Tasted with food or not: None.