Tasting - Cobetckoe Πpemиуm Sparkling Semi-Sweet Red

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Name: Cobetckoe Πpemиуm

Variety: Semi-Sweet Red
Region: Moldova
Country: Moldova
Year: N/A
Price: $9.95

Winery Review: Sweet red sparkling wine from Moldova (former Soviet Union) Splendid dark ruby color with rich aromas of blackberry, nicely balanced and full of flavors. Goes well with soft cheeses, ice cream and pudding, as well as fresh fruits and berries.

My Review: Bubbly, fizzy and strong notes of berries (strawberry and raspberry) with a slight bit of earthiness/smokiness. Slight tannins which were surprising, but pretty good!

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Terra dei Trulli Pinnacoli

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Name: Terra dei Trulli
Variety: Primitivo
Region: Primitivo di Manduria
Country: Italy
Year: 2014
Price: $9.95, Frontline $21 Sale

Winery Review: A ruby-red wine with full flavors of ripe red fruits and a hint of spice. Pinnacoli has flavors of wild strawberry through the palate, finishes with a rich fullness and hints of cinnamon.
Roasted and spiced meats, pasta with meat sauce, game, and spicy cheeses.

My Review: Dry and powerful in taste with strong notes of strawberry, raspberry, blackberry and cherry. A long aftertaste with medium tannins leaving the mouth feeling puckery and dry. Quite a strong-tasting, full of flavor wine.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Quercia al Poggio Chianti Classico

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Name: Quercia al Poggio
Variety: Chianti blend - Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo, Canaiolo, Colorino
Region: Tuscany
Country: Italy
Year: 2009
Price: $9.95, Frontline $30 Sale

Winery Review: Showing notes of sandalwood, espresso and red berries on the nose, this wine has a lovely silky attack and an attractive ferrous quality complementing red plum and earth notes. It has excellent length and is ready to drink now. A blend of 80% Sangiovese, 20% Ciliegiolo, Canaiolo and Colorino aged 24 months in 500L oak tonneau. Produced in the Monsanto - Barberino Val d’Elsa zone with limestone and clay soil at about 400m altitude. The 15 ha vineyard is organically farmed. - i-wine review, 90 pts

My Review: Full-bodied and earthy with strong notes of cherry, raspberries, and coffee. Full of tannins with a dry, puckery mouth afterwards. Had strong notes and a very distinct taste, but was well balanced.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Lo-Fi Chardonnay

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Name: Lo-Fi
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2015
Price: $9.95, Frontline $28 Sale

Winery Review: The philosophy behind Lo-Fi (just like music production) isn't to create wine that is too polished or perfect, but rather that which embraces a more natural, raw expression. For winemakers Michael Roth and Craig Winchester, less is more: neutral barrels, native yeasts, little to no sulfur additions, and no acid adjustments. The Chardonnay is aged in 6-year old barrels, then racked and matured in concrete eggs for 6 months. The wine has a leesy texture and crisp snappiness, accompanied by flavors of ripe peach, banana, and white flowers.

My Review: Light and refreshing (like the first wine) with hints of Granny Smith apples, banana and peach. Notes of oak and a creaminess were also apparent with an acidic taste.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Cantina di Gambellara i Basalti

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Name: Cantina di Gambellara i Basalti
Variety: Garganega
Region: Soave
Country: Italy
Year: 2017
Price: $6.95, Regular Price $10 Sale

Winery Review: The color is a brilliant straw yellow with fresh fruit perfumes, especially apple and pear, and floral notes such as elder and bloom. The taste is very fresh and light, with a very interesting acidity. There is an important presence of mineral salts due to the volcanic origin of the soil. Ideal as aperitif, light main courses such as pasta and risotto, shell fish and fish, soups and vegetables.

My Review: Refreshing and crisp with hints of apple, lemon, and mango flavors. Easy to drink and very light and clean! Has slight bits of a mineral taste too.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Crane Lake Moscato

Photo taken from Moodle

Name: Crane Lake
Variety: Moscato
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2017
Price: $7.95, Frontline $9 Sale

Winery Review: This sweet wine is light in color with floral aromas including notes of orange blossom, jasmine and honeysuckle. Flavors include peach, melon and spice. This wine can be sipped by itself, but is complementary to a number of foods. With appetizers try prosciutto, melon, brie cheese, or smoked salmon. For a main course I suggest baked ham, grilled red snapper or chicken.

My Review: Sweet to a more dry after taste. Hints of peach, apple & orange, and was very aromatic with an apparent bouquet in scent. Very aromatic and fruity with a good, not as sweet after taste.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Mt. Monster Cabernet Sauvignon

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Name: Mt. Monster
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Limestone Coast
Country: Australia
Year: 2014
Price: $8.95, Frontline $14 Sale

Winery Review: Deep purple in color. Classic aromas of lifted blackcurrant, blackberry and mint on the nose. Flavors follow through of sweet berry-fruit accented by fresh muddled mint. Elegant, structured palate with big velvety tannins.

My Review: Blueberry, raspberry and blackberries with a touch of mint. This Cabernet Sauvignon had a lot of tannins, finishing with a dry, puckery feeling. It was full-bodied and had clarity in the taste of the berries. Pretty good for a red wine in my opinion!

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Tinto Figaro Red Wine

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Name: Tinto Figaro Red Wine
Variety: Garnacha
Region: Calatayud
Country: Spain
Year: 2016
Price: $8.95

Winery Review: The 100% Garnacha 2016 Figaro Tinto Calatayud is a smoking value and is another red brought in by Kysela that knocks it out of the park on the value scale. Bright berry fruits, dried herbs, earth, and a touch of spice all flow to a medium-bodied, rounded, fleshy red that has loads of upfront charm and accessibility. It's not going to make old bones, but as a house red to enjoy over the coming couple of years, it's hard to beat. - Jeb Dunnuck, 90 pts

My Review: Cherry, raspberry and plum were evident with a slight smokiness/spicy/pepper-y flavor. The after taste was a little overwhelming and tannic, but it went away after about 4-5 seconds. Not a bad Garnacha.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Nuna Field White by Chakana Wines

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Name: Chakana Nuna Field White
Variety: 40% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Chardonnay, 20% Viognier
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2016
Price: $8.95, Frontline $20 Sale

Winery Review: This unoaked Agrelo blend combines mostly Sauvignon Blanc with lesser amounts of Chardonnay and Viognier. White peach, lemon and grapefruit flavours combine to good effect here with a refreshing, limestone-like tang. - Time Atkins, 91 pts

My Review: Citrus, aromatic, and fruity for a white blend with a high percentage of Sauvignon Blanc. Could also pick up on hints of pineapple, apple, and apricot. Was surprisingly refreshing but had a funky, acidic aftertaste.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - OnePio Lugana

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Name: OnePio
Variety: Trebbiano di Lugana
Region: Lombardy
Country: Italy
Year: 2017
Price: $8.95, Regular Price $20 Sale

Winery Review: 100% Trebbiano di Lugana. Soft, harmonious, full and well-balanced wine with straw yellow color. It impresses the nose thanks to its multifaceted and fragrant perfume, that gives off almond and citrus emotions, where it's possible to recognize even a fresh pineapple touch.

My Review: Floral and aromatic with notes of apple, pineapple and oranges. Dry yet light and refreshing, quite pleasing with a subtle clean aftertaste.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Crane Lake Riesling

Photo taken from Moodle

Name: Crane Lake
Variety: Riesling
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2017
Price: $7.95, Frontline $9 Sale

Winery Review: Pale golden color. Ripe and dried peaches on the nose. Minerals and dried peach flavors. Nicely balanced, learning towards the acidic.

My Review: Floral and aromatic with notes of apple, peach and oranges. Light, refreshing, and sweet but balanced in acidity. Easy to drink on its own.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Terre dei Savoia Barbaresco

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Name: Terre dei Savoia
Variety: Nebbiolo
Region: Barbaresco
Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $9.95, Frontline $40 Sale

Winery Review: Red berry, rose, leather and baking spice aromas come together in the glass. The structured, juicy palate doles out ripe black cherry, licorice, roaster herb and tobacco alongside firm, velvety tannins. Still young and bracing, give this a few more years to fully develop.

My Review: Strong notes of berries and a pungent leather smell. Oaky with hints of vanilla as well. Very tannic with a dry after taste but is still quite balanced with acidity. Smooth and full bodied.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Vigna Lenuzza Cabernet Franc

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Name: Vigna Lenuzza
Variety: Cabernet Franc
Region: Friuli
Country: Italy
Year: 2011
Price: $5.95, Frontline $15 Sale

Winery Review: With a ruby red color and with intense purplish reflections it has a nose of red fruits like cherry, raspberry, and blackberry, to spices like marjoram, rhubarb and white pepper. On the palate it is pleasantly fresh, not too heavy, with sweet tannins and with soft herbaceous notes, which are the traditional characteristics of the Cabernet-Franc.

My Review: Strong notes of blackcurrant, raspberries, and cherries with spices. Earthy, fuller bodied and with a great amount of tannins with a dry, puckery and long finish. Not my favorite, but definitely an interesting wine.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Peter Cruythoff Sauvignon Blanc

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Name: Peter Cruythoff
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Swartland
Country: South Africa
Year: 2015
Price: $5.95, Frontline $10 Sale

Winery Review: Made in a definite herbaceous style, this Sauvignon Blanc also offers tropical undertones of gooseberries that add fruit to the palate. Well-balanced with zesty acidity, every glassful is fresh and crisp and perfect for warm summer days.

My Review: Earthy, very grassy and light. Surprisingly fruity for a Sauvignon Blanc, citrus forward with hints of apple, lemon and orange. Not bad.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Masseria Pertuso Avelium

Photo taken from Moodle

Name: Masseria Pertuso Avelium
Variety: Bombino Bianco, Chardonnay
Region: Apulia
Country: Italy
Year: 2016
Price: $7.95, Frontline $15 Sale

Winery Review: From the Apulia region of Comune di Andria nella zona, the color is Straw yellow with greenish reflections. A fresh bouquet with floral and citrus fruits characteristics. A wonderful wine to pair with fish.

My Review: Strong citrus notes, specifically apple, melon and light berries. A little smoky and a smooth finish. Overall quite fruity, aromatic and floral with a smooth, smoky finish.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Douglass Hill Sweet Red Table Wine

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Name: Douglass Hill Sweet Red Table Wine
Variety: Shiraz, Grenache, Barbera
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: N/A
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: A blend of Shiraz, Barbera, and Grenache with flavors of fresh berries and stone fruits, this sweet-style, easy-drinking wine is delicious when served with appetizers, seafood, shellfish, pork, poultry, and desserts.

My Review: Sweet yet fruity with an enjoyable after taste. Raspberries and strawberries are evident and the wine proved itself to not be overwhelmingly sweet and enjoyable on its own.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Bricco dei Tati Piemonte Barbera

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Name: Bricco dei Tati Piemonte Barbera
Variety: Barbera
Region: Piemonte
Country: Italy
Year: 2014
Price: $8.95

Winery Review: This is a young, fresh, lively Barbera with a persistent and attractive bouquet of black cherries and a bit of spice on the palate. It has few tannins which is typical of the Barbera varietal, and a medium finish. Delightfully approachable, it is great with medium to strong cheeses, barbecue and game.

My Review: Strong, but not too overwhelming with notes of plums, cherries, and hints of spices. Tannins were evident with a dry, puckery finish that didn't last for too long.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Vina Temprana Old Vines Garnacha

Photo taken from Moodle

Name: Vina Temprana Old Vines
Variety: Garnacha
Region: Aragon - Campo de Borja
Country: Spain
Year: 2017
Price: $9.95

Winery Review: Raspberry, cherry and white pepper aromas and floral nuance. Jammy and straightforward with sweet red fruit flavours. Supple and fresh on the palate.

My Review: This Garnacha had very strong notes of strawberries, raspberries and cherries. It was balanced - not too sweet and not too dry, and was surprisingly refreshing.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Casa Bella Provincia di Pavia

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Name: Casa Bella Provincia di Pavia
Variety: Pinot Grigio
Region: Provincia di Pavia
Country: Italy
Year: 2017
Price: $9.95

Winery Review: Produced by macerating Pinot Grigio grape must with its skins. The skins' pink hue give the wines its copper color. Flavors of green pear, pomegranate, and honeysuckle. It is somewhat of a big burst of opulent tropical flowers, orchid-like scented, with hints of flower, pungent oily floral notes.

My Review: This rose had strong hints of strawberry, apple, and pear and was extremely aromatic with floral notes. It was not too dry, light, and enjoyable. A pleasant wine bouquet.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Tournon Victoria Mathilda

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Name: Michael Chapoutier Tournon Victoria Mathilda
Variety: Rhone-style White Blend - 85% Viognier + 15% Marsanne
Region: Victoria
Country: Australia
Year: 2014
Price: $9.95, Frontline $20 Sale

Winery Review: Free of restrictive appellation controlee regulations, Chapoutier's Australian team blends 85% Viognier and 15% Marsanne in this intense, concentrated white. Yellow plums and grilled pineapple notes aren't exceeding complex, but offer plenty of enjoyment, finishing ripe, rich and long. Drink now. - Wine Enthusiast, 90 pts

My Review: A refreshing citrus white blend with strong notes of apple, orange, and pineapple. Aromatic, light yet crisp but enjoyable and not too overwhelming. Again, very refreshing.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.