Tasting: Wilson Daniels

 

• Name: Wilson Daniels
• Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
• Country: United States
• Region: Central Coast, California
• 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: This wine had an acidic orange peel smell, the acidity followed through with more of a grapefruit taste and strawberry on the finish. The finish was clean but I thought this wine was too acidic to drink more than a small glass. 

I did not try this wine with food.

Tasting: Caprice de Bastor-Lamontagne

• Name: Caprice de Bastor-Lamontagne
• Variety: Blend
• Country: France
• Region: Sauternes
• Year: 2004
• Price: $7.95

Shop Review: 60% Semillon, 36% Sauvignon Blanc, 4% Muscadelle 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: This wine had a honey and orange peel smell. Although the shop review said it was slightly sweet, I thought it was very sweet. I definitely tasted a toasty vanilla finish.

I did not try this wine with food.

Tasting: Torre Castillo Alegre

• Name: Torre Castillo Alegre
• Variety: Monastrell
• Country: Spain
• Region: Jumilla
• 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: This wine had a maraschino cherry smell. It had a good grip and was very sweet. It would pair well with chocolate.

I did not try this wine with food.

Tasting: Wilson Daniels

• Name: Wilson Daniels
• Variety: Merlot
• Country: United States
• Region: Central Coast, California
• 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: This wine had a jammy smell and taste. It was not as dry as I expected and was very smooth throughout.

I did not try this wine with food.

Tasting: Bricco Dei Tati

• Name: Bricco Dei Tati Rose
• Variety: Barbera
• Country: Italy
• Region:
• 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: I thought this wine had a candy smell with a sweeter mid taste that had some berry aspects. The finish was very tart.

I did not try this wine with food.

Tasting: Smoking Loon

• Name: Smoking Loon
• Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
• Country: United States
• Region: California
• 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: This wine had a fruity smell with a surprisingly acidic mid taste. I also tasted some melon and lemon. The finish was short with some lingering floral elements. I thought this wine was very refreshing.

I did not try this wine with food.

Tasting: Ruta 22 Malbec

• Name: Ruta 22 Malbec
• Variety: Malbec
• Country: Argentina
• Region: Patagonia
• Year: NV
• 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: This wine had a floral smell with a strawberry and raspberry mid flavor. It was a medium dryness with a good grip.

I did not try this wine with food.