Tasting- Norton

Name:  Norton

Variety:  Torrontes

Region:  Mendoza

Country:  Argentina

Year:  2011

Price:  $5.95

VC review:  Greenish yellow with hints of gold, this Torrontés has intense aromas of white peach, rose petal, and jasmine. Norton Torrontés 2011 is pleasant and well balanced on the palate. 

My notes:  This Torrontes is a beautiful white gold color.  It has a highly floral nose, but the taste is not as sweet.  It is dry and slightly acidic.  It is a nice white wine that I would definitely drink again.  

Food:  n/a

Tasting- Dibon

Name:  Dibon

Variety:  Cava 

Region:  Catalonia

Country:  Spain

Year:  NV

Price:  $9.95

VC Review:  Xarel-lo, Parellada and Macabeo, The nose offers regal yeast and richness, while the palate has complexity to prop up apple, citrus and grapefruit flavors. Solid from front to back, with health and freshness.

My notes:  The wine is sparkling and has a white color.  I have never had Cava before, but I definitely enjoyed Spain's answer to champagne.  It was dry but light with hints of apple.  I will definitely look out for more Cavas. 

Food: n/a

Tasting- Opera Prima

Name:  Opera Prima

Variety:  Pink Moscato

Region:  La Mancha

Country:  Spain

Year:  NV

Price:  $5.95

VC 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 notes:  This is a fun wine to look at it, with its bubbles and pink coral color.  The nose offers hibiscus and perfume and it translates to the floral and sweet taste.  Too sweet for my palate, but definitely a fun fruit-forward wine.  

Food:  n/a

Tasting- Black Opal

Name:  Black Opal

Variety:  Shiraz

Region:  South Eastern Australia

Country:  Australia

Year:  2011

Price:  $5.95

VC 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 notes:  The nose is very peppery and stings the nostrils.  It is sweeter than it first lets on though, coming through with some nice berry notes and finishes smooth.  I really enjoyed this wine, but did not buy it this time.  I'll probably go back and get it another time though.  

Food:  I didn't have any with it, but I would like to try it with something spicy to see how it complements this spicy shiraz.  

Tasting- Sokol Blosser Meditrina

Name:  Sokol Blosser Meditrina

Variety:  Pinot Noir, Syrah, Zinfandel blend

Region:  Oregon

Country:  MERICA.

Year:  Non Vintage

Price:  $7.95

VC 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 notes:  The wine smells strongly of currant and raspberry, but the taste isn't as strong.  It is a very light red without much body.  It is hard to pick up on a distinct taste except a slight sweetness.  It reminds me of the Beaujolais we tried last week with the strong bouquet and not much taste.  

Food:  n/a

Tasting- Beringer

Name:  Beringer

Variety:  Riesling

Region:  Napa Valley

Country:  California

Year:  2009

Price:  $5.95

VC 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 notes:  The nose is crisp and fruity, much like the taste.  It is semi sweet with notes of pear and apricot.  Not my favorite Riesling I've ever had, but pretty good for $5.95.  

Food:  I didn't have any food with it, but I imagine it would be really good with a big ass bowl of chicken alfredo pasta.  That sounds good.  I shouldn't write these posts when I'm hungry.  

Tasting- Wine Men of Gotham

Name:  Wine Men of Gotham
Variety:  Chardonnay/Semillion
Region:  Southern Australia
Country:  Australia
Year:  2008
Price:  $5.95
VC 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 notes:  The nose is sharp and acidic, but with hints of nut and flower.  It tastes smooth and definitely not as dry as most chardonnays, possibly because of the 20% Semillion grape  I get a little apple and melon but it is very slight.  I would drink this again.
Food:  n/a