Tasting - Clean Slate

Name: Clean Slate
Variety: Riesling
Region: Mosel
Country: Germany
Vintage: 2015
Price: $9.95

Shop Review:   The balanced taste profile of Clean Slate is created by carefully selecting grapes from vineyards throughout the Mosel. Grapes from the Lower Mosel provide mineral notes, while grapes from the Middle Mosel create a hint of spiciness and grapes from the Upper Mosel supply fresh, peach flavors. The result is clean, fresh flavor that is delicious with food and perfect to share with friends.

My Review: Not a fan.  This did have a hint of spiciness as promised, however, it wasn't all that delightful.  I did have a clean flavor, but there really wasn't much to it.  May be for some of you wine drinkers, but not me.

Tasting - Cabali Reserva Carmenere

Name: Tabali Reserva Carmenere
Variety: Reserva Carmenere
Region: Cachapoal Valley
Country: Chile
Vintage: 2012
Price: $7.95

Shop Review:  Dark, statuesque wine with concentrated, potent aromas of black olive, herbs and mulled blackberry. Tastes like textbook Carmenère, but without any jammy overripeness. Flavor of racy spiced berry, olive and  black pepper are all good, and there's that patented herbal, roasted quality on the finish, but not too much. 

My Review: I liked this one a lot!  The tannins were just enough.  The spiced flavor with the "hot" feeling made it just ride.  Definitely a wine I can see myself sipping on.  This is one I would highly recommend to those wine drinkers out there that like a tid bit of a kick.

Tasting - Yellowtail Shiraz Grenache

Name: Yellowtail Shiraz Grenache
Variety: Shiraz - Grenache
Region: Casella
Country: Australia
Vintage: 2015
Price: $5.95

Shop Review:   A classic blend of Shiraz and Grenache, with the raspberries, blackcurrant, lliquorice and spice characteristics of the Shiraz complementing the upfront cherry and cola flavors of the Grenache. The balanced wine offers earthy tones, strawberry aromas and vibrant acidity.

My Review: This was just okay.  Nothing popped out to me significantly.  I would drink it if I were at a dinner party and had absolutely no alternative forms of alcohol.  I was able to detect hints of berry.

Tasting - Closerie Saint Antoine

Name: Closerie Saint Antoine
Variety: Viognier
Region: Languedoc
Country: France
Vintage: 2015
Price: $6.95

Shop Review: 

Light yellow color with green reflection. At first, this Viognier exhibits some citrus and pine aromas, after some time in the glass, it develops peach and mango.

In the mouth, it is quite lovely with a great fruit forward approach. It is intense and balanced at the same time.

The finish is long and offers an array of flavors, such as ripe peach and pear  with creamy, lemony nuances.

My Review: Oh yeah, the pine aroma did it for me.  Felt like I was taking a walk through a pine forest with a glass of wine.  Again, this was an easy sipper, and had delicious apple flavors.  Highly recommend.

Tasting - Tabali Reserva Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Tabali Reserva Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Limari Valley
Country: Chile
Vintage: 2013
Price: $7.95

Shop Review:  The 2013 Sauvignon Blanc Reserva is un-oaked and without malolactic, from a selection from the Talinay vineyard and 20% from the Tabali vineyard. It has an herbaceous note of asparagus and peas, a chalky sensation, and a fresh palate with bitter and citric flavors. It’s a superb value.

My Review: This wine had a very subtle taste with a hint of citrus.  To me, it was a nice hint of citrus without the overpowering kick it usually has.  I like oaked, but this white nailed it.  I did enjoy.  Very light.

Tasting - Ca'Bea Sangue di Guida

Name: Ca'Bea Sangue di Guida
Variety: 45% Uva Rara, 10% Barbera, 25% Croatina
Region: Oltrepo Pavese
Country: Italy
Vintage: 2014
Price: $9.95

Shop Review: "Off-dry with a slight fizz, offering bright berry and mineral notes. Medium-bodied, with a clean, fresh palate and fruity finish. This is a rare, sweet red wine that is wonderful with desserts such as dry pastries, cookies, and cakes."

My Review: I have liked very few of the sweet wines offered at these tastings.  Expectations were low and doubts were high, but just like the recent presidential election, Ca'Bea somehow managed to pull through. It was dark bodied and had a nice sweet aftertaste.  The carbonation was present but not overwhelming.  I would truly recommend this.

Tasting - Alvarez de Toledo Mencia Roble

Name: Alvarez de Toledo
Variety: Mencia Roble
Region: Bierzo
Country: Spain
Vintage: 2009
Price: $14, on sale for $8.95

Shop Review: "The 2009 Alvarez de Toledo was bottled just a week before the wine was presented but seems to be showing no symptoms of distress. Balsamic, leather, and black fruits are the principal notes struck by this suave effort that over-delivers in a big way. Like its older sibling, it can be enjoyed now but will have more to say in 2-3 years."

My Review: You know that feeling when you grab your warm load on laundry after using triple the amount of laundry detergent recommended?  Takes every bit of willpower not to huff your favorite t-shirt.  That was this wine.  Now, imagine putting on said t-shirt and it doesn't fit... also this wine.  It smelled glorious, but when it came to the flavor it just didn't do it for me.  Was a bit on the tannic side.