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.

Tasting - Codirosso Chianti

Name: Codirosso
Variety: 90% Sangiovese, 7% Canaiolo, 3% Colorino
Region: Tuscany (Chianti)
Country: Italy
Vintage: 2015
Price: $3, on sale for $7.95

Shop Review: "A heck of a value in Chianti, this delicious blend of 90% Sangiovese, 7% Canaiolo, and 3% Colorino offers up notes of licorice, new saddle leather, black cherry and berry fruit, loamy soil undertones and a touch of pepper and herbs. It is medium-bodied, savory and best drunk over the next several years."

My Review: I always look forward to the 3rd wine... the intro into the reds.  This wine smelled like angels on earth.  When I took a sip I was able to detect the hints of herbs and earthy undertones.  The flavor wasn't overwhelming whatsoever.  I'd go as far to say that this red wine was more on the bland side.

Tasting - The Royal Chenin Blanc

Name: The Royal Old Vines Steen
Variety: Chenin Blanc
Region: Western Cape
Country: South Africa
Vintage: 2015
Price: $8.95

Shop Review: "The 2015 Chenin Blanc offers loads of melony fruit interspersed with hints of honeysuckle and peach. It is delicious, crisp, fresh, lively, and a dead ringer for a good Loire Valley Chenin Blanc. Drink it over the next year."

My Review: I was told, via the review, this had hints of honeysuckle.  I grew up picking honeysuckles and eating them like it was my job.  I'm not an amateur honeysuckler... I can assure you I got no hints of honeysuckle from this.  I envy those individuals who did, because all I recall is a mouthful of crisp white wine.  I suppose the wine wasn't bad, with the exception of crushed expectations.

Tasting - Barão de Figueira Siria

Name: Barão de Figueira Vinho Branco
Variety: Siria
Region: Beira
Country: Portugal
Vintage: 2014
Price: $12, on sale for $6.95

Shop Review: "This wine is soft and rounded. It has lemon and light spiciness along with cool acidity. It is an easy wine that is ripe with apple and fresh lemon juice and ready to drink."

My Review: I thought this wine was a bit on the sour side.  I also was able to pick up on the acidity, which I didn't like all too much.  This wine almost made me want to pucker when I took a sip.  Was not bad, but also wasn't great.  If you were one of those rowdy teenagers who but jolly ranchers in your vodka, this is for you.

Tasting- Crane Lake Riesling

Name: Crane Lake
Variety: Riesling
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: "Pale golden color. Ripe and dried peaches on the nose. Minerals and dried peach flavors. Nicely balanced, leaning towards lime acididty."

My Review: This is one of the better sweet wines I've tried.  Subtle fruit (peach) flavors with a sweet kick.  An easy sipper, especially if you want a nice delicious flavor.  If you like juice boxes, this is the wine for you.

Tasting- Vinedos Real Rubio Roja Crianza

Name: Vinedos Real Rubio Roja Crianza
Variety: Blend of Tempranillo and Graciano
Region: Rioja
Country: Spain
Year: 2010
Price: $16

Winery Review: "Lightly baked berry aromas vie for attention with leather, spice and mild earth notes, and the result is disjointed. On the palate, this is tight as a drum initially, but more expansive as it unfolds. Cherry, plum, raspberry, vanilla and woodspice flavors finish pure, clean and easy. This is a fine yet manageable Rioja that’s not trying too hard. Drink through 2016."

My Review: I have said this before and I'll say it again.  Felt like I walked into a florists and took a chomp out of a rose.  This sucker tastes like pure flowers.  It's not so much that I disliked the flavor, because it was very subtle, but nothing in particular jumped out at me.

Tasting- Barao de Figueira Tino Reserva

Name: Barao de Figueira Tino Reserva
Variety: Blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Franca
Region: Beira
Country: Portugal
Year: 2013
Price: $12

Winery Review: "From vineyards at 2000 feet elevation, this is a rich and spicy wine that has a pure streak of fruit freshness and a firmly tannic core. It is perfumed from Touriga Nacional in the blend, with red berry and black plum flavors coming through strongly along, balanced by acidity. It will be better from 2017."

My Review: I liked this wine for sure!  It had a tannic kick, but not overwhelming.  The flavors all coincided well, but I would not recommend to anyone who dislikes the dry mouth feel. I give this wine a 10/10.  

Tasting - Garnacha De Fuego Old Vines Grenache

Name: Garnacha de Fuego
Variety: Grenache
Region: Aragon
Country: Spain
Year: 2014
Price: $10

Winery Review: "The Garnacha de Fuego Rose is a solid effort that has a light salmon color to go with notions of cherry blossom, orange peel and herbs de Provence. Medium-bodied, supple, fresh easy-drinking."

My Review: Nope.  Did not like this one so much.  Tastes like someone sprinkled a little dirt into the wine before they bottled it up and sent it on its way.  I suppose there are some individuals out there that can appreciate the earthly flavors, but I am not one of them.  Chalk this one up as a negative.

Tasting - Villa Vitas Ribolla Gialla

Name: Villa Vitas
Variety: Ribolla Gialla
Region: Venezie
Country: Italy
Year: 2014
Price: $6.95

Winery Review: "The 2014 Ribolla Gialla shows more minerality, nice quince, white currant and citrus oil notes, a dry, refreshing mouthfeel and a fragrant bouquet."

My Review: This was a good sipper for sure.  I was not expecting much considering I don't prefer white wine, however, I was pleasantly surprised.  I was able to identify subtle citrus flavors, but they didn't over do it by any means.  A wine I would definitely recommend.

Tasting- Alvaro Domecq Aranda Cream Sherry

Name: Alvaro Domecq
Variety: Aranda Cream Sherry
Region: Jerez
Country: Spain
Year: Non-vintage
Price: $20

Winery Review: "Golden-brown in color, this has heady aromas of cola, nut, nutmeg, root beer and caramel. A pure, creamy palate of cinnamon apple, mocha, coffee and chocolate. It's quite smooth and balanced, and very long on the finish."

My Review:  Have you ever had maple syrup?  Well, then you have had some Alvaro Domecq!  This sucker was clearly jam packed with sugars.  It literally came out of the bottle brown.  The taste lingered on the tongue long after you took the sip.  I would recommend to Buddy the Elf. I was not a large fan of this one, but again, I'm not a large fan of sweets.

Tasting- Layer Cake Garnacha

Name: Layer Cake
Variety: 100% Garnacha
Region: Calatayud
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $18

Winery Review: "The Layer Cake Garnacha from Calatayud, Spain is rich and powerful, yet clean and balanced. Layered with aromas of ultra ripe black fruit. On the palate, the wine shows intense dark fruit with a background of rich dark chocolate and fresh ground coffee with a long creamy finish."

My Review:  Let me tell you something, I love coffee.  When I was told this wine had a coffee taste that lingered I wanted a full glass.  After the 1st sip I was very disappointed.   I didn't get much of a coffee taste at all.  I got hints of black fruit, but that is it.  I suppose this is subjective, but I personally was not a large fan of this one.

Tasting- Fossi Rosso

Name: Fossi Rosso
Variety: Blend: Sangiovese, Merlot, Primitivo and Negroamaro
Region: Fiesole
Country: Italy
Year: Non-vintage
Price: $18 (Magnum)

Winery Review: "A blend of Sangiovese and Merlot with a touch of Primitivo and Negroamaro. It will remind those who have traveled to Italy of one of the local house wines they consumed while there.  Simple, juicy, and perfect for drinking with or without food, it’s packed with bright cherry, strawberry and cranberry fruit aromas and flavors."

My Review: To me, this red wine was a bit on the bland side.  I was excited as I typically like a nice merlot, however, this just didn't have the kick I was expecting.  It was exceptionally smooth, but lacked the heavy flavors present in most red wines.  Would recommend to someone who is new to wine that isn't a fan of whites.

Tasting- Nugan Pie in the Sky Chardonnay

Name: Nugan Pie in the Sky
Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Region: South Eastern
Country: Australia
Year: 2013
Price: $15

Winery Review: "Aromas of poached peach, fig and pineapple with biscuity notes. Tropical, medium bodied style with peach and melon flavours complimented by zesty acids, savoury nuances and a crisp, dry finish. Perfect partner with many styles of modern cuisine including those with an Asian or Mediterranean twist."

My Review: I said this after my 1st sip: "It taste like a firecracker."  Yeah, that may sound crazy, but I'm telling you this wine literally has the same taste/smell you'd get after lighting an M80.  Didn't like it too much.  I got some peach flavoring but not enough to overpower the black powder.

Tasting - Invino Si Pinot Grigio

Name: Invino Si

Variety: 100% Pinot Grigio
Region: Lombardy
Country: Italy
Year: 2014
Price: $14

Winery Review: "Pavia, in the Lombardy region of northern Italy where viticulture dates back thousands of years is home to the Si Pinot Grigio vineyards. The wine is creamy on the palate with a crisp, dry character, fresh citrus and pear flavors and an elegant finish."

My Review:  This wine has one cool bottle!  Again, not a large fan of white wines, but this one in particular was tasty and full.  Very delicious!  Highly recommend.  Definitely an easy sipper for someone who isn't a big red wine.

Tasting - Primes Ruby Port

Name: Primes Ruby Port
Variety: Blended
Region:  Oporto 
Country: Portugal
Year: NA
Price: $18

Critic's Review: Ruby color; red fruit aromas; pleasantly sweet and balanced taste. As the wines used to produce Prime's Ruby Port age, they gain smoothness and elegance while retaining their fruitiness, intensity, and youthful ruby color. They are then blended together for balance and consistency.

My Review: Let me start by saying this.  I don't like thick sugary drinks.  At all. Specifically speaking to my pallet, this sucker was HORRIBLE.  It was like someone took a thick glass of wine and threw in a few cubes of sugar.  The taste was dull and plummy to me.  After one glass it'd be game over because I'd be too full for anything else. 

Tasting - Lindeman's Bin 80 Cabernet Merlot

Name: Lindeman's Bin 80 Cabernet Merlot
Variety: Cabernet Merlot Blend
Region: Southeast
Country: Australia
Year: 2015
Price: $18

Critic's Review: Medium red in color with ruby hues. On the nose aromas of dark red berries, black currants and ripe plums. While the palate is medium bodied, with dark berries and a soft tannic finish.

My Review: The aroma alone of this wine made it worth it.  It smelled DELICIOUS.  This was a medium body for sure and very smooth on the pallet.  I would not recommend chugging wine, but if absolutely necessary, this wine is smooth enough to do so.  Was not my favorite tasting wine, but I still appreciated the balance.

Tasting - Domaine du Poujol Coteaux du Languedoc

Name: Domaine du Poujol Coteaux du Languedoc
Variety: Grenache
Region: Southeast
Country: Australia
Year: 2011
Price: $13

Critic's Review: Minerally and berry notes make for a savory blend of flavors in this fine-grained red. Dried berry fruit dominates with accents of white pepper and dill seed. Delivers lively acidity on the finish. Drink now through 2018.

My Review: I bought some smoked Gouda cheese from Kroger a few weeks ago to make dinner with and this wine gave me the EXACT same aftertaste.  It almost had a smokey undertone, but not overwhelming.  The fruit flavor was also very enjoyable.  Like this one so much I bought one when I left.  Highly recommend.

Tasting - Pazo de Monterrey Godello

Name: Pazo de Monterrey
Variety: Godello
Region: Monterrei
Country: Spain
Year: 2014
Price: $15

Critic's Review: Clean, minerally, slightly green in aromatics and oh so approachable and nice. For an under $15 white, this Godello from Monterrei excels with layered flavors of apple, minerals and natural spice. The finish is long and hints at fresh herbs like thyme and tarragon. Potentially superb with garlic shrimp or calamari over fresh greens.


My Review: Very obvious apple taste.  The aroma was not as pleasant as the taste.  It has a pungent smell that typically you'd get from a full red wine.  Didn't like this wine as much as the Domiane before.  I would recommend to anyone looking for a sour taste.

Tasting - Domaine de la Foret Grenache Cinsault Rose de Mediterranee 2015

Name: Domaine de la Foret Grenache Cinsault Rose de Mediterranee 2015
Variety: 50% Cinsault, 50% Grenache Blend
Region: Provence
Country: France
Year: 2015
Price: $13

Winery Review:

"A stony, pure style, with a warm paving stone note framing the dried cherry and rose water notes. The long, watermelon rind—inflected finish is finely tuned. Shows length and cut, staying lacy in feel. 50% Cinsault and 50% Grenache."

Personal Review:

I'd like to note that the shape of this bottle was awesome.  I do not typically like white wines, however, this one in particular was great!  I was able to taste the cherry which was a pleasant surprise on my pallet.  This white wine changed the way I think about them. 

Tasting - Coastal Vines White Zinfandel Magnum

Name: Coastal Vines White Zinfandel
Variety: 100% White Zinfandel
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $15

Winery Review: "Coastal Vines White Zinfandel is a light and fruity salmon-pink wine. Sweet, floral aromas of jasmine and roses burst into bright flavors of apricots, cantaloupe, and orange blossoms."

My Review: I am not a large fan on dessert wines, however, this one was subtle enough to enjoy!  It was sweet, but not overwhelmingly so. Very smooth on the pallet.  So far this has been my favorite dessert wine. Highly recommend!

Paired with food: Not this time.

Tasting - Cortenova Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

Name: Cortenova Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Variety: Blended
Region: Abruzzo
Country: Italy
Year: 2013
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: "Wild berry, chopped mint, sun baked earth and violet aromas meld together on this solid savory red. The juicy straightforward palate doles out ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, anise and cinnamon alongside chewy tannins."

My Review: The initial smell as delicious.  I was able to get the earthy aroma immediately.  This wine was a bit on the darker side.  Dried my mouth out when I took the 1st sip.

Paired with food: Not this time.

Tasting - Rosemount Diamond Label Pinot Noir

Name: Rosemount Diamond Label Pinot Noir
Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Southeast
Country: Australia
Year: 2013
Price: $15

Winery Review: "On the nose fragrant red berry fruits; red cherries raspberries; supported by sweet earthy spice notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. The palate is bright and lively with  flavors of cherry and raspberry are supported by a soft creamy texture, providing a long and elegant finish."

My Review: This Rosemount wasn't too shabby in my book!  Got an immediate hint of spice when I took a sip.  Very easy wine to sip on. It did, however, seem to be very acidic when drinking by itself.

Paired with food: Not this time.

Tasting - Valminor Albarino

Name: Valminor Albarino
Variety: 100% Albarino
Region: Rias Baixas
Country: Spain
Year: 2015
Price: $19

Winery Review: "Gloriously aromatic with jasmine and flint notes; very scented. Full and fleshy palate, a mineral follow-through and intense, harmonious finish. A very lovely Albarino that is so pure."

My Review: I thought this wine was very sweet!  Did not like at all.  It almost made me want to cough when I took a sip of it.  Smelled floral which was nice.

Paired with food: Not this time.

Tasting - Yellowtail Unoaked Chardonnay

Name: Yellowtail Unoaked Chardonnay
Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Country: New Zealand and Australia
Year: Non-vintage
Price: $7

Winery Review: "Wow, who would ever call Yellow Tail understated? But here it is. Nice but light aromas of orange, grapefruit, apple, earth and flowers. Lemon, grapefruit, apples, and a little lime on the light palate. Good acidity, pleasant finish, and decent minerality."

My Review: This wine was very crisp.  It was not like any other whites I've had at the tastings.  Definitely had a cat pee after taste which I was not a fan of.  I did, however, enjoy the crisp apple taste.

Paired with food: Not this time.

Tasting - Jam Jar Sweet

Name: Jam Jar Sweet White
Variety: Moscoto
Region: Western Cape
Country: South Africa
Year: 2015
Price: $15

Winery Review: "This charming, easy-drinking Moscato offers flavors of peach, apricot, lychee and orange blossom. A lively jolt of acidity keeps it fresh and fruity. Fancy enough for a special occasion toast, yet sweet-natured enough to enjoy every day."

My Review: Did not like this one bit.  I am not a huge fan of sweet, and this wine has a whole slew of it.  This dessert wine was better than the ones I have had in the past, however, still didn't tickle my fancy.  I did detect the peachy taste in there which I did like.

Paired with food: Not this time.

Tasting - Fox Creek Shiraz

Name: Fox Creek Shiraz
Variety: 100% Shiraz
Region: Mclaren Vale
Country: Australia
Year: 2012
Price: $23

Winery Review: "Bright purple. Exotic, expansive aromas of black and blue fruit preserves, vanilla and cola, along with a peppery overtone and a hint of violet pastille. Broad, fleshy, appealingly sweet boysenberry and cherry liqueur flavors show excellent depth and a seamless texture. Finishes juicy and long, with building spiciness, an echo of blue fruit and round tannins."

My Review: This wine was a bit heavier than the previous in this weeks tasting. The smell was sweet, and the initial sip left a definite aftertaste.  The taste lingered for a good while.  I didn't pick up any of the peppery undertone, however, I did get a hint of fruit.

Paired with food: Not this time.

Tasting - Candoni Boungiorno Organic Primitivo, Syrah

Name: Candoni Buongiomo
Variety: Blend of Organic Primitivo and Syrah
Region: Puglia
Country: Ialy
Year: Non-vintage
Price: $15

Winery Review: "Black ruby color. Mild, spicy, earthy aromas of spiced berries and plum with a supple, bright, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a tingling, brisk earth and cinnamon finish with dusty, coating tannins and moderate oak. A sturdy, earthy red for the table."

My Review: The initial smell was very earthy.  I personally thought it smelled like dirt.  It was more pungent than the whites.  The taste had definite hints of berries which made it delicious.  I liked this wine quite a bit.

Paired with food: Not this time.

Tasting - Maipe Torrontes

Name: Maipe
Variety: 100% Torrontes
Region: Salta
Country: Argentina
Year: 2016
Price: $13

Winery Review: Spring-like nose of fresh white peaches, pears, green apple, green melon and hints of jasmine and rose petals. On the palate, it has a beautiful structure and acidity along with fruit flavors and plenty of body. Well-balanced, this wine displays a pleasant freshness with citrus notes and a long finish.

My Review: I don't have a ton of experience, so this was the most "floral" wine I've ever had.  The taste was very evident after the 1st few sips.  Was a bit on the sweet side with hints of sour apple.  I like this white wine quite a bit!

Paired with food: Not this time.

Tasting - Oxford Landing Viognier

Name: Oxford Landing
Variety: 100% Viognier
Region: South Australia
Country: Australia
Year: 2014
Price: $13

Winery Review:"This wine may not be quite as rich or expressive as the other Viogniers in the Yalumba stable, but it's still an attractive effort. Pineapple and apricot flavors pick up hints of gingery spice on the vibrant finish."

My Review: This white wine was a bit crisp after the first sip.  The smell was very sweet, but not overwhelmingly so.  The hints of pineapple were subtle but delicious.

Paired with food: Not this time.

Tasting - Crane Lake Gewurztraminer

Name: Crane Lake Gewurztraminer
Variety: 100% Gewurztraminer
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2015
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: "This floral wine has notes of rose, peach, and apricot, with a smooth, lingering finish. This wine pairs well with both smoked Gouda and Munster cheeses. Also try it along with roast pork, turkey, red snapper or sautéed abalone."

My Review: This dessert wine had a very strong smell.  Not overwhelmingly intrusive though.  The taste had a very delicious tree fruit flavor.  I was able to identify hints of peach.  I'm not a huge fan of sweets so this wine wasn't my favorite.

Paired with food: Not this time

Tasting - El Ganador Malbec

Name: El Ganador Malbec
Variety: 100% Malbec
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2015
Price: $12

Winery Review: "Garnet color. Aromas of black cherry, plum jam, rich dark soil, and violet honey with a lightly tannic, lively, dry medium-to-full body and a tingling, complex, medium-long black cherry, rich garden soil, crushed plum, and cinnamon toast finish with medium tannins and moderate oak. Dense, dark and chewy with earthy complexity, balancing the luscious jammy fruit qualities of new world with earthy qualities of old world wines."

My Review: This wine smelled a bit spicy.  The taste, however, was floral.  The floral flavor of this wine was very obviously even to my inexperienced pallet.  When I first began sampling wines I was not able to identify earthy undertones, but this is an excellent example of an earthy wine easy for beginners to work with.

Paired with food: N/A