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.