Tasting - Stanburn Winery Bull's Blush

Stanburn Winery Bull's Blush

Variety: Cabernet Franc Rose, Chambourcin, and Viognier

Region: Virginia

Country: United States

Year: 2010

Price: $14.99

Shop review: The blend creates a sweet rose fermented in stainless steel and finished in neutral oak. Light, yet fruity with hints of strawberries, pineapples, and apples. Pairs well with ham, pizza, spicy foods and angel food cakes with fruit. Great for picnics. It's like summer in a bottle!

My review: Sweet blend of red summer berries on the nose. You can smell the sweetness come through easily. On the palate, a delightful blend of sweet fruit, reminded me of a fresh cut bowl of fruit. A fun and very sweet wine. I probably would only be able to drink a glass of this at a time.

I did not have food with this tasting.

Tasting - Stanburn Winery Traminette

Stanburn Winery Traminette

Variety: Traminette (100%)

Region: Virginia

Country: United States

Year: 2010

Price: $14.99

Shop review: Fermented in stainless steel, then finished in neutral oak barrels. It has a floral aroma with a light but distinctive flavor. The wine is finished semi-dry, with about 2% residual sugar which balances the acid. It pairs well with fruits, pastas with white sauces, and zesty recipes. Perfect on a hot summer afternoon.

My review: I had never tried a Traminette varietal wine until this one and I really enjoyed how it was made. It was the perfect amount of sweet to make it a fun wine to drink. There is a honey-suckle scent on the nose. I would have liked to have purchased a bottle.

I did not have food with this tasting.

Tasting - Vina Aljibes Bordeaux Blend

Vina Aljibes Bordeaux Blend

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon (40%), Merlot (35%), and Cabernet Franc (25%)

Region: La Mancha

Country: Spain

Year: 2007

Price: $19.95

Shop review: It exhibits a similar aromatic and flavor profile to its older sibling but appears to be a bit fresher due to its relative youth. It is also an outstanding value for drinking from 2012 to 2022. These new releases from Bodega Los Aljibes demonstrate what can be achieved by talented vignerons working in selected regions of La Mancha. Bodegas Los Aljibes is one of the up-and-coming stars of La Mancha.

My review: Very peppery and sandalwood-like mixed with dark fruit on the nose. I got a strong rush of heat tasting this wine. Reminded me of a leather couch. An intense wine.

I did not have food with this tasting.

Tasting - Duck Duck Goose Chardonnay

Duck Duck Goose Chardonnay

Variety: Chardonnay (100%)

Region: Barossa Valley - South Australia

Country: Australia

Year: 2009

Price: $7.95

Shop review: Pale golden straw, highlighted with vibrant lime hues. The bouquet is flowing with ripe peach and nectarine which leads to the mouth-watering palate. Fresh fruit driven with melon and citrus overtones. The fruit was gently pressed to allow full expression of flavors and then fermented dry under strict temperature control. Storage in temperature controlled stainless steel and bottled soon after fermentation to maintain freshness. Goes beautifully with light foods such as fish, shellfish and cheeses.

My review: I bought this bottle because it was a good deal at the store and I was drawn to the label and name. To my delight, I really enjoyed this wine! Such a lucky out-of-the-blue purchase! On the nose, it is very clean but at the same time there is a hint of sweetness, like a very light citrus or lime scent. It drinks very easily. Just the right amount of sharp cleanness elegantly blended with a light creaminess. There is no harsh burn or lingering bitterness on the finish. Thoroughly enjoyed this wine. Looking forward to purchasing my next bottle!

I did not have food with this tasting.

Tasting - Tochuelo Malvar White

Tochuelo Malvar White

Variety: Malvar (100%)

Region: Madrid Country

Country: Spain

Year: 2010

Price: $12.00

Shop review: Delightfully dry, refreshing, slightly earthy but not heavy or rustic with attractive citrus and orchard fruit flavors. Excellent value.

My review: On the nose, very light and nectar-like. Drinking the wine felt very creamy and light at the same time, with soft sweet notes to it.

I did not have food with this tasting.

Tasting - Vina Aljibes Tinto

Vina Aljibes Tinto

Variety: Petit Verdot (38%), Cabernet Sauvignon (24%) and Tempranillo (24%)

Region: 

Country: Spain

Year: 2009

Price: $13.95

Shop review: A blend of 38% Petit Verdot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 24% Tempranillo, is aged for 6 months in seasoned French and American oak. Deep purple in color, it sports an alluring bouquet of Asian spices, underbrush, mineral, lavender, black cherry, and blackberry. Dense and plush on the palate, it reveals excellent volume, concentration, and a fruit-filled finish. It lacks complexity buy at this price, who's complaining. it is an outstanding value meant for drinking over the next 4-5 years.

My review: On the nose, very peppery, earthy, strong, and reminds me of tobacco. On the mid-palate, tastes ashy and dry. Reminds me of a big rarely used fireplace and black dark fruit notes.

I did not have food with this tasting.

Tasting - Hacienda del Plata Zagal Malbec

Hacienda del Plata Zagal Malbec

Variety: Malbec (100%)

Region: Mendoza

Country: Argentina

Year: 2009

Price: $14.95

Shop review: Organic. Our favorite wine, the 2004 Zagal from Hacienda del Plata was also our best value, dense and fruity yet well balanced and structured, avoiding the too common pitfalls of sweetness and flabbiness. Hacienda del Plata is a fairly new winery, one we were unfamiliar with, but the rest of our top five comprised fairly well-known Argentine names. Screams out for grilled beef.

My review: An interesting mix of copper and metal with floral notes on the nose. On the mid-palate, a very strong and intense flavor. Reminded me of ashes.

I did not have food with this tasting.