Tasting: Terre di Poggio Laude Pecorino

Name – Terre di Poggio Laude Pecorino

Variety – Pecorino

Region – Terre di Chieti

Country – Italy

Year – 2013

Price - $8.95  

Wine Review - Bright and savory, this floral scented Pecorino offers juicy tropical fruit and lemon drop sensations accented by notes of mint and thyme. The ripe fruit is balanced by brisk acidity that leaves the palate feeling cleansed and refreshed. 

Personal Review – This wine was herbaceous, and I was really excited when I was able to pick up the smell of mint.  It was a very light wine, and I absolutely loved it.  I would have this again.

Food - I did not try this wine with food.

Tasting: Peter Mertes Riesling Platinum

Name - Peter Mertes Riesling Platinum
Variety - Riesling
Region - Rheinhessen
Country - Germany
Year - 2013
Price - $8.95

Wine Review - This quality Riesling is crisp, clean and easy drinking. Floral and fruit aromas suggest sweet melon and honey with enough acidity to ensure a beautifully balanced and versatile wine.      

Personal Review - This wine was very sweet.  I twas overloaded with fruit and was syrup-like.  I didn't necessarily like the wine, but I didn't hate it either.  Overall, I would not have it again due to how sweet it was.

Food - I did not try this wine with food.

Tasting: Charles Thomas Cotes du Rhone Blend

Name - Charles Thomas Cotes du Rhone Blend
Variety - Blend: 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre
Region - Rhone
Country - France
Year - 2013
Price - $8.95

Wine Review - 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre. 56 Ha grown organically since March 2009 (in conversion). Part of the vineyard is plowed with horses. Average age of the vines : 30 years old. Clear ruby wine with overtones of red berry fruits. Round and supple with smooth aftertaste. A good all round red wine for meat courses, poultry and light cheeses. Best drunk now while fresh with good keeping up to 4 years.    

Personal Review - I liked the body of the wine due to its berry flavors, but I did not like the after-taste.  I would be very interested in trying this wine with foods because it would definitely change the after-taste (hopefully).  I would have this wine again.

Food - I did not try this wine with food.

Tasting: Terre di Poggio Montepulicano d'Abuzzo Laude

Name - Terre di Poggio Montepulicano d'Abuzzo Laude
Variety - Montepulicano d'Abruzzo
Region - Abruzzo
Country - Italy
Year - 2012
Price - $8.95

Wine Review - This opens with dark aromas of leather, tobacco, cured meat, plum and prune. It shows soft tannins and loads of dark fruit on.     

Personal Review - I could not distinguish the smell in this wine, but in the taste it was very dry.  It had a beautiful color with some tannins throughout, but I simply did not like this wine at all.  I would not have it again, especially now that I have seen what it was supposed to taste like.

Food - I did not try this wine with food.

Tasting: Sean Minor Pinot Noir Rose Vin Gris

Name - Sean Minor Pinot Noir Rose Vin Gris 
Variety - Pinot Noir
Region - California
Country - United States
Year - 2013
Price - Regular Price: $20, Sale Price: $8.95

Wine Review - The Vin Gris is a bright and vibrant salmon color with cherry, strawberry, cranberry and ripe watermelon aromas on the nose.  On entry, the wine displays bright strawberry flavors. Throughout the mid-palate and finish, raspberry and cherry fruit characters are balanced with spicy and crisp acidity that linger creating a refreshing and lengthy finish. 

Personal Review - I did not like this wine at all.  It was very abundant of citrus aromas and tastes, but it was very acidic.  I actually had a hard time finishing it, and I would not have this wine again. 

Food - I did not try this wine with food.

Tasting: Grande Reserves des Bastides

Name - Grande Reserve des Bastides Gaillac
Variety - Blend: 20% Sauvignon Blanc, 50% Loin de l'Oeil, 30% Mozac
Region - Gaillac
Country - France
Year - 2013
Price - $9.95

Wine Review - A crisp and fruity blend featuring 20% of the herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc, 50% creamy Loin de l’Oeil and notes of fresh apple and crisp pear, plus a touch of herb from the 30% Mauzac. It has a bright feel, with a hint of mineral on the finish.    

Personal Review - I tasted pear from this wine, and thought it was very good.  It was more citrusy, and had a great smell to it as well.  I would have this wine again

Food - I did not try this wine with food.

Tasting: Bolla 1.5L Moscato

Name – Bolla 1.5L Moscato

Variety – Moscato (100% Muscat)

Region – Pavia

Country – Italy

Year – 2014

Price - $9.95  

Wine Review - Loaded with juicy exotic fruit, mature apricot, yellow peach and tangerine flavors, this sweet and delightful wine is perfect for Sunday brunch or picnics.

Personal Review - This is the best Moscato I've ever had because it was not too overpoweringly sweet.  It was still sweet, but I was able to taste the fruity flavors.  I would have this again.

Food - I did not try this wine with food.