Tasting - Conte Di Campiano Primitivo Di Manduria

Name: Conte Di Campiano Primitivo Di Manduria

Variety: 100% Primitivo

Region: Primitivo Di Manduria

Country: Italy

Year: Non vintage (I think, there was no year on the bottle, or at least the server didn't see it)

Price: $15.59

Critic Review (2011 vintage): Rounded out flavors of cranberry. Very jammy and a little peppery. Despite the bold flavors, there's an unexplainable hollowness to it. It's also a bit light-bodied for a primitivo. Regardless, it's quite smooth and quaffable. Dry finish. Pretty good. 3.7/5.

We also had some of this as a mulled wine (not my idea), and it was not good. But that's just me, mulled wine really isn't my thing.

My Review: There was nothing really weird about this wine. The nose of it smelled like most other red wines I've smelled and the taste tasted like most other red wines. This wine was bitter, but luckily not mouth drying. Personally not my choice of wine since it wasn't sweet and it was bitter.

I did not taste food with this wine.

Critic Source: https://www.vivino.com/wineries/conte-di-campiano/wines/vincenzo-tribute-sessantuno-primitivo-di-manduria-9999

Tasting - Cocoa di Vine Chocolate Wine

Name: Cocoa di Vine Chocolate Wine

Variety: Moscato, Torrontes, Pedro Ximenez

Region: New York

Country: USA

Year: Non vintage

Price: $9.99

Critic Review (Bottle and name look the same, the country is wrong on this site, so I hope this is the right wine): Looks like you are pouring chocolate milk into your glass. The taste is rich and creamy somewhat reminiscent of Bailey's Cream. While I would never think of wine after tasting this there is alcohol present. All the wine nerds may turn up their nose but this is a perfect dessert drink. The only thing that could make this any better would be to put a scoop of Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla in it.

My Review: From when I first saw the wine, I was ready to taste it, since it was different and it was combined with chocolate! From the nose, you can pretty much guess I smelled chocolate, and if there was anything else, it was drowned out by the chocolate smell. After drinking it, I felt a little let down, since while it did taste okay, I felt like the the wine taste didn't go extremely well with the red wine taste I got from it. It felt like drinking some red wine that was mixed with some really thick melted chocolate. Overall it was okay and not the worst I've had, but not exactly something I really liked.

I did not taste food with this wine.

Critic Source: https://www.vivino.com/wineries/opici/wines/cocoa-di-vine-8888

Variety Source: http://www.stewswinesnj.com/r/products/cocoa-di-vine-chocolate-and-wine

Tasting - Fabrica De Sangrias Lolea No 1

Name: Fabrica De Sangrias Lolea No 1

Variety (Unknown Percentage): Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot

Region: Unknown

Country: Spain

Year: Non vintage

Price: $15.49

Critic Review: If you don't want to waste time on making a real Sangria, this is for sure your best option. You could add a little bit of ginger ale and lime if you want to improve its flavor. Ensure it's chill.

My Review: After tasting the number 2 version of this wine, I was ready to taste this wine and I was glad it tasted similar. I could definitely tell this was red wine from the taste, but surprisingly, it was less bitter than the white version, maybe because of the previous wine in the cup. Other than that I couldn't really tell anything different form this one from the number 2. I was also ready to buy this wine.

I did not taste food with this wine.

Critic Source: http://reviews.danmurphys.com.au/0592-en_au/DM_794494/lolea-lolea-no-1-red-sangria-reviews/reviews.htm

Tasting - Fabrica De Sangrias Lolea No 2

Name: Fabrica De Sangrias Lolea No 2

Variety (Unknown Percentage): Airen and Moscatel

Region: Unknown

Country: Spain

Year: Non vintage

Price: $15.49

Critic Review: As with the red one, this sangria is not worth the money at all. It doesn't taste like sangria, but rather like a fizzing tablet thrown into water and a dash of alcohol added, this time in the colour of white. I most certainly won't buy this product again. I know how real sangria tastes, and this is not it. Full of sugar and little enjoyment on a hot summer's day. A cute looking bottle is not everything.

My Review: When I first smelled this wine I was really excited to drink it right away. It smelled really sweet and I got a lot of peaches from the nose. Luckily, it tasted as it smelled and was really good in my opinion. It reminded me of peach flavored candy in liquid form. I was ready to buy this wine.

I did not taste food with this wine.

Critic Source: http://reviews.danmurphys.com.au/0592-en_au/DM_794493/lolea-lolea-no-2-white-sangria-reviews/reviews.htm

Tasting - Opici Vino Bianco

Name: Opici Vino Bianco

Variety: 20% Chardonnay, 10% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Trebbiano, 40% Verdicchio

Region: Marches

Country: Italy

Year: Non vintage

Price: $9.99

Critic Review: Much more than a gimmick wine. Interesting blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Trebbiano, and Verdicchio. Pleasant maritime, saline, chalky, and citrus bouquet. Juicy, great acid, pleasant bite, long finish. 87-88.

My Review: I thought this wine was pretty basic. There wasn't anything I picked out while smelling it and the wine tasted like a lot of other wines I've tasted without anything distinct about it/

I did not taste food with this wine.

Critic Source: http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2007168

Tasting - Les Roucas Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Name: Les Roucas Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Languedoc-Roussillon
Country: France
Year: 2013
Price: $9.99

Critic Review (Cannot confirm vintage): Not a whole lot of anything here. A little earthy, a little bit of butterscotch and that's it.

My Review: I really didn't like this wine. The nose had some bad smell combined with the grapes, but I couldn't tell what. The wine was also bitter and the wine had that effect where my mouth was dry afterwards, which I think Wine Library TV said was tart.

I did not taste this wine with food.

Critic Source: https://www.vivino.com/wineries/foncalieu/wines/les-roucas-cabernet-sauvignon-2013

Variety, Region, and Country Source: https://www.vivino.com/wineries/foncalieu/wines/les-roucas-cabernet-sauvignon-2013

Tasting - Alamos Malbec 2014

Name: Alamos Malbec 2014
Variety: Malbec (assuming 100%)
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2014
Price: $11.29

Critic Review (Pretty sure review is for the 2014 vintage): Dark violet colour.

On the nose dark fruits, spices and oak.On the palate full bodied with velvety tannins and a long finish.


My Review: I personally didn't like this wine. I feel like this wine was the generic red wine. The nose of it was normal, nothing weird about it. The taste of this wine was bitter and there was a bitter aftertaste too.

I did not taste this wine with food.

Critic Source: https://www.vivino.com/wineries/alamos-winery/wines/mendoza-alamos-malbec-2014

Variety, Region, and Country Source: https://www.vivino.com/wineries/alamos-winery/wines/mendoza-alamos-malbec-2014

Tasting - Alamos Torrontes 2015

Name: Alamos Torrontes 2015
Variety: Torrontes (assuming 100%)
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2015
Price: $11.29

Critic Review: Sweetish and crisp. Nice summer afternoon wine.

My Review: To start off, the wine had a light nose and the smell was fruity. The taste of the wine confirmed the sweetness. The main thing I didn't like about the wine was the bitter aftertaste, but overall, an okay wine.

I did not taste this wine with food.

Critic Source: http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2226893

Variety, Region, and Country Source: https://www.vivino.com/wineries/alamos-winery/wines/torrontes-2015

Tasting - Ecco Domani Pinot Grigio 2015

Name: Ecco Domani Pinot Grigio 2015
Variety: Pinot Grigio (assuming 100%)
Region: delle Venezie
Country: Italy
Year: 2015
Price: $11.29


Critic Review (Cannot confirm vintage): Looking for a crisp and refreshing white wine with citrus overtones? Look no further. Over the years this smooth drinker has become an old friend and my house go-to white.

When nicely chilled it is a great standalone sipper, pairs well with hor d'oeuvres, and boldly holds its own when complementing main course Italian fare.

Bring this Italian beauty to your next party -- you'll be glad you did.

My Review: I personally really did not like the wine. The major reason was the smell of it. I finally smelled  the barnyard smell that some Wine Library TV videos talked about. The smell just made me dislike the wine in it's entirety. There wasn't much of an aftertaste, though I could feel something there.

I did not taste this wine with food.

Critic Source: http://www.totalwine.com/wine/white-wine/pinot-grigio-pinot-gris/ecco-domani-pinot-grigio/p/11936750

Variety, Region, and Country Source: https://www.vivino.com/wineries/ecco-domani/wines/delle-venezie-pinot-grigio-2015

Tasting - Bourgogne Cotes D'Auxerre Pinot Noir Domaine Sorin De France 2013

Name: Bourgogne Cotes D'Auxerre Pinot Noir Domaine Sorin De France 2013
Variety (Unknown percentage, assuming 100%): Pinot Noir
Region: Bourgogne
Country: France
Year: 2013
Price: $12.99

Critic Review: Couldn't find a review

My Review: This wine had a normal nose. I really didn't like this wine since it was really bitter. I think I could taste the tannins in this wine, since I thought I could taste the grape seeds.

I did not try this wine with food.

Tasting - Sangue Di Giuda

Name: Sangue Di Giuda
Variety (Unknown percentages): Croatina, Barbera, Rara Uva
Region: Lombardy
Country: Italy
Year: Non vintage
Price: $9.99

Critic Review: Couldn't find review for wine

My Review: This wine had a small nose. This wine was carbonated and sweet, which I was pleasantly surprised by, since I haven't had one yet. I could still taste the grapes. I personally really enjoyed this wine since it was a fruit bomb and it is so far the only red wine I've liked.

I did not try this wine with food.

Tasting - Italo Cescon Artigiano Del Vino Pinot Grigio 2015

Name: Italo Cescon Artigiano Del Vino Pinot Grigio 2015
Variety (Unknown percentage, assuming 100%): Pinot Grigio
Region: Veneto
Country: Italy
Year: 2015
Price: $11.99

Critic Review (for the 2014 vintage): Chris does like his wine tart. He was not disappointed while sipping on this little ditty. Jenny commented "it would be nice with dessert!"


My Review: When I first smelled it, I thought I smelled a hint of peanuts, which I found odd, but not bad. I thought this wine was okay, it was not as bitter as other wines I've had. I also did noticed that taste I think is butter in it, since it had that effect where I felt something covering over my taste buds and made them feel weird. Overall, not a bad wine, still not my type though.

I did not try this wine with food.

Critic Source: https://www.vivino.com/wineries/italo-cescon/wines/pinot-grigio-2015

Tasting - Camino Del Peregrino Albarino 2015

Name: Camino Del Peregrino Albarino 2015
Variety: Albarino
Region: Rias Baixas
Country: Spain
Year: 2015
Price: Unknown

Critic Review (Could not find 2015 vintage review, 2009 vintage review given): Albarino is Spain’s contribution to the world of white wine. The variety’s profile in Australia has risen recently and our dollar has helped the Galician product make its presence felt.

The Rias Baixas region of NW Spain, close to where the Atlantic hits the Bay of Biscay, is where this grape performs to its best and the combination of sunny warmth with cold ocean winds is the secret. The wines typically taste of stone fruit, frequently verging floral, but its ripe-grape flavours are always carried by keen acidity. Here’s an example.

It has delicate pear fruit flavours, with elements approaching apricot and a wonderfully lemony tension. It is long and dry and lingering. All in all, you’d say on first sip, seared scallops (please) or swordfi sh that’s seen seconds under the grill.

My Review: I noticed that this wine also has a small nose. The main thing unusual I noticed about this wine was that I found that this wine had a taste that lingered on at the end.

I did not have this wine with food.

Critic Source: http://www.charteredaccountants.com.au/News-Media/Charter/Charter-articles/Life-and-style/2011-09-Drink-1.aspx

Tasting - Val de Vid Rueda Verdejo 2015

Name: Val de Vid Rueda Verdejo
Variety: Verdejo
Region: Rueda
Country: Spain
Year: 2015
Price: $15.99

Critic Review: Decent, acidic. Not very dimensional.

My Review: The nose on this wine was small until I swirled it. I also found this wine a little less bitter than the last one. I also noticed a buttery taste to the wine. I did mention it to the server and he said that normally these wines are aged in steel containers, so I'm not sure if maybe that was what I was tasting. I personally don't not like that taste aspect I tasted what ever it was, but I don't like it either.

I did not have this wine with food.

Critic Source: https://www.vivino.com/wineries/val-de-vid-31494/wines/rueda-verdejo-2015#user-reviews

Price Source: http://www.martinsofflicence.ie/val-de-vid-rueda-verdejo/

Tasting - Bellaconchi Brut Selection

Name: Bellaconchi Brut Selection
Variety: 30% Macabeo 30% Parellada 30% Xarel.lo 10% Chardonnay
Region: Villa Rodona
Country: Spain
Year: Not Vintage
Price: $17.82

Critic Review: Great value from this traditional method sparkler. Notes of baked apple and brioche pull through the nose to the palate. Well balanced with a satisfying finish. Perfect with chicken liver pâté on a toasted crustini. Tasted Oct 2014.

My Review: I think out of all the wines I drank at the tasting, I found this one was probably my favorite. While I personally didn't find it really good, I found it more tolerable compared to the other wines because it was fizzy. Unfortunately, it wasn't really sweet to me. Other than that, it smelled good.

I did not have this wine with food.

Critic Source: http://www.nataliemaclean.com/wine-reviews/villa-conchi-brut-seleccion/207936

Price Source: https://www.vivino.com/wineries/bellaconchi-150271/wines/cava-brut-seleccion-8888

Tasting - R&G Rioja 2011

Name: R&G Rioja 2011
Variety: Tempranillo
Region: Rioja
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $14

Critic Review: The 2011 vintage of the Rioja reveals red and black fruit. It’s exceptionally pure and clean, with prominent red fruit on the palate, along with firm tannins and  persistent finish.

My Review: This wine had a pretty dense nose. The taste of the wine was bitter to me and drier than the other wines. As with most wines, I didn't enjoy this one since I enjoy the fruitier ones.

I did not have this wine with food.

Critic Source: http://i-winereview.com/blog/index.php/2014/10/14/michel-rollands-new-spanish-wines/

Price Source: http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/roland+galarreta+r+g+tempranillo+doca+rioja+spain/2011