Tasting - Coldstream Hills Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Coldstream Hills

Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Yarra Valley
Country: Australia
Year: 2009
Price: $7.95 (originally $27)

Coldstream Hills Sauvignon Blanc is sourced mainly from vineyards in the cool Upper Yarra. The wine is predominantly fermented in stainless steel, with a small percentage barrel fermented in older French oak - in some years, a percentage of Semillon is blended to add texture. Best consumed when young and fresh.


This wine smelled of tangy fruit, specifically oranges and peaches. It was citrusy to taste as well. It was warm in my mouth and then cool. It seemed to stay on my tongue. It had some other flavors as well but I was unable to identify what they were. 


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Tasting - Villa Maria Private Bin Riesling

Name: Villa Maria Private Bin

Variety: Riesling

Region: Marlborough

Country: New Zealand

Year: 2008

Price: $9.95 (originally $18)

A pure and delicate bouquet of ripe citrus-lime and spring blossom aromas. The palate is beautifully balanced with intense flavours, lovely juicy length and a zest lime finish. Great on its own or with light fresh food.

This white wine had a damp, musky scent. It tasted of watered down citrus. It had a bitter aftertaste and left my tongue feeling tangy. 

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Tasting - Horton Stonecastle Red

Name: Horton Stonecastle Red

Variety: 32% Mourvedre, 27% Carignan, 25% Syrah 5% Tinta Cao, 5% Touriga Nacional, 3% Tannat 1% each of Cab Franc, Malbec & Nebbiolo

Region: Virginia

Country: USA

Year: 2008

Price: $8.95 (originally $15)

Soft, ripe, berry scented wine with great depth and complexity.

This wine had an overwhelming smell of tobacco with faint berries. The tobacco prevailed in its taste as well. It was a sweet at first, but the taste of tobacco became overwhelming and very unpleasant. 

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Tasting - Into Zin Zinfandel

Name: Into Zin

Variety: Zinfandel

Region: Lodi

Country: California, USA

Year: 2008

Price: $7.99 (originally $13)

Spicey, jammy, yummy. 

This purply red wine had initial aromas of petrol and wood, with a late berry smell. It was smoother on the pallet. It tasted immediately of berries, but finished with a slight peppery taste and left my tongue a little bit tingly. 

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Tasting - Tamas Estates Zinfandel

Name: Tamas Estates

Variety: Zinfandel

Region: Italy

Country: California, USA

Year: 2007

Price: $7.95 (originally $15)

At Tamás Estates we've made it our passion to fashion California wines in a style honoring their varietal heritage. Our Zinfandel has flavors of raspberry, strawberry jam, cherry and vanilla. With a rich mouthfeel, integrated oak and a long fruity finish, this wine compliments a variety of meat selections and spicy foods. Hop on the bus for a multinational wine tour experience and stamp your passport for world taste.

This soft red wine had an aroma of wet wood, which I found to be unpleasant. The entire experience was very tart. It was full bodied and very hot in my chest. It left me with a very bitter aftertaste on my tongue. 

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Tasting - Los Alisos Syrah

Name: Los Alisos

Variety: Syrah

Region: Santa Barbara, California

Country: USA

Year: 2007

Price: $7.95 (originally $23)

Los Alamos Valley is generating great interest among winemakers and wine critics for the quality and character of its Syrah. The region has a flair for producing wines with the peppery aromatics of a cold climate, and yet displays the rich intensity of warmer locales. Our Syrah is dark, dense and sinfully opulent with ripe scents of blueberries, white pepper and earth.

This deep red wine had strong dark berry aromas with a tinge of bitterness and an earthy feeling. It was tart to taste and stuck to my tongue. It had a sweet yet bitter aftertaste. 

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Tasting - Three Rivers Merlot

Name: Three Rivers

Variety: Merlot

Region: Washington

Country: USA

Year: 2006

Price: $7.95 (originally $27)

Smooth and round, with a nice minty aura to the black cherry and dried currant flavors, persisting on the lively finish. 

This burgundy red colored wine smelled smooth and earthy with a hint of berries. It had a bit of a bitter and tangy taste, especially in the back of my mouth. It was smooth nevertheless, but had a very bitter aftertaste. 

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Tasting - Obvio Malbec

Name: Obvio 

Variety: Malbec

Region: Mendoza

Country: Argentina

Year: 2010

Price: $7.95 (originally $13)

This carefully crafted Malbec from San Carlos, Valle de Uco encapsulates the vibrancy and soul of Argentinean life. Obvio´s Malbec excites the eye with its deep violet tones and tangoes on the palate with an array of red and black fruits. This is an easy drinking style of wine to be enjoyed on all occasions, and excellent when paired with meats, pasta and hard cheeses.

This purply red wine smelled of raspberries and flowers. It was smooth, but a little bit spicy and hot on my tongue. 

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Tasting - Hardy Nottage Hill Merlot

Name: Hardy Nottage Hill

Variety: Merlot

Region: South eastern

Country: Australia

Year: 2006

Price: $4.95 (originally $15)

This smooth, well-rounded Merlot is a full bodied, dry red with soft, rich berry fruit flavors that linger delightfully on the palate. Enjoy this flavorful wine with pasta and meat dishes

This wine had an aroma of petrol and dark berries. It was very smooth. It was chilly going down, but left a warm sensation in my chest. I purchased this wine. 

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Tasting - Copa del Rey Merlot

Name: Copa del Rey

Variety: Merlot

Region: Maipo Valley

Country: Chile

Year: 2008

Price: $5.95 (originally $15)

Elegant and rich in the nose, with bold expressions of fruit and a touch of toasted oak, spiced notes and cherry aromas make this wine a perfect match for both entrees with a kick as well as rich, decadent desserts.

This deep red wine smelled like warm, sweet berries, with a hint of oak. It had a smokey taste. It was acidic going down and left a hot sensation on my tongue. 

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Tasting - Faraway Farms Shiraz

Name: Faraway Farm

Variety: Shiraz

Region: Western Cape Town

Country: Africa

Year: 2008

Price: $5.95 (originally $15)

Our Shiraz will spoil you with flavors of rich juicy blackberry, dark spice and just a hint of black pepper. Drink with close friends.

Another deep red wine, this one had softer smells and lighter body. It was acidic in my throat is a tart aftertaste. 

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Tasting - Faraway Farm Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Faraway Farm

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Western Cape Town

Country: Africa

Year: 2008

Price: $5.95 (originally $15)

There is special place in Africa, far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, where soaring mountains dominate the stark landscape. Tucked away behind these mountains you will find our vineyard. This is the home of Faraway Farm. Our Cabernet Sauvignon will spoil you with rich flavors of ripe blackberry and plums.

This deep red wine had an initial sweet aroma which was followed by a softer wood smell. There was also a hint of petrol. It was smooth at first but finished hot, leaving a bit of a burning sensation in my throat. 

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Tasting - Robert Mondavi Solaire Pinot Noir

Name: Robert Mondavi Solaire

Variety: Pinot Noir

Region: Santa Lucia Highlands

Country: California, USA

Year: 2008

Price: $7.95 (originally $21)

Our Solaire by Robert Mondavi 2008 Pinot Noir shows off deep, complex flavors of black cherry and red raspberries, with hints of rose petal, violet, and red licorice.  A background of smoky cinnamon, vanilla, and five-spice nuances comes from aging in toasted oak barrels.  This wine has nice weight on the palate, with a lush texture and smooth, silky tannins that support the flavors through the lingering finish.

This burgundy colored wine had aromas of berry and wood, wood from the sea rather then the forest. This wine was bitter in my throat and warm in my chest with a strong ending. It had a kick to it with a little bit of spice. 

Tasting - George Duboeuf Beaujolais Noveau

Name: George Duboeuf 

Variety: Beaujolais Nouveau

Region: 

Country: France

Year: 2011

Price: $3.95 (originally $12)

There is a layer of tannins here that adds a dry edge to what is otherwise a sweetly fruity wine. It is full, with juicy strawberry flavors.

This violet colored red wine smelled of roses with a hint of rubbing alcohol. It was warm in my throat with a tangy aftertaste. It had a faintly flowery taste along with some oaky tones. 

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Tasting - Beringer Pinot Nior

Name: Beringer

Variety: Pinot Nior

Region: California

Country: USA

Year: 2009

Price: $4.95 (originally $8)

A refreshing bite of juicy white peach and citrus, finishing with a flinty minerality.

This burgundy colored red wine had a wet, woody aroma. This woodiness was also evident in its taste. I found it to be a foresty type of wood. It was also fairly bitter. 

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