Peter Mertes

Name: Peter Mertes
Variety: Liebfraumilch
Region: Rheinhessen
Country: Germany
Year: 2009
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: Leibfraumilch is a soft, delicate wine of the Rheinhessen and Palatinate districts. The original wine was named after the Leibfraumilch monastery in Worms, where the monks were the first wine growers and produced an unusually pleasing wine. Wines of the Rheinhessen and Palatinate are noted for their aroma, well- balanced harmony, and fragrance. Leibfraumilch, as all excellent white wines is best served chilled. We suggest serving with cold entrees, as well as poultry, such as chicken or turkey, or even with a mild Cheddar, mellow and slightly nutty with a medium consistency.


My Review: I really enjoyed this wine without the pairing of food. On the palate it was very clean and crisp. On the nose I got aromas of fruit salad with blackberry's. The acidity was very refreshing on this wine and there were traces of apple on the palate. I would recommend this wine!

Col Des Vents Corbieres

Name: Col Des Vents
Variety: Corbieres
Region: N/A
Country: France
Year: 2009
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: 50% Carignan, 35% Grenache, 15% Syrah. Brambly berry, cherry and raspberry, spices, black pepper...all are present in this authentic French country wine.


My Review: This wine was somewhat of a disappointment to me. I drank this without the pairing of food.  On the nose I detected great aromas of jam, raspberry, and pepper components. On the palate however, the taste while smooth was very dry and did not enjoy the aftertaste. Overall the wine was okay but not what I was hoping. 

San Elias Carmenere

Name: San Elias
Variety: Carmenere
Region: Central Valley
Country: Chile
Year: 2010
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: The grapes for this Carménère are selected from vineyards in the Central Valley. Beautiful red fruit aromas. Supple and round in the mouth, the wine pairs well with full flavored cheeses and lamb.


My Review: I enjoyed this wine without the pairing of food. On the nose i did get the red fruit aromas along with some peppery components. On the palate, it seemed to be a full bodied wine with just the right amount of acidity to it. I would recommend this wine for the price. 

Estrella Chardonnay

Name: Estrella
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2010
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: Intensely flavored and balanced with layers of vanilla, butter and pear, followed by apple, banana and oak.

My Review: The price of this bottle of wine is suiting due to the lack of intensity.  On the nose I got aromas of vanilla and that was about it. On the palate, I could not pick out any one flavor specifically but the I did not enjoy the aftertaste. I would not recommend this wine.

Zonin Pinot Grigio

Name: Zonin Pinot Grigio
Variety: Pinot Grigio
Region: Venezie
Country: Italy
Year: 2009
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: Pale straw-yellow color with brilliant reflections. Delicately fruity bouquet, with outstanding finesse and marked hints of almond blossom and peaches. Elegant, soft and well- structured fruit on the palate, with remarkable freshness and a clean, persistent aftertaste.


My Review: Delicious wine that I tasted without the pairing of food. On the nose, aromas of peaches and other fruits were detected. I would have loved to have tried this wine with an appetizer. On the palate, it seemed to be of medium body without much acidity. Very smooth. I would recommend this wine. 

Estrella

Name: Estrella
Variety: Merlot
Region: Napa, California
Country: United States
Year: 2009
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: This ruby colored Merlot has a raspberry jam aromas with a subtle hint of spice. Layers of vanilla, plum, and fig are revealed that linger ever so slightly on the palate.

My Review: For the price this wine was surprisingly good. I tasted this wine without the pairing of food and found it to be an enjoyable experience. The taste was not too strong with very little hints of acidity. I really enjoyed the vanilla taste on the palate. On the nose the aroma of a jam was overwhelming in a good way. I would recommend this wine for the price.

Doural Red Tinto

Name: Doural Red Tinto
Variety: Red Blend
Region: N/A
Country: Portugal
Year: 2009
Price: $8.95

Winery Review: This Portuguese tinto(red) blend exhibits a deep red color with violet hues. The nose is vibrant and fruity. The palate offers notes of spice, cherry, and dark berry supported by good structure. Pairs well with red or game meat, cheese, and fish.

My Review: I was not thrilled with this particular wine. I drank this without the pairing of food but would definitely agree that it would go well with a steak. I got the dark berry on the palate but came on too strong on the aftertaste. The nose offered a very dark fruit aroma.