Wine Tasting - Thistle Gate

Name: Thistle Gate
Variety:  Tartan
Region: Scottsville, VA
Country: USA
Year: N/A
Price: $32, on sale for $9.95
Winery review: This Port-style wine is made from late harvest Chambourcin grapes and fortified with brandy that was distilled from estate grown Chambourcin wine. Tartan embodies cherry flavors, smokey essence and subtle vanilla notes. Tartan is aged in whiskey barrels for 3 years. 18% alcohol.
Governor Cup winner.

My review: Has a very overpowering alcohol smell but tastes nothing like it smells. Very sweet with notes of honey and fruity flavors with a spicy edge. Smooth finish.

Wine Tasting - Carini

Name: Carini
Variety:  Alicante Bouschet
Region: Lodi, California
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $25, on sale for $7.95
Winery review: Opaque ruby in color, once in the glass the nose explodes right away. Delightfully intoxicating aromas of black and blue berry fruit leap forward first, followed by notes of cherry hard candy, crushed violets, caramel, allspice, cloves, and cigar box. In your mouth, more persistent and chewy berry fruit: blue and black + lots of sour cherry and tart blackberry.

My review: Smells of blackberry jam, light body, light tannins but has a kind of fruity aftertaste. definitely enjoyed this one.

Wine Tasting - Wildlife

Name: Wildlife
Variety:  Shiraz
Region: Swartland
Country: South Africa
Year: 2013
Price: $6.95, on sale for $4.95
Winery review:    Often referred to as Shiraz Country, the Riebeek Valley is renowned for exceptional Shiraz wines. WildLife Shiraz is a lively rich wine; full-bodied with a subdued smokiness on the nose and a palate of ripe fruit and interesting spice. Well-balanced and smooth, the aftertaste lingers with the exciting flavors of chocolate and spice.

My review: Viscous, full body, dry, kind of salty but had hints of a spiciness as well. Had a smooth finish.

Wine Tasting - Spatburguner Trocken

Name: Reichsrat Von Buhl   
Variety:  Spatburguner Trocken
Region: Pfalz
Country: Germany
Year: 2016
Price: $22, on sale for $7.95
Winery review:    Made from Pinot Noir saignée—has an salmon-pink dress and opens with a clear, pure and very delicate bouquet of ripe red berries (raspberries) and sweet cherries, floral aromas (rose petals) but also fresh elements. On the palate, this is a full-bodied, round and pretty rich but pure, fresh and finessed wine with intense fruit, fine tannins and a very persistent, well-structured taste. The finish is stunningly powerful, intense and aromatic but also fresh and mineral, with nice grip and even salinity notes.            

My review: Smelled like berries, had a crispy apple taste. Citrus notes, lingers in your mouth but has nice flavor. I ended up purchasing this one because it wasn't overly sweet but I still had those berry and citrus flavors.

Wine Tasting - Skyfall

Name: Skyfall  
Variety:  Chardonnay
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington
Country: USA
Year: 2015
Price: $20, on sale for $9.95
Winery review:   Toasted hazelnuts and Asian pear on the nose. Rich and creamy on the palate with apple, toasted almond and lingering notes of Meyer lemon and creme brulee.          

My review: Oaky and very buttery to me. Very smooth and light on the palate. I didn't pick up much flavor other than this but there was a subtle sweetness to it. Definitely enjoyed this one.