Wine Tasting - Villa Jolanda

Name: Villa Jolanda
Variety: Moscato
Region: N/A
Country: Italy
Year: N/A
Price: $14, on sale for $10.95
Winery review: The nose has the scent of ripe peaches. It is sweet with peach apricot and floral notes on the palate.

My review: It smelled fruity and floral to me. Overall, did not enjoy as it was way too sweet for me. The peaches in this one were a little overwhelming, although it did have a pleasant and crisp aftertaste. 

Wine Tasting - Skyfall

Name: Skyfall
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington
Country: USA
Year: 2015
Price: $20, on sale for $9.95
Winery review:Inviting aromas of boysenberry, vanilla and dark chocolate swirl in the glass. Rich flavors of ripe black cherry coupled with hints of crème brûlée sugar crust and butterscotch weave through the palate. Balanced acidity and polished tannins on the finish.

My review: I was eager to try this since I enjoyed the Skyfall Chardonnay from last week and this one did not disappoint. It had a very sweet chocolate and dessert smell to it and I tasted hints of caramel. The tannins surprisingly did not overpower the wine and it left me wanted a whole glass. 

Wine Tasting - Tres Ojos

Name: Tres Ojos
Variety:  Garnacha
Region: Calatayud
Country: Spain
Year: 2013
Price: $10, on sale for $6.95
Winery review: " Bright purple. Blackberry, plum and peppery spice aromas exhibit good vibrancy and power. Firm cherry and dark berry flavors are subtly accented by a peppery nuance, picking up a hint of licorice with air. A candied plum note lingers on the warm finish, which is firmed by gentle tannins"

My review: Smelled very fruity to me but tasted rather spicy. I could taste blackberry and pepper, which I was not a fan of. I found the peppery, spicy flavor to be overwhelming but it had a smooth finish. I would definitely need to eat with some food.

Wine Tasting - Chateau Montauriol Rigaud

Name: Chateau Montauriol Rigaud
Variety:  Grenache Syrah
Region: Corbieres
Country: France
Year: 2016
Price: $15, on sale for $7.95
Winery review: The white raspberry and peach notes have a creamy but fresh profile in this rosé. Hints of spice and apricot meld together on the lingering finish.

My review: Smelled very fruity to me but tasted rather citrusy. The wine was crisp and I actually enjoyed this one. I could taste a lot of peach and I love peaches so this one was perfect for me. I would definitely enjoy it on a warm day.

Wine Tasting - Maipe

Name: Maipe
Variety:  Torrontes
Region: N/A
Country: Argentina
Year: 2016
Price: $13, on sale for $7.95
Winery review: "This is an aromatic floral Torrontés with hints of air freshener and bath oil on the nose. A palate with zesty acidity frames crisp flavors of citrus pulp and peel. A racy finish tastes of lime before showing patented varietal bitterness."

My review: Smelled very floral to me but tasted rather citrusy. The wine was crisp and smooth but it was not my favorite as it was kind of flavorless to me.

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.