Tasting - Cantina Del Grifone 1967 Toscana

Name: Toscana

Variety: 85% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Syrah

Region:  Tuscancy

Country: Italy

Year: 2014

Price: $6.12

Winery Review: "Cantina Del Grifone 1967 Toscana catches your attention the moment you uncork it thanks to the very strong and pleasant aromas of red and black fruit, a little black pepper, spice and some nice violet notes. Tasting the wine reveals more fruit with the spice and other components taking a back seat. Strawberry and black cherry stand out among the abundance of red and black fruit flavors as well as a hint of red licorice. This soft and smooth wine is actually rather one dimensional – it’s all about the fruit – but it works, and especially so when paired with a pizza. At only $5.99 you really can’t ask for much more than this wine delivers. It ends with some mild oaky notes on the medium length finish.”

My Review: I had this wine paired with cooked asparagus, peppers, and sweet potatoes. The first thing I noticed when I tasted it was the pepperiness of the wine, it had a bit of spiciness. The undertones I noted were blackberries and raspberries. It was pretty good, but a little too peppery for me.

Tasting – Simi Sonoma County Chardonnay

Name: Simi

Variety: Chardonnay

Region: Healdsburg, California

Country: USA

Year: 2014

Price: $18.27

Winery Review: The hue of this wine is brilliantly clear, golden straw with glimmers of golden light—a color that dramatically sets the stage for what is to come. The nose is similarly demonstrative, with expressive notes of pineapple, peach, pear, and green apple. Lifted aromatics of citrus, lightly spiced with toasty oak and hints of buttery cream add a savory character. It all comes together on the palate with well-defined, fresh flavors of tangerine, lemon curd, stone fruit, white peach, and nectarine, lifted by a lightly toasted and warm oak character. The oak incorporates sweet vanilla, hazelnut, nutmeg, and smoky bacon characteristics, balanced with a delicate, zesty, lemony finish. 100% Chardonnay

My Review: I am a fan of this wine and will drink it again! It was fresh and crisp, with some buttery undertones that made it smooth. I could taste and smell pears and apples. It reminded me of summer or spring.

Tasting - [yellow tail] Shiraz

Name: [yellow tail]

Variety: Shiraz

Region: South Eastern Australia (South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria)

Country: Australia

Year: 2009

Price: $7.99

Wintery Review: “This [yellow tail] Shiraz is everything a great wine should be – vibrant, smooth, rich and easy to drink. Red berries, spice and liquorice. Enjoy with steak or in front of a roaring fire.”

My Review: The first thing I noticed about this wine was that the bottle was sealed with a screw cap. I researched the reasoning behind why yellow tail does it this way and their website explains it’s due to convenience, security, and to ensure optimum quality. I tried this wine at breakfast with eggs and toast, even though after tasting it, I realized it would be have been better with a steak dinner or served hot, like a mulled wine!

         The wine is a pomegranate red color. It smelt and tasted like fig newton and prune juice, a little sweeter and smoother than prune juice though. The texture is thick and syrupy. I would like this wine served hot.

Tasting - Carnivor Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Carnivor

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Modesto, California

Country: USA

Year: 2014

Price: $11.96/bottle

Winery Review (wine critique): “An extremely deep, dark color is the first thing to notice in this rich, almost thick, wine. It smells like wild blackberries and boysenberries and tastes almost that fruity, while blending in meaty, chocolaty, black peppery flavors that seems to coat the tongue. It is concentrated bold and stands out from the pack.”

My Review: I tried this wine at a friend’s birthday party and really enjoyed it. The texture is thick and heavy. It tastes and smells like blackberries and coffee beans, maybe a little dark chocolate. I thought the aftertaste was sweeter and smooth, like caramel. I would drink this again!