Beringer Merlot

Name: Beringer Merlot
Variety: Merlot
Region: Napa Valley, California
Country: USA
Year: 2009
Price: $30 to $19.95

Winery review: A merlot with layers flavors, aromas and complexity. The majority of the grapes come from Beringers Big Ranch Road Vineyard, which is found just North of the town of Napa and has consistently shown itself to have great Merlot growing conditions. Merlot from the DeCarle Vineyard in Oakville, as well as some Carbernet Franc were added to the final blend to create a rich flavorful Merlot.

My review: Could definitely get some oak here. It was not too heavy, semi dry, flavorful though I couldnt really pick out the different flavors. I really liked it, would buy it if I had the money.

I tasted it without food.

Seven Daughters Red Blend

Name: Seven Daughters Red Blend
Variety: Red Blend
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: Nonvintage
Price: $18 - $11.95

Winery review: Ripe blackberries with a touch of lavender and vanilla. Bursts of red fruit, from blackberries to dried cherries, with a hint of peppery spice for a memorable finish.

My review: I had a hard time getting flavors out of this. It had dark flavors, it was dry and I could feel some heat.

I tasted it without food.

Stags Leap Viogner

Name: Stags Leap Viogner
Variety: Viogner
Region: Napa Valley, California
Country: USA
Year: 2009
Price: $35 to $23.95

Winery review: The 2010 Stags Leap Viogner is an elegant wine featuring aromas of orange blossom and peach. Refreshing flavors of grapefruit, fresh apricot and white peach and a hint of flint are accentuated by a juicy fruit core and lengthy finish. The wine is highlighted by a bright acidity that accentuates its sun-kissed flavors and aromas.

My review: It had a very summery, familiar smell and tasted semi sweet.

I tasted it without food.

Ramon Bilboa Albarino

Name: Ramon Bilboa Albarino
Variety: Albarino
Region: Haro
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $13.95

Winery review: Fresh and easy to like. Smells clean and open, with peach and other white fruit aromas. You name the white or citrus fruit and it is here: pineapple, grapefruit, mango and lime. Hits both the sweet and citrusy bases.

My review: It had a fruity aroma but it was pretty dry. I kind of liked it.

I tasted it without food.

Hacienda del Plata Zagal Malbec

Name: Hacienda del Plata Zagal Malbec
Variety: Malbec
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2004
Price: $14.95

Winery review: Organic. Our favorite wine, the 2004 Zagal from Hacienda del Plata was also our best value, dense and fruity yet well balanced and structured, avoiding the too common pitfalls of sweetness and flabbiness. Hacienda del Plata is a fairly new winery, one we were unfamiliar with but the rest of our top five compromised fairly well-known Argentine names. Screams out for grilled beef.

My review: This was dry and strong. I could also get a lot of tannins. I kinda liked it.

I tasted it without food.

La Croix Peyrassol

Name: La Croix Peyrassol
Variety: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah
Region: Provence, Portes de Mediterranee
Country: France
Year: 2010
Price: $15.95

Winery review: Organic. This is an interesting wine from Provence that is a perfect segue from white and rose wine to red wine in the cooler months of late September and early October. The blend is vinified without any oak. It is pure, fresh and lively with lavender aromas, black currant and raspberry fruit that bears a meaty peppery quality reminiscent of fine Syrah. It is medium bodied with lovely quality that goes nicely with roasted chicken and meaty fish.

My review: This was strong, tangy, dry and a little spicy.

I tasted it without food.

Villa da Filicaja Chianti

Name: Villa da Filicaja Chianti
Variety: Chianti
Region: Tuscany
Country: Italy
Year: 2009
Price: $12.95

Winery review: Sustainable. Black cherry, earth, tar and licorice aromas and flavors mark this gutsy red, whose tannins mesh well. The finish lingers nicely, with tobacco and spice notes. Drink now through 2022.

My review: Huge smokey smell, lots of tannins and kind of earthy.

I tasted it without food.