Tasting - Heinz Eifel Shine

Name: Heinz Eifel Shine
Variety: Riesling
Region: Pfalz
Country: Germany
Year: 2010
Price: $8.95


Shop review: Flint and mineral notes accent pineapple and lime aromas, while on the palate, the wine shows plenty of ripe, citrusy fruit flavors.  Tangy acids on the long finish provide balance.


My review: Tasted like a bubble bath at the beach.  Strong pineapple flavors.  Way too sweet for me, I did not enjoy this wine and did not finish it.  I would have to disagree with the description and say there was a lack of balance.  It came right at you strong and intense on the first whiff/taste.  I would pair this with nothing and drink it after dinner maybe.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Don Ramon Tinto

Name: Don Ramon
Variety: 75% Grenache, 25% Tempranillo
Region: Aragon
Country: Spain
Year:
Price: $7.95


Shop review: 75% Grenache, 25% Tempranillo.  Aged 3 months in American Oak casks.  Ruby red in color, with creamy aromas of earth and cherry.  Flavor turns deeper and darker black cherry and raspberry on a medium framework.  A subtle earthiness underneath the bright fruit adds some depth and complexity.


My review: My favorite red tasted in this sampling.  Very earthy undertones.  No funky horsey taste, just black cherry and earth.  I really enjoyed drinking this wine.  I would pair it with filet mignon.

I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Resonata Nero D'Avola

Name: Resonata Nero D'Avola
Variety: Nero D'Avola
Region: Sicily
Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $6.95


Shop review: Dense ruby red with violet reflections.  Lush and ripe bouquet full of mulberries, blackberries, and spice  Harmonious and well balanced with good berry fruit in a spicy background.


My review: Loved it.  Love red wine.  Drinking this makes me want to eat a blackberry cobbler.  Tasted just like all of the wine I drank while I was in Italy.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Protocolo Blanc

Name: Protocolo Blanc
Variety: Airen and Macabeo
Region: 
Country: Spain
Year: 2010
Price: $6.95


Shop review: Greenish gold. Subtle aromas of mint, lemon, and orange with a hint of honeysuckle. Dry, understated and focused, offering clean citrus and melon flavors and slow-building sweetness. Finishes dry and brisk, with an echo of lemon. As usual, this is an outstanding value. Stephan Tanzer – 87 points


My review: I definitely noticed the greenish gold color right after it was poured.  The mint and citrus combination was surprisingly delicious.  I really enjoyed this wine.  Clean - easy to drink followed by a strong finish.  I would enjoy drinking this with a light salad and fish.


I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Santola Vinho Verde

Name: Santola Vinho Verde
Variety: White Blend
Region: Minho
Country: Portugal
Year: N.V.
Price: $7.95

Shop review: Soft and creamy, although with just the right Vinho Verde bite, this is a crisp and clean wine, boasting light pear and pink grapefruit flavors.  Off dry and very fresh.

My review: Great wine.  Very nice, light, and citrusy.  I was unable to detect any pear flavors, only the citrus tones.  The crab on the label makes me think it would be great to enjoy with seafood because of the lemon and grapefruit undertones.

I tasted this on its own with no food.