Ken Forrester Reserve
Variety: Chenin Blanc
Region:Stellenbosch
Country: South Africa
Year: 2007
Price: $8 by glass
Winery review: Golden hued and full bodied, with melon and spicy baked apple aromas. It is layered, with mineral notes enhanced by honeycomb and caramel flavors from lees contact. This wine is a great example of the harmonious balance which
can be achieved between fruit and delicate oak/vanilla flavors, as they combine to form complex, soft flavors with
sufficient body to enhance even spicy and full flavored meals.
My review: I found this wine to have too much of a kick and a bit difficult to drink with a meal. I was able to try this wine with my dinner. The spice mentioned was too much for me to handle.
A by Acacia Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Carneros, California
Country: USA
Year: 2010
Price: $6/per glass
Winery review: Cool Pacific Ocean winds gave this wine a rich, lively tropical fruit, apple, pear, citrus, floral and mineral notes.
Beautifully balanced flavors first display bright acidity on the palate, and then turn rich and creamy on the finish.
My review: I found this wine to be light and fruity. I usually love Chardonnays and this just added itself to the list! I was able to taste this wine with a bit of food and I will definitely be getting it in the future. Overall, I enjoyed this light wine that had a slight kick in it.
Tocco Prosecco
Variety: Prosecco
Region: Veneto
Country: Italy
Year: 2007
Price: $9 by glass
Winery review: Prosecco may soon surpass the production levels of Champagne due to a recent surge in popularity. Tocco is a delicate, well-balanced Prosecco, showing a good blend of baked apple, sour lemon and grapefruit, with a lightly creamy mineral texture on the palate.
My review: I found this wine to be light and refreshing. I was able to taste this wine with my meal at a restaurant. Overall, the wine was exhibited a light lemon scent that was different and I enjoyed it.
Pacific Rim Wallula Vineyard Riesling
Variety: Riesling
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington
Country: USA
Year: 2007
Price: $9
Winery review: "From a dramatic vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills not far from the Wallula Gap, this riesling is as transparent as any in Washington. Its white flower scents meet fruit that falls quietly between pear and peach. The texture is riveting: the wine's purity enhanced by a racy nervous energy."
91 Points
Wine & Spirits
My review: I found this wine to be light and smooth. The wine went well with my meal and the hint of fruit was refreshing. There was definitely a spark to this wine. As for the color it was a light, brisk yellow, as most whites. I was able to try this wine with my dinner.
Clawson Creek 'Angela' Pinot Noir
Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: Oregon
Country: United States
Year: 2008
Price: $10/glass
Winery review: 13.5% alc., $45. A tall, very heavy bottle. Clones 777, Wädenswil and 115. The winemaker is Ken Wright. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Savory nose offering aromas of mushrooms, wet leaf, oak and pharmaceutical notes with dark red cherries and berries in the background. Redder fruits are featured with a touch of blueberries, pomegranate and spice. Fairly silky on the palate, but exhibiting firm prodigious tannins, finishing juicy with a bright nerve of acidity. The fruit is buried in the tannins at present. Good. Reviewed January 12, 2012 ARTICLE »
My review: Overall, I found this wine to be too thick for my taste. The heaviness of the wine does a good job covering the taste of the alcohol. but the heavy oak taste was not to my liking. I was able to try this wine with food and found it to be more of a wine that you drink without any food being coupled with it. I would not recommend this wine. I even left like the mid palate was overwhelming.
Tiamo Pinot Grigio
Variety: Pinot Grigio
Region: Veneto
Country: Italy
Year: 2008
Price: $8/per glass
Winery review: Here’s an informal Pinot Grigio made with organic fruit that would work well at outdoor lunches or picnics. The wine is redolent of sweet citrus and chopped mint, and there is a distinctive mineral note at the end. This is an easy, no-fuss Italian white. M.L. (4/1/2010) — 84
My review: I had this wine with dinner the other night. I was able to try the wine with a salad and pasta and it paired well. I found the wine to be light and have a light peach/apple taste to it. Overall, I enjoyed the wine and would recommend it to anyone that enjoys a nice Pinot Grigio.
Matthew Fox
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Country: California
Year: 2005
Price: $4
Winery review: This is a family of wines only available at Marc's stores, a chain of discount stores in Ohio. As of this writing, they are $3.29 a bottle and have been at this price for a full year. I hesitated before subjecting myself to such a "cheap" wine but it is surprisingly good! Now I drink it regularly by myself, and occasionally serve it to guests. Most turn up their nose at the idea of three buck wine, but those who try it are pleasantly surprised! This won't be your favorite wine, but it is eminently drinkable. It is smooth, not sweet, and has a very mild grapey palette.
Available for $35 a case if you are driving into Ohio just to get some --which might be worthwhile from neighboring states!
This wine has made me a dedicated "Marc's-ist"!
My review: For a wine from Food Lion, I enjoyed this wine. It was a burst of red fruity tastes that had me indulging from the start. The smell was fruity and masked the alcohol well. It was thick and rich and paired well with my Italian meal. I was able to try this wine with food and would recommend it.
Doural Tinto
Variety: Red Tinto
Country: Portugal
Year: 2009
Price: $9
Winery review: This Portuguese tinto(red) blend exhibits a deep red color with violet hues. The nose is vibrant and fruity. The palate offers notes of spice, cherry, and dark berry supported by good structure. Pairs well with red or game meat, cheeses, and fish.
My review: I was not able to try this wine with food. I found the wine to be dry and have a strong alcohol smell to it. I did not enjoy this wine and the bitterness was unbearable.
Legaris Crianza
Variety: Tinta Fina
Region: Ribera del Duero
Country: Spain
Year: 2003
Price: $9
Winery review: 90 Points, Wine Spectator. A silky texture carries plum, tobacco, coffee and mineral flavors over ripe tannins in this balanced red. Berry and vanilla notes linger on the finish. Drink now through 2013. –T.M.
My review: I found this wine to have a mix of flavors that were unique. I was not able to decide if I enjoyed the wine or not but think it would be better tried with food. I was unable to try the wine with food. The after taste masks the alcohol well also.
Heinz Eifel Shine
Region: Pfalz
Country: Germany
Year: 2010
Price: $9
Winery 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: Overall, I enjoyed this wine. Seeing that it had a mix of fruits in the taste, I enjoyed it. It was light and smooth and the smell of alcohol was not masking the taste. I was not able to try this wine with food.
Resonata Nero D’Avola
Region: Silicy
Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $7
Winery 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: Overall, I found this wine to have an odd taste of pepper underlying the alcohol and was not accustom to it. The presence of the alcohol smell was strong and I was not able to try this wine with food. I did not like this wine to be honest.
Casa Bianca Spumante Rosato
Variety: Prosecco
Region: N. Italy
Country: Italy
Year: 2009
Price: $12
Winery review: Prosecco is very popular in Italy. The wine is often served as a festive apertif but mild dry Prosecco Spumante is also very suitable as a companion of appetizers and entrees. Prosecco is a generic term and can be sold in many different qualities. The best have their own appellation, as Casa Bianca. The vineyards of Montello and the hills of Asoli located in northern Italy. This rosato spumante is made from white grape pinot nero prosecco and red. By fermenting them together creates the pale pink color and flavor that is more powerful than the white variety. Spicy rosato spumante with a fine, persisent mousse, juicy fresh red fruit in the aroma, and a rich, smooth and lasting flavor.
My review: Overall, I found this wine to be too thick. I found the wine to have an odd taste taste that was strong and bitter. The smell of alcohol was quite evident. I was not able to tr this wine with food.
Sol' Acantalys Cotes du Rhone
Variety: Red Rhone Blend
Region: Bouteille a la propriete
Country: France
Year: 2010
Price: $12
Winery review: A beautiful ruby red wine. Very fragrant, with aromas of red fruit (currant, strawberry, and cherry) with hints of black pepper and cinnamon. Medium bodied and silky in the mouth with mature, round tannins. Enjoy with meats, grilled vegetables or cheese.
My review: I found this wine to be very smooth. The acidity of the wine however did not work well with my tastes. I was not able to taste this wine with food and would not expect it to go well with food. The peppery hint of taste was unusual.
Boas Vinhas Tinto
Variety: 100% Touriga Nacional
Region: Beira
Country: Portugal
Year: 2009
Price: $10
Winery review: Deep bright violet and red color. Rich in aromas of red fruits as plums and strawberries. Its intense yet docile and fleshy taste fills the palate without roughness, leaving a pleasant sensation.
My review: Overall, I found this wine to be too thick. I am used to a smooth, airy wine and this was definitely not like that at all. The role of the plums and other fruits was too strong for me and do not think it would go well with food. Its too heavy in my opinion. I was not able to taste this wine with food.
Lost Vineyards Vinho de Mesa Tinto
Variety: Tinto
Region: Portugal
Country: Portugal
Year: N/A
Price: $4
Winery review: Pours a light garnet color with a nice crisp zest, with aromas of cranberries and orange peel on the nose. Drinks smooth with a briary of mild cherries, wild strawberries and raspberries along with a note of rhubarb. Pairs particularly well with wild game and heavy fish such as salmon.
My review: I found this wine to be very sweet. It had a fruity base and it was refreshing. I was surprised by the peppery smell that the wine gave off though. I was not able to taste this wine with food, but I would assume it would be good with food. Overall, I enjoyed this wine.
Muscanti Brut
Variety: 100% Muscanti
Region: Girona
Country: Spain
Year: N/A
Price: $8
Winery review: Lemon blossoms, green apple, toast and honeydew melon are front and center in this crisp refreshing Spanish Sparkler. Silky supple with lingering flavors, yet a tingle of citric acid on the finish. A combination of traditional cava grapes but this wine is not made in the traditional méthode champenoise (which is required by Spanish law to be called Cava). This is made with the Charmat process so this wine may only be called ‘Spanish sparkling wine’ .
My review: I found this wine to have a surprising kick as its after taste. I enjoyed the wine and found it to be different from the usual. I usually do not like super citrusy wines but somehow I found this wine to be refreshing. I was not able to taste this wine with food.
Don Ramon Tinto
Variety: 75% Grenache, 25% Tempranillo
Region: Campo de Borga
Country: Spain
Year: 2008
Price: $8
Winery review: Aged 3 months in American Oak casks. Ruby red in color, with creamy aromas of earth and cherry. Flavor turns toward 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: This wine overall I found to be thick and rich. The mid pallet is strong and thick and the taste was overall intricate. I found the taste of cherry to be different and would work well with food. I was not able to try this wine with food, however.
Lazzaro Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2010
Price: $7
Winery review: Opens with mellow peach and melon aromas and some oak. The palate is round, creamy and full. Tastes of spiced, dried apple with a stalky, pithy accent.
My review: Overall, I found this wine to be different. I enjoyed the underlying taste of peach and the citrus aspect I usually hate was not too bad in this wine. It definitely tasted like a more Spring-ish wine and almost had an aftertaste of a fruit wine. Another aspect that surprised me about this wine was the oak base while still being a bit fruity. The makers made the mix work, in my opinion. I was able to taste this one with a bit of bread and am still unsure of how it would taste with food.
Santola Vinho Verde
Variety: White Blend
Region: Santola
Country: Portugal
Year: 2009
Winery review:
The first wine we tasted was produced by Santola. Santola’s Vinho Verde ($7) is a very pleasant lemon/citrus “beach wine” – you
Price: $8can drink during the day, not get too bombed, and still pair it with shell fish that evening. Quite fitting as the label of this delightful light wine has a crab on the front, which just happens to be the name of the Vineyard – Santola: aka spider crab according to Google language tools.
Casal Garcia produced the other Vinho Verde($7) that we slurped this weekend. Again with lemon, citrus and refreshing bubbles, the Casal Garcia showed just a little more finesse and a slightly smother finish than the Santola. This was my favorite to the two, but whichever offering you can find, give it a try. They are easy on the wallet and good to drink.
My review: Overall I found this wine to be too "citrusy". I was not able to taste it with food. However, I do not think it would go well. It tasted a bit little like cleaning supplies. I found the wine to be surprisingly smooth but too light for my taste.
