Tasting - Wagner Finger Lakes Riesling Ice

Name: Wagner Finger Lakes Riesling Ice
Variety: 100% Riesling

Region: New York
Country: USA
Year: 2014
Price: $30

Winery Review: Gently pressing frozen grapes extracts only the juice while leaving water behind in the form of ice. The result is this luxurious, full-bodied dessert wine. Full bodied, aromatic and zesty, each sip explodes with vibrant fruitiness & leaves behind a lively, lingering finish.

My Review: I love ice wine and this is a really great wine. The nose was interesting with a zesty, citrusy smell with hints of stone fruit and apricots. The taste was more apricot with peach and liquid candy. It was silky smooth throughout with a short finish. 

Tasting - Stanburn Winery Poorhouse

Name: Stanburn Winery Poorhouse
Variety: 100% Chambourcin

Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2014
Price: $16

Winery Review: Contains 100% Chambourcin. Fermented in stainless steel and aged in neutral barrels. Black cherries, raspberries, blackberries, and chocolate notes. Nice smooth, fruity palate with a fresh fruit finish. Pairs well with cheesecakes or death by chocolate desserts.

My Review: I don’t come across the Chambourcin varietal much but this was a pleasant one. Red fruit is quite noticeable on the nose with berries and oak. On the palate there is more red berries specifically raspberries. It was pretty sweet but pleasantly so. I enjoyed it and would get it again.

Tasting - Stanburn Winery Meadow Breeze

Name: Stanburn Winery Meadow Breeze
Variety: 100% Vidal Blanc

Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2015
Price: $16

Winery Review: Contains 100% Vidal Blanc. Fermented and aged in stainless steel. Sweet and fruity. Aromas of peaches and tropical fruits, with a crisp, clean finish. A great porch wine. Pairs well with desserts. Perfect for lazy afternoons or summer cookouts.

My Review: This was a very nice sweet wine. I love Vidal Blanc as it’s one of my favorite white wine varietals. The nose was fruity with hints of peach and candy. The taste was also fruity with more peach. It was a silky sweet wine with a nice mouthfeel. The finish was short. I really liked this one.

Tasting - Stanburn Winery Big A Red

Name: Stanburn Winery Big A Red
Variety: Cabernet Franc and Chambourcin

Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2015
Price: $19

Winery Review: Contains Cabernet Franc and Chambourcin. Fermented in stainless steel and aged in neutral barrels. Aromas of strawberries and cream, red raspberries, blackberries, and violets. Soft, creamy palate with a fruity mid-palate. Fine, dusty tannins, with earthy hints. Smooth and persistent finish. Pairs well with grilled meats, raspberry cheesecake, BBQ, and medium to hard cheeses.

My Review: This was a great wine. It was similar to a varietal Cab Franc. The Chambourcin mellows it out a bit to make it really nice. The nose is of cherry, spice, and green pepper. The taste has spice and cherry with an earthy and tannice component. The finish is smooth and long. This was quite similar to their Cab Franc but a bit better I think. I really enjoyed this wine.

Tasting - Stanburn Winery Cabernet Franc

Name: Stanburn Winery Cabernet Franc
Variety: 100% Cabernet Franc

Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2015
Price: $17

Winery Review: Contains 100% Cabernet Franc. Fermented in stainless steel and aged in neutral barrels. Chocolate, cherries, strawberries, and violets on the nose. Smooth, spicy tannins and fruity mid-palate. Bright and lively, drink young. Pairs well with hard cheeses, grilled meats, herbed stews, and chocolate covered strawberries.

My Review: The nose on this wine was full of spice with cherry and green pepper. The taste was similar with more spice and cherry coming through. It was an earthy, tannic Cab Franc. The finish was pretty smooth though. I thought this was a nice Cab Franc and thoroughly enjoyable.

Tasting - Stanburn Winery Bull’s Blush

Name: Stanburn Winery Bull’s Blush
Variety: Chambourcin, Cabernet Franc, and Vidal Blanc

Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2014
Price: $16

Winery Review: Semi-sweet blush that contains Chambourcin rosé, Cabernet Franc rosé, and Vidal Blanc. Fermented in stainless steel and aged in neutral barrels. Sweet raspberry and strawberry notes with melon and peach aromas. Fruity and crisp upfront with a smooth and creamy finish. Pairs well with Spicy Mexican and ethnic dishes. Great for picnics. It’s like summer in a bottle!

My Review: This was an interesting combination of grapes for a rosé. I wanted to try this very much. The nose was kind of earthy, off fruit sort of thing with red berries. The taste was similar with more red berries and a slight tannic component to it. The fruit component was slight. The finish was smooth. This was a really interesting wine to behold.

Tasting - Stanburn Winery Highfly

Name: Stanburn Winery Highfly
Variety: Vidal Blanc and Traminette

Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2015
Price: $16

Winery Review: A semi-sweet blend of Vidal Blanc and Traminette, the nose displays intense tropical, rose petal, and fresh lychee notes. The palate is rich and mouth-coating with orange blossom, fig, and apricot flavors. Pair with spicey Asian dishes, light pastas, roast pork, and poultry dishes.

My Review: This was a really nice wine. The nose had floral notes with hints of peach and stone fruit. The taste was fruity with a slight sweetness. I got some tropical notes possibly pineapple. It had a smooth short finish and was quite tasty. 

Tasting - Abingdon Vineyard and Winery Appalachian Autumn

Name: Abingdon Vineyard and Winery Appalachian Autumn
Variety: 50% Traminette 50% Chambourcin

Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2015
Price: $15

Winery Review: A terrific blend of Traminette and White Chambourcin – a great sipping wine

My Review: This was a very nice blush wine. Very easy and drinkable. The nose is of red fruit and berries. The taste is of red berries especially raspberries. It is quite sweet. Nice finish. This would be a nice summer sipping wine.

Tasting - Abingdon Vineyard and Winery Traminette

Name: Abingdon Vineyard and Winery Traminette
Variety: 100% Traminette

Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2015
Price: $16

Winery Review: Slightly sweet with a hint of spice from its Gewurztraminer parent.

My Review: This was a delightful white wine. The nose was floral with notes of honey. The taste was silky and slightly sweet. Notes of honey and stone fruit come through. Nice finish.

Tasting - Abingdon Vineyard and Winery Misty River

Name: Abingdon Vineyard and Winery Misty River
Variety: 100% Chardonnel

Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2015
Price: $16

Winery Review: a dry, white table wine made from Chardonel grapes and aged only in stainless steel tanks.

My Review: I’ve never had the Chardonnel varietal before so this was going to be an interesting wine for me. The nose was floral smelling with hints of honeysuckle. The taste was a bit different as it was citrusy with notes of honeydew. It had a good balance with a crisp finish. It was a solid wine. 

Tasting - Abingdon Vineyard and Winery Red Hawk

Name: Abingdon Vineyard and Winery Red Hawk
Variety: Chambourcin and Chardonnel

Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2014
Price: $20

Winery Review: A soft fruity low tannin red wine which has become a wine for all occasions.

My Review: This was an interesting combination of grapes. I was excited to try it. The nose was of red fruit specifically berries. The taste was slightly sweet with more berries present and finished with a slight oaky flavor. The finish was long and smooth. This wine wasn’t very complicated and it was enjoyable. 

Tasting - Abingdon Vineyard and Winery Cabernet Franc

Name: Abingdon Vineyard and Winery Cabernet Franc
Variety: 100% Cabernet Franc

Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2015
Price: $26

Winery Review: A full flavored red wine with a smooth finish able to handle red meats or pasta.

My Review: Cab Francs are my favorite varietal. The nose on this one was cherry with some slight spice and oak. The taste was similar with more cherry and spice but with some leather component. It was quite tannic. The finish was short. I didn’t really like this wine. It was too acidic and didn’t provide me with a whole lot of flavor. It wasn’t enjoyable. 

Tasting - Beliveau Estate Reflection

Name: Beliveau Estate Reflection
Variety: 100% Traminette

Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2014
Price: $16

Winery Review: Notes of tropical fruit and flowers.

My Review: I’ve noticed that Virginia does Traminette well and this was a nice entry into the varietal. The nose had notes of overripe fruit and peach. The taste continued with more stone fruit specifically peach. This wine finished short but was silky smooth and had a nice mouthfeel. Solid wine.

Tasting - Beliveau Estate Soul Singer

Name: Beliveau Estate Soul Singer
Variety: 100% Chambourcin

Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $26

Winery Review: Old world earthy taste. Style, dry, Chambourcin with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.

My Review: This was an interesting wine. The nose was spicy with hints of cherry and vanilla. The taste had similar spice to it with cherry and maybe leather. There’s bite to it. It finished short. I don’t have much experience with this varietal but I am intrigued by it.

Tasting - Beliveau Estate Mystique

Name: Beliveau Estate Mystique
Variety: 100% Chardonnay

Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2014
Price: $20

Winery Review: Dry UNOAKED Chardonnay: Flavors of lemon, ginger, honey, and custard.

My Review: I am not a fan of Chardonnay. I’ve only ever had one or two good ones. This was solid. It was decent. The nose was floral and citrusy. The taste had lemon and stone fruit. It finished long and smooth but devoid of much flavor or excitement. It was okay.

Tasting - Beliveau Estate Portal

Name: Beliveau Estate Portal
Variety: Zinfandel

Region: Virginia/California
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $32

Winery Review: Full-bodied and smooth with tastes of cherry, vanilla, pipe tobacco, and leather.

My Review: This was an interesting wine. The grapes come from California because Zinfandel can’t grow in Virginia but the wine was produced in Virginia. The nose was vanilla and cherry and super fruit forward. It tasted earthy with some cherry. Some leather components and some oakiness came through as well. It finished long and smooth. It was decent.

Tasting - Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel Lodi

Name: Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel Lodi County
Variety: 76% Zinfandel, 24% Petite Sirah

Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2014
Price: $15

Winery Review: Blueberries, black plums, vanilla, and cocoa. Lush and mouthfilling, with incredibly silky tannins that slide into a long, flavorful finish. Our Lodi Zin explodes with blueberries, black plums, vanilla, and cocoa. Lush and mouthfilling, with incredibly silky tannins that slide into a long, flavorful finish. Uncork now for a tempting taste, or cellar for up to 10 years of flavor development.

My Review: The aroma of this wine was very potent and filled with plum, currants, and raspberries. The palate was full-bodied, fruity, and bold. I tasted mainly red fruit, berries, and boysenberry. It finished long and smooth. This was a very nice wine. I was pleasantly surprised. I bought it with the intention of using it in a beef stew. It turned out very nicely too.

Tasting - Horton Vineyards Cabernet Franc

Name: Horton Vineyards Cabernet Franc
Variety: 79% Cabernet Franc, 14% Tannat, 7% Merlot

Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2014
Price: $15

Winery Review: This wine was 100% steel fermented and then barrel aged (new and once used American & French oak) for 8 months. Aromas of violets and tar combine with spicy oak flavors in this robust wine.  Horton Cabernet Franc was the first in the United States using the traditional blending variety, Tannat. The result is a wine with a firm structure, ripe fruit and a spicy finish.

My Review: I was looking forward to this Cabernet Franc. Cab Francs are my favorite varietal. The nose was of oak and spice with some rotten grape thrown in. The taste was mainly red berries with more spice coming through ending with vanilla. The finish was smooth. The wine was just okay. It is not my favorite Cab Franc.

Tasting - Biltmore Christmas at Biltmore Red Blend

Name: Biltmore Christmas at Biltmore Red Blend
Variety: Red Blend

Region: North Carolina
Country: USA
Year: 2016
Price: $15

Winery Review: A seasonal favorite, this soft fruit-forward red wine, with flavors of berry and spice is an excellent complement to your favorite holiday dishes.

My Review: The nose is slightly oaky with light red berries specifically cherries and raspberries. The wine itself was light bodied and slightly sweet. I tasted red and black cherries and some vanilla. It had a short smooth finish. This was a nice easy drinking wine, not offending or anything.

Tasting - Cocobon Red Blend

Name: Cocobon Red Blend
Variety: Merlot, Zinfandel, and Petite Sirah

Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2014
Price: $8

Winery Review: We’ve sourced grapes from some of the finest California vineyards to craft a rich, silky red blend with a soft, luxurious finish. Unearth flavors of dark cherries and vanilla in every sip of this plush wine. Pair with grilled tenderloin, roasted chicken, or even a hearty pasta dish to discover Cocobon’s irresistible layers of flavor. Warm, sumptuous and approachable, Cocobon is crafted with great care in California. Each sip of this premium red blend unearths new layers of flavor and texture, delivering a truly rich and immersive experience at a price that’s far from rich.

My Review: This was gem for the price point. It had a distinctive dark, inky color. The nose was of black berries, black currants, and plum. The taste was of black cherries and blackberries with a slight vanilla at the end. This was a soft, silky wine with a smooth, short finish.

Tasting - Michael-David Winery Freakshow Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Michael-David Winery Freakshow Cabernet Sauvignon
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Sirah

Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $20

Winery Review: A dense, rich, full-bodied, meaty, almost Mediterranean style of wine...possesses

loads of black and red currants, notes of roasted Provençal herbs, licorice and

loamy soil undertones in a dense, full-bodied, supple and silky style.

My Review: This is a fantastic wine and one that I’ve been wanting to try for a while. The nose is of red fruit with notes of berries, plum, raspberries, strawberry, and currants. The taste is quite fruity with more berries specifically raspberries, plum, currants, and a slight vanilla note. This wine is full-bodied with a smooth, long finish. I absolutely enjoyed this.

Tasting - Chateau Morrisette Nouveau Chien

Name: Chateau Morrisette Nouveau Chien
Variety: Petit Manseng, Traminette, Chardonel, Chardonnay, and Viognier

Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2014
Price: $15

Winery Review: This floral blend of Petit Manseng, Traminette, Chardonel, Chardonnay, and Viognier has a beautiful nose of honeydew melon and lemons. The palate is dry and crisp with a lively acidity through the finish. This wine pairs well with shellfish, crab cakes, and oysters. Best served between 50-55º F

My Review: I am not a big fan of white wines but this was pretty good. I thought the nose was overtly tropical with a hint of pineapple. The taste was also tropical with a slight lemon on back. It was enjoyable with a crisp, clean finish. I would definitely get this again.

Tasting - Chateau Morrisette Vidal Blanc

Name: Chateau Morrisette Vidal Blanc
Variety: 100% Vidal Blanc

Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2015
Price: $25

Winery Review: This crisp, delicate wine displays a mineral character on the nose with hints of pear and cinnamon on the palate. The wine has an almost imperceptible sweetness that balances the natural acidity of the grape. Serving recommendations: 50-55°F

My Review: The glass looked like it contained clear water. The nose was pretty citrusy with notes of passion fruit. The taste was very nice with notes of stone fruit and pear. The finish was silky smooth. The Vidal Blanc is one of my favorite white varietals and this was no different. Great wine.

Tasting - Chateau Morrisette Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Chateau Morrisette Cabernet Sauvignon
Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $29

Winery Review: Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic choice for the red wine drinker and this Virginia example does not disappoint. Complex aromas of vanilla, plums, and a faint herbaceous character are combined with rich fruit and barrel derived flavors on the palate. Our 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon was produced with fruit from one of our quality growers in Tyro, VA. It was fermented in a stainless steel tank and aged in a blend of American and French oak for 18 months. Best served between 60º-65ºF.

My Review: The wine presented with a dark ruby red color. The nose was of strong vanilla and cherry which created a wonderful aroma. On the palate, the wine tasted of mainly red fruit specifically cherry with a bit of an oaky, vanilla flavor at the end. This wine finished long and smooth and was a delight.

Tasting - Chateau Morrisette 5 Red Grapes

Name: Chateau Morrisette 5 Red Grapes
Variety: Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot

Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2014
Price: $15

Winery Review: Aroma: Loaded with cherry and plum. Palate: Cherry, plum with velvety feel derived from French Oak. Finish: Long, smooth, crisp finish. This smooth, balanced blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chambourcin, Cabernet Franc, and Petite Verdot has a sensual lifted nose of dark tree fruits such as cherries and plum. The beautiful aromas carry through on the palate supported by a delicate, velvety mouthfeel derived from the careful use of neutral and second fill French oak. This smooth red has a lengthy finish with crisp acidity and lasting dark cherry flavors. The five varieties presented together in this wine were fermented separately as individual components. This allowed each variety to be harvested when it had reached its optimal maturity in the vineyard. These individual varieties each had unique characters that were meticulously blended to craft this elegant, smooth, and delicious red wine. Five Red Grapes is ready to drink now, but will continue to develop and improve over the next 3+ years.

My Review: The wine had a light ruby red color to it. The nose was of cherry with some light spice. The palate was similar with red fruit specifically tart cherry. It had a nice medium body and was smooth throughout with a long finish. This was a splendid red blend.

Tasting - Anciano Tempranillo Reserva Aged 5 Years

Name: Anciano Tempranillo Reserva Aged 5 Years
Variety: 100% Tempranillo

Region: Valdepeñas
Country: Spain
Year: 2010
Price: $8

Winery Review: Color: Ruby red shading to brick red at the edges

Nose: Balsamic and licorice notes along with rich fruit compote

Palate: Fresh fruits and balanced tannins

Finish: Long, intense finish

Food match: Stews, red meat and mature chesses

My Review: The nose on this wine was pretty fruity with notes of red berries, leather, and a bit of oakiness. The taste was earthy to me as I tasted mushrooms and licorice with a bit of a bite to it. It had a long finish but was not very smooth. I can’t say I really liked this much.

Tasting - The Seven Deadly Zins

Name: The Seven Deadly Zins
Variety: 100% Zinfandel

Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $16

Winery Review: A Lodi Zinfandel at its finest, this wine showcases the style you've come to love and expect from 7 Deadly Zins. It offers fresh ground pepper and an array of spices, thanks to the 12 months in American oak. Dried fruit (cranberries and dates) on the mid palate, with a finish reminiscent to a slice of warm boysenberry pie. This is a great value Zin that satisfies every time.

My Review: This wine is very fragrant. Big, bold berries specifically raspberries, currants, blackberries, and a hint of blueberry entice the nose. The taste is very fruit forward with red berries mainly raspberries and licorice with a hint of vanilla. It is very smooth and has a short finish. Quite tasty. Despite 15% alcohol it doesn’t taste hot. 

Tasting - Chateau Ste. Michelle Gewürztraminer

Name: Chateau Ste. Michelle Gewürztraminer
Variety: 100% Gewürztraminer

Region: Washington
Country: USA
Year: 2014
Price: $10

Winery Review: This Gewürztraminer is a flavorful wine with bright, expressive fruit and clove spice. This is a lush style of Gewürztraminer with intense floral character, yet it still maintains the grape’s natural crisp acidity. A majority of the fruit is from selected cooler sites in Washington’s Yakima Valley, which yields bright, aromatic Gewürztraminer fruit.

My Review: Gewürztraminer is my favorite white varietal with Vidal Blanc. I had high hopes and I was not disappointed. It was fruity on the nose, more tropical than floral. Some passion fruit came through. The taste was similar with more tropical notes mixed with honeydew and honeysuckle. It had a short finish and slightly sweet.

Tasting - Chateau Morrisette The Black Dog

Name: Chateau Morrisette The Black Dog
Variety: Chambourcin, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot

Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: NV
Price: $11

Winery Review: A unique blend of Cabernet, Chambourcin and Merlot produces this exceptionally smooth semi-dry red wine. Its appealing spicy character and medium body enhance many dishes as well as light hors d’oeuvres. It’s obviously well bred!

My Review: There is a strong smell of berries on the nose specifically blackberry and raspberry. It is very fruity. As for the taste, it is very similar with more berries coming through with some spices on the back end. It is slightly sweet but not too much. It is very enjoyable. It has a short finish but quite smooth.

Tasting - Horton Vineyards Chateau le Cabin Blueberry Wine

Name: Horton Vineyards Chateau Le Cabin Blueberry Wine
Variety: Blueberry and Petit Verdot

Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: NV
Price: $12

Winery Review: These fruit wines are the result of my hobby gone wild and the long lost dream of Chateau Le Cabin finally coming true.  In the early 1980's the great Horton experiment began in my log cabin in Aroda, Virginia.  The cabin's cellar was full of home winemaking gear and very small barrels full of the first tastes of Horton wine.  That little cabin was the start of this endeavor and these fruit wines celebrate that home winemaking spirit.

My Review: Fruity with sweet smelling fragrances on the nose filled predominantly with blueberries and a hint of pine needles. The taste is sweet but not overbearing. Very fruity like sipping liquid blueberries. There was a light vanilla component. Smooth short finish. I loved this wine.

Tasting - Llano Estacado Signature Red Meritage

Name: Llano Estacado Signature Red Meritage
Variety: 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 10.5 Cabernet Franc, and 6.5% Malbec

Region: Texas
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $12

Winery Review: We are allowed to include "Meritage" to our Signature Red only when the blend consists of traditional Bordeaux varieties. This particular blend is made up of four Bordeaux varieties: 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 10.5 Cabernet Franc, and 6.5% Malbec. We have introduced a small percentage of Malbec to the blend this year to enhance the color and structure. We hope you are as pleased with the results as we were. Aromatically, this wine is perfumed with hints of dried cherry fruit and plums. In the mouth it is silky smooth with hints of vanilla‑coffee bean and cocoa flavors complimented by a medium tannin structure.

My Review: The nose on this one was fruity with very distinct cherry notes highlighted with some red currants and vanilla. A slight oakiness lingers. The taste is subtle and a bit watery. A lot of red fruit is present consisting of mainly cherry and raspberries. The finish was long and smooth. I found this wine to be superb. I like this wine less when it breathed.

Tasting - Horton Vineyards Norton

Name: Horton Vineyards Norton
Variety: 93% Norton, 7% Touriga Nacional

Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2014
Price: $12

Winery Review: Our Norton has a dark, rich color and an intensely fruity aroma of plums and tart cherries. Ageing in oak for 14 months has given this wine a long, flavorful, spicy finish.  A wine for game, grilled sausages, and spicy ethnic foods.  93% Norton, 7% Touriga Nacional

My Review: The nose on this wine is very fruity with mostly red fruit like raspberries. It was very aromatic with hints of oak. The taste on the palate produced a similar result of red fruit predominantly raspberries and cherries with a hint of vanilla. I found it to have a short finish and very smooth. I really liked this wine and the Virginia Norton variety is becoming a favorite.

Tasting - Marchesi Antinori Villa Antinori Toscana

Name: Marchesi Antinori Villa Antinori Toscana
Variety: 55% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 5% Syrah

Region: Tuscany
Country: Italy
Year: 2011
Price: $10

Winery Review: An intense ruby red in color, the aromas are equally intense and complex with notes of ripe plums, sweet spices, and dried fruit. On the palate, the 2011 Villa Rosso shows a firm body, supple and velvety in its tannins, long on the flow, and savory on the finish and aftertaste.

My Review: This wine was earthy on the nose with a mix of dirt and cassis. It had a certain complexity to it. The taste was also earthy with a pruny quality. It had very high acidity which made for a harsh wine. The finish was long. This wine might have passed but maybe a nice hard cheese could make it more palatable. 

Tasting - Becker Vineyards Iconoclast Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Becker Vineyards Iconoclast Cabernet Sauvignon
Variety: 100%

Region: Texas
Country: USA
Year: 2015
Price: $8

Winery Review: Becker Vineyards Iconoclast Cabernet Sauvignon. This is the number one selling wine at Becker Vineyards. The cabernet has black cherry notes, raspberries and is a popular, easy drinking wine. Red berry fruit with spice and notes of rich balanced tannins.

My Review: The nose had an earthy smell to it with mushrooms accompanied by blackberries and slight oakiness. The taste was decidedly Old World filled with black fruit such as blackberries, blackcurrants, and raspberries. It had a slight tannic component. The finish was long and smooth. This was nice entry point into Texas wines and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Tasting - Trapiche Oak Cask Malbec

Name: Trapiche Oak Cask Malbec
Variety: 100% Malbec

Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2014
Price: $12

Winery Review: Purple-colored, the nose offers up plum and black cherry notes with a touch of black pepper. The palate is soft and round with ripe, saturated berry flavors. Finishes spicy and full with chewy tannins.

My Review: The nose is quite pungent with hints of cherries and raspberries with a note of vanilla. The taste is similar with an oakiness readily present. It has quite the fruity component with black cherry. Vanilla is present on the finish. It is very acidic with a bite at the end.

Tasting - The Winery at Bull Run Classic Blueberry

Name: The Winery at Bull Run Classic Blueberry
Variety: 100% Blueberries

Region: USA
Country: Virginia
Year: NV
Price: $19

Winery Review: This wine, made from ripe blueberries, is full bodied with a rich deep color. The berry nose and the tart flavor are balanced nicely with a delicate sweetness. The luscious essense of preserves lingers long after the last sip making it an excellent choice for brunch or dessert!

My Review: I don’t get to try blueberry wine often. This was delicious. With 4.5% residual sugar I knew it was going to be sweet. The nose was acidic mixed with shoe polish. The taste was like liquid blueberries. Great as a digestif. 

Tasting - The Winery at Bull Run Reconciliation

Name: The Winery at Bull Run Reconciliation
Variety: 50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 20% Petit Verdot

Region: USA
Country: Virginia
Year: 2015
Price: $39

Winery Review: Deep garnet in color, this full bodied, Meritage red blend of 50% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 25% Petit Verdot has an intense smoky nose of ripe blackberries and dried black cherries. An initial hint of sweetness meets your palate along with notes of vanilla, cinnamon and dried dark cherries, ripe plum, currents and then wet river stone. Truly balanced tannins give way to a lingering finish of smoky fruity licorice. Great now through 2025.

My Review: Fantastic wine. The nose was great with hints of oak, vanilla, and red fruit. The taste was super smooth with no tannic component. I got hints of red fruit mixed with chocolate. It had a solid long finish.

Tasting - The Winery at Bull Run Norton

Name: The Winery at Bull Run Norton
Variety: 100% Norton

Region: USA
Country: Virginia
Year: 2014
Price: $32

Winery Review: Norton is a rich, robust, and balanced wine. The nose of ripe plum and smoke is supported by dark cherry flavors and is encased by a bit of vanilla and spice. Finishing long, the firm tannins promise a long life in the bottle.

My Review: This was a delicious wine. The nose was full of spice, cherry, and vanilla. The taste was of black fruit primarily blackberries. It was a solid, full-body wine with a solid finish.

Tasting - The Winery at Bull Run Petit Verdot

Name: The Winery at Bull Run Petit Verdot
Variety: 100% Petit Verdot

Region: USA
Country: Virginia
Year: 2014
Price: $34

Winery Review: The Winery at Bull Run’s 2014 Petit Verdot has a nose of cooked dark cherries and plums, popcorn and pencil shavings. Medium bodied with balanced acidity, black cherries and plums greet your palate then transform into earthy notes and pencil shavings mid-palate.  Smooth tannins will linger on your tongue with just a hint of savory herbs on the finish.

My Review: Bold offering from Bull Run. Pungent nose with red berries and cherries. The taste was silky smooth with some spice on the palate followed by cherries and raspberries. Solid finish.

Tasting - The Winery at Bull Run Merlot

Name: The Winery at Bull Run Merlot
Variety: 100% Merlot

Region: USA
Country: Virginia
Year: 2014
Price: $30

Winery Review: Garnet in color, the 2014 Merlot has aromas of ripe cherries, plums and subtle oak and vanilla.  Light to medium bodied, juicy red and black cherries immediately greet your tongue followed by ripe plums, blackberries, and vanilla. The 2014 Merlot leaves you with subtle velvety tannins that linger long after you’ve finished. This well balanced Merlot is certain to grow only more delicious with time.

My Review: This was a good Merlot. It was approaching full body. The nose was aromatic with red fruit specifically raspberries with spice. The taste gave hints of raspberries, blackberries, and cherries. A slight spice came through. A slight tannic component was present at the end. 

Tasting - Hume Cabernet Franc

Name: Hume Cabernet Franc
Variety: 100% Cabernet Franc

Region: USA
Country: Virginia
Year: 2011
Price: $23

Winery Review: A pliant, lively wine to pair with roasted chicken or grilled salmon, this bears a forward note of red cherry, plus touches of cassis, char, herb and vanilla that add dimension. It's light to medium bodied, with fine, dusty tannins and fresh acids.

My Review: This was a nice entry for Cab Franc. This had a big nose filled with spice and berries. The taste was spicier than previous Cab Francs that I’ve had. I also got hints of raspberry and black pepper on the palate. It was a solid wine.

Tasting - The Winery at Bull Run Cabernet Franc

Name: The Winery at Bull Run Cabernet Franc
Variety: 100% Cabernet Franc

Region: USA
Country: Virginia
Year: 2014
Price: $32

Winery Review: Light-bodied and delicious featuring a complex combination of black fruits, black pepper, and smoke aromas with hints of blackberry, black and white pepper, and sweet spice flavors on the palate. Finishes easy with balanced tannins and a hint of vanilla and oak.

My Review: This wine had a big nose filled with spice and red fruit. The taste had hints of that spice with black pepper and cherry. The tannic component came through pretty well with an oaky finish.

Tasting - The Winery at Bull Run Delaney

Name: The Winery at Bull Run Delaney
Variety: 50% Riesling, 25% Vidal Blanc, 15% Traminette, 5% Petit Manseng, and 5% Viognier

Region: USA
Country: Virginia
Year: 2015
Price: $32

Winery Review: Exhibits fragrant floral aromas as well as white peaches, dried apricots, and subtle hints of ginger. Soft lilac and a touch of exotic lemongrass meet your palate along with pineapple, tropical fruits and nectarine that linger on your tongue, leaving you with a long sweet finish.

My Review: This was an interesting assortment of grapes and it worked. The nose is aromatic with tropical notes and passion fruit. The taste is pretty sweet with hints of stone fruit, peach, and apricot. Ends with a smooth finish.

Tasting - The Winery at Bull Run Riesling

Name: The Winery at Bull Run Riesling
Variety: 100% Riesling

Region: USA
Country: Virginia
Year: 2015
Price: $29

Winery Review: With a nose of exotic pineapple, lemon and lime, this semi-sweet, light-bodied Riesling is like biting into a crisp, tart green apple, followed by notes of key lime, and ending with a creamy finish of apricots and peaches.

My Review: This was a nice Riesling. The nose was full of aromas especially stone fruit. The taste was also of stone fruit with light citrus notes. It has a nice sweetness to it. It was smooth on the finish.