Vina Borga Borsao

Name: Vina Borga Borsao

Variety: 100% Grenache
Region: Campo de Borja
Country: Spain
Price: $6.95

Winery review: 86 Points – Robert Parker

Also made from 100% Grenache, the 2012 Vina Borgia was fermented and aged in stainless steel. Its medium dark ruby color is followed by abundant notes of strawberries and black cherries offered in a straightforward, medium-bodied, soft, hedonistic, round style. It is hard to believe a wine this good can sell for $7 a bottle. Enjoy it over the next 1-2 years.

My review: This wine was strange in a good way. I got some woody, smoke notes on the nose and it was definitely something I couldn’t place. It was straightforward in some of the fruity flavor but had a serious other note that made it complex. I was surprised that this wine was in the $7 category. Usually for this cheap I find wines I like because they’re simple; this one was definitely wasn’t that. I liked this wine a lot.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Entrada Malbec 2012

Name: Entrada Malbec 2012

Variety: Malbec
Country: Chile

Year: 2012
Price: $5.95

Winery review: Entrada Malbec is a medium bodied, easy-drinking example of what Argentinean winemaking is best known for. The wine has typical Malbec characteristics of berry and plum, mingling with hints of warm spice flavors. (online review)

My review: I bought a bottle of this after the tasting and with the discount got it for $5.63. That puts this wine well into the super cheap, Barefoot/Rex Goliath category of affordability. Even though it’s super cheap, it’s also an excellent Malbec. I could see this being a wine in the $10-$12 category and I would still feel like I was getting my money’s worth. It had really juicy blackberry flavor but was also quite dry and acidic. I really enjoyed this wine.

The nose was interesting and something I couldn’t quit place. It smelled like a damp field, does that make sense? Like the smell of wet grass/farm/hay. I liked it a lot. I will really enjoy drinking this bottle I bought!

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Protocolo Vino de la Tierra de Castilla 2012

Name: Protocolo Vino de la Tierra de Castilla

Variety: Airen/Macabeo blend
Region: Castilla
Country: Spain

Year: 2012
Price: $6.95

Winery review:  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.

My review: Biggest. Citrus. Bomb. Ever. This wine was awesome! I liked the little hint of mint and lemon on the nose and it carried really well into the rest of the wine. It was dry and very balanced and clean. This would be a great wine for people to transition from sweet wines like moscato (what I see a lot of people drinking when they don’t want something to taste like “wine”) to more dry whites. This was a very pleasant wine.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Villa da Filicaja Chianti Superiore 2009

Name: Villa da Filicaja Chianti Superiore 2009

Variety: Chianti Superiore – 90% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot
Region: Tuscany
Country: Italy

Year: 2009
Price: $12.00

Winery review:  Plum, some oak, and light acidity. Rather dry with a moderate finish. Generally good for an inexpensive Chianti. (Cellar Tracker)

My review: I wanted to try a Chianti and chose this one at Vintage Cellar because it was reasonably inexpensive compared to the other offerings they had. This one was pretty good but I’m not sure it was a typical Chianti. I think next I want to try one of the Chianti Classico’s with the straw basket.  Anyway, back to this wine. This wine poured dark. It smelled of dark, dark red fruits, musty, and was a little off-putting to be honest. I tasted this wine expected a Syrah-style kick judging from the darkness and big aromatics but was met with a super light tasting wine. In some ways, it reminded me of the red earthy flavor of a Malbec. As it warmed it definitely softened and became more drinkable.

I would probably drink this wine again but not at $12 (even though I’m sure it was a fair price). I want to try other Chianti.  

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Beaulieu Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2012

Name: Beaulieu Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2012

Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: California
Country: United States

Year: 2012
Price: $7.99 (Kroger)

Winery review: Pale, green-yellow color. Distinctive grapefruit, honeydew and lemon zest aromas are very forward and fresh, with a touch of green apple adding a high note. Medium bodied, with melon-citrus fruit flavors framed by ripe acidity. Zesty, highly aromatic, yet richer than previous vintages.

My review: Great for the price! I’ve tried other Sauvignon Blanc at this price and this one rocks. The nose was highly aromatic with nice fruity, citrusy notes. I got a little bit of sweet candy as well on the nose. The mouthfeel was very thin and what I’d expect from a Sauvignon Blanc. This really lacked the grassy, summer-ey notes that New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc’s I’ve had; I haven’t found that in a California Sauv Blanc yet.

I cooked with this wine in my mushroom risotto and really enjoyed it for that as well. When I started heating it and took the lid off my rice the wine smell permeated. It was really interesting that it smelled like a grape vine and in no way like the notes I smelled upon tasting this wine.

I tasted this with a mushroom risotto I made. It paired nicely and balanced the earthy and spicy onion and mushrooms.