Tasting - Rex Goliath Cabernet Sauvignon

Rex Goliath Cabernet Sauvignon
Chile
No vintage listed
$4.50
"Big fruit-forward flavors sure to please. Our hearty cabernet is dark and intense - it's long on fruit and short on attitude."

My opinion: The nose is dry and smoky, which would make you think it was aged in oak barrels for a little while, but this is certainly not the case with the price. The body is extremely heavy and this is a very bland, dry wine. The bitterness dries the tongue out. This wine was not even worth the small price, and it's proof that awards from critics have nothing to do with individual palettes.

Tasting - Opera Prima Sweet Red

Opera Prima Sweet Red
La Mancha, Spain
2010
$4.95
"This is a robust red wine with a full body and a natural sweetness derived from native Spanish grapes that bask in the Mediterranean sun until a perfect ripeness is achieved. Excellent with birgers and barbecued meats."

My opinion: This wine is very light in color. The nose is pretty tangy, bitter and dry. There are hints of fruit, but definitely not a powerful component, which makes sense for a sweet red. The initial taste definitely isn't that of a red, it's very soft and not very alcoholic. It tastes like a berry compote with hints of rhubarb coming through. It turns very sweet - strong raspberry component - when paired with a salad with vinaigrette.

Tasting - Tisdale Cabernet Sauvignon

Tisdale Cabernet Sauvignon
Modesto, California
No vintage listed
$4.95
"With flavors of ripe blackberry and plum, our experienced winemakers have crafted this cabernet sauvignon to an enticing, full-flavored wine with medium body and an impressive finish."

My opinion: The nose is a little harsh at first, but becomes softer with a few more whirls. The wine is blood red in color, very dark. The body is very thin and the wine is very smooth, with a somewhat sweet aftertaste, which is unusual for a red, and especially a cabernet. After a while, there is a distinct smell of dry wood on the nose. When paired with a habanero cheddar, the wine dulls the pepper at first, but then really accentuates the after bite that the cheese has.

Tasting - Bay Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon

Bay Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon
Livermore and Ripon, California
No vintage listed
$3.95
There is no vineyard description on this bottle.

My opinion: This wine had a very dry nose, and the acid really came through in the forms of some household chemical cleaners. There was also a somewhat metallic element to the nose. Not a pleasant bouquet, but not entirely off putting. The taste was semi-bitter, although the mid-palette came through as slightly sweeter, and the wine was smooth and soft on the tongue. This was what you would expect for the price.

Tasting - Lucky Duck Moscato

Lucky Duck moscato
Chile
No vintage listed
$3.95
"Delightful flavors of sweet peaches and honeydew melon. Enjoy alone or pair with cheeses, a fruity dessert, or spicy Asian cuisine."

My opinion: This wine has an extremely fruity smell, and is surprisingly semi-acidic with the first taste. After the initial perception however, the mid-palette comes in very fruity and very smooth. The after taste is even sweeter, and you certainly don't want to plan on drinking a different wine after this one. A pretty good palette cleanser, especially for the price.

Tasting - Highlander Blush

Highlander Blush

Radford, Virginia

2012(?) - seems to be very recent, but there is no year on the bottle

$3.95

-There is no manufacturer description with this product, either on the bottle or online

My opinion: This wine has a very fruity smell, almost like syrup. It's a very intriguing, welcoming smell. The drink is very smooth and sweet, very soft with no bite. This was by far the best wine of the day, and absolutely a steal at the price. 

Tasting - Finca del Castillo Tempranillo

Finca del Castillo Tempranillo
La Mancha, Spain
2011
$4.95
"Rooty, spicy, and baked on the nose, with aromas that lean towards raisin. The palate is more gritty and acidic, with raisin, cola, and spicy flavors. Darkens up on the finish, which is long and peppery, with adequate juiciness and a final note of tomato."

My opinion: This wine has a much stronger smell, but a very smooth flavor. It goes down easy, with a bit of a bite for an aftertaste. Not overly flavorful, which is too bad since it has a very nice texture.