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.

Tasting - Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau

Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau
Beaujolais, France
2012
$3.95
"Bright and tangy, offering a classic banana note on the nose, with flavors of raspberry, wild strawberry, and light spice. Modest finish."

My opinion: It has a very red smell, but it's a soft taste for a red. Nice and light, but not overly fruity, which makes it mildly appetizing. Still not something too fantastic though, which of course matches the price.

Tasting - Mars and Venus Chardonnay

Mars and Venus Chardonnay
Spain
2011
$5.95
"A very nice value Chardonnay that comfortably over-delivers vs. its modest price tag. No oak here, just bushels of clean, crisp, Chardonnay apple and stone fruit with a hint of caramelized pineapple. Juicy and clean, this is a mid-weight white that's just perfect for parties or weeknight sipping."

My opinion: this wine has the smell of champagne, a very dry smell. There's really not a ton of flavor in it, and the wine itself seems very watery (not in texture, but in flavor). This one was even less desirable than the Soave.

Tasting - La Cappuccina Soave

La Cappuccina Soave
White
Veneto, Italy
2011
$7.95
"Bright straw in color. Delicate on the nose, with notes of flowers and almonds. Dry, well-structured and delicately fruity, with hints of bitter almonds on the finish that is typical of Garganega-based wines."

My opinion: Fruity, slightly acidic smell. Very bitter taste, with a slightly less bitter aftertaste. Not the best white wine I've had, for sure. I did not have it with food.