Tasting - Castle Rock Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Castle Rock Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Paso Robles, California
Country: USA
Year: 2010
Price: $9.95

Winery review:   "Our Castle Rock Cabernet Sauvignon is produced from grapes grown in California's Paso Robles growing region. Here, the Santa Lucia Mountain Range helps to create a climate which provides ideal growing conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, with hot summer days and cool nights. This is a classic, rich Cabernet Sauvignon with a dark purple color and expressive aromas of black cherry and spice. On the palate the wine is intense, luscious and fullbodied with a rich core of berry and earthy flavors, and there are hints of spice and vanilla in its long harmonious finish. It makes an excellent companion to beef, lamb, venison and most cheeses." 

My review: This has been one of my favorite red wines. There is an initial fruity aroma of berries, with a very subtle hint of vanilla. It is silky and a pleasure to drink. I tried the wine again about 24 hours after opening it. I still got the berry aroma and taste this time around, but the vanilla was much more apparent. The flavors seemed to be a little stronger, but it still had the same silky feel. A good wine that I would buy again.

I tasted this wine with creamy cheese ravioli. The winery commented that it goes well with beef, lamb, venison, and cheese. It complemented the cheese quite nicely and had an overall silky feel.

Tasting - Dona Sol Merlot

Name: Dona Sol Merlot
Variety: Merlot
Region: Sonoma County, California
Country: USA
Year: 2009
Price: $8

Winery review:  “Doña Sol Merlot is a rich red-colored wine that has plentiful fresh fruit with hints of wild berries, raspberry, and vanilla. The fresh fruit continues into the palate and ends with a smooth finish.” John Allbaugh, Winemaker 

My review: I've had trouble finding a good red wine. This one is not overly dry and is easy to drink. Noticed a slight aroma of berries. Snagged it on sale at the Vintage Cellar for $4.95. This wine proves that cost does not always correlate to value, for this a nice, pleasant tasting merlot.


I tasted this wine on its own, without food.

Tasting - Waterbrook Sangiovese Rose

Name: Waterbrook Sangiovese Rosé

Variety: 100% Sangiovese
Region: Walla Walla, Washington
Country: USA
Year: 2010
Price: $11

Winery review:  "This gentle rosé is shocking pink in color but subdued in its strawberry and rhubarb flavors. Flavors pick up intensity on the dry finish. Drink now." Harvey Steiman, W.S.  (10/15/2011)  — 89

My review: Bright pink color with a pleasant fruity aroma. Pick up a hint of peach and strawberry. Would expect it to taste rather sweet, based on its sweet fruity smell. It is however quite nice with crisp, clean flavors and not too overwhelming. Plus it was a steal, on sale for a mere $5.95!

I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Rocland Duck Duck Goose Chardonnay

Name: Rocland Duck Duck Goose Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: South Australia
Country: Australia
Year: 2009
Price: $15 at Vintage Cellar


Winery Review: Medium-bodied and fruit-forward, as expected from the packaging and price point. There’s tropical fruit, pineapple and citrus—even a banana-like note. Finishes clean. W.E. (11/1/2009) - 86


My Review: Decent chardonnay. Very light and refreshing. Pick up a hint of melon and a general fruity aroma. This unoaked white wine is crisp with a light fruit flavor. Only drawback is that it is 14% alcohol and has a rather hot finish from the alcohol. Got it on sale for only $7.95 so not too bad.


I tasted this on its own without food.