Tasting - Elsa Bianchi Malbec

Name: Elsa Bianchi Malbec
Variety: Malbec
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2015
Price: $9.95

Store Review: This Malbec is red-violet in color, with aromas of plumbs and black cherries and a subtle, smoky scent. The beauty of Malbec in Argentina is its ability to combine a rich, weighty mouth-feel with a soft silkiness normally associated with lighter wines. Elsa Malbec takes the promise of the nose through to the palate, with dark fruits that mimic the aroma. The soft, supple palate and smooth tannins lead to a round and harmonious finish.

My Review: The aroma of this wine was very sharp and oaky, and at the same time almost reminded me of liquor. It was a little bit sweet with dark fruits, but overall it was fairly tannic and dry.
I tried this wine with no food.

Tasting - Skyfall Red Blend

Name: Skyfall Red Blend
Variety: Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvedre, Cabernet Franc, Grenache
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington
Country: United States
Year: 2015
Price: $9.95

Store Review: A blend of 55% Merlot, 22% Syrah, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Mouvedre, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Grenache. Wonderful berry fruit on the nose with integrated oak notes woven throughout. On the palate black cherry and blackberries mingle with spice and oak notes. A broad and rich wine with a long elegant finish.

My Review: Just from smelling this wine, I could tell that it would be dry; it just smelled dry, along with dark fruit smells. The flavor was a little bit subdued though I picked up on the oakiness, and it was quite dry on the finish.
I tried this wine on its own with no food.

Tasting - Clara Benegas Chardonnay

Name: Clara Benegas Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2016
Price: $8.95

Store Review: A crisp, unoaked chardonnay with a hint of Sauvignon Blanc coming from the cold region of Mendoza in the Uco Balley. Clear and bright with greenish hues. On the nose it is fragrant and elegant with fresh citrus aromas as well as fruit such as passion fruit, pineapple, and white pear. Soft on the mouth with gentle acidity and a marked, pleasant aftertaste. Enjoy with seafood dishes, white meats, or simply as an aperitif.

My Review: This wine did not smell particularly pleasant to me, though I could not quite put my finger on what it was. It almost smelled like fruit that was no longer fresh. The flavor in the mouth was mellow yet tart at the same time, with a nice citrus-y note.
I tried it on its own with no food.

Tasting - Acronym Chardonnay

Name: Acronym
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: California
Country: United States
Year: 2013
Price: $6.95

Store Review: Simple and soft, this Chard is juicy, forward with hints of tropical fruit and a touch of vanilla. A nice acidity balances the rich fruit flavors.

My Review: This wine had a very welcoming sweet, fresh smell. The flavor was surprisingly tart while being buttery on the tongue, and had a fairly short finish for me.
I tried it on its own with no food.

Tasting - Villa Jolanda Moscato The Blue

Name: Villa Jolanda Moscato The Blue
Variety: Moscato
Country: Italy
Year: non-vintage
Price: $10.95

Store Review: The nose has the scent of ripe peaches. It is sweet with peach apricot and floral notes on the palate.

My Review: This wine is a beautiful color and I would be lying if I said that it didn't influence my opinion of it. Everything about it felt like candy; it smelled like blue raspberry candy and tasted similar. It was light and fresh, with some slightly honey notes to the taste. With the carbonation and low ABV, it felt like drinking a soda.

Tasting - Skyfall Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Skyfall Cabernet Sauvignon

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Columbia Valley, Washington

Country: United States

Year: 2015

Price: $9.95

Store Review: Inviting aromas of boysenberry, vanilla and dark chocolate swirl in the glass. Rich flavors of ripe black cherry coupled with hints of crème brulee sugar crust and butterscotch weave through the palate. Balanced acidity and polished tannins on the finish.

My Review: This wine felt fairly dry in my mouth, and the taste was very rich and up front. It was hard for me to pull out specific tastes and smells to describe it, though the cherry came across well.

I tried this wine with no food.

Tasting - Tres Ojos Garnacha

Name: Tres Ojos Garnacha
Variety: Garnacha
Region: Calatayud
Country: Spain
Year: 2013
Price: $6.95

Store Review: Bright purple. Blackberry, plum and peppery spice aromas exhibit good vibrancy and power. Firm cherry and dark berry flavors are subtly accented by a peppery nuance, picking up a hint of licorice with air. A candied plum note lingers on the warm finish, which is firmed by gentle tannins.

My Review: The main smells that I picked up from this wine were plum and dark berries. It felt fairly mellow in my mouth and the cherry and blackberry flavor wasn't overly in your face.
I tried this wine on its own.