Tasting- No Prob-llama Rose Wine

 

Name: No Prob-llama Rose Wine

Variety: Espadeiro and Padeiro

Region: Protugal

Year: 2021

Price: $10.99

Shop Review: The beauty of pink wine is that it agrees with almost every meal, and for that reason, No Prob-Llama is the best everyday wine you’ll find. The racy acidity makes it the perfect sipper for all kinds of summer salads, anything with cheese (yes, that means pizza!), and barbecue

Wine Folly: Unable to find grape varieties in the Wine Folly textbook.

Personal Review: This rose had an acidic smell to it, similar to a Pinot Gris. I thought the flavor was somewhat fruity and high in citrus fruits. It was a light body rose that is semi-sweet. Overall, I would try this wine again in the future.

Tasting: Who’s Who Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Name: Who’s Who Cabernet Sauvignon

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Toledo, Spain

Year: 2020

Price: $3.99 (375 mL)

Shop Review: Cabernet is one of the most popular grapes in the world; it never goes out of style. We love it for its gusto, its zest, and its fervor. The Who’s Who sees that legacy and raises it, serving you notes of juicy plum and maraschino cherry, eucalyptus, leather, and cocoa. A little bit of oak aging has softened the edges just a tad, but don’t be mistaken: Who’s Who holds nothing back.

Wine Folly: pg. 88 Cabernet Sauvignon was described as having a rich flavor and high tannins. I could definitely taste the high tannins of the wine. It was also described as having dark fruits (cherry and currants) and baking spices as flavors and those were brought out in this wine.

Personal Review: Immediately when having this wine, there was a pretty bitter smell. I could smell the cedar. The wine had a full body and I was able to taste the dark fruits and baking spices. I would say this wine was pretty good but did not really stand out to me.

Tasting- Barefoot Merlot

 

Name: Barefoot Merlot

Variety: Merlot

Region: Modesto, California 

Year: 2003

Price: $6.99 (on sale)

Shop review:

This wine exudes ample blackberry, raspberry, and dark chocolate with a touch of anise. Surprisingly smooth finish. - Rachelle O’Connor

Wine Folley: pg 131

Merlot was described as having a smoky and chocolaty finish. I could definitely taste the smoky finish, but not as much the chocolaty finish. The flavor of the wine is noted to have a cherry and dried herb flavor. I was able to taste those flavors. 

Personal review: 

Overall, this wine was a rather dry, medium-body wine. The smell and taste both had cherry and smokey finishes to it. The chocolate and vanilla flavor did not come out to me, but I could taste the dried herbs. 

Tasting- Blue Nun Riesling

Name: Blue Nun Authentic White

Variety: Riesling 

Region: Qualitatswein Rheinhessen (Germany)

Year: 2020

Price: $9.99

Shop review:

With a characteristic sweetness and fruity acidity, Blue Nun Riesling is hard to pass by. Instead, it is a German Riesling that every wine fan should try at least once. Cultivated in the Rhine, the wine embraces the structural characteristics and noble origin of its varietal. Its crispiness and ripeness are out-of-this-world as they stand in perfect balance. People, just go for it!

Wine Folly:

pg158-159 Riesling- I definitely get the green apple and light body. After the first taste, it was like I took a bite of a granny smith apple. I also got the lime and fruity aroma of the wine. I couldn't take the petroleum or floral flavors, mostly just fruit.  

Personal review:

 This was a delicious wine! This was a pretty sweet wine with lots of fruitiness. I got a strong green apple flavor, more of this flavor than anything else, and enjoyed its light body. Next time I want to pair this with shrimp or crab, maybe even spicy Asian cuisine. 9/10 would try again

Tasting- Upshot Red Wine Blend

 

Name: Upshot Red Wine Blend

Variety: Malbec, Zinfandel, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Riesling

Region: Sonoma County, California

Year: 2019

Price: $16.99

Shop review: Excellent nose with a hint of vanilla, pleasantly dry, lightly red with some blackberry, nice quick finish with a pleasant acid level -Harris Wood

Wine Folly: pg 125 Malbec, I got the blackberry and dark fruit flavors but I couldn't get any of the cocoa. Next time I drink this blend I'll try and see if I can taste it. pg 189 Zinfandel, I got the sweet tobacco taste, there was some bitterness to this blended wine so this makes sense. 

My review: Great wine! I usually lean towards white wines, but this was a wine I would purchase again. The smell was fruity and a bit oaky. The dark fruit flavors came out when I tasted it. I also tasted a bit of bitterness like oak or sandalwood. I would be interested to try this wine again with food. Overall, would try again!