Koonunga Hill

A Shiraz Cabernet blend from Penfolds that really has me saying "Yes please!" Wow, great blend. Balanced, full bodied, a nice spicy finish. I taste both the Shiraz and Cabernet, both great representations of each grape.

I do love Australian wines, and this is no exception. It was part of the wine club and online searches show it at around $12/bottle. It's above my threshold, but definitely worth the splurge. I think it would be one worth letting sit for a couple if years. G'day!

El Cortijillo Tempranillo La Mancha

"Dark ruby. Red berry and cherry aromas are complemented by subtle pepper and spice. Juicy and seamless, offering plum, raspberry and cherry flavors and good, straightforward appeal. Finishes smooth and spicy, leaving a bitter cherry note behind." From Sue's notes.

La Mancha is a Spanish wine (probably a DUH from anyone who read Don Quixote in high school) and is one of the largest wine making areas in the world!

This is a June wine club selection and one I may have saved, if my wine cellar wasn't hidden by boxes as we try to sell the house. I'm still learning about Tempranillos and rather enjoy them. This one is very cherry, especially day 2. I am enjoying it, but I'm not sure I'd seek it out again.

Frascati

Cantina Villafranca Frascati: a traditional, Italian white wine. Light bodied, a bit of almond in the aroma and first taste. A tiny spice in the finish. 

As I'm watching Master Chef right now and the challenge is agnolotti, a ravioli kind of pasta from the Piedmont region of Italy. Perhaps if I get ambitious in my new role as a stay at home mom, I'll attempt it. But then again, maybe not.

NoteBook WA|3NV, Columbia Valley

Another red blend. These are definitely my favorite. Complex, tasty and fun. The Notebook is a blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cab Franc and Malbec. This winery utilizes centuries old process of blending wine lots from multiple vintages with multiple varieties. The artistry is in the blending and relies on the winemaker's skill & experience.

The grapes are all from Columbia Valley. I  think that a trip to Columbia Valley will be necessary in the future!

Angel Food Cupcake Wine

A creamy, white blend. I picked this up on sale at World Market for $8.99 and I believe this is the only Cupcake wine that wasn't at my party. 

This obviously doesn't taste like Angel Food cake. It is light bodied, apple-y and a bit spicy. Great lingering finish. It is an interesting combination of flavors that is growing on me. I'll pick this up again as I do enjoy the creamy whites.