Kumala Zenith Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz 2010 (South Africa)

Nose: Sharp, blackberries?  Maybe even blueberries.

Taste: Earthy, super well-balanced, smooth.

Finish: A little bit of bitterness. The finish is sort of unremarkable.

What we say: V - "It smells like strawberry fruit roll-up - a hint, right at the end .... it's totally strawberry fruit roll-up!" "The taste grows towards the middle and has a nice fade.  If there were a taste graph over time, it does what you want."

What they say:  Smooth, full-bodied with red berry fruit, plums, and a hint of spice on the rich, lingering finish.

Rating:  6.5 (S - 7; V - 6)

Sandpiper Carignan-Shiraz Reserve 2009 (France)

Nose: Sharp, possibly something sweet underneath.

Taste:  Tart, tastes like something familiar in the beginning, like cranberry maybe?

Finish: Bitter

What we say: V- "It's not really distinctively anything."


What they say: Soft and approachable

Rating: 4

Canyon Creek Merlot 2010 (USA)

Nose:  Definitely not oaky, more on the berry side of things.  Cherries/blackberries?

Taste:  Unremarkable.

Finish:  Bitter in the finish, almost sour.





What we say:  V- "It smells like a dessert." "It doesn't have any distinguishable taste to it. It just tastes like a standard tannin-y red, almost like what they would serve at Communion."

What they say:  Hints of vanilla, aromas of black cherry, vanilla and pepper.  Taste of blackberries and blueberries.

Rating:  3.5 (S - 3; V - 4)

Hacienda López de Haro Tempranillo 2009 (Spain)

Nose: Super light to non-existent.

Taste: Pretty unremarkable, maybe a little woody.

Finish: A tiny bit of bitterness, but almost nothing to it.

What we say: S - "There's nothing exciting about it. I wouldn't buy it again." V - "That's about as light as you can get in a wine. It's almost the opposite of full-bodied - it basically does nothing. I think the only good thing about the wine is that it's not gross and it will get you tipsy, but I can't say anything more than that."

What they say: Tastes like red fruits and licorice.

Rating: 3  

El Rastro Tempranillo (Spain)

Nose: Pretty light, woody. Berries? Definitely on the oaky side of things.

Taste: Medium body. It doesn't really overpower you. Drinkable.

Finish: Berries in the finish. A little bit bitter.

What we say: S - "There's something that tastes familiar, I just can't put my nose on it." "It's definitely unique, unlike anything we've had so far, and I like that. But even though it offers something new, I still think some of the other wines we've had are better." V - "It's weird, what the hell is that taste?" "As I keep drinking it, it gets increasingly generic."

What they say: Aromas of black currants and bilberries. Balanced palate. Soft, gentle and fruity.

Rating: 6

Mesta Tempranillo 2010 (Spain)

Nose: Sweet. Berries, but something more specific. Maybe green apple. A bit of an unremarkable nose.

Taste: A sweetness to it, but dry. Super smooth. Pretty light for a red.

Finish: The finish is really clean. A bit of bitterness at the end.

What we say: V - "It certainly doesn't hit you over the head with flavour. It's good, but is it a wine I could drink all night? It could get a bit sickly."

What they say: Nuttin'

Rating: 6.5 (V - 7; S - 6)

Mesta Chardonnay-Moscatel 2010 (Spain)

Nose: Citrusy?  Pear, maybe apple as well.

Taste: Pear, but not overwhelming. Dry.

Finish: A bit citrusy. Zesty sour? Totally grapefruit.

What we say: V - "An interesting flavour. A relatively complex wine given the whites we've had so far. Definitely worth bringing to a party."

What they say: Nuttin'

Rate: 6.5 (V - 6; S - 7)

Berberana Reserva 2006 (Spain)

Nose: Light and pleasant.  Berryish.

Taste: Sweet, you can taste berries. Smooth and drinkable.

Finish: Disappears very quickly, very light.

What we say: S - "It's quite gulpable.  The finish disappears like it's water." V - "This is the party wine that you bring that won't disappoint."

What they say: Red fruits, spices on the nose. Well structured with a long finish.

Rating: 6.5 (V - 6; S - 7)