Sorella In Store Tasting January 2012

2011 was a down year for in-store tastings in the Twin Cities. I could count on one hand the number of worth while trips to wine shops to sample before buying. Most were offered the same stuff as the last one and the wines were boring to say the least. Too much corporate wine. Sorella's started the year off right with some really nice wines and here is a recap plus pricing:

2010 Viña Herminia Rioja Rosado - Spain, La Rioja, Rioja
Nice rose with strawberry, raspberry and minerals. Light overall with a short to medium finish. Refreshing. (87 pts.)

2008 Anima Negra ÀN/2 - Spain, Balearic Islands, Vi de La Tierra Mallorca
Smoke, ripe fruit and earth. Easy drinking wine and a crowd pleaser. Drink now. (87 pts.) $20.97

2009 Bodega Del Desierto Cabernet Sauvignon 25/5 - Argentina, La Pampa, Alto Valle del Río Colorado
Very nice wine with blackberries, cherry, spice and minerals. Balanced and medium finish and a good price come together for a no brainer purchase. (90 pts.) $12.97

2008 Bodegas Salentein Malbec Killka Collection - Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco
A great value wine to start off 2012. Blueberries, plum, spice and mild pepper. Medium finish and not a powerhouse wine but real elegant. Drink now and at $12 a real great every day wine. (90 pts.) $11.97

2008 Pulenta Estate Cabernet Sauvignon La Flor - Argentina, Mendoza
Not great and simple featuring spice, minerals and light fruits. Short to medium finish. (84 pts.) $14.47

2010 Viña Cobos Malbec Felino - Argentina, Mendoza, Lujan de Cuyo
Much better effort then the 08 La Flor Cab. While young should age for five years featuring blackberries, spices, floral and mineral notes. (90 pts.) $16.47

2006 Kilikanoon Shiraz Testament - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
Floral, blueberries, cedar, underbrush and blackberries. For $25 not a bad buy. Drink now to five plus years. (90 pts.) $24.97

2009 Viña Cobos Cabernet Sauvignon Bramare - Argentina, Mendoza, Lujan de Cuyo
Well made wine with cherry, oak, spice and plum. Complex overall with a medium to long finish. Should improve with age. (91 pts.) $32.97

2006 V.E.S.A. Seña - Chile, Aconcagua
Very nice wine and it helped it was open a day before. Bordeaux like with tobacco, spice, minerals and underbrush. Soft fruits and balanced. Medium to long finish and showing nice acidity. Hard to find a flaw on this wine and worth $50. 93-95. (93 pts.) $49.97