Ryan Snyder

I thought this Cotes de Ventoux had a good flavor profile of extracted black cherry and cassis, as well as barrel spices. But I couldn't get over the fact that this didn't taste like a Cotes de Ventoux, but instead more like a young New World counterpart.

Rating: 3.20 / 5.00

Blueberry and pomegranate are the first flavors you'll notice when you sip this wine. And all you will need is one sip to know this is a wine you will happily drink until the last drops are gone. Hints of chocolate and espresso make this seem as appropriate for dessert as it is for dinner.

Rating: 3.80 / 5.00

Bright black cherry, black raspberry and blueberry line the palate from this fruit-forward wine. Oak and barrel spices lead the finish with a touch of baseball card bubble gum to polish it off. Give this a few years of time to mature in the bottle.

Rating: 3.15 / 5.00

Deep earthy notes of rich potting soil, char and hummus, with black cherry and stewed black raspberries. This Syrah / Bonarda blend would love to be paired with a grilled pork tenderloin. I firmly believe that this will satisfy the palate of any lover of Napa Cabs.

Rating: 3.60 / 5.00

On the nose this smells like a full-blown Cabernet Sauvignon. On the palate, this also displays a very forward flavor profile, meaning that it is much more flavorful than I had expected. Notes of stewed cherries, jammy raspberries and freshly rolled cigars make this a very rich rose.

Rating: 3.80 / 5.00

I love Torrontes. I do. This isn't the first time I've announced my affection for the grape, and after tasting this Balbo Torrontes I know it won't be the last. Canned pear, white peach, and nectarine with a smattering of flowers, and is nicely balanced between dry and sweet.

Rating: 3.40 / 5.00

I just can't seem to get enough Torrentes wine these days - they are all delicious and excellently priced. The Bodega Norton featured lovely floral notes on the nose, with a mixture of green apple, grapefruit and peach on the palate. Everyone who tasted it picked up the bottle to try to memorize the label. And for under $10? Nice!

Rating: 3.60 / 5.00

Call me a sucker for a good Moscato d'Asti, I don't care, I loved this. Honeyed apricot, baked peach and uber-floral. My dinner guests gasped upon the first whiff of this wine. 100% Yum!

Rating: 4.40 / 5.00

Now this is a Cava with some funk! Reminded me more of a mid-level Champagne than a Cava. Super apple, with chalk and seashells that combed the cheeks on the way down. Long finish. Great with oysters or mussels!

Rating: 4.05 / 5.00

Gorgeous cranberry color in the glass. Fresh cranberry and strawberry on the front of the palate, with a fruit-followed-by-oak short finish. Serves as a good compliment to a chicken caesar salad.

Rating: 3.10 / 5.00

Susana Balbo's vines feature protective covering from both birds and the vicious hail storms that pound the vines.

The Andes loom over the Dominio del Plata Winery, which is the home for Susana Balbo and her wines.