Mini-reviews 46: Beronia, Toad Hollow, Neprica, Mazets

Reviews of wines that don ?t need their own post, but are worth noting for one reason or another. Look for it on the final Friday of each month:

? Beronia Tempranillo 2010 ($15, sample, 14%): Spanish red is rich, has lots of red fruit, and is professionally made. That it doesn’t especially taste like it ?s from Rioja is only a problem if you care about those things.

? Toad Hollow Chardonnay 2011 ($13, sample, 13.9%): California white is unoaked, and mostly tastes as it always does, with green apple fruit. But seems to be a hint of sweetness.

? Tormaresca Neprica 2011 ($12, sample, 13.5%): This vintage of the one-time favorite is more balanced and Italian than the 2010, but still firmly in the international style with lots of sweet red fruit.

? Mazets de Saint Victor C tes du Rh ne Villages 2010 ($10, purchased, 13%): This French red blend has funky, Rhone-like aroma, but that’s about the only interesting thing. Thin and watery in the middle and quite disappointing.