Tasting - Crane Lake Riesling 2013

Name: Crane Lake Riesling
Variety: 100% Riesling
Region: Lake Region, California
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: Punchy lime and lemon mark this off-dry Riesling with a staccato rhythm, adding edge to honeyed tones of peach and honeysuckle. Exceptionally priced, it's satisfying and elegant.

My Review: This wine had a big nose full of papaya and lemon. On the palate, the wine started off sweet and ended up dry with a tiny bit of acidity in the mid-palate. Overall, it was a delightfully light and elegant wine with a cheap price to enjoy after dinner.

I did not have food with this wine.

Tasting - Crane Lake Petite Sirah 2013

Name: Crane Lake Petite Sirah
Variety: Petite Sirah, Segalin, & Proprietor's Dry Red
Region: Lake Region, California
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: Shows a certain rustic simplicity now, with youthfully jammy flavors of blackberries, cherries and currants, sprinkled with cocoa and pepper and wrapped into dusty tannins.

My Review: This wine was difficult for me, as I could not pick out any distinct flavors in either the nose or on the palate. I did notice, however, that this was a tart and dry wine with noticeable tannins. This was the first petite sirah that I have tasted and sadly it did not make a good first impression due to the lack of noticeable flavors.

I did not have food with this wine.

Tasting- Yellowtail Reserve Merlot 2010

Name: Yellowtail Reserve Merlot
Variety: 100% Merlot
Region: South Eastern
Country: Australia
Year: 2010
Price: $12

Winery Review: Round, velvety, and mouth filling, this is a satisfying Merlot at a bargain price. Aromas of black cherries and he's fold in hints of cinnamon and mocha, while the flavors are generally fruity, but was a slightly note. Soft on the finish. Drink now.

My Review: On the nose I detected red fruits and black cherries. On the palate, the only distinct flavor I could find was pepper. Otherwise, I did not find the taste of this wine to be pleasurable at all and that distracted me from even evaluating its body and tannins.

I did not have food with this wine.

Tasting - Takutai Pinot Gris 2009

Name: Takutai Pinot Gris

Variety: 100% Pinot Gris

Region: Nelson

Country: New Zealand

Year: 2009

Price: $21

Winery Review: Since this wine sighs in at 14%, the fruit was clearly very ripe. That ripeness is reflected in the flavors as well, which feature nectarine and honey accented by hints of white pepper. It's full-bodied and lush, with a long finish that mingles the sensations of sweet and spicy. 

My Review: This wine had a big nose that smelled primarily like tangerine.  On the palate, a pear flavor was evident at the beginning but the finish was primarily spice that did not leave a good taste. Overall, it did have a good body that was pretty smooth except for the end. Even though this is a white wine, I think aging it just a little bit could help with spiciness of the wine at the end.

I did have food with this wine.

Tasting - Mars & Venus Sauvignon Blanc 2013

Name: Mars & Venus Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: 2013
Price: $10

Winery Review: Citrus and gooseberry aromas are mild but typical of the variety. A basic citrus palate delivers modest tangerine and nectarine flavors which lead to a mild, pithy finish showing light citric notes.

My Review: On the nose I picked up lemongrass aromas and some faint citrus aromas.  The flavor on the palate was not distinct to me, but it resembled a citrus flavor that was bitter toward the end.  Overall, the wine was smooth with few tannins.

I did not have food with this wine.

Tasting - Opera Prima Pink Moscato NV

Name: Opera Prima Pink Moscato

Variety: Blend of 97% Muscat and 3% Tempranillo

Region: La Mancha

Country: Spain

Year: NV (nonvintage wine)

Price: $10

Winery Review: This fine sparkling presents an intense aroma of fresh berries and tropical fruits with hints of white lower petals. Delicate bubbles caress the palate offering a silky and pleasant sweetness well balanced by a crisp, refreshing finish. Ideal on its own, as an aperitif or with all types of sweets and desserts. Serve it very cold, between 7 and 9 degrees.

My Review: On the nose, I detected grapefruit and floral components.  On the palate, I found tropical fruits.  This wine seemed to be a little acidic but sweet at the same time.  It reminded me somewhat of a grapefruit soda because the bubbles reminded me of a caffeinated beverage.  I found this blend to be delightfully delicious and would recommend it as a dessert wine.

I did not have food with this wine.

Tasting - Cortenova Primativo 2012

Name: Cortenova Primativo
Variety: 100% Zinfandel
Region: Puglia
Country: Italy
Year: 2012
Price: $10

Winery Review: Dark, ruby-red color with violet highlights. Intense and fragrant bouquet with a rich array of red and black fruit aromas and flavors. Harmonious and velvety on the palate. Great balance and structure.

My Review: This particular wine did not have a distinct bouquet to me, but it was strong.  On the palate, I got a bold earthy taste with hints of spices as well.  While it seemed somewhat creamy in the mid-palate, this wine has me puckering by the finish.

I did not have food with this wine.

Tasting - Riebeek Cellars Shiraz 2013

Name: Riebeek Cellars Shiraz

Variety: 100% Shiraz

Region: Swartland

Country: South Africa

Year: 2013

Price: $12

Winery Review: The Riebeek Shiraz is a lively rich wine, full bodied with a subdued smokiness on the nose and a pallet of ripe fruit and interesting spice.

My Review: On the nose, I smelled red fruits and cheese. On the pallet, the red fruits were not as prominent in taste as they were in smell.  This wine as very dry and even had hints of spice.  I picked up a bottle of this to eat with my lasagna tomorrow night and am interested to see what flavors I detect then.

I did not have food with this wine.

Tasting - Petrucco Ribolla Gialla 2009

Name: Petrucco Ribolla Gialla

Variety: 100% Ribolla Gialla

Region: Friuli

Country: Italy

Year: 2009

Price: $21

Winery Review: This well-priced Friulano would pair nicely with spicy Indian or Thai food thanks to the creaminess and richness of its mouthfeel. In addition, the wine offers a solid bouquet of peach and melon that would not compete with fragrant ingredients.

My Review: Before even drinking this wine, I was surprised to find that it was a 2009 white wine since whites are usually consumed right away. However, this pleasantly surprised me as I found mango and tropical fruits on the nose. On the palate, I felt a light wine with citrus, lemon, and a creamy texture.

I did not have food with this wine.

Tasting - Le Jade Sauvignon Blanc 2013

Name: Le Jade Sauvignon Blanc

Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Languedoc

Country: France

Year: 2013

Price: $10

Beverage Testing Institute Review: "Silvery straw color. Lively aromas and flavors of pineapple, yellow apple, melon, and Meyer lemon with a silky, bright, dry-yet fruity medium body and a tingling, complex, medium-long finish with notes of lemongrass, pear, and lemon with no tannins and no oak. Bright and crisp with layers of juicy pineapple, pear, lemongrass, and ripe melon make this perfect for repeated sipping or enhancing fresh farm to table cookery."

My Review: On the nose, I detected floral and melon components.  It was a very light wine in the mouth with clear flavors of lemongrass and undetectable tannins.  The finish on this wine was somewhat bitter rather than crisp. Not my favorite Sauvignon Blanc that I have tasted.

I did not have food with this wine.

Tasting - Santa Luz 'Alba' Sauvignon Blanc 2013

Name: Santa Luz 'Alba' Sauvignon Blanc

Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Valle Central

Country: Chile

Year: 2013

Price: $11

Winery Review: Like any good Sauvignon Blanc, this opens with oceanic aromas of citrus fruits, seas foam, and mineralogy. In the mouth, it is juicy and stony, with washing acidity. Flavors of honeydew, lime, and a nice grassiness finish firm, with good backbone. Drink this with salads, shellfish, and ceviche.

My Review: On the nose, I picked up floral scents and some citrus.  On the mouth, there were definitely hints of lemongrass that gave this wine a bit of zest.  It had a smooth taste for most of the tasting but seemed to become more acidic at the end of the wine.  

I did not have any food with this wine.

Tasting - San Elias Carmenere 2014

Name: San Elias Carmenere

Variety: 100% Carmenere

Region: Valle Central

Country: Chile

Year: 2014

Price: $9

Review: This medium-bodied red offers roasted plum, kirsch, sage, and game notes, with light tannins supporting the spicy finish.

My Review: On the nose, I smelled blackberries and also a cheese smell. Despite its soft tannins, this wine felt very acidic and left an unpleasantly dry and long finish in my mouth. I was not a fan of this wine but think that pairing it with cheese could help change my mind. 

I did not have any food with this wine.

Tasting - Coastal Vines White Zinfandel 2013

Name: Coastal Vines White Zinfandel

Variety: 100% Zinfandel

Region: California

Country: USA

Year: 2013

Price: $6.95

Review: This White Zinfandel has a beautiful pink salmon color and crisp acidity. The wine shows juicy flavors of strawberry and cherry, with a tangy sweet finish. Pairs well with mild cheese, crab cakes, and Spicy Asian cuisine.

My Review: On the nose, I detected hits of flower petal and red fruits. This wine was light and definitely refreshing on the palette.  This wine also left a long and sweet finish.  As I have been sick for the past week with a stuffy nose, I would like to try this wine again to further assess its flavors and complexity.

I did have any food with this wine.

Tasting - Ilurce Tempranillo 2008

Name: Ilurce Tempranillo
Variety: 100% Tempranillo
Region: Rioja
Country: Spain
Year: 2008
Price: $14

Winery Review: Deep cherry color with purple edgings, bright, limpid, and strong. Elegant aroma with a good balance among red fruits, licorice, and butter. Tasting is full, fleshy, and well-structured.

My Review: On the nose, I detected red berries, hints of spice, and buttered popcorn. However, this finishing this wine definitely made me pucker and it felt a little too dry. For some reason, the taste of "cleaning product" came to my mind as I switched this wine around in my mouth. Since I have been sick for the past week with a stuffy nose, I'd be interested in trying this wine again to better assess its flavors and my reaction.

I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Riebeek Chenin Blanc 2014

Name: Riebeek Chenin Blanc
Variety: 100% Chenin Blanc
Region: Swartland
Country: South Africa
Year: 2014
Price: $10

Winery Review: Packed with upfront tropical fruit, the nose charms with an abundance of guava and gooseberries. The pallets follows through with fruit flavours, balanced by a crisp acid to ensure a fresh and fruity style of wine.


My Review: On the nose, I noticed the tropical fruits and a pear smell.  Despite these smells, I did not get as sweet of a taste on my palette. This wine did have soft tannins and a long finish.  Being sick the past week with a stuffy nose, I'd like to try this wine again to further analyze the flavors.

I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Canyon Road Moscato 2013

Name: Canyon Road Moscato 

Variety: 100% Muscat

Region: Sonoma County, California

Country: USA

Year: 2013

Price: $12.00, Sale: $6.95

Winery Review: Floral, with tea rose and cherry blossom notes, this balanced Moscato shows flavors of ripe white cherry, candied plum, and almond on the smooth finish.

My Review: On the nose, the first scent I picked out was "Bath and Body Works" due to the familiar floral scents and sweetness. On the palate, I detected melon, citrus, and red fruits.  I loved the flavors and smoothness of this wine so much that I picked up a bottle for myself on the way out!

I did not have any food with this wine.

Tasting - Resonata Nero D'Avola 2013

Name: Resonata Nero D'Avola

Variety: 100% Nero D'Avola

Region: Sicily

Country: Italy

Year: 2013

Price: $14.00, Sale: $6.95

Winery Review: Dense ruby red with violet reflections. Lush and ripe bouquet full of mulberries, blackberries, and spice. Harmonious and well-balanced with good berry fruit in a spicy background. Excellent with lamb, grilled and barbecued meats, dishes with olives or capers and seasoned cheeses.

My Review: This wine had a beautiful red color swirling through my glass.  On the nose, the red fruits were prominent with just a hint of a kick. It was by far my favorite-smelling wine of the day! However, this wine ended up being a disappointing wine due to its tartness and dry bite at the end that was not there at the beginning.

I did not have any food with this wine.

Tasting - Canyon Road Pinot Noir 2013

Name: Canyon Road Pinot Noir

Variety: 100% Pinot Noir

Region: Sonoma County, California 

Country: USA

Year: 2013

Price: $12.00, $6.95 sale

Winery Review: Rich, fruit forward cherry flavors, soft tannins, a medium body, and a smooth velvety finish. Pairs well with cream soups, salmon, and savory pork dishes.

My Review: Upon smelling this wine, I immediately could smell cheese (and then wanted to eat some).  After a few more sniffs and sips, I could move past the cheese aroma and detect the red fruits in this wine.  The drink was smooth in mouth but the end felt a bit overly dry. Overall, I would drink it again but it is not my favorite Pinot Noir that I have tried from California.

I did not have any food with this wine.

Tasting - Maipe Torrontes 2013

  

Name: Maipe Torrontes

Variety: 100% Torrontes

Region: Mendoza

Country: Argentina

Year: 2013

Price: $7.95

Winery Review: Spring-like nose of fresh white peaches, pears, green apples, green melon, and hints of jasmine and rose petals. On the palate, it has a beautiful structure and acidity along with fruit flavors and plenty of body. Well balanced, this wine displays pleasant freshness with citrus notes and a long finish.

My Review: On the nose I smelled flowers, melon, and a light hint of lavender.  I noticed this wine was fairly light in its body but delicious nonetheless with its citrusy flavors and soft tannins.  While this wine was fairly good, it was not a "WOW" wine to me.

I did not have food with this wine.

Tasting - Hugl Gruner Veltliner 2013

Name: Hugl Gruner Veltliner

Variety: 100% Gruner Veltliner

Region: Niederosterreich

Country: Austria

Year: 2013

Price: $14.00, Sale: $7.95

Wine Enthusiast Review (89 points): "A fresh scent of green pears greets the nose. What follows comes in a light, crisp citrus vein, supported by a rounded mouthfeel. A refreshing wine for immediate drinking." -Anne Krebiehl, MW

Review: On the nose I got mostly a citrus smell accompanied with pear and a little bit of honeydew. However, these pear and honeydew flavors did not stick out to me upon tasting.  I found this wine to be quite acidic at the finish which was disappointing since the beginning and mid-pallate were smooth. 

I did not have any food with this wine.