Tasting #40 Fetzer Gewurztraminer

Tasting #40 Fetzer Gewurztraminer

Name: Fetzer Gewurztraminer

Varietal(s): Gewurztraminer

Region: California
Year: 2014
Price: $8.95

Winery review: 87 – Wine Enthusiast

A rainy minerality on the nose of this sweet wine manages to cut through the sugared oranges, honeysuckle and ripe, tropical white fleshed fruit, from peach to cherimoya. The palate is full of honeyed apples, white peach and pineapple, but the decent acidity and chalky element stops it short of treacly.

Personal review:  The nose on this wine was floral and sweet. There were aromas of peaches and apricots and a little perfumy-ness as well. On the palate this wine was extremely sweet, but smooth and crisp. This would be best served extremely chilled on a hot summer day, with fresh fruits to compliment the wine.

Tasting #39 Maipe Malbec

Tasting #39 Maipe Malbec
 Name: Maipe Malbec

Varietal(s): Malbec

Region: Mendoza , Argentina
Year: 2015
Price: $6.95

Winery review: "The 2015 Maipe Malbec is another 100% Malbec, with a deep purple color and a style similar to the Lexicon, with chocolaty, blackcurrant and blackberry fruit, as well as touches of licorice and earth. It is delicious, soft and round." - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (March 2016), 87 pts - Excellent Wine Values for Under $25

Personal review:  On the nose this wine was smoky, more along the lines of tobacco smoke. There was a deep earthiness to this wine and a little hint of the darker fruits like plum and blackberry. On the palate this wine was medium bodied, but was very well balanced in both tannins and acidity. The finish was short and there were hints of cherry and berries on the palate, with a little hint of spice. I would pair this wine with red meat such as steak or pot roast.

Tasting #38 Manoir du Carra Beaujolais Nouveau

Tasting #38 Manoir du Carra Beaujolais Nouveau

Name: Manoir du Carra Beaujolais Nouveau

Varietal(s): Gamay

Region: Beaujolais, France
Year: 2014
Price: $4.95

Winery review: A pretty, floral wine, with a rose petal note underscoring the rich pomegranate and sweet plum flavors. The fresh acidity is balanced, and a light spice note lingers on the finish.

Personal review:  On the nose this wine had a hint of plum and raisin. The body was extremely light and the finish had a balanced tannin with low acidity. To me this wine had a little hint of espresso/chocolate and cherry notes as well. This wine was not paired with food, however, I would pair this with light pasta dishes or chocolate anything.

Tasting #37 Mapreco Vinho Verde

Tasting #37 Mapreco Vinho Verde

Name: Mapreco Vinho Verde

Varietal(s): Vinho Verde

Region: Vinho Verde, Portugal
Year: 2015
Price: $7.95

Winery review: The cherry color reveals a slightly fizzy wine that is a very fruitful rosé made from the traditional vinho verde white grapes. Adding a splash of red to offer flavors with notes of strawberry, cherry and berries. A delightful twist on the original.

Personal review:  On the nose this was very fruitforward with hints of cherries and strawberries. There appeared to be a hint of sweetness, but on the palate the slight acidity cut any chance of overbearing sweet notes. The berry notes came through on the palate and this wine was also very light bodied and short in the finish. I would pair this with a sharp, hard cheese such as cheddar.

Tasting #36 Mars and Venus Chardonnay

Tasting #36 Mars and Venus Chardonnay

Name: Mars and Venus Chardonnay

Varietal(s): Chardonnay

Region: La Mancha, Spain
Year: 2014
Price: $5.95

Winery review: A very nice value Chardonnay that comfortably over-delivers vs. its modest price tag. No oak here, just bushels of clean, crisp, Chardonnay apple and stone fruit with a hint of caramelized pineapple.  Juicy and clean, this is a mid-weight white that's just perfect for parties or weeknight sipping.

Personal review:  On the nose this was acidic with citrus notes such as lemon and orange zest. On the palate this wine was very light bodied and did not appear to have been oaked. The stainless stelel made this wine very crisp and it had a short finish. The notes on this palate were fruit forward with hints of pear and green apple. Although this wine was not paired with food, I would serve it with grilled chicken salad.

Tasting #35 Beringer Chenin Blanc

Tasting #35 Beringer Chenin Blanc

Name: Beringer Chenin Blanc

Varietal(s): Chenin Blanc

Region: California
Year: 2014
Price: $5.95

Winery review: A fresh green-apple aroma and vivid citrus and crisp apple flavors are supported by vibrant acidity in this medium-bodied wine. The texture is smooth but crisp, making lots of good food pairings come to mind, from pre-meal cheese, to salads, seafood and veggie pastas.

Personal review:  On the nose I got strong hints of honey and sweetness. There were some fruit hints of citrusy fruits like lemon and orange. On the palate this wine was sweet and full of fruit notes. Some of the fruit notes I got were peach and apricot, but the finish was short and smooth. I would pair this wine with peach cobbler or strawberry shortcake.

Tasting #34 Carraia Aglianico

Tasting #34 Carraia Aglianico

Name: Carraia Aglianico

Varietal(s): Aglianico

Region: Campagna, Italy
Year: 2013
Price: $15

Winery review: Produced in the Campania region of Italy, this Aglianico has delicious black fruit flavors with hints of licorice, volcanic soil and tar notes. Classic in nature, yet in a lighter, more crowd-pleasing style, the Carraia is made of the ancient Aglianico grape. This black grape originated in Greece and today is widely grown in Basilicata and Campania.

Personal review:  This was very earthy on the nose. I got a hint of plum and raisin. On the palate this wine was medium almost full bodied and had a higher tannic quality to it that the last wine. There were hints of the dark fruits like blackberry and subtle hints of star anise, which I dislike in my wines. I would pair this with with a gamy meat such as lamb or venison.

Tasting #33 Siema Vino Rosso

Tasting #33 Siema Vino Rosso

Name: Siema Vino Rosso Dolcetto, Barbera, Nebbiolo

Varietal(s): Dolcetto, Barbera, Nebbiolo

Region: Piedmonte, Italy
Year: NA
Price: $10

Winery review: Intense ruby red with soft garnet nuances in the glass, the Rosso is intriguingly fresh, fruity and spicy on the nose. Perfectly round and balanced, the wine is particularly soft and dry. Pair with simple dishes like fresh cheese, ham, salami, or pizza for a divine culinary experience.

Personal review:  The nose on this wine was full of cherry and berries such as raspberry and blackberry. I got a slight hint of tannin, but it was still very smooth in the finish. This palate was full of fruit notes with a little hint of pepper. Although this wine was not paired with food, I would pair it with something chocolate based like a molé sauce.

Tasting #32 Dom de la Foret

Tasting #32 Dom de la Foret

Name: Dom de la Foret Grenache Cinsault Rose de Mediterranée
Varietal(s): 50% Cinsault and 50% Grenache

Region: Provence, France
Year: 2015
Price: $15

Winery review: A stony, pure style, with a warm paving stone note framing the dried cherry and rose water notes. The long, watermelon rind—inflected finish is finely tuned. Shows length and cut, staying lacy in feel. 50% Cinsault and 50% Grenache.

Personal review:  This bottle was very enticing, it was one of those that I would want to buy even though I know nothing about the actual wine itself. I was also very excited to try this as it had Grenache in it, and I just finished watching Gary's video about Grenache. The nose on this was very floral, with hints of rose petal and a perfumy quality as well. On the palate this wine was light bodied and had a lot of fruit notes to it as well. I got some hints of strawberry and cherry, which is typical of a rosé. This wine was not paired with food, but I would pair this with some type of grilled meat like chicken or pork.

Tasting #31 Bricco dei Tati Cortese

Tasting #31 Bricco dei Tati Cortese

Name: Bricco dei Tati Cortese

Varietal(s): Cortese

Region: Piedmonte, Italy
Year: 2013
Price: $10

Winery review: The Washington Post “Great Value! Treat this terrific little white like a red: Don’t chill it too much, then let it open for a half-hour to develop its enticing tropical fruit flavors. It’s dry, but the fruit gives an appealing illusion of sweetness. Great as an aperitif or with light seafood dishes.”.

Personal review:  I have never tried a wine from this varietal before so I was very excited to try this. On the nose this wine smelled very fresh and acidic. On the palate this wine had a bright acidity that had hints of grapefruit and lemon zest. The body was very light and the finish was extremely short. This wine was not served with food but I would pair it with a seafood dish or a fruit salad.

Tasting #30 Crane Lake Riesling

Tasting #30 Crane Lake Riesling

Name: Crane Lake Riesling

Varietal(s): Riesling

Region: California
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95

Winery review: The trademark German red grape varietal Dornfelder has a lovely purity of soft red berry fruit. Integrated soft tannins combined with forward fruit flavors make for a perfectly balanced everyday sipping wine. Great with grilled red meat, sausage and chicken. Best served slightly chilled.

Personal review:  On the nose there was a hint of strawberry, peach and apricot. This was very sweet and smooth. This was extremely sweet, definitely not the type of wine I tend to go for. To me, this would only pair well with something extremely spicy to balance out.

Tasting #29 Crane Lake Shiraz

Tasting #29 Crane Lake Shiraz

Name: Crane Lake Shiraz

Varietal(s): Shiraz

Region: California
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95

Winery review: Beautiful ruby appearance, with blackberry and pepper notes. Tannins and fruit marry well for a soft finish. This wine pairs well with sharp cheddar cheese and hazelnuts. Also try it along with roast lamb at Easter time, veal marsala, or grilled salmon.

Personal review:  On the nose I got hints of strawberry and a little hint of smokiness. On the palate this wine was medium bodied and finished smooth. The tannins were well balanced with the cherry fruit notes. There was also a little hint of spice in this, maybe clove. I would pair this with ribs, bbq, or something with beef in it.

Tasting #28 Georges Duboeuf Nouveau

Tasting #28 Georges Duboeuf Nouveau
 Name: Georges Duboeuf Nouveau

Varietal(s): Gamay

Region: Beaujolais, France
Year: 2015
Price: $12

Winery review: George Duboeuf is THE king of Beaujolais.  His wines are full of pop, charm and great flavor and his Beaujolais Nouveau is no exception.  A cornucopia of expressive fruit wrapped in an almost-bubblegum-like frame; it is the flagship Nouveau.

Personal review:  The nose on this was very fruit forward, with hints of blueberry and blackberry. On the palate this was medium, almost full, bodied and had a balanced tannin to it. The finish was bold with dark fruits like blackberries and raspberries, but not long. This wine was not paired with food, but I would pair it with a fatty cheese.

Tasting #27 Maipe Torrontes

Tasting #27 Maipe Torrontes

Name: Maipe Torrontes

Varietal(s): Torrontés

Region: Mendoza, Argentina
Year: 2014
Price: $14

Winery review: The wine has a spring-like nose of fresh white peaches, pears, green apple, 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 a pleasant freshness with citrus notes and a long finish.

Personal review:  I am not familiar with this varietal at all, so I was anxious to try it. The nose was very fresh with peach and apricot. There was also a little floral note as well. On the palate this wine was medium bodied and finished smooth. There was a slight hint of sweetness, but I attribute this to the fruit forward notes in this wine. This was not paired with food, but I would pair it with something spicy or a sharp cheddar.

Tasting #26 Tonnino Pinot Grigio

Tasting #26 Tonnino Pinot Grigio

Name: Tonnino Pinot Grigio

Varietal(s): Pinot Grigio

Region: Sicily, Italy
Year: 2014
Price: $14

Winery review: Tonnino’s exotic example of Pinot Grigio has a straw to pale gold color. It is fresh and clean on the nose with fruity notes of pear, green apple and white peaches. The palate is true to the nose with a fresh acidity, coriander and lime notes followed by a crisp finish. This wine pairs well with youthful aperitifs, clams or mussels, pastas and risotto dishes.

Personal review:  This wine was light bodied and had a nose of green apple and a slight hint of unripe pear. The palate was smooth and crisp, which is expected for a Pinot. Overall, I enjoyed this wine. It was light and had a balanced acidity that would pair well with a creamy cheese or a white fish.

Tasting #25 Peter Mertes Sweet Red Dornfelder

Tasting #25 Peter Mertes Sweet Red Dornfelder

Name: Peter Mertes Sweet Red Dornfelder

Varietal(s): Dornfelder

Region: California, Germany
Year: 2014
Price: $12

Winery review: The trademark German red grape varietal Dornfelder has a lovely purity of soft red berry fruit. Integrated soft tannins combined with forward fruit flavors make for a perfectly balanced everyday sipping wine. Great with grilled red meat, sausage and chicken. Best served slightly chilled.

Personal review:  The sweetness was very apparent on the nose, with fruit aromas of raspberry, strawberry, and cherry. These notes were also apparent on the palate. The finish on this did not linger, but the sweetness would pair well with sharp cheeses or anything spicy.

Tasting #24 Castello Sonnino

Tasting #24 Castello Sonnino

Name: Castello Sonnino Chianti Montespertoli

Varietal(s): blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Trebbiano and Malvasia del Chianti (percentages not provided)

Region: Chianti, Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $15

Winery review:  blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Trebbiano and Malvasia del Chianti. Rich and modern, with a dark, saturated color and aromas of graham cracker and lemon rind. A juicy palate packed with plum and raspberry is carried by a creamy texture that’s rather toasty in terms of flavor. The finish is round, full and chocolaty.

Personal review:  The nose of this was strong with acetone, raspberry, plum, and raisin aromas. On the palate this wine felt medium bodied with medium tannins that made this wine slightly dry. There were hints of cherry and dark fruit throughout. The finish on this was extremely flat and did not linger. I would pair this with a lamb dish or any gamey red meat.

Tasting #23 Bolla Bardolino

Tasting #23 Bolla Bardolino

Name: Bolla Bardolino Magnum

Varietal(s): 60% Corvina, 30% Rondinella, and 10% Molinara

Region: Bardolino, Italy
Year: 2013
Price: $18

Winery review: A blend of 60% Corvina, 30% Rondinella, 10% Molinara this bright ruby red wine has hints of black cherry on the nose.  It is soft and fruit-forward, with black-fruit flavors followed by a bright and fresh finish. Serve it as the Italians do – young and lightly chilled. Pairs perfectly with fleshy fish, beef, lamb, red-sauced pastas and pizza.

Personal review:  Immediately on the nose I got a strong earthiness with a subtle hint of mocha. After swirling I sensed a higher alcohol content with a hint of bonfire smoke. On the palate I also got the earthy, dirt quality I was expecting. There was also a slight hint of green vegetable component as well. The body on this wine was light, with very few tannins, and a short finish. This was not paired with food, but I would pair it with any pasta and red sauce.

Tasting #22 Tenuta le Velette

Tasting #22 Tenuta le Velette 
                     Orvieto Classico

Name: Tenuta le Velette Berganorio Orvieto Classico

Varietal(s): 30% Trebbiano, 30% Grechetto, 20% Malvasia, 15% Verdello, and 5% Drupeggio

Region: Orvieto, Italy
Year: 2011
Price: $18

Winery review: 88 – i- winereview
"The Berganorio Orvieto is a subtle wine with a bright palate. It shows white flowers on the nose and light citrus notes in the mouth. Its neutral character means it can accompany a wide range of foods. A blend of 30% Trebbiano, 30% Grechetto, 20% Malvasia, 15% Verdello, and 5% Drupeggio. The estate has 103 hectares on the hill opposite the hill town of Orvieto."

Personal review:  On the nose this appeared to have a slight fruity sweetness to it. I also got an orange blossom bouquet as well. The color was a deep, dark yellow that made me worry about it being past its prime, but I was pleasantly surprised by this wine. On the palate I got a slight bite that made me think it may have been oaked, but since I am not familiar with any of the varietals in this wine I attributed the bite to the tannins from the grapes. This wine was light bodied and had a balanced acidity. There was a slight mineral component that I feel would pair well with any light hors d'oeuvre. 

Tasting #21 Aveleda Praia

Tasting #21 Aveleda Praia

Name: Aveleda Praia

Varietal(s): 40% Arinto, 30% Loureiro, 20% Trajadura and 10% Azal

Region: Vinho Verde, Portugal
Year: 2013
Price: $10

Winery review: 92- Wine & Spirits 
A blend of 40% Arinto, 30% Loureiro, 20% Trajadura and 10% Azal. Full of fruit, a lasting peach flavor targeted with laserlike acidity through the finish. It has the bite of salty ocean air and a lot of zing. For langoustines.

Personal review:  On the nose I got a burst of fresh, young acidity with a crushed green apple background. On the palate this wine was medium bodied with a balanced tart acidity. I got a little hint of orange zest on the mid palate and a smooth peach finish. Overall, this was a nice enjoyable wine that I would pair with any fish/seafood dish or salad with fresh fruits.

Tasting #20 Crane Lake

Tasting #20 Crane Lake

Name: Crane Lake
Varietal: White Zinfandel

Region: California
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95

Winery review: Light pink wine with floral and tropical aromas: flavors of strawberry, peach and raspberry with a touch of sweetness. This wine is an easy sipping wine that also pairs well with a wide variety of foods ranging from crab cakes or pâté to spicy Asian dishes, glazed ham, and grilled sea bass.

Personal review:  I was pleasantly surprised that this White Zin was not too overbearingly sweet. On the nose I smelled strawberries and a little floral hint. It was very light bodied and seemed like a nice, light strawberry wine. There were little peach hints throughout and I could see this going well with a dessert like peach cobbler or strawberry shortcake.

Tasting #19 Vina Galana

Tasting #19 Vina Galana

Name: Vina Galana
Varietal: Alicante Bouchet

Region: Spain
Year: 2012
Price: $15

Winery review: From the rare Alicante Bouchet, one of the few grapes in the world with red flesh  this wine has a plush texture carring flavors of brandied cherry and chocolate ganache in this round red. Light tannins and gentle acidity impart a lovely, balanced structure.

Personal review:  The bouquet of this wine was reminiscent of a bonfire with a slight hint of espresso. On the palate this wine was very earthy and had a taste similar to what I'd imagine a wet forest floor would taste like. The finish had very balanced tannins and lingered with the smoke I originally smelled. This wine would pair very well with anything dark chocolate related.

Tasting #18 Tonnino Syrah

Tasting #18 Tonnino

Name: Tonnino
Varietal: Syrah

Region: Sicily, Italy
Year: 2013
Price: $14

Winery review: An intense red color. Aromas of violet and blackcurrant enriched by hints of liquorice and black pepper. In the mouth it is full, round, slightly tannic and with a spicy note on the finish.

Personal review:  Personally, on the nose I smelled rubbing alcohol with a slight hint of blackberry. There was a much higher acidity to this wine on the palate and a short, tannic finish. On the palate there were hints of star anise, which I never find too appetizing, whether it is food or wine related. The body was full, but like I said the finish was fairly short. This tasting was not paired with food, but I would eat this with a nice, hearty steak.

Tasting #17 Riebeek Cellars

Tasting #17 Riebeek Cellars

Name: Riebeek Cellars
Varietal: Viogner

Region: Swartland, South Africa
Year: 2015
Price: $12

Winery review: Washington Post
This is a luscious viognier, featuring a deep yellow color, that explodes with juicy peach and honeysuckle flavors. Viognier can easily become flabby, but this one manages to keep its figure within bounds. I recommend this for immediate, lip-smacking enjoyment.90 – Stephen Tanzer
Bright orange-pink. Lively, mineral-tinged aromas of fresh red berries, orange peel and honeysuckle, with a hint of anise building in the glass. Dry and nervy in the mouth, offering vibrant strawberry and orange pith flavors and a suggestion of rose pastille. The floral element comes back on the finish, which lingers with very good spicy persistence

Personal review:  I've only ever had Virginia Viogners, so this was a new world for me. On the nose I smelled artificial banana and peach aromas. The body was light, almost medium, and the finish was extremely creamy and smooth. There was a slight hint of sweetness, but I find a lot of viogners to have that even with no residual sugar. It was a pleasant wine that would pair well with a creamy sauce and blackened or grilled chicken.

Tasting #16 Dom Michel Thomas Sancerre Rose 2013

Tasting #16 Dom Michel Thomas Sancerre Rose 2013  

Name: Dom Michel Thomas Sancerre Rose 
Varietal: Pinot Noir

Region: Loire, France
Year: 2013
Price: $32

Winery review: 90 – Stephen Tanzer
Bright orange-pink. Lively, mineral-tinged aromas of fresh red berries, orange peel and honeysuckle, with a hint of anise building in the glass. Dry and nervy in the mouth, offering vibrant strawberry and orange pith flavors and a suggestion of rose pastille. The floral element comes back on the finish, which lingers with very good spicy persistence
Personal review:  The nose gave a hint of blossom, strawberry, and raspberry freshness. This wine was very light bodied and crisp. Throughout the palate there were subtle notes of citrus and berries. The finish lingered longer than expected, but it was pleasant with fruit notes. This tasting was not paired with food, but I would eat it with a sharp cheddar or spicy Asian dish.

Tasting #15 Crane Lake

Tasting #15 Crane Lake

Name: Crane Lake
Varietal: Gewürtztraminer

Region: California
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95

Winery review: Slightly high-toned notions of rose petal mingle with lemon on nose and palate of this lightly sweet, richly textured yet balanced Gewürztraminer. This is not as heady as you may expect and will be a treat with spicy Asian dishes. Lychee and rose petal make another very fetching appearance on the finish.

Personal review:  Sweet. Sweet. Sweet. Hints of peach, apricot, and flowers were in the bouquet of this wine. On the palate similar hints of peach and apricot, with a tropical hint of mango. This wine was extremely light bodied and had the smooth, sweet quality of honey. If I had not been told this was wine, I would have never guessed it had alcohol in it. There was no food paired with this wine, but it would go well with anything spicy.

Tasting #14 Codirosso

Name: Codirosso
Varietal: Chianti
Region: Tuscany, Italy
Year: 2014
Price: $13

Winery review: Ruby red color with purple reflections.  Intense vinous bouquet with hints of violets and dark cherry fruit. The flavor is full of ripe fruit and a hint of spice. It is well balanced and dry. The finish is persistent and satisfying.

Personal review: The nose on this was extremely reminiscent of acetone and blackberries. There was a much higher tannic quality and a fuller body to this wine compared to the reds we have been given in the past. There were underlying spice notes of clove and nutmeg that balanced out the earthy quality of this wine. The finish was not short on this one as it lingered for around forty-five seconds. This tasting was not paired with food, but I would pair this with a gamier, red meat such as lamb or pot roast. I could see this going well with a Mediterranean dish, because the underlying spice notes would compliment the spices typically used in that cuisine.

Tasting #13 Indwe

Tasting #13 Indwe 

Name: Indwe
Varietal: Pinotage
Region: South Africa
Year: 2013
Price: $12

Winery review: Robert Parker
“A disclaimer: I have never cared much for Pinotage, the indigenous South African grape variety, but this 2013 Pinotage from Indwe, named after the country's national bird, the blue crane, comes across like a light Pinot Noir. Subtle notes of cherries, spice and forest floor are followed by a round, light to medium-bodied, pure, seductive, well-crafted wine.” Drink now-2016.

Personal review: On the nose I got hints of raisins and tobacco. The front of this was very light, with subtle hints of plum. On the mid palate I tasted mocha notes and I got a tart, cherry finish that did not linger for too long. This wine would pair well with a light dessert; the little hints of spice and mocha would do well with anything chocolate-y.

Tasting #12 Palacio de Bornos

Tasting #12 Palacio de Bornos 

Name: Palacio de Bornos
Varietal: Verdejo
Region: Rueda, Spain
Year: 2013
Price: $12

Winery review: 89 - Wine Enthusiast
Zesty and clean, with pure grapefruit and passion fruit aromas. It’s charged up but perfectly balanced, with bright, focused citrus and pineapple flavors. Lemony acidity keeps the finish rolling, then throw in some chive and fresh greens and you have a spot-on Verdejo.

Personal review: Initially, on the nose, I got fruity notes, but as I kept smelling, the aroma reminded me of sweaty gym socks. This wine was very sour and unpleasant. I got notes of asparagus and other green vegetables on the palate. The finish was very crisp, and acidic, however, I would not want to drink this on its own like I did for this tasting. I would pair this with very sharp cheeses like cheddar, or a dish that pairs well with strong acidity such as a sea food dish.

Tasting #11 Tonnino

Tasting #11 Tonnino

Name: Tonnino
Varietal: Grillo
Region: Sicily, Italy
Year: 2014
Price: $14

Winery review: Fruit-forward and tangy, this light-bodied, snappy white offers flavors of guava, apricot, candied grapefruit zest and stone. Drink now. 20,000 cases made.

Personal review: The nose was floral and had a hint of sweetness. There was also an underlying tone of green apple and some citrus fruit. On the palate this light bodied wine had a green apple tangy-ness and a grapefruit tartness. This wine was very pleasant and had a creamy finish to it. I have never had this varietal before, but I would pair it with some creamy cheeses such as havarti or brie.

Tasting #10 Yellow Tail Red Moscato Bubbles

Tasting #10 Yellow Tail Red Moscato Bubbles

Name: Yellow Tail Red Moscato Bubbles
Varietal: Moscato
Region: Australia
Year: Non Vintage
Price: $10

Winery review: With a gorgeous deep pink hue, this is a wine that offers scrumptious aromas of lifted tropical fruits, ripe fresh strawberries with black currant and raspberry texture. Its flavor is a vibrant Moscato, with fresh forest fruits and strawberries and a nice dose of sweetness.

Personal review: On the nose this wine seemed to have a tropical feel to it, with a mango, sweet bouquet. In the forefront the sweetness was not too discernable because it was balanced out by the carbonation, but in the end there was an extremely sweet finish. It did have berry notes throughout and a strawberry lingering after taste. This wine was not tasted with food, but I would pair it with a chocolate dessert or a spicy entree.

Tasting #9 Beringer Smooth Red Blend

Tasting #9 Beringer Smooth Red Blend

Name: Beringer Smooth Red Blend
Varietal: Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah
Region: California
Year: 2012
Price: $15

Winery review: A blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah. Without a doubt, very smooth and uniquely balanced. Not too dry but not too sweet. Has a foundation of raspberry and blackberry that lingers in the finish. A slight hint at vanilla and some spice when it touches your tongue.

Personal review: This wine had a very sour cherry nose to it. It had a slightly higher tannic quality that made it seem a little dry, but that dryness was balanced out with the smooth, vanilla notes throughout. The finish was almost like eating an actual raspberry, extremely fruit forward and a little tart. This wine was not tasted with food, but I would pair it with lamb or venison dishes.

Tasting #8 Yellow Tail Cabernet Merlot

Tasting #8 Yellow Tail Cabernet Merlot

Name: Yellow Tail Cabernet Merlot
Varietal: Cabernet Merlot
Region: Australia
Year: 2014
Price: $10

Winery review: A classic blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Medium-bodied and very approachable with soft tannins. Fruit-forward flavors of plum, cherry and blackberry are accented by notes of spice with more juicy berries on the finish.

Personal review: Initially there was an aroma reminiscent of raisins and plums, but after swirling it there was more of a blackberry, espresso nose. This wine was borderline light to medium bodied and had a very balanced tannin quality. The finish was very indicative of a Merlot with a strong cherry end. There was no food served with this tasting, but I would pair it with a pot roast.

Tasting #7 Be. Bright Pinot Grigio

Tasting #7 Be. Bright Pinot Grigio

Name: Be. Bright Pinot Grigio
Varietal: Pinot Grigio
Region: California
Year: 2013
Price: $10

Winery review: This effortless Pinot Grigio keeps things light, with sun-ripened citrus flavors and a crisp, fresh finish. An instant taste of optimism, perfect for setting a carefree mood at any occasion. Serve chilled for total deliciousness.

Personal review: This Pinot grigio had a peachy bouquet to it which led me to predict that this would not be a highly acidic Pinot. My predictions were correct, this had more of a smooth, tropical feel to it, with a finish of apricot notes. There was a slight tartness, but it was very well balanced with the fruit notes in it. This was not served with food during the tasting, but I would pair this with a grilled chicken dish.

Tasting #6 Dynamite Sauvignon Blanc

Tasting #6 Dynamite Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Dynamite Sauvignon Blanc
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Lake County, California
Year: 2012
Price: $13

Winery review: Melon, green apple and citrus flavors are lively and refreshing, with a spicy, floral nuance.

Personal review: On the nose there was a semi-sweet hint and a green apple aroma to this Sauvignon Blanc. This wine seemed like it was a little past its prime, no body to it and no finish to it whatsoever. It seemed like there was maybe a slight acidity to it a couple of years ago, but this wine has completely mellowed out. The nose seemed promising with strong fruit notes, but ultimately it was too light for me to enjoy personally. This wine was not paired with food during the tasting.

Tasting #5 Butterfly Kiss Moscato

Tasting #5 Butterfly Kiss Moscato

Name: Butterfly Kiss Moscato
Varietal: Moscato
Region: Chile
Year: 2012
Price: $13

Winery review: Aromas of honeydew and apricot, gently kissed by orange blossom, candied pineapple and a hint of lime zest.

Personal review: Four years old for a white wine is pushing it. To the eye one could see that it was beginning to yellow and it was taking on a thicker, almost syrupy consistency. This was cloyingly sweet with subtle hints of peach and apricot. The finish was very creamy and this would pair well with anything spicy, for example Thai food. This tasting was not served with food.

Tasting #4 Purple Paws Zinfandel 2012

Tasting #4 Purple Paws Zinfandel 2012

Name: Purple Paws Zinfandel 2012
Varietal: Zinfandel
Region: Lodi, California
Year: 2012
Price: $15

Winery review: It smells like ripe boysenberries and cherries, and tastes generous and broad without being too full bodied. It finishes with more fruit notes and those who love a little spice and smooth tannins will be happy.

Personal review: I have never had a Zinfandel before so I had no expectations when tasting this wine. Again for a red it was fairly light bodied and had a smooth finish to it. On the nose I got a chocolate/espresso aroma and on the palate I got a sour cherry note. It had a little more kick to it, with a hint of a pepper spice, but a fruit finish to it. This tasting was not served with food. I would pair this with a steak or a smoky cheese.

Tasting #3 Purple Paws Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting #3 Purple Paws Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Purple Paws Cabernet Sauvignon
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Lodi, California
Year: Non Vintage
Price: $15

Winery review: If a Cabernet can be smooth and creamy, this one is. It offers plenty of fruit flavor, smooth tannins that coat the mouth in a good way, plus a plush texture that keeps it from being even a bit harsh. With light body, a soft mouthfeel and lingering finish, there’s much to like.

Personal review: I tend to lean towards Cabs, but to me this was fairly light bodied and the finish was not too dry, which is the opposite of what I expect from a Cab. On the nose I got a raisin and leathery bouquet. Although it seemed a bit fruity on the front, the finish was underwhelming. I do have to say the tannins were very balanced, but for a cab I expect a lingering tannin so that did disappoint me.  There was no food served with the tasting of this wine. I would typically pair a cab with a gamier meat, but since this was so light bodied I would lean towards pairing this with tuna or a pasta dish instead.