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.