Tasting-Crane Lake Riesling

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

Vintage Cellar 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 was much sweeter to the nose and reminded me of apple juice-much to my delight. I was anxious to try this white wine because I tend to prefer the sweeter wines. Upon sipping it, the finish was very smooth and easy. Additionally, I found there to be a slight flowery aspect to the nose. This was my favorite wine in the tasting this week, but not my all-time favorite. 

Tasting-Crane Lake Petite Sirah

Name: Crane Lake Petite Sirah
Variety:  Petite Srah
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95

Vintage Cellar 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: The Petite Sirah smelled fruitier to the nose than the other red wine in the tasting this week. Specifically it elicited thoughts of raspberry to me. However, much to my disappointment, this red wine was also dry and had a strong peppery after taste. I did not care for this wine at all and don’t plan on considering it when purchasing wines in the future. 

Tasting-Yellow Tail Reserve Merlot

Name: Yellowtail Reserve Merlot
Variety:  Merlot
Region: South Eastern
Country: Australia
Year: 2010
Price: $6.95

Vintage Cellar Review: Round, velvety and mouthfilling, this is a satisfying Merlot at a bargain price. Aromas of black cherries and herbs fold in hints of cinnamon and mocha, while the flavors are generally fruity, but with a slightly tomatoey note. Soft on the finish. Drink now. 

 

My Review: This red wine had an aroma right off the bat that was very fruity, specifically reminding me of berries. This wine also had a slight chemical aspect to it. While the berry aroma initially drew me in, the taste had the opposite effect. It was quite dry and had a slight peppery element to the after taste. I personally did not particularly enjoy this wine. 

Tasting-Takutai Pinot Gris

Name: Takutai Pinot Gris
Variety:  Pinot Gris
Region: Nelson
Country: New Zealand
Year: 2009
Price: $6.95

Vintage Cellar Review: Since this wine weighs 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 white wine had a somewhat chemically sense to the nose. This could likely be allotted to the fact that it is 14% alcohol. Upon tasting it, it was evident that it was smooth and went down very easily. There was fruity aspect to the taste that was enjoyable. I would purchase this wine in the future! 

Tasting-Mars & Venus Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Mars & Venus Sauvignon Blanc
Variety:  Sauvignon Blanc
Region: La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95

Vintage Cellar 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: The original aroma was fruity and almost reminded me of a lemon-infused beverage. This white wine had a slight kick to the taste that left me with a reasonably strong after taste. Overall, it had a smooth finish about it. While this wasn’t my favorite white wine, I would drink it again! 

Tasting-Opera Prima Pink Moscato

Name: Opera Prima Pink Moscato
Variety: 97% Muscat, 3% Tempranillo 
Region: La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: Not listed
Price: $6.95

Vintage Cellar Review: A blend of Muscat 97% and Tempranillo 3%. This fine sparkling presents an intense aroma of fresh berries and tropical fruits with hints of white flower 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°.

My Review: This white wine had an appealing pink hue to it. To the nose, it had a very nice bouquet. I personally sensed hints of fruits, specifically oranges. Additionally, there was a flowery aroma about it. The taste was very sweet and smooth-just how I like my wines. Also, there seemed to be a slight carbonated texture to the body of this wine. Overall, I really enjoyed this wine and would definitely drink it on a regular basis. 

Tasting-Cortenova Primativo

Name: Cortenova Primativo
Variety: Zinfandel
Region: Puglia
Country: Italy
Year: 2012
Price: $6.95

Vintage Cellar 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. 100% Zinfandel

My Review: This was another red wine that was very dry, in my opinion. The initial aroma was very fragrant and reminded me of fruit, specifically berries. There was also a slight hint of chemical/alcohol scents to the nose. Considering the slightly unappealing aspect to the aroma and the dry taste, I did not particularly enjoy this wine. It wasn't terrible, but not quite my preferred style! 

Tasting-Riebeek Cellars Shiraz

Name: Riebeek Cellars Shiraz 
Variety: Shiraz
Region: Swartland
Country: South Africa
Year: 2013
Price: $6.95

Vintage Cellar Review: Often referred to as Shiraz Country, the Riebeek Valley is renowned for exceptional Shiraz wines. 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: This red wine appeared very dark in color, indicating a higher tannin content than some of the others. The aroma was fruity which made me hopeful despite the dark red hue. To me, not only was the taste very dry, but it also left a dry after taste in my mouth as well. I really did not like this wine and will probably gravitate in a different direction in the future. 

Tasting-Petrucco Ribolla Gialla

Name: Petrucco Ribolla Gialla 
Variety: Ribolla Gialla
Region: Friuli 
Country: Italy
Year: 2009
Price: $7.95

Vintage Cellar Review (derived from the Wine Enthusiast): 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 100% Ribolla Gialla.

My Review: This white wine had an extremely fruity aroma which was perplexing to me from the start. Upon tasting it, the taste and smell were complimentary-it tasted very fruity as well. It had a smooth finish and I found it very easy to drink. To me, this was a lighter wine and I quite enjoyed it! 

Tasting-Le Jade Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Le Jade Sauvignon Blanc 
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Languedoc
Country: France
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95

Vintage Cellar Review (derived from Beverage Tasting Institute): "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: To me, the aroma was reminiscent of a some variation of chemical with hints of fruit. Specifically, I was reminded of a pear flavor. The taste was smoother than I expected based off of the smell. This white wine left we with a slightly peppery after taste. While I was initially turned off by the smell, it made up for it considerably in the taste and I would consider drinking this again. 

Tasting-Coastal Vines White Zinfandel

Name: Coastal Vines White Zinfandel
Variety: Zinfandel
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $6.95

Vintage Cellar Review: (The description/review was missing from the document, but it seems to have suggested drinking this wine with cuisine)

My Review: This white wine had a light pink color to it in the bottle. The aroma was extremely sweet, which really perplexed me. I was anxious to taste the Zinfandel because I typically enjoy the sweeter wines. The taste matched the aroma in that it was very sweet. There was also a flowery sense about it. I thoroughly enjoyed this wine and look forward to drinking it again!

Tasting-Ilurce Tempranillo

Name: Ilurce Tempranillo
Variety: Tempranillo
Region: Rioja
Country: Spain
Year: 2008
Price: $5.95

Vintage Cellar Review: Dark purple. Zesty, youthfully medicinal aromas of dark berries, licorice and cracked pepper. Juicy and fresh, with smooth texture and sweet cherry and spice flavors framed by dusty tannins. Finishes with a suggestion of slightly roasted fruits and good clinging persistence. Delivers a lot of power and richness for the money.

My Review: This particular red wine was aged longer than most of the others in the tasting, as evident by the 2008 date. I sensed aromas that reminded me of nail polish remover and heard others around me making similar connections. That was initially off-putting. However, upon tasting the wine it was surprisingly decent. There were hints of cinnamon and it seemed to have a slight spice to it. It wasn't my favorite, but I would drink it again!

Tasting-San Elias Carmenere

Name: San Elias Carmenere

Variety: Carmenere

Region: Valle Central
Country: Chile
Year: 2014
Price: $5.95

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

My Review: This red wine had a rather strong smell that left hints of cherry. The taste was extremely dry and left a lot to be desired for me personally. Honestly, I did not enjoy this wine at all and will select a different wine in the future. 

Tasting-Santa Luz Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Santa Luz Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Valle Central
Country: Chile
Year: 2013
Price: $6.95

Vintage Cellar Review: Like any good Sauvignon Blanc, this opens with oceanic aromas of citrus fruits, sea foam and minerality. 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: This white wine had an especially striking light color. It originally came off as fruity and in particular left you with aromas of the pear variety. While it had a smooth after taste, it was also strong and powerful. This could probably be attributed to the fact that it is 12% alcohol. It wasn't my favorite, but I would consider drinking it again in the future.

Tasting-Riebeek Chenin Blanc

Name: Riebeek Chenin Blanc
Variety: Chenin Blanc
Region: Swartland
Country: South Africa
Year: 2014
Price: $6.95

Vintage Cellar Review: Fresh kiwifruit, green apple and almond notes bounce along, showing a flash of plantain on the friendly finish. Drink now. 

My Review: Right off the bat, this wine didn't come across quite as appealing to me. I would consider this to be due to the fact that the aroma seemed to remind me of some sort of chemical. This white wine definitely had a strong nose. It left a sort of pepper taste and came off as fairly spicy. While this wasn't my favorite, it was more appealing than I originally was anticipating.

Tasting-Canyon Road Moscato

Name: Canyon Road Moscato
Variety: 100% Moscato
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $6.95

Vintage Cellar 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: The aroma of this wine was extremely sweet and fruity. The taste was very sweet and had a smooth finish. It almost reminded me of a green apple jolly rancher or a highly sweetened fruit juice. I tend to like sweet wines, and this one was no exception. I will definitely keep this Moscato in mind for the future!

Tasting-Resonata Nero D’Avola

Name: Resonata Nero D’Avola
Variety: 100% Nero D'Avola
Region: Sicily
Country: Italy
Year: 2013
Price: $6.95

Vintage Cellar Review: The grapes are soft pressed and the juice is placed in stainless steel along with the skins for a maceration of 8 to 10 days with daily pumping over of the juice to extract more color and sweet tannins. 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: To me, this wine had a somewhat oak smell to the nose. I also sensed similarities to strongly pungent aromas, almost chemical-like. It was extremely dry and left me with a seemingly spicy after taste. I did not enjoy this wine and will probably steer away from it in the future.

Tasting-Hugl Grüner Veltliner

Name: Hugl Grüner Veltliner
Variety: 100% Gruner Veltliner
Region: Niederosterreich
Country: Austria
Year: 2013
Price: $7.95

Wine Enthusiast Review: "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"

My Review: Upon smelling the wine, I sensed an overwhelming fruity smell. Specifically, it left me with thoughts of grapes and apples. It went down smoothly, leaving a buttery finish. The wine had an apple infused taste to it and was quite refreshing and enjoyable!

Tasting-Canyon Road Pinot Noir

Name: Canyon Road Pinot Noir
Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $6.95

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

My Review: The cherry smell was almost immediately overwhelming. To me, the wine had a partly dry finish and a partly smooth finish. It was a deep red and left me with tastes of berries. Although I'm not a huge fan of red wines, I would consider purchasing this wine in the future!

Tasting-Maipe Torrontes

Name: Maipe Torrontes
Variety: 100% Torrontes
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2013
Price: $7.95

Vintage Cellar Review: 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.

My Review: To the nose it almost seemed to have an aroma reminiscent of garden smells. While it draws most of its flavor from the soil in the region the grapes were grown, the taste was a strong citrus one. This wine seemed to have a slight spice to the taste. All in all, it was a pleasant wine that I would consider drinking again!