Tasting - Crane Lake Riesling 2013

Name: Crane Lake Riesling

Variety: 100% Riesling

Region: California

Country: United States

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: I disagree with the winery's description of this wine being off-dry, as everything about it seemed sweet. The bouquet was full of pears, melon, and plain fruitiness. On the palate this wine portrayed tastes of peaches and apples. This wine was lackluster and disappointing, as I usually enjoy Riesling. This wine was tasted on its own without food.

Tasting - Crane Lake Petite Syrah 2013

Name: Crane Lake Petite Syrah

Variety: 100% Petite Syrah

Region: California

Country: United States

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 hit the nose with a very jammy cherry smell. On the palate, it was slightly dry, and tasted of dark chocolate, jam, plums, and dark berries. I was a little disappointed with this wine, as I thought petite syrah was supposed to have big, bold flavor..which was not the case. Mediocre wine. This wine was tasted on its own without food.

Tasting - Yellowtail Reserve Merlot 2010

Name: Yellowtail Reserve Merlot

Variety: 100% Merlot

Region: Southeastern

Country: Australia

Year: 2010

Price: $12 (Currently on sale at the Vintage Cellar for $6.95)

Winery 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 wine portrayed a bouquet of wood, berries, and mocha. On the palate, this wine was very dry, but not acidic, and tasted of black cherries with a hint of chocolate. This wine was tasted on its own without food.

Tasting - Takutai Pinot Gris 2009

Name: Takutai Pinot Gris

Variety: 100% Pinot Gris

Region: Nelson

Country: New Zealand

Year: 2009

Price: $21 (Currently on sale at the Vintage Cellar for $6.95)

Winery 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: I don't know where this came from but I smelled dirty socks, or something like fungi. On the palate this wine was slightly acidic, and had a distinct taste that, to be honest, I just couldn't put my finger on. The aftertaste was full of heat and pepper.This wine was tasted on its own without food.

Tasting - Mars & Venus Sauvignon Blanc 2013

Name: Mars & Venus Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: 2013
Price: $10 (Currently on sale at the Vintage Cellar for $5.95)

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

My Review: This wine was a light golden color. The bouquet displayed apples, apricots, and maybe hints of grapefruit. Unfortunately the wine lacked flavor. It was a bit sour. Nothing too impressive. This wine was tasted on its own without food.

Tasting - Opera Prima Pink Moscato

Name: Opera Prima Pink Moscato
Variety: 97% Muscat and 3% Tempranillo
Region: La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: Not Specified
Price: $10 (Currently on sale at the Vintage Cellar for $6.95)

Winery 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: On the nose this wine was overwhelming fruity - mostly citrusy, with maybe a hint of grapefruit. To taste, this wine was slightly carbonated, and overwhelmingly citrusy, with a hint of something like cranberry. Honestly, I hate that I even had to try this wine. It was disgustingly sweet and I felt like I was drinking sugar water infused with melted jolly ranchers. This wine was tasted on its own without food.

Tasting - Cortenova Primativo 2012

Name: Cortenova Primativo 2012
Variety: 100% Zinfandel
Region: Puglia
Country: Italy
Year: 2012
Price: $10 (Currently on sale at the Vintage Cellar for $6.95)

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. 100% Zinfandel."

My Review: I smelled oak, earth, and berries. On the palate this was was dry but smooth. Along with the taste of berries, there was also a hint of spice. There was another taste that was hard to taste...musky maybe? There was a long finish and drinking it made me want to eat a steak or something hardy. This wine was tasted on its own without food.