Tasting- Crane Lake Riesling

Name: Crane Lake

Variety: Riesling

Region: California

Country: USA

Year: 2014

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.

My review: This wine was very good. I noted a raspberry and blueberry smell. After tasting the wine I noted a bit of a honey taste. It was a great combination and something I would enjoy again.

This wine was not enjoyed with food. 

Tasting-Crane Lake Shiraz

Name: Crane Lake

Variety: Shiraz

Region: California 

Country: USA

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.

My review: This wine was just OK. It had a spicy taste which I am never a fan of. I gravitate toward fruity wines. I noted that the wine had a pepper taste blended with a hint of berry. It was not a great combination for my palate.

This wine was not enjoyed with food. 

Tasting-Georges Duboeuf Nouveau

Name: Georges Duboeuf 

Variety: Nouveau

Region:Beaujolias

Country: France

Year: 2015

Price: $5.95

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.

My review: I wasn't a fan of this wine. I smelt a hint of rubbery fruit (if that even makes sense.) It had an odd sweetness to it, but I couldn't pick out any particular sweetness to relate it to. I did not enjoy it, and would not drink it again.

This wine was not enjoyed with food.

Tasting- Maipe Torrontes

Name: Maipe Torrontes

Variety: Torrontes

Region: Mendoza

Country: Argentina

Year: 2015

Price: $7.95

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.

My review: Another great wine! It had such a fresh smell and taste, it reminds me of warm weather and spring time. I noted an apple and melon smell, which carried over into the wonderful taste. I did get a slight berry taste with this wine too. It was a great combination of flavors, and something I would drink again.

This wine was not enjoyed with food.

Tasting-Tonnino Pinot Grigio

Name: Tonnino

Variety: Pinot Grigio

Region: Sicily

Country: Italy

Year: 2014

Price: $7.95

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.

My review: I loved this wine! The smell was very fruity. Not so much a berry aroma but more so pineapples and apples. After tasting the wine the apple and fruitiness continued on the palate. It was a very refreshing wine and is something I would consider purchasing in the future.

This wine was not enjoyed with food.

Tasting-Dona Sol Shiraz

Name: Dona Sol 

Variety: Shiraz and Petite Syrah 

Region: California

Country: USA 

Price: $6.95

Winery review: Shiraz has a unique jammy fruit character that is well represented in the Sweet Red. Both on the nose and on the palate, jammy fruit, like strawberries, cherry pie and red licorice, entices the senses and pair well with cheeses and desserts.

My review: This wine was my favorite of this week's tasting. It had a blend of different berries, and it was difficult for me to pick out which berry type I was smelling and tasting. It had a sweet taste which I enjoyed and wasn't overpowering.

This wine was not enjoyed with food. 

Tasting- Velvet Crush

Name: Velvet Crush

Variety: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petite Syrah 

Region: California

Country: USA

Price: $6.95

Winery review: Velvety smooth texture just like its name. Soft tannins and lush dark fruit character. Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah bring backbone and character, while the Merlot balances out the blend for a soft, smooth texture.

My review: This wine had a hint of olive to it. I also smelt cherries. It wasn't dry, which I enjoyed. It was easy to drink and something I would drink again.

I did not enjoy this wine with food