Crane Lake-Gewurtaminer

Name: Crane Lake Gewurtraminer

Variety: Gewurtaminer

Region: California

Country: USA

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."

My review: This wine was delicious. I enjoyed the sweetness this wine offered. I noted how I smelt light fruits, maybe a little melon smell? One interested taste I picked up was a very mild bug spray taste. This was my least favorite aspect of this wine, and despite that I still very much enjoyed it.

Tasting-Codirosso Chianti 2014

Name: Codirosso

Variety: Chianti

Region: Tuscany

Country: Italy

Year: 2014

Price: $7.95

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.

My review: This wine had a lavender taste with a hint of vinegar. In addition, I also tasted hints of oil and there was a slight bitterness. This wine was rather dry. However, I did enjoy the different taste of this wine. 

This wine was not enjoyed with food. 

Tasting-Indwe Pinotage

Name: Indwe

Variety: Pinotage

Region: South Africa

Country: Africa

Year: 2013

Price: $5.95

Winey review: “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.

My review: This wine had a caramelized taste. It had an odd combination of dry and spicy to me and a little kick of rubbing alcohol. Once again, not a huge fan of this wine, but definitely more my speed than the first two tastings.

Tasting-Palacio de Bornos

Name: Palacio de Bornos Verdejo

Variety: Verdejo

Region: Rueda

Country: Spain

Year: 2013

Price: $5.95

Winery review: 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.

My review: This wine had an apple smell and taste. In addition I also smelt a hint of tire rubber. Like the Tonnino Grillo I wasn't a huge fan of this one.

This wine was not enjoyed with food.