Tasting - "Crane Lake White Zinfandel"

Name: Crane Lake White Zinfandel
Variety: White Zinfandel
Region: California
Country: United States
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95

Wine Critic Review: Vintage Cellar
"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."

My Review:
This wine smelled very tropical with hints of honey dew and melon. It was extremely sweet and tasted a bit of strawberries and peaches. I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting - "Vina Galana Alicante Bouchet"

Name: Vina Galana Alicante Bouchet
Variety: Alicant Bouchet
Region: Spain
Country: Spain
Year: 2012
Price: $15, sale $9.95

Wine Critic Review: Vintage Cellar
"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."

My Review:
This wine smelled of chocolate and I anticipated it to be sweet and tasty. I was surprised when this wine tasted of cigarette smoke. This was was really disgusting and I could not get the taste out of my mouth after tasting it. I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting - "Tonnino Syrah"

Name: Tonnino Syrah
Variety: Syrah
Region: Sicily
Country: Italy
Year: 2013
Price: $14, Sale $7.95

Wine Critic Review: Vintage Cellar
"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."

My Review:
This wine smelled of cherries, blackberries, strawberries and had a hint of liquorice. It had a bit of a punch of black pepper in the taste. The wine was not very bitter, but did linger in the palette for a bit. I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting - "Riebeek Cellars Viognier"

Name: Riebeek Cellars Viognier
Variety:  Viognier
Region: Swartland
Country: South Africa
Year: 2015
Price: $12, sale price $7.95

Wine Critic 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."

My Review:
I smelled hints of honey suckle, roses and citrus flavors. The initial smells of this wine made me think that it would taste very bitter. The taste however, was sweet, but not too sweet tasting of peaches with a smooth aftertaste. I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting - "Dom Michel Thomas Sancerre Rose"

Name: Dom Michel Thomas Sancerre Rose
Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: Loire
Country: France
Year: 2013
Price: $32, sale price $8.95

Wine Critic Review: Stephan Tanzer, 90
"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."

My Review:
This wine smelled of sweet flowers and had hints of orange and strawberry. It definitely was not as sweet as I was anticipating. It had a bit of a bitter punch that lingered in the aftertaste. I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting - "Crane Lake Gewürtztraminer"

Name: Crane Lake Gewürtztraminer
Variety: Gewürtztraminer
Region: California
Country: United States
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95

Wine Store Review: Vintage Cellar
"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:
I smelled hints of Honey Suckle and sweet flowers. This wine was too sweet for me, tasting like a honey suckle. It did, however, have a very smooth finish. I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting - "Codirosso Chianti"

Name: Codirosso Chianti
Variety: Chianti
Region: Tuscony
Country: Italy
Year: 2014
Price: $13, sale price: $7.95

Wine Store Review: Vintage Cellar
"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 very dark, plum color. I smelled hints of cherry and raspberry. The taste had a bit of a spicy punch to it mixed with a slight oaky undertone. I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting - "Indwe Pinotage"

Name: Indwe Pinotage
Variety: Pinotage
Region: South Africa
Country: Africa
Year: 2014
Price: $12, $5.95

Wine Critic 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.

My Review:
I smelled hints of plum, blackberry and cherries. The wine had a bit of an oaky taste and a little spice to it. This was not a bitter wine and had a very smooth finish. I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting - "Palacio de Bornos Verdejo"

Name: Palacio de Bornos Verdejo
Variety: Verdejo
Region: Rueda
Country: Spain
Year: 2013
Price: $12, sale price $5.95

Wine Critic Review: Wine Enthusiast, Rating 89 Points
"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:
I smelled hints of pineapple, citrus and lemon. I thought this wine tasted very similiar to the Tonnino Grillo. It was a sweet and balanced wine. I did not taste with wine with food.

Tasting - "Tonnino Grillo"

Name: Tonnino Grillo
Variety: Grillo
Region: Sicily
Country: Italy
Year: 2014
Price: $14, sale $7.95

Wine Store Review: Wine Spectator
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.

My Review:
I smelled hints of pear, citrus and grapefruit. This wine tasted sweet, but not overwhelmingly sweet. The taste did not linger in my mouth, and had a very smooth finish. Overall I enjoyed this wine. I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting - "Peter Mertes, Platinum Riesling"

Name: Peter Mertes, Platinum Riesling
Variety: Platinum Riesling
Region: Germany
Country: Germany
Price: $9.95
Year: 2014

Wine Store Review: Vintage Cellar
"Light-bodied slightly sweet white wine ; medium pale slightly greenish yellow. Inviting fresh white peach aroma and flavors. Easy to drink and not complicated, but what's there is very pleasant, and flavors develop in the glass."

My Review:
I smelled hints of sweet apple and melon. The taste was smooth and sweet. I really enjoyed this wine. I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting - "Crane Lake, Petite Sirah"

Name: Crane Lake, Petite Sirah
Variety: Petite Sirah
Region: Lodi, California
Country: United States
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95

Wine Store Review: Vintage Cellar
"This wine is ruby-purple colored; notes of blackberry, plums and spice predominate the nose and flavors. The tannins give a soft, full mouth feel."

My Review:
I smelled hints of plum and strawberry. This wine was a little bitter, but not overwhelmingly bitter. I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting - "El Cortijillo Tempranillo"

Name: El Cortijillo Tempranillo
Variety: Tempranillo
Region: La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: 2014
Price: $5.95

Wine Store Review: Vintage Cellar
"Bright purple. High-pitched red berry and floral scents display good clarity and a hint of cracked pepper. Shows a touch of jamminess to its pliant black raspberry and cherry compote flavors, with a spicy quality adding vibrancy. Finishes with good focus and no obvious tannins, leaving a sweet berry note behind."

My Review:
I smelled hints of plum, blackberry, pomegranate and raspberry. This wine was very bitter and lingered in my mouth. After tasting this, my mouth was very dry. I did not like this wine at all. I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting - "Les Clos Francs, Vouvray Chenin Blanc"

Name: Les Clos Francs, Vouvray Chenin Blanc
Variety: Chenin Blanc
Region: Loire Valley
Country: France
Year: 2013
Price: $7.95

Wine Store Review: Vintage Cellar
"The cool climate in the Vouvray appellation area insures good acidity, which is balanced by the distinctly fruity character of the Chenin Blanc and the mineral qualities imparted by the soil. Thanks to these natural elements, this Vouvray combines elegance and vigor with honey dipped pears and an inherent freshness."

My Review:
I smelled honey, pear and grapefruit. This wine was very smooth and sweet, but not overwhelmingly sweet. I really enjoyed this wine. I did not taste this wine with food. 

Tasting - "La Lejania, Chardonnay"

Name: La Lejania, Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Central Valley
Country: Chile
Year: 2015
Price: $6.95

Wine Store Review: Vintage Cellar
"A refined and suave style, with a rich array of white fruit and cream flavors, featuring a plush texture. Ripe citrus and pear notes fill the smooth finish."

My Review:
This wine smelled of grapefruit and pear. The fruity smell made me think that this wine was going to be sweet, however this wine had a punch to the palette. Slightly bitter in taste, this wine had a good mid-palette. I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting - "Yellow Tail, red Moscato Bubbles"

Name: Yellow Tail, red Moscato Bubbles
Variety: Red Moscato
Region: Australia
Country: Australia
Year: ---
Price: $5.95

Wine Store Review: Vintage Cellar
"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."

My Review:
I smelled hints of sweet peach and strawberry. Its scent reminded me of honeysuckle or a desert cobbler. This wine was a very sweet desert wine whose taste reminded me of grape soda. I did not try this wine with food.

Tasting - "Beringer, Smooth Red Blend"

Name: Beringer, Smooth Red Blend
Variety: Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Syrah
Region: California
Country: United States
Year: 2012
Price: $5.95

Wine Store Review: Vintage Cellar
"A blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Syrah. 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 of vanilla and some spice when it touches your tongue."

My Review:
I smelled hints of cranberry and prune. There was a spicy kick of cranberry, and blackberry creating a smooth and spicy finish. The taste definitely lingered in my mouth. I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting - "Yellow Tail, Cabernet Merlot"

Name: Yellow Tail, Cabernet Merlot
Variety: Cabernet Merlot
Region: Australia
Country: Australia
Year: 2014
Price: $4.95

Wine Store Review: Vintage Cellar
"A classic blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Medium-bodied and very approachable with strong tannins. Fruit-forward flavors of plum, cherry and blackberry are accented by notes of spice with more juicy berries on the finish."

My Review:
I smelled hints of blackberry, cherry and apricot. There was a bit of an oaky taste to this wine. It had a strong, tart finish. I really enjoyed this wine. I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting - "Be Bright. Pinot Grigio"

Name: Be Bright. Pino Grigio
Variety: Pinot Grigio
Region: California
Country: United States
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95

Wine Store Review: Vintage Cellar
"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. Served chilled for total deliciousness."

My Review:
I smelled hints of citrus, grape fruit and lemon. There was a bit of a liquorish taste to this wine. It had a very strong, lingering finish. I did not have food with this wine.

Tasting - "Dynamite, Sauvignon Blanc"

Name: Dynamite Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Lake Country, California
Country: United States
Year: 2012
Price: $5.95

Wine Store Review: Vintage Cellar
 "Melon, green apple and citrus flavors are lively and refreshing, with a spicy, floral nuance."

My Review: I smelled hints of pear, flowers and vanilla. There was a really sharp taste and it did not have a smooth finish. I did not like this wine. I did not try this wine with food.