Tasting - Ca' Bea

Name: Sangue di Guida
Variety: 45% Uva Rara 10% Barbera
25% Croatina
Region: Oltrepo Pavese
Country: Italy
Year: 2014
Price: $9.95

Winery review:
Off-dry with a slight fizz, offering bright berry and mineral notes. Medium-bodied, with a clean, fresh palate and fruity finish. This is a rare, sweet red wine that is wonderful with desserts such as dry pastries, cookies and cakes.

My review:
I loved this wine. I liked that it was sparkling and I liked the strong floral aromas. This wine tasted sweet and very floral. It was pretty viscous and very, very dark purple. I would definitely drink this wine again.

Food or no food:
I didn't have this wine with food.

Tasting - Alvarez de Toreldo

Name: Alvarez de Toreldo
Variety: 100% Mencia Roble
Region: Bierzo
Country: Spain
Year: 2009
Price: $8.95

Winery review:
91 Points – Robert Parker
“The 2009 Alvarez de Toledo was bottled just a week before the wine was presented but seems to be showing no symptoms of distress. Balsamic, leather, and black fruits are the principal notes struck by this suave effort that over-delivers in a big way. Like its older sibling, it can be enjoyed now but will have more to say in 2-3 years.”

My review:
I liked this wine because it had sweet smells and light cherry aromas. The sour taste and light tannins of the wine we not that enjoyable so I do not think I would have this wine again.

Food or no food:
I didn't have this wine with food.

Tasting - Cordiosso

Name: Chianti
Variety: 90% Sangiovese, 7% Canaiolo,
3% Colorino
Region: Tuscany
Country: Italy
Year: 2015
Price: $7.95

Winery review:
Parker has yet to review the 2015 but said of the 2014…
87 Points – Robert parker
A heck of a value in Chianti, this delicious blend of 90% Sangiovese, 7% Canaiolo and 3% Colorino offers up notes of licorice, new saddle leather, black cherry and berry fruit, loamy soil undertones and a touch of pepper and herbs. It is medium-bodied, savory and best drunk over the next several years."

My review:
This wine had an herby, dirty, tastes. It also had dark berry aromas. I liked the light tannins and light meat taste of this wine. I wouldn't have this wine again though.

Food or no food:
I didn't have this wine with food.

Tasting - The Royal

Name: Old Vines Steen
Variety: 100% Chenin Blanc
Region: Western Cape
Country: South Africa
Year: 2015
Price: $8.95

Winery review:
87 Points – Robert Parker
"The 2015 Chenin Blanc offers loads of melony fruit interspersed with hints of honeysuckle and peach. It is delicious, crisp, fresh, lively, and a dead ringer for a good Loire Valley Chenin Blanc. Drink it over the next year."

My review:
This wine had harsh sharp apple aromas and light tannins. To me, it tasted like fruity water. I would definitely have again.

Food or no food:
I didn't have this wine with food.

Tasting - Barão de Figueira

Name: Barão de Figueira
Variety: 100% Siria
Region: Beira
Country: Portugal
Year: 2014
Price: $6.95

Winery review:
84 Points – Wine Enthusiast
This wine is soft and rounded. It has lemon and light spiciness along with cool acidity. It is an easy wine that is ripe with apple and fresh lemon juice and ready to drink.

My review:
This wine had fruity aromas, a sour taste, and a slight sour aftertaste. I liked that there was a light tannic finish. I would have this wine again.

Food or no food:
I didn't have this wine with food.

Tasting - Crane Lake

Name: Crane Lake
Variety: 100% Riesling
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: unknown
Price: $5.95

Winery review:
Pale golden color. Ripe and dried peaches on the nose. Minerals and dried peach flavors. Nicely balanced, leaning towards lime acididty.

My review:
This wine smelled sweet and fruity. It was more tart than I expected although it remained sweet as well. It had a dry finish which I didn't like so I wouldn't have this wine again.

Food or no food:
I didn't have this wine with food.

Tasting - Vinedos Real Rubio

Name: Vinedos Real Rubio
Variety: 100%
Region: Rioja
Country: Spain
Year: 2010
Price: $9.95

Winery review:
90 Points – Wine Enthusiast
Lightly baked berry aromas vie for attention with leather, spice and mild earth notes, and the result is disjointed. On the palate, this is tight as a drum initially, but more expansive as it unfolds. Cherry, plum, raspberry, vanilla and woodspice flavors finish pure, clean and easy. This is a fine yet manageable Rioja that’s not trying too hard. Drink through 2016.

My review:
I didn't like this wine because it had strong aromas of cherry and cat pee. It had a smooth taste but enough tannins that it was too dry for me. It tasted like slightly wet gravel and black pepper. I would not have this wine again.

Food or no food:
I didn't have this wine with food.

Tasting - Barao de Figueira

Name: Barao de Figueria
Variety: Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Franca
Region: Beira
Country:  Portugal
Year: 2013
Price: $7.95

Winery review:
86 Points – Wine Enthusiast Best Buy
From vineyards at 2000 feet elevation, this is a rich and spicy wine that has a pure streak of fruit freshness and a firmly tannic core. It is perfumed from Touriga Nacional in the blend, with red berry and black plum flavors coming through strongly along, balanced by acidity. It will be better from 2017.

My review:
I did not like this wine very much. It was very bold and rich and had dark berry aromas and flavors as well as a cleaning/leathery flavor. I even got a hint of roasted meat flavor. I would not have this wine again.

Food or no food:
I didn't have this wine with food.

Tasting - Garnacha de Fuego

Name: Garnacha de Fuego
Variety: 100% Old Vine Grenache
Region: Aragon
Country: Spain
Year: 2014
Price: $2.95

Winery review:
The Garnacha de Fuego Rose is a solid effort that has a light salmon color to go with notions of cherry blossom, orange peel and herbs de Provence. Medium-bodied, supple, fresh easy-drinking, and an outstanding value at $3 .

My review:
I liked this wine because it had sweet cherry aromas and because it was not too bold and didn't slap you in the face. I liked that it was only slightly dry. I would definitely have this wine again.

Food or no food:
I didn't have this wine with food.

Tasting - Villa Vitas

Name: Villa Vitas
Variety: Ribolla Gialla
Region: Venezie
Country: Italy
Year: 2014
Price: $6.95

Winery review:
87 Points – Robert Parker
The 2014 Ribolla Gialla shows more minerality, nice quince, white currant and citrus oil notes, a dry, refreshing mouthfeel and a fragrant bouquet.

My review:
I liked this wine because it had a slight pear aroma and was lightly dry. I did not especially like its sharp finish, however, I liked the fruity sour tannins that it had. I would have this wine again.

Food or no food:
I didn't have this wine with food.

Tasting - Fossi Rosso

Name: Fossi Rosso
Variety: Sangiovese,  Merlot, Primitivo and Negroamaro
Region: Fiesole
Country: Italy
Year: unknown
Price: $7.95

Winery review:
A blend of Sangiovese and Merlot with a touch of Primitivo and Negroamaro. It will remind those who have traveled to Italy of one of the local house wines they consumed while there.  Simple, juicy, and perfect for drinking with or without food, it’s packed with bright cherry, strawberry and cranberry fruit aromas and flavors.

My review:
I liked the fruitiness of this wine and the fact that it was not too dry or bold. I liked that there were complex and unique flavors and aromas in this wine and that it was not too sweet. I would definitely have this wine again.

Food or no food:
I didn't have this wine with food.

Tasting - Invino

Name: Ivino
Variety: 100% Pinot Grigio
Region: Lombardy
Country: Italy
Year: 2014
Price: $5.95

Winery review:
Pavia, in the Lombardy region of northern Italy where viticulture dates back thousands of years is home to the Si Pinot Grigio vineyards. The wine is creamy on the palate with a crisp, dry character, fresh citrus and pear flavors and an elegant finish.

My review:
I did not like this wine because it was very strong and had a strong finish that I didn't enjoy. I didn't like how dry this wine was and how bold it was. I would not have this wine again.

Food or no food:
I didn't have this wine with food.

Tasting - Layer Cake

Name: Layer Cake
Variety: 100% Garnacha
Region: Calatayud
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $7.95

Winery review:
The Layer Cake Garnacha from Calatayud, Spain is rich and powerful, yet clean and balanced. Layered with aromas of ultra ripe black fruit. On the palate, the wine shows intense dark fruit with abackground of rich dark chocolate and fresh ground coffee with a long creamy finish.

My review:
I liked this wine because it had strong dark fruit scents and flavors. Although it was really rich and intense, I liked the fruitiness and would have this wine again.

Food or no food:
I didn't have this wine with food.

Tasting - Alvaro Domecq

Name: Alvaro Domecq
Variety: 100% Aranda Cream Sherry
Region: Jerez
Country: Spain
Year: unkown
Price: $9.95

Winery review:
Golden-brown in color, this has heady aromas of cola, nut, nutmeg, root beer and caramel. A pure, creamy palate of cinnamon apple, mocha, coffee and chocolate. It's quite smooth and balanced, and very long on the finish.

My review:
This wine was great! My favorite wines are sherries and this one had nice, nutty flavors and scents. It was strong in aromas and flavors. It had a strong aftertaste that I enjoyed. I would definitely have this wine again.

Food or no food:
I didn't have this wine with food.

Tasting - Nugan Pie In The Sky

Name: Nugan Pie in the Sky
Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Region: Southeastern
Country: Australia
Year: 2013
Price: $7.95

Winery review:
Aromas of poached peach, fig and pineapple with biscuity notes. Tropical, medium bodied style with peach and melon flavours complimented by zesty acids, savoury nuances and a crisp, dry finish. Perfect partner with many styles of modern cuisine including those with an Asian or Mediterranean twist.

My review:
This wine had strong, fruity scents, which usually makes me enjoy the wine. However, this wine was drier than I expected and especially misleadingly dry due to the sweet fruity aromas. I would not have this wine again.

Food or no food:
I didn't have this wine with food.

Tasting - Pazo de Monterrey

Name: Pazo de Monterrey
Variety: 100% Godello
Region: Monterrei
Country: Spain
Year: 2014
Price: $5.95

Winery review:
Clean, minerally, slightly green in aromatics and oh so approachable and nice. For an under-$15 white, this Godello from Monterrei excels with layered flavors of apple, minerals and natural spice. The finish is long and hints at fresh herbs like thyme and tarragon. Potentially superb with garlic shrimp or calamari over fresh greens.

My review:
I liked this wine because of its floral tastes and strong scents. It had an easy finish and sweet chemically flavor. It was tart and had a light fruity flavor. I would have this wine again.

Food or no food:
I didn't have this wine with food.

Tasting - Domiane de la Foret

Name:
Variety: 100% Greanche Cinsault
Region: Provence
Country: France
Year: 2015
Price: $5.95

Winery review:
85– Wine Enthusiast Best Buy
In color, this is almost white. There is some attractive acidity and the soft wine will slip down easily with just a touch of red currant. The result is a lightly mineral wine that is refreshing and good for an apéritif.

My review:
This wine was sweet and light. It had slight floral aromas but not a strong floral taste. Its prominent flavors were pear and citrus. This wine had a dry late tannic finish which I did not enjoy as much as the fruity flavors.

Food or no food:
I didn't have this wine with food.

Tasting - Domaine du Poujol

Name: Domaine du Poujol
Variety: 100% Grenache Cinsault
Region: Southeastern
Country: Austrilia
Year: 2011
Price: $5.95

Winery review:
Minerally and berry notes make for a savory blend of flavors in this fine-grained red. Dried berry fruit dominates, with accents of white pepper and dill seed. Delivers lively acidity on the finish. Drink now through 2018.

My review:
I liked this wine because it had a savory scent that was meaty and smelled like meat stew. It had noticeable acidity and an herbal element that I enjoyed. However, it had a dry aftertaste that I didn't enjoy, but a smooth finished that helped calm down the tannins. I would have this wine again.

Food or no food:
I didn't have this wine with food.

Tasting - Lindeman Bin 80 Cabernet Merlot

Name: Lindeman's Bin 80 Cabernet Merlot
Variety: Cabernet Merlot - Magnum
Region: Southeastern
Country: Austrilia
Year: 2015
Price: $7.95

Winery review:
Medium red in color with ruby hues. On the nose aromas of dark red berries, blackcurrants and ripe plums. While the palate is medium bodied, with dark red berries and a soft tannic finish.

My review:
This wine had the scents of dark berry and dry tobacco. It was very dry and had a spice flavor that I couldn't place at first but later decided was black pepper. I would have this wine again even though I don't like wines that are very dry because its bold flavors were very enjoyable.

Food or no food:
I didn't have this wine with food.

Tasting - Primes

Name: Primes
Variety: 100% Ruby Port
Region: Oporto
Country: Portugal
Year: unknown
Price: $9.95

Winery review:
Ruby color; red fruit aromas; pleasantly sweet and balanced taste. As the wines used to produce Prime's Ruby Port age, they gain smoothness and elegance while retaining their fruitiness, intensity and youthful ruby color. They are then blended together for balance and consistency.

My review:
This wine had sweet plum aromas with hints of raisin and figs. I liked this wine, but it was drier than I expected. And had a sour aftertaste. I would probably not have this wine again.

Food or no food:
I didn't have this wine with food.

Tasting - Coastal Vines

Name: Coastal Vines
Variety: 100% White Zinfandel
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95

Winery review:
Coastal Vines White Zinfandel is a light and fruity salmon-pink wine. Sweet, floral aromas of jasmine and roses burst into bright flavors of apricots, cantaloupe, and orange blossoms.

My review:
I very much enjoyed this wine. I liked the color and I liked the aromas because there was a balance of sweet fruit and light-smelling flowers. The wine wasn't too acidic and it had a pleasant, gentle aftertaste. I would definitely have this wine again.

Food or no food:
I didn't have this wine with food.

Tasting - Rosemount Diamond Label

Name: Rosemount Diamond Label
Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Southeastern
Country: Austrilia
Year: 2014
Price: $7.95

Winery review:
On the nose fragrant red berry fruits; red cherries raspberries; supported by sweet earthy spice notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. The palate is bright and lively with  flavors of cherry and raspberry are supported by a soft creamy texture, providing a long and elegant finish.

My review:
This wine was okay, I thought because it has a lot of fruity flavors and aromas. For instance, I could smell different kinds of berries, the main one I sensed was cherry. This wine went down easier than I expected and I would like to have it again.

Food or no food:
I didn't have this wine with food.

Tasting - Cortenova

Name: Cortenova
Variety: 100% Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Region: Abruzzo
Country: Italy
Year: 2013
Price: $7.95

Winery review:
Wild berry, chopped mint, sun baked earth and violet aromas meld together on this solid savory red. The juicy straightforward palate doles out ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, anise and cinnamon alongside chewy tannins.

My review:
I did not like this wine that much because it was too dry for my taste. It smelled like berries and dark fruit, but it didn't taste that jammy. I would not have this wine again because it was very, very dry.

Food or no food:
I didn't have this wine with food.

Tasting - Valminor

Name: Valminor
Variety: 100% Albarino
Region: Rias Baixas
Country: Spain
Year: 2015
Price: $9.95

Winery review:
92– Decanter
"Gloriously aromatic with jasmine and flint notes; very scented. Full and fleshy palate, a mineral follow-through and intense, harmonious finish. A very lovely Albarino that is so pure."

My review:
This wine was pretty balanced. I liked the acidity and enjoyed the floral aromas and flavors. It reminded me of daisies and lilies. While I liked this wine, I would have enjoyed it more if there was more fruit than floral flavors in it. I would have the wine again though.

Food or no food:
I didn't have this wine with food.

Tasting - Yellowtail Unoaked Chardonnay

Name: Yellowtail Unoaked Chardonnay
Variety: 100% Unoaked Chardonnay
Region: New Zealand & Australia
Country: New Zealand & Australia
Year: unknown
Price: $4.95

Winery review:
Wow, who would ever call Yellow Tail understated? But here it is. Nice but light aromas of orange, grapefruit, apple, earth and flowers. Lemon, grapefruit, apples, and a little lime on the light palate. Good acidity, pleasant finish, and decent minerality.

My review:
I liked this wine because it was very fruity. It smelled like apples and had some floral aromas. This wine was light and did not have a strong aftertaste. I would definitely drink this wine again.

Food or no food:
I didn't have this wine with food.

Tasting - Jam Jar

Name:   Jam Jar
Variety: 100% Mascato
Region:   Western Cape
Country: South Africa
Year: 2015
Price: $7.95

Winery review:
This charming, easy-drinking Moscato offers flavors of peach, apricot, lychee and orange blossom. A lively jolt of acidity keeps it fresh and fruity. Fancy enough for a special occasion toast, yet sweet-natured enough to enjoy every day.

My review:
This wine had a very fruity aroma, specifically Asian Pear. I loved how sweet this wine was. I would have it with almost any dessert. I tasted apple and pear flavors in this wine. I also enjoyed that the wine did not have any sharp flavors and was light on the palate.

Food or no food:
I didn't have this wine with food.

Tasting - Fox Creek

Name: Fox Creek
Variety: 100% Shiraz
Region: McLaren
Country: Australia
Year: 2012
Price: $9.95

Winery review:
91 Points - Steven Tanzer
Bright purple. Exotic, expansive aromas of black and blue fruit preserves, vanilla and cola, along with a peppery overtone and a hint of violet pastille. Broad, fleshy, appealingly sweet boysenberry and cherry liqueur flavors show excellent depth and a seamless texture. Finishes juicy and long, with building spiciness, an echo of blue fruit and round tannins.

My review:
I did not enjoy drinking this wine mainly because it was so strong that it dried my whole mouth up. It had floral-cherry, even a rosy aroma. There were sediments in wine so I assume we were at the bottom of the bottle. But I did like the strawberry, red fruit flavors within this wine.

Food or no food:
I didn't have this wine with food.

Tasting - Candoni

Name: Candoni
Variety: Blended wine (Buongiorno)
Region: Puglia
Country: Italy
Year: 2013
Price: $7.95

Winery review:
Black ruby color. Mild, spicy, earthy aromas of spiced berries and plum with a supple, bright, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a tingling, brisk earth and cinnamon finish with dusty, coating tannins and moderate oak. A sturdy, earthy red for the table.

My review:
I didn't like this wine because it was too strong (dry) to me. It had a hot finish which I didn't enjoy. I tasted smokey cherry/raspberry in this wine. If I were to have this wine again, it would be after my palate is used to drinking stronger/dryer reds.

Food or no food:
I didn't have this wine with food.

Tasting - Maipe

Name: Maipe
Variety: 100% Torrontes
Region:   Salta
Country: Argentina
Year: 2016
Price: $7.95

Winery 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:
I liked this wine because it was fruity and not dry. I detected tones of tangerine and daisy when I smelled this wine. This wine was very light with a sharp kick from its tanginess but no dryness. It seemed like flat, tart flower nectar to me. I would drink it again.

Food or no food:
I didn't have this wine with food.

Tasting - Oxford Landing

Name: Oxford Landing
Variety: 100% Viognier
Region: Southcentral
Country: Australia
Year: 2014
Price: $8.95

Winery review:
89 – Wine Enthusiast Best Buy
This wine may not be quite as rich or expressive as the other Viogniers in the Yalumba stable, but it's still an attractive effort. Pineapple and apricot flavors pick up hints of gingery spice on the vibrant finish.

My review:
This wine had a strong, sharp aroma to it. It was medium dry with a sharp, tart buttery taste and a dry finish. I liked this wine because of its complex flavors and because of the flat tartness of it. I would definitely have this wine again. I would actually like to try it with something light and buttery and see if they compliment each other.

Food or no food:
I didn't have this wine with food.

Tasting - Crane Lake

Name: Crane Lake
Variety: 100% Gewurztraminer
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2014
Price: $5.95

Winery review:
Pale straw to bright yellow hue. Aromas of white flowers, pineapple, peaches, lychee and jasmine with a hint of sweet bell pepper. Off dry with floral flavors of rose water and orange blossom along with golden pineapple, peach puree and mango. - See more at: http://www.tastings.com/Wine-Review/Crane-Lake-2012-Gewurztraminer-California-USA-12-04-2013.aspx#sthash.4hUdUwBJ.dpuf

My review:
I liked this wine because its smells and flavors were light. It smelled fruity (limey) and floral to me. I guessed that it had daisy and maybe strawberry in it because it had a such a rich but light sweet taste. It could have had rose in it as well. I would definitely have this wine with fruity desserts!

Food or no food:
I didn't have this wine with food.

Tasting - El Ganador

Name: El Ganador
Variety: 100% Malbec
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2015
Price: $7.95

Winery review:
Garnet color. Aromas of black cherry, plum jam, rich dark soil, and violet honey with a lightly tannic, lively, dry medium-to-full body and a tingling, complex, medium-long black cherry, rich garden soil, crushed plum, and cinnamon toast finish with medium tannins and moderate oak. Dense, dark and chewy with earthy complexity, balancing the luscious jammy fruit qualities of new world with earthy qualities of old world wines. - See more at: http://www.tastings.com/Wine-Review/El-Ganador-2014-Malbec-Mendoza-Argentina-10-15-2015.aspx#sthash.57rc5ODo.dpuf

My review:
I liked this wine. The deep red, almost brown color that it had was very interesting, I feel. I enjoyed the raisiny, sweet smell that wine gave off. I did not enjoy that the wine was very dry. It gave me a warm feeling on my tongue with a spicy aftertaste. It was a very interesting wine.

Food or no food:
I didn't have this wine with food.

Tasting - Grand Cru

Name:  Grand Cru
Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Region:  California
Country: USA
Year: 2014
Price: $5.95

Winery review:
Brilliant dark violet color. Bright, toasty, fruity confected aromas and flavors of boysenberry pie a la mode, toffee, and peppercorn muffin with a soft, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tingling, interesting, easy cedar, chocolate craisin, and spicy cherry jam finish with chewy, dusty tannins and light oak. A nice fruity, juicy, syrah quaffer. - See more at: http://www.tastings.com/Wine-Review/Grand-Cru-2014-Syrah-California-USA-02-03-2016.aspx#sthash.GI8zU0Jh.dpuf

My review:
I did not like this wine because it was too dry for my taste. It had a light cherry smell and a sharp, really dry taste. It had a sort of smokey flavor and a spice that I rightfully assumed was cinnamon. I learned that there was cedar and oak flavors inside this wine which probably caused the smokey flavor that I tasted.

Food or no food:
I didn't have this wine with food.

Tasting - Douglas Hill

Name: Douglass Hill
Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2014
Price: $5.95

Winery review:
Bright pale silvery straw color. Interesting aromas and flavors of lemon grass, ripe apples, red table grapes, and toast with a chewy, vibrant, medium-to-full body and a smooth, stimulating, medium-length finish with fruit tannins and no oak. - See more at: http://www.tastings.com/Wine-Review/Douglass-Hill-2013-Sauvignon-Blanc-California-USA-12-04-2014.aspx#sthash.mdPqle8n.dpuf

My review:
I did not enjoy this wine because I feel that too many things were going on inside it taste-wise. This wine had a very sharp and sweet smell that was fruity (specifically apple-like). There was a tart flavor with a significantly tart, dry aftertaste. I smelled a savory scent that was not fruity at all, I just couldn't pick out what it was that was causing the odd scent. I learned that there were bell peppers and asparagus inside this wine and that they were causing a veggie smell/taste. This makes me wonder if they would pair well with these veggies or not.

Food or no food:
I didn't have this wine with food.

Tasting - Prime Brume

Name:  Prime Brume
Variety: 100% Garganega
Region: Soave
Country: Italy
Year: 2015
Price: $6.95

Winery review:
Brilliant emerald straw color. Aromas and flavors of brazil nuts, creme fraiche, and kiwi and starfruit with a silky, lively, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and an effortless, engaging, medium-length watermelon, yellow apple, and clementine finish. A delicious, artfully balanced soave with a great range of fruit flavors. - See more at: http://www.tastings.com/Wine-Review/Prime-Brume-2015-Soave-Italy-10-15-2016.aspx#sthash.Oocm8iV7.dpuf

My review:
This wine had a strong spice, tart fruit taste. I don't usually like tart flavors, but I enjoyed this wine. The fruity smell the wine gave off was light sweet and tangy. The wine had a dry, tart aftertaste. There was something fruity about this wine that I couldn't put my finger on. I later realized that it was starfruit.

Food or no food:
I didn't have this wine with food.

Tasting - Bota Brick Chardonnay

Name:  Bota Brick Chardonnay
Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2012
Price: $11.50

Winery review:
Bota Box Chardonnay offers aromas of bright citrus, ripe melon and warm toasty oak, followed by vibrant flavors of zesty lemon, apple and graham cracker. This wine is medium-bodied, balanced and provides a rich, juicy finish.


My review:
I was pleasantly surprised by this wine because it had a very strong smell so I expected it to be dry and taste very bitter. Fortunately, it had a light flatter taste, and a fruity and very strong aromas. It also had an incredibly light fruity aftertaste which I enjoyed. I would definitely have this wine again.

Food or no food:
I didn't have this wine with food.

Tasting - Alvear Pedro Ximénez

Name:  Alvear Pedro Ximénez
Variety: 100% Pedro Ximénez
Region: Montilla-Moriles, Spain
Country: USA
Year: 1927
Price: $25

Winery review:
Deep mahogany tints: appealing nectar with a bold vinosity and traces of chocolate and prunes; very fragrant with a pleasant fruitiness. Raisiny in the mouth, silky smooth in texture. Light bodied sweet wine, plenty of character.


My review:
This wine has bold, strong, slap you in the face aromas of raisins and sugar. It has a very sweet and fairly smooth taste. I very much enjoy its strong sweet aftertaste. I kept wanting to drink this wine and was disappointed that I couldn't taste what it was like paired with something sharp and strong to cut through its flavors because it was so smooth and sweet.

Food or no food:
Unfortunately, I didn't have this wine with food.

Tasting - Bay Bridge Moscato

Name: Bay Bridge Moscato
Variety: 100% Moscato
Region: San Francisco, California
Country: United States
Year: 2013
Price: $2.99

Winery review:
There’s nothing particularly complex about this juicy, sweet Moscato, but it shows fine purity and lots of flavor.  Like cotton candy in a glass, it starts off with a floral topnote and finishes with enough acidity to keep you coming back for more.  Platinum award winner at the 2014 San Diego International Wine Competition.
88 Michael Franz Apr 29, 2014

My review:
I liked this wine because it automatically hits you with sweetness. It has a clean/smooth/apple-like aroma. It has a very light and pretty fruity taste. The aftertaste is also pretty light and gently sweet. This wine was not very acidic or strong, so I thought it was pretty good.

Food or no food:
I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Naked Grape Pinot Grigio

Name: Naked Grape Pinot Grigio
Variety: 100% pinot grigio
Region: Modesta, California
Country: United States
Year: 2013
Price: $6.99

Winery review:
Where the Chardonnay’s fruit flavors really held its own without the oak, and the Pinot Noir shined with the stainless steel fermentation, the Pinot Grigio tasted almost too light. There’s little fruit, a bit of sweetness, but nothing to hold it all together. The result is a wine that tastes a bit unrefined and uninteresting. A splash in a used American oak barrel would have probably done this some good, but that’s against the brand’s concept.
The Naked Grape Pinot Grigio
Description: Light and uninteresting, too naked.
Score: 82/100

My review:
I did not like this wine very much at all. It tastes like sour, rotten pears. As odd as it sounds, I think this wine smells like the color green. I think the sour aromas of this wine are too strong and they feel pinchy in my nose. It has rustic earthy tastes, and a horrible sour aftertaste.

Food or no food:
I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting - Barefoot Riesling

Name: Barefoot Riesling
Variety: 100% Riesling
Region: Modesta, California
Country: USA
Year: 2008
Price: $8.49

Winery review:
This wine is really great. Strikes a good balance between dry and sweet. It has a bit of fruitiness to it. It goes great with spicy food. I like to pair it with spicy Thai food. It brings cooling balance to the meal. The only reason it isn't five stars is that I prefer a semi-dry Riesling or slightly drier than this wine. This wine is a good crowd pleaser if you have guests who prefer both dry and sweet. It should appeal to both sides. - K. F. - Jan. 15, 2017, 6:25 p.m.


My review:
This wine had light flavors that didn't smack you in the face. I liked that it was not very strong and that it had a smooth after taste. It reminded me of flowers. I drank it chilled which complimented the wine very well because it made it taste like sweet air in my mouth because it was so light.

Food or no food:
I didn't have this wine with food.

My First Blog Assignment

My personal experience with wine is not that extensive so far. I have had very dry white wine because that’s what my roommate likes, and I really didn’t like it. I have had sips of red wine which I liked much better since it was fruitier (and the reds were less dry so I might have favored them because of that and not the fruitiness). I have had a rose and I don’t really remember what it tasted like but I remember that it tasted better than my roommate’s dry white (anything and everything tastes better than that)! I’ve had champagne at new years and didn’t hate it, but I had it with sweet chocolate truffles which made the champagne taste bitterer than it was supposed to. I think if I had champagne with something that it was supposed to be paired with, then it would taste better.

I don’t drink wine that much. I am more exposed to hard ciders and mixed drinks (sissy, I know). But I have a more sensitive taste so I like things that aren’t too bitter or dry. I would have drunken more sweet/fruity wines (because I know I’d enjoy those), but I haven’t known how to find wines that will be sweet enough, fruity enough, not too dry (or not dry at all if that’s possible), what to pair the wine with to make both the food and the wine taste better, etc. So I just never got into wine since I didn’t understand it.

This brings me to what I want to learn. I want to know everything I can know. I used to work in a winery as a cashier when I was a teenager so I am familiar with a lot of wine terminology, but I understand none of it. I want to know enough about wines to walk into a store and pick a bottle of wine that I know I’ll enjoy. I want to know the quality difference(s) between a bottle of wine that’s $10 and a bottle that’s $60. I want to know what food I have at home to make dinner and be able to get a wine that will pair with the food to make one cohesive meal. I think that this course can help me accomplish these things if I pay enough attention.