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.