Tasting - "Crane Lake Riesling, 2013"

Crane Lake Riesling, 2013

Variety: Riesling
Region: California
Country: United States
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95
Wine Critic Review: Punchy lime and lemon mark this off-dry Riesling with a staccato rhythm, adding edge to honeyed tones of peach and honeysuckle. Exceptionally priced, it’s satisfying and elegant.
My Review: This wine was way too sweet. It was light, but very sugary. It was a strong wine in the sense of not being able to finish a glass because of how sugary the wine was throughout a taste.
Food: We did not have it with food.

Tasting - "Crane Lake Petite Sirah, 2013"

Crane Lake Petite Sirah, 2013 

Variety: Petite Sirah
Region: California
Country: United States
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95
Wine Critic Review: Shows a certain rustic simplicity now, with youthfully jammy flavors of blackberries, cherries and currants, sprinkled with cocoa and pepper and wrapped into dusty tannins.
My Review: This wine didn’t really have a lot of smell to it. It was hard to distinguish anything specific out of the wine other than rubbing alcohol. However the taste had a very dry and bitter taste that amplified that alcohol taste. However, it had very long legs.
Food: We did not have it with food.

Tasting - "Yellowtail Reserve Merlot, 2010"

Yellowtail Reserve Merlot, 2010

Variety: Merlot
Region: South Eastern
Country: Austrailia
Year: 2010
Price: $6.95
Wine Critic Review: Round, velvety and mouthfilling, this is a satisfying Merlot at a bargain price. Aromas of black cherries and herbs fold in hints of cinnamon and mocha, while the flavors are generally fruity, but with a slightly tomatoey note. Soft on the finish. Drink now.
My Review: This wine was very earthy. It had strong flavors of oak and raspberries. It was also very earthy but somewhat had an aftertaste sunscreen. It was not something that I would want to have again.
Food: We did not have it with food.

Tasting - "Takutai Pinot Gris, 2009"

Takutai Pinot Gris, 2009

Variety: Pinot Gris
Region: Nelson
Country: New Zealand
Year: 2009
Price: $6.95
Wine Critic Review: Since this wine weighs in at 14%, the fruit was clearly very ripe. That ripeness is reflected in the flavors as well, which feature nectarine and honey accented by hints of white pepper. It’s full bodied and lush, with a long finish that mingles the sensations of sweet and spicy.
My Review: It was a sweeter smell, almost of flowers. But, when we tasted it, the only thought that came to our heads were how dry and bitter the wine was. We were not able to come up with anything else to say because how dry and bitterness.
Food: We did not have it with food.

Tasting - "Mars & Venus Sauvignon Blanc, 2013"

Mars & Venus Sauvignon Blanc, 2013

Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95
Wine Critic Review: Citrus and gooseberry aromas are mild but typical of the variety. A basic citrus palate delivers modest tangerine and nectarine flavors which lead to a mild, pithy finish showing light citric notes.
My Review: This wine was probably the best of the day but that is not too much of an accomplishment. It was apply with hints of pistachio shells. However it was very tart and sour, but yet light. Interesting but not amazing.
Food: We did not have it with food.

Tasting - "Lambrusco Amabile Bruscus San Valentino Red, 2013"

Lambrusco Amabile Bruscus San Valentino Red, 2013

Variety: Lambrusco
Region: Emilia-Romagna
Country: Italy
Year: 2013
Price: $8.95
Wine Critic Review: Deep ruby red with violet reflections and a fine perlage. Intense vinous bouquet with hints of ripe red fruits. Lively, fresh, sweet and inviting with bright fruit and a delightful sparkle.
My Review: This wine was a pretty good Lambrusco. It was subtly bubbly but not overpowering. It had a lot of great fruit flavors throughout the taste as well as a sweet taste. However, it was not as sweet as other Lambruscos like the Le Grotte from Trader Joes. This wine has a little bit more wine flavor compared to the grape soda of Le Grotte.
Food: We did not have it with food.

Tasting - "Rubus Rosado Prieto Picudo, 2013"

Rubus Rosado Prieto Picudo, 2013

Variety: Prieto Picudo
Region: Tierra De Leon
Country: Spain
Year: 2013
Price: $3.95
Wine Critic Review: Bright clean strawberry rose color. In the nose it is intense and fresh, with strawberry aromas and slight citric hints. In the mouth it is fresh, strong and tasty, emphasizing a delightful tingle due to its carbonic residuals.
My Review: This wine was terrible. It was exactly what I paid for. I thought I was going to get a cheap wine, but didn’t think it would be this cheap. It is the same price as some of the better wines I have had at Trader Joe’s, but this was nothing like it. It tasted exactly like the boxed wine of Franzia. It has really fruity but with a strong taste of alcohol. It seemed like it was grape juice barely mixed with straight alcohol that did not have time to mix together. Some of the worst wine I have had.
Food: We did not have it with food.

Tasting - "Chateau Ste Michelle Gewurztraminer, 2013"

Chateau Ste Michelle Gewurztraminer, 2013

Variety: Gewurztraminer
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington
Country: United States
Year: 2013
Price: $9.99
Wine Critic Review: This Gewurztraminer is an enjoyable wine with exuberant fruit and clove spice. Try with Tai food. Fresh and vibrant, this is zingy with a pear and tangerine flavors, persisting nicely on the lively finish. There’s a light sweetness for balance. Drink now.
My Review: This wine was really good! This was one of the wines that I tried based off the recommendation of the wine guy at Kroger. It was very enjoyable with a subtle sparkle but with a dry aftertaste. It had flavors of pear and lychee. This was a very good all-around wine.
Food: We did not have it with food.

Tasting - "La Granja 360 Tempranillo, 2013"

La Granja 360 Tempranillo, 2013

Variety: Tempranillo
Region: Carinena
Country: Spain
Year: 2013
Price: $3.99
Wine Critic Review: It’s fine but a little tart and not super interesting. I think it’s a summer red that needs to be paired with the right meat in order to elevate it.
My Review: This wine was really earthy and heavy. I could not really get past how earthy it was to experience any of the raspberry flavors, which are described on the label. It was not my favorite because the lack of variety of flavors took away from the character of the wine.
Food: We did not have it with food.

Tasting - "Reggiano Lambrusco le Grotte Rosso Dolce, 2014"

Reggiano Lambrusco le Grotte Rosso Dolce, 2014
Variety: Lambrusco
Region: Emilia-Romagna
Country: Italy
Year: 2014
Price: $4.99
Wine Critic Review: Lambrusco is one of the best-selling wines in the world. It is a unique product slightly soft red wine, fruity and fresh. Obtained through a natural and traditional fermentation process, Lambrusco is one of the oldest grape varieties grown in “Emilia Romagna” the gourmet region of Italy. Lambrusco “Le Grotte” is a ruby red wine, with violet scents. The bouquet is delicate and intense, with notes of fresh strawberries, cherries, and raspberries. Lambrusco is a pleasant, well balanced refreshing wine. It is an ideal wine for parties, barbecues or even Italian Pizza. Lambrusco should be served well chilled and refrigerate after opening.
My Review: This wine is a really sweet wine with the bubbles from being carbonated. It almost tastes like grape soda how sweet and carbonated it. However, it is a very solid wine in the since of being cheap, fruit forward, and no earthy tones whatsoever. The best description is grape soda, but I could also drink this wine every day and not get tired of it.
Food: We did not have it with food.

Tasting - "Coastal Vines White Zinfandel, 2013"

Coastal Vines White Zinfandel, 2013

Variety: White Zinfandel

Region: California

Country: United States

Year: 2013

Price: $6.95

Wine Critic Review: This White Zinfandel has a beautiful pink salmon color and crisp acidity. The wine shows juicy fruit flavors of strawberry and cherry, with a tangy sweet finish. Pairs well with mild cheeses, crab cakes, and spicy Asian cuisine.

My Review: This wine was alarmingly sweet.  It had a floral and sugary smell that was complimented with the taste of a watermelon jolly rancher. After the first taste, the only thing on my mind was the jolly rancher.  It was really sweet and I think too sweet for a wine if you are planning to drink more than a sip.

Food: We did not have it with food.

Tasting - "Ilurce Tempranillo, 2008"

Ilurce Tempranillo, 2008

Variety: Tempranillo

Region: Rioja

Country: Spain

Year: 2008

Price: $5.95

Wine Critic Review: Dark purple. Zesty, youthfully medicinal aromas of dark berries, licorice and cracked pepper. Juicy and fresh, with smooth texture and sweet cherry and spice flavors framed by dusty tannins. Finishes with a suggestion of slightly roasted fruits and good clinging persistence. Delivers a lot of power and richness for the money. 88 points – Stephen Tanzer
My Review: This wine was still pretty bad.  It had more of a watery sensation throughout the tasting because of how light it was.  However, it still seemed to have smells of alcoholic raspberrys and oak which were not present throughout the entire tasting.

Food: We did not have it with food.

Tasting - "San Elias Carmenere, 2014"

San Elias Carmenere, 2014

Variety: Carmenere

Region: Valle Central

Country: Chile

Year: 2014

Price: $5.95

Wine Critic Review: This medium-bodied red offers roasted plum, kirsch, sage and game notes, with light tannins supporting the spicy finish.

My Review: This wine was pretty bad. It almost had a bread smell with notes of pungent menthol.  The taste was not better either. It was very earthy, peppery, and smokey, and none of the flavors seemed to work together.  It seemed the flavors were fighting each other throughout the entire tasting. 

Food: We did not have it with food.

Tasting - "Riebeek Chenin Blanc, 2014"

Riebeek Chenin Blanc, 2014

Variety: Chenin Blanc

Region: Swartland

Country: South Africa

Year: 2014

Price: $6.95

Wine Critic Review: Fresh kiwifruit, green apple and almond notes bounce along, showing a flash of plantain on the friendly finish. Drink now.

My Review: This wine was sweeter but yet burned more than an average wine which we assumed had more alcohol content.  It was almost like a vinegary flavor because how light in initial flavor it was but then with a kick of alcohol in the back of the throat. 

Food: We did not have it with food.

Tasting - "Santa Luz Sauvignon Blanc, 2013"

Santa Luz Sauvignon Blanc, 2013

Variety: Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Valle Central

Country: Chile

Year: 2013

Price: $6.95

Wine Critic Review: Like any good Sauvignon Blanc, this opens with oceanic aromas of citrus fruits, sea foam and minerality. In the mouth, it is juicy and stony, with washing acidity. Flavors of honeydew, lime and a nice grassiness finish firm, with good backbone. Drink this with salads, shellfish and ceviche.

My Review: This wine was an average white wine. It had a very mellow smell that went well with the dry and tart taste. There were hints of pear and apple mixed in with a cider smell that made it almost a rustic sensation. 

Food: We did not have it with food.

Tasting - "Canyon Road Moscato, 2013"

Canyon Road Moscato, 2013

Variety: Moscato
Region: California
Country: United States
Year: 2013
Price: $6.95
Wine Critic Review: Floral, with tea rose and cherry blossom notes, this balanced Moscato shows flavors of ripe white cherry, candied plum and almond on the smooth finish.
My Review: This wine was REALLY sweet.  It was described as a desert wine.  It was sweet, floral, sugary, and hints of pear.  It was really a change of pace from the rest of the wines that we had and it was a good way to end. However, it was nothing more than a dessert wine and not one to be enjoyed during any other time.

Food: We did not have it with food.

Tasting - "Resonata Nero D'Avola, 2013"

Resonata Nero D'Avola, 2013

Variety: Nero D'Avola
Region: Sicily
Country: Italy
Year: 2013
Price: $6.95
Wine Critic Review: The grapes are soft pressed and the juice is placed in stainless steel along with the skins for a maceration of 8 to 10 days with daily pumping over of the juice to extract more color and sweet tannins. Dense ruby red with violet reflections. Lush and ripe bouquet full of mulberries, blackberries and spice. Harmonious and well balanced with good berry fruit in a spicy background. Excellent with lamb, grilled and barbecued meats, dishes with olives or capers and seasoned cheeses.
My Review: This wine was a sweeter smell but quickly changed paces when the taste was peppery, earthy and was dryer. It was definitely shocking with the change of pace from sweet smell to bitter taste.  It was really off putting and not one that I enjoyed.

Food: We did not have it with food.

Tasting - "Canyon Road Pinot Noir, 2013"

Canyon Road Pinot Noir, 2013

Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: California
Country: United States
Year: 2013
Price: $6.95
Wine Critic Review: Rich, fruit forward cherry flavors, soft tannins, a medium body and a smooth velvety finish. Pairs well with creamy soups, salmon, and savory pork dishes.
My Review: This wine was interesting. It was pretty good but not out of this world.  I smelled a hint of chocolate and raspberries. It has an earthy flavor that was not really peppery but had a mild body.

Food: We did not have it with food.

Tasting - "Maipe Torrontes, 2013"

Maipe Torrontes, 2013

Variety: Torrontes
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2013
Price: $7.95
Wine Critic 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: This wine was very floral on the nose with a hint of lavender and hand sanitizer. The tasting of the wine was very sour and citrus. But, the taste hits the back of the throat and stings.

Food: We did not have it with food.

Tasting - "Hugl Gruner Veltliner 2013"

Hugl Gruner Veltliner, 2013

Variety: Gruner Veltliner
Region: Niederosterreich
Country: Austria
Year: 2013
Price: $14
Wine Critic Review: "A fresh scent of green pears greets the nose. What follows comes in a light, crisp citrus vein, supported by a rounded mouthfeel. A refreshing wine for immediate drinking. -Anne Krebiehl, MW" Wine Enthusiast - 89 Points
My Review: This wine tasted really light and smooth.  It was not overpowering. I tasted a little apple but smelled something of a woody flavor after swirling the wine.  This was the best wine we had of the day because it was not overpowering.
Food: We did not have it with food.