Tasting - Crane Lake Riesling

Photo taken from Moodle

Name: Crane Lake
Variety: Riesling
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2017
Price: $7.95, Frontline $9 Sale

Winery Review: Pale golden color. Ripe and dried peaches on the nose. Minerals and dried peach flavors. Nicely balanced, learning towards the acidic.

My Review: Floral and aromatic with notes of apple, peach and oranges. Light, refreshing, and sweet but balanced in acidity. Easy to drink on its own.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Terre dei Savoia Barbaresco

Photo taken from Moodle

Name: Terre dei Savoia
Variety: Nebbiolo
Region: Barbaresco
Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $9.95, Frontline $40 Sale

Winery Review: Red berry, rose, leather and baking spice aromas come together in the glass. The structured, juicy palate doles out ripe black cherry, licorice, roaster herb and tobacco alongside firm, velvety tannins. Still young and bracing, give this a few more years to fully develop.

My Review: Strong notes of berries and a pungent leather smell. Oaky with hints of vanilla as well. Very tannic with a dry after taste but is still quite balanced with acidity. Smooth and full bodied.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Vigna Lenuzza Cabernet Franc

Photo taken from Moodle

Name: Vigna Lenuzza
Variety: Cabernet Franc
Region: Friuli
Country: Italy
Year: 2011
Price: $5.95, Frontline $15 Sale

Winery Review: With a ruby red color and with intense purplish reflections it has a nose of red fruits like cherry, raspberry, and blackberry, to spices like marjoram, rhubarb and white pepper. On the palate it is pleasantly fresh, not too heavy, with sweet tannins and with soft herbaceous notes, which are the traditional characteristics of the Cabernet-Franc.

My Review: Strong notes of blackcurrant, raspberries, and cherries with spices. Earthy, fuller bodied and with a great amount of tannins with a dry, puckery and long finish. Not my favorite, but definitely an interesting wine.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Peter Cruythoff Sauvignon Blanc

Photo taken from Moodle

Name: Peter Cruythoff
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Swartland
Country: South Africa
Year: 2015
Price: $5.95, Frontline $10 Sale

Winery Review: Made in a definite herbaceous style, this Sauvignon Blanc also offers tropical undertones of gooseberries that add fruit to the palate. Well-balanced with zesty acidity, every glassful is fresh and crisp and perfect for warm summer days.

My Review: Earthy, very grassy and light. Surprisingly fruity for a Sauvignon Blanc, citrus forward with hints of apple, lemon and orange. Not bad.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Masseria Pertuso Avelium

Photo taken from Moodle

Name: Masseria Pertuso Avelium
Variety: Bombino Bianco, Chardonnay
Region: Apulia
Country: Italy
Year: 2016
Price: $7.95, Frontline $15 Sale

Winery Review: From the Apulia region of Comune di Andria nella zona, the color is Straw yellow with greenish reflections. A fresh bouquet with floral and citrus fruits characteristics. A wonderful wine to pair with fish.

My Review: Strong citrus notes, specifically apple, melon and light berries. A little smoky and a smooth finish. Overall quite fruity, aromatic and floral with a smooth, smoky finish.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Douglass Hill Sweet Red Table Wine

Photo taken from Moodle

Name: Douglass Hill Sweet Red Table Wine
Variety: Shiraz, Grenache, Barbera
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: N/A
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: A blend of Shiraz, Barbera, and Grenache with flavors of fresh berries and stone fruits, this sweet-style, easy-drinking wine is delicious when served with appetizers, seafood, shellfish, pork, poultry, and desserts.

My Review: Sweet yet fruity with an enjoyable after taste. Raspberries and strawberries are evident and the wine proved itself to not be overwhelmingly sweet and enjoyable on its own.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Bricco dei Tati Piemonte Barbera

Photo taken from Moodle

Name: Bricco dei Tati Piemonte Barbera
Variety: Barbera
Region: Piemonte
Country: Italy
Year: 2014
Price: $8.95

Winery Review: This is a young, fresh, lively Barbera with a persistent and attractive bouquet of black cherries and a bit of spice on the palate. It has few tannins which is typical of the Barbera varietal, and a medium finish. Delightfully approachable, it is great with medium to strong cheeses, barbecue and game.

My Review: Strong, but not too overwhelming with notes of plums, cherries, and hints of spices. Tannins were evident with a dry, puckery finish that didn't last for too long.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Vina Temprana Old Vines Garnacha

Photo taken from Moodle

Name: Vina Temprana Old Vines
Variety: Garnacha
Region: Aragon - Campo de Borja
Country: Spain
Year: 2017
Price: $9.95

Winery Review: Raspberry, cherry and white pepper aromas and floral nuance. Jammy and straightforward with sweet red fruit flavours. Supple and fresh on the palate.

My Review: This Garnacha had very strong notes of strawberries, raspberries and cherries. It was balanced - not too sweet and not too dry, and was surprisingly refreshing.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Casa Bella Provincia di Pavia

Photo taken from Moodle

Name: Casa Bella Provincia di Pavia
Variety: Pinot Grigio
Region: Provincia di Pavia
Country: Italy
Year: 2017
Price: $9.95

Winery Review: Produced by macerating Pinot Grigio grape must with its skins. The skins' pink hue give the wines its copper color. Flavors of green pear, pomegranate, and honeysuckle. It is somewhat of a big burst of opulent tropical flowers, orchid-like scented, with hints of flower, pungent oily floral notes.

My Review: This rose had strong hints of strawberry, apple, and pear and was extremely aromatic with floral notes. It was not too dry, light, and enjoyable. A pleasant wine bouquet.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Tournon Victoria Mathilda

Photo taken from Moodle

Name: Michael Chapoutier Tournon Victoria Mathilda
Variety: Rhone-style White Blend - 85% Viognier + 15% Marsanne
Region: Victoria
Country: Australia
Year: 2014
Price: $9.95, Frontline $20 Sale

Winery Review: Free of restrictive appellation controlee regulations, Chapoutier's Australian team blends 85% Viognier and 15% Marsanne in this intense, concentrated white. Yellow plums and grilled pineapple notes aren't exceeding complex, but offer plenty of enjoyment, finishing ripe, rich and long. Drink now. - Wine Enthusiast, 90 pts

My Review: A refreshing citrus white blend with strong notes of apple, orange, and pineapple. Aromatic, light yet crisp but enjoyable and not too overwhelming. Again, very refreshing.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Torciano Vin Beato Liquoroso

Name: Torciano Vin Beato Liquoroso
Variety: Catarratto, Inzolia and Grillo
Region: Tuscany
Country: Italy
Year: N/A
Price: $36.00

Winery Review: Made with Catarratto, Inzolia and Grillo grapes. Liquer wine obtained from the off-skins fermentation of aged wines. With a deep orange color. The fragrance and perfumes are particularly enhanced. An excellent dessert wine, especially suitable with all types of sweets and biscuits. Exceptional with Tuscan "canticcini", chocolate filled biscuits and cream cakes.

My Review: Creamy, oaky, buttery and hints of honey and vanilla. Also light notes of fruits like apples, pears and apricots. Sweet but not overwhelmingly sweet, with a crisp after taste. I first tried this wine in Tuscany, Italy before my study abroad program started and I was just reminded of how much I loved this dessert wine which was served with biscotti. Absolutely love this wine.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Elouan Reserve Pinot Noir

Name: Elouan Reserve Pinot Noir
Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: Rogue Valley, Oregon
Country: USA
Year: 2015
Price: $41.00

Winery Review: Rich, ripe dark plums, red cherries and black currant jam with subtle touches of pepper spice, mushrooms and earthiness. Lush, dark fruit framed by a velvety mouthfeel and subtle tannins. A sweet, red fruit core. Good structure and depth of flavor, with soft tannins balanced by a fresh lingering acidity.

My Review: Prunes, plums and leather are very apparent with light spices. Fast, crisp after taste with slight tannins. Acidic yet balanced. Pretty good Pinot Noir!

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Banfi 2011 Brunello di Montalcino

Name: Banfi 2011 Brunello di Montalcino
Variety: Sangiovese
Region: Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany
Country: Italy
Year: 2011
Price: $80.00

Winery Review: This opens with aromas that recall leafy underbrush, grilled porcini and mature dark-skinned fruit. The taut palate offers dried black cherry, coffee, sage and anise alongside tightly wound tannins that give it a firm finish. - Wine Enthusiast, 89 pts

My Review: Black cherries and earthy notes are prevalent in this wine. It has a crisp taste with subtle tannins and is surprisingly smooth yet bold. Very high quality wine, and you can taste it.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva 2013

Name: Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva
Variety: Red Blends
Region: Chianti Classico, Tuscany
Country: Italy
Year: 2013
Price: $30.00

Winery Review: Smoky aromas introduce this succulent red, with flavors of black cherry, leather, earth and tar that show concentration and play off the vibrant structure. Drink now through 2028. - Wine Spectator, 92 pts

My Review: Extremely strong notes of licorice, dark berries and blackcurrant. Lots of tannins, a long lingering after taste and overall very bold.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Mionetto Il Prosecco

Name: Mionetto Il Prosecco Spumante
Variety: 100% Glera
Region: Veneto
Country: Italy
Year: N/A
Price: $12.79

Winery Review: This sparkling Prosecco is distinguished by a rich array of fragrances that include acacia blossoms, honey, and apricot. The palate is soft and smooth, yet at the same time crisp and dry.

My Review: Pear, peach and green apple with a crisp after taste. Refreshing, bubbly and light. Aromatic and notes of citrus and fruits.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Declan's Irish Cream

Photo taken from Moodle

Name: Declan's Irish Cream
Variety: N/A
Region: Lewiston, Maine
Country: N/A
Year: 2016
Price: $11.95, Regular Price $20 Sale

Winery Review: For a true taste of Ireland without the travel, look no further than Declan's Irich Cream Wine Cocktail. Inspired by the bold yet tranquil beauty of the Emerald Isle, its rich flavors evoke images of the lush Irish countryside. Delightfully smooth and indulgently sweet, Declan's is easy to enjoy anywhere and anytime. Whether you take it in coffee or by itself, keep a bottle on your shelf.

My Review: Tastes like Ireland in a sip. This was delightfully sweet and would make a great digestif. Obviously creamy, milky and smooth. Definitely want to try to pair this with a dessert.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Hecht & Bannier Minervois

Photo taken from Moodle

Name: Hecht & Bannier Minervois
Variety: 45% Syrah, 45% Grenache, 5% Mourvedre, 5% Carnignan
Region: Languedoc-Roussillon
Country: France
Year: 2013
Price: $9.95, Regular Price $26 Sale

Winery Review: Pureed raspberry, plum and spice flavors are lined with dusty tannins in this fresh, focused red. Hints of milk chocolate add a touch of richness, with floral and spice notes lingering on the crisp finish. Drink now through 2019. 645 cases imported. - Wine Spectator, 90 pts

My Review: Dark berry, blackcurrant and almost a licorice like taste. Full bodied, and rich. Pretty smooth and full of tannins and acidity.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Crane Lake Sangiovese

Photo taken from Moodle

Name: Crane Lake Sangiovese
Variety: Sangiovese
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2015
Price: $5.95, Regular Price $10 Sale

Winery Review: Medium-garnet color; blackberry, plum and vanilla aromas; raspberry and cherry flavors; with supple tannins for a soft finish. This wine pairs well with fresh mozzarella and Brie cheeses. Also try it along with veal piccata, chicken parmesan or meat lasagna.

My Review: Raspberries, cherries, and strawberries were very noticable with oaky, creamy, and vanilla notes. Dry, puckery but not for too long for the finish. Not a bad red wine!

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Ch des Muraires Cotes de Provence Seduction

Photo taken from Moodle

Name: Ch des Muraires Cotes de Provence Seduction
Variety: 35% Grenache, 20% Cinsault, 15% Syrah, 10% Vermentino, 20% Carignana
Region: Cotes de Provence
Country: France
Year: 2016
Price: $8.95, Regular Price $29 Sale

Winery Review: A blend of 35% Grenache, 20% Cinsault, 15% Syrah,  10% Vermentino, and 20% Carignana this is a lightly perfumed wine with a strong herbal element. It is a ripe finely structured wine, with great acidity and orange flavors. A style of wine that will be better for a few more months, it should be drunk from late 2017. - Wine Enthusiast, 91 pts

My Review: Refreshing, crisp yet smooth! This rose had notes of strawberry, raspberry, and peach. It was smooth, not too dry, and enjoyable.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Antonello Cassara Trefilari Catarrato

Photo taken from Moodle

Name: Antonello Cassara
Variety: Catarrato
Region: Sicily
Country: Italy
Year: 2016
Price: $7.95, Frontline $15 Sale

Winery Review: Aromas of mature orchard fruit, spring blossom and Herbs de Provence lead the nose. On the tangy palate, a hint of bay leaf accents honeydew melon and citrus. A saline note signals the close.

My Review: Notes of apple and lemon and citrus. Not too acidic, aromatic and not too dry. Finish was interesting and lasted longer than usual, not my favorite white wine.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.