Tasting - Crane Lake Gewurztraminer 2013 - Feb. 18th, 2016

Name: Crane Lake Gewurztraminer 2013
Variety: Gewurztraminer
Country: California
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: 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. (The Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg)

My Review: This was the final wine of the day. It took me by surprise to see that the name of the grape. I still can't pronounce it well... This wine is at first a peach and white flower smell that focused my attention to a more sweet taste. The taste of was not overwhelmingly sweet as I was expecting. The finish was actually dry and enjoyable. Wouldn't mind to drink after a good dinner.

Tasting - Codirosso Chianti 2014 - Feb. 18th, 2016

Name: Codirosso Chianti 2014
Variety: Chianti
Country: Fossalta di Piave, Italy
Year: 2014
Price: $13

Winery Review: 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. (The Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg)

My Review: This wine won my this week. The nose was huge! I was blown away by how much it smelled. It was a lot of blackberry and dark fruit tones. It tasted very good and actually lead to a very dry acidic finish that I love in wine. I would recommend to try this with some food. I also think this wine would taste even better if it was left in a decanter for a few hours to soften the acid if that isn't your style. Again, I would definitely try this one again.

Tasting - Indwe Pinotage 2013 - Feb. 18th, 2016

Name: Indwe Pinotage 2013
Variety: Pinotage
Country: South Africa
Year: 2013
Price: $12

Winery Review: 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. (Robert Parker)

My Review: Lets give this a slight historical feel first. This Pinotage is a grape that has been fairly new. It has been around for only 100 years and comes from South Africa. They are the people that have really started the growth and production of these type of wines. In terms of the smell, I could see that it was a lighter wine to my nose. Definitely had the smells of blackberry and other dark fruit in it. The taste was also muted and not over powering. Didn't provide the crazy dry and tartness of most of my favorite red wines. It was great though. I would try again.

Tasting - Palacio de Bornos Verdejo 2013 - Feb. 18th, 2016

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

Winery Review: 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. (89 pts, Wine Enthusiast)

My Review: I truely enjoyed this wine. It is considered a dry wine from Spain and as I've said, I love the dry wine types. It has a hint of apple to me on the nose. The taste was also good but I couldn't really distinguish the differences the flavors in my mouth. It was enjoyable though. I would buy this for a nice sea food meal. It is nice to see Wine Enthusiast grading it at 89 cause it makes me believe I might have finally started to enjoy and differentiate good white wine, haha.

Tasting - Tonino Grillo 2014 - Feb. 18th, 2016

Name: Tonino Grillo 2014
Variety: Grillo
Country: Sicily, Italy
Year: 2014
Price: $14

Winery Review: 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. (Wine Spectator)

My Review: This was a i nice light wine that was approachable  to drink. The initial smell was earthy and with a smell of fruit like pear in my opinion. The taste was as expected for a light wine. Wasn't super sweet as I thought it would be. Not too bad in my opinion.

Tasting - Peter Mertes Platinum Riesling Magnum 2014 - Feb. 11, 2016

Name: Peter Mertes Platinum Riesling Magnum 2014
Variety: Riesling
Country: Germany
Year: 2014
Price: $18

Winery Review: 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. (Winery Notes)

My Review: This was a pretty interesting wine at first glance. The coolest thing about it was the bottle. It was a tall slender bottle that was bigger than my arm. It had the same color scheme as a Bud Light Platinum (I found that funny). The smell was light and was definitely leaning on a less complicated wine than the other ones tasted this week. The taste followed suite with a light body with fruity sweet tastes. This wine was very light and I wouldn't mind sipping on this as a treat after a good dinner. Wouldn't drink it regularly but I would try it again. If not for the taste and expereince, buy it for the sweet bottle.

Tasting - Crane Lake Pette Sirah 2013 - Feb. 11 2016

Name: Crane Lake Petite Sirah 2013
Variety: Petite Sirah

Country: Lodi, California
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: Prepare to be overwhelmed, there's nothing "petite" about this wine from the inky dark color to the bouquet loaded with tons of blackberry fruit and a hint of exotic spice; it fills your mouth with jammy fruit balanced by velvety soft tannins. Perfect for your next big party. (Winery Notes)

My Review: This was a decent wine as well. The smell was very bland not like the El Cortijillo Tempranillo that was tasted in the last entry. The taste was also non-specific for me. It had some tannins in there with overtone of blackberry. The normal taste I would expect from this dark red wine. I do have to say I might need to give this another try as it would be a good choice for a meal.

Tating - El Cortijillo Tempranillo 2014 - Feb. 11, 2016

Name: El Cortijillo Tempranillo 2014
Variety: Tempranillo
Country: La Mancha, Spain
Year: 2014
Price: $9

Winery Review: Dusty garnet color. Fruity, floral jammy minty aromas of black raspberry, vanilla, spice cake, and dried plum with a creamy, lively, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, captivating, medium-length plum jam, black raspberry, sweet vanilla, and cherry finish with well-integrated tannins and moderate oak. Over delivers on beautiful cherry, plum and berry fruit framed with generous vanilla and silky tannins for everyday, balanced sipping on the indulgent side. (88 points - Beverage Tasting Institute)

My Review: Again the red wines steal my heart! The initial smell was a big smack in the face. It had this very dry smell with an abundance of tannins. I knew I was going to like this wine from the inital sniff. The taste was as expected. Super dry and tart but with the slight fruit flavor of berry. The only downside was the ending being bland with no real substance. This was my favorite pick of the week for sure. I would drink this with a t-bone steak among good friends.

Tasting - Les Clos Francs Vouvray Chenin Blanc 2013 - Feb. 11, 2016

Name: Domaine Sylvian Gaudron Les Clos Franc Vouvray Chenin Blanc 2013
Variety: Chenin Blanc
Country: Loire Valley, France
Year: 2013
Price: $21

Winery Review: The cool climate in the Vouvray appellation area insues good acidity, which is balanced by the distinctively 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: This wine also lead me to be more open to the white wines. I thought it had a very similar smell to the previous Chardonnay but with a little less 'umph' in the flower department. The taste was also very nice with a very enjoyable middle pallet that really caught my attention. All in all a decent wine.

Tasting - La Lejania Chardonnay - Feb. 11, 2016

Name: Vicar La Lejania Chardonnay 2015
Variety: Chardonnay
Country: Central Valley, Chile
Year: 2015
Price: $10

Winery Review: A refined 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. (Vintage Wine Cellar, Blacksburg, VA)

My Review: This one of the first whites that has caught my eye. It had a nice dry smell to it with flowery smells. I am starting to get better at telling what to look for when trying these wines for the first time. The taste was also pretty nice. It had a taste of peach with that dry-ish finish. I would definitely have this with a seafood dinner for complement.

Tasting - Butterfly Kiss Moscato - Jan. 28 2016

Name: Butterfly Kiss Moscasto
Variety: Moscato
Country: Chile
Year: 2012
Price: $13

Winery Review: Aromas of honeydew and apricot, gently kissed by orange blossom, candied pineapple and a hint of lime zest.

My Review: This is a very sweet wine. The first sniff I took was a wildly different one from the last four I had tried. It does smell playful and light but in my opinion it is too much. I'm not sure what setting I would prefer this wine over my favorites but I would like to try more of these. I think eventually I will be able to appreciate the Mosacato for what it is.

Tasting - Purple Paws Zinfandel | Lodi - Jan. 28, 2016

Name: Purple Paws Zinfandel | Lodi
Variety: Zinfandel | Lodi
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2012
Price: $15

Winery Review: It smells like ripe boysenberries and cherries, and tastes generous and broad without being too full bodied. It finishes with more fruit notes and those who love a little spice and smooth tannins will be happy.

My Review: This was much sweeter than I thought it would be. I am use to the very dry and tart taste of Cabernet so this took me by surprise, but it was very enjoyable. I will have to try this wine again as I don't think I appreciated the full force of what a Zinfandel can provide.

Tasting - Purple Paws Cabernet Sauvignon - Jan. 28, 2016

Name: Purple Paws Cabernet Sauvignon Non-Vintage
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2012
Price: $15

Winery Review: If a Cabernet can be smooth and creamy, this one is. It offers plenty of fruit flavor, smooth tannins that coat the mouth in a good way, plus a plush texture that keeps it from being even a bit harsh. With light body, a soft mouth feel and lingering finish, there's much to like. (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg, VA)

My Review: I am a huge fan of Carbernet Sauvignon and this is a great one at that. This Cabernet is much easier to drink than most of the Cabernets that I am use to. The smell too me wasn't exactly distinguishable to other wines but the taste was felt for sure. The middle taste was very fruity and inviting. While the finish was dry. The tart taste was suppressed leading me to believe that this wine is more geared towards easy drinking and enjoyment by itself.

Tasting - Rosemount Chardonnay - Jan. 28, 2016

Name: Rosemount Estate Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: South Australia
Country: Australia
Year: 2013
Price: $10

Winery Review: This world-renowned wine shows peachy tropical fruit and melon characters on the nose, with a hint of citrus freshness and judicious use of oak. The palate is generous and soft with full, ripe tropical flavors folded into a creamy backdrop that is beautifully structured with a long satisfying finish. (Vintage Wine Cellar, Blacksburg, VA)

My Review: This was a good introduction to the Chardonnay. I thought it smelled very flowery and sweet. I couldn't pin point the type of flower or sweet flavor but I did like it. When the taste came through it was definitely sweeter than I thought. The finish was dry though which is exactly what I like in a wine. I would drink this if I was having a nice evening in the summer on a porch, enjoying with my friends.

Tasting - La Lejania Sauvignon Blanc - Jan. 28, 2016

Name: Vicar La Lejania Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Central Valley, Chile
Country: Chile
Year: 2015
Price: $10

Winery Review: Aromas of green apple and citrus are as classic as it gets for Chilean Sauvignon Blanc. This is straight forward but enjoyable, with modest minerality. Flavors of citrus and gooseberry carry over onto a refreshing finish. (Vintage Wine Cellar, Blacksburg, VA)

My Review: This is the first wine I have tasted for this class and it was interesting. Not really knowing what to look for was a problem. When I first smelled it just smelled like a light wine that didn't have any special features. The initial taste was sweet and slightly fruity. The finish was light and not too overpowering. Definitely sweet for my taste. All in all, good intro to light wines.