Tasting - Conte Di Campiano Primitivo Di Manduria

Name: Conte Di Campiano Primitivo Di Manduria

Variety: 100% Primitivo

Region: Primitivo Di Manduria

Country: Italy

Year: Non vintage (I think, there was no year on the bottle, or at least the server didn't see it)

Price: $15.59

Critic Review (2011 vintage): Rounded out flavors of cranberry. Very jammy and a little peppery. Despite the bold flavors, there's an unexplainable hollowness to it. It's also a bit light-bodied for a primitivo. Regardless, it's quite smooth and quaffable. Dry finish. Pretty good. 3.7/5.

We also had some of this as a mulled wine (not my idea), and it was not good. But that's just me, mulled wine really isn't my thing.

My Review: There was nothing really weird about this wine. The nose of it smelled like most other red wines I've smelled and the taste tasted like most other red wines. This wine was bitter, but luckily not mouth drying. Personally not my choice of wine since it wasn't sweet and it was bitter.

I did not taste food with this wine.

Critic Source: https://www.vivino.com/wineries/conte-di-campiano/wines/vincenzo-tribute-sessantuno-primitivo-di-manduria-9999

Tasting - Cocoa di Vine Chocolate Wine

Name: Cocoa di Vine Chocolate Wine

Variety: Moscato, Torrontes, Pedro Ximenez

Region: New York

Country: USA

Year: Non vintage

Price: $9.99

Critic Review (Bottle and name look the same, the country is wrong on this site, so I hope this is the right wine): Looks like you are pouring chocolate milk into your glass. The taste is rich and creamy somewhat reminiscent of Bailey's Cream. While I would never think of wine after tasting this there is alcohol present. All the wine nerds may turn up their nose but this is a perfect dessert drink. The only thing that could make this any better would be to put a scoop of Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla in it.

My Review: From when I first saw the wine, I was ready to taste it, since it was different and it was combined with chocolate! From the nose, you can pretty much guess I smelled chocolate, and if there was anything else, it was drowned out by the chocolate smell. After drinking it, I felt a little let down, since while it did taste okay, I felt like the the wine taste didn't go extremely well with the red wine taste I got from it. It felt like drinking some red wine that was mixed with some really thick melted chocolate. Overall it was okay and not the worst I've had, but not exactly something I really liked.

I did not taste food with this wine.

Critic Source: https://www.vivino.com/wineries/opici/wines/cocoa-di-vine-8888

Variety Source: http://www.stewswinesnj.com/r/products/cocoa-di-vine-chocolate-and-wine

Tasting - Fabrica De Sangrias Lolea No 1

Name: Fabrica De Sangrias Lolea No 1

Variety (Unknown Percentage): Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot

Region: Unknown

Country: Spain

Year: Non vintage

Price: $15.49

Critic Review: If you don't want to waste time on making a real Sangria, this is for sure your best option. You could add a little bit of ginger ale and lime if you want to improve its flavor. Ensure it's chill.

My Review: After tasting the number 2 version of this wine, I was ready to taste this wine and I was glad it tasted similar. I could definitely tell this was red wine from the taste, but surprisingly, it was less bitter than the white version, maybe because of the previous wine in the cup. Other than that I couldn't really tell anything different form this one from the number 2. I was also ready to buy this wine.

I did not taste food with this wine.

Critic Source: http://reviews.danmurphys.com.au/0592-en_au/DM_794494/lolea-lolea-no-1-red-sangria-reviews/reviews.htm

Tasting - Fabrica De Sangrias Lolea No 2

Name: Fabrica De Sangrias Lolea No 2

Variety (Unknown Percentage): Airen and Moscatel

Region: Unknown

Country: Spain

Year: Non vintage

Price: $15.49

Critic Review: As with the red one, this sangria is not worth the money at all. It doesn't taste like sangria, but rather like a fizzing tablet thrown into water and a dash of alcohol added, this time in the colour of white. I most certainly won't buy this product again. I know how real sangria tastes, and this is not it. Full of sugar and little enjoyment on a hot summer's day. A cute looking bottle is not everything.

My Review: When I first smelled this wine I was really excited to drink it right away. It smelled really sweet and I got a lot of peaches from the nose. Luckily, it tasted as it smelled and was really good in my opinion. It reminded me of peach flavored candy in liquid form. I was ready to buy this wine.

I did not taste food with this wine.

Critic Source: http://reviews.danmurphys.com.au/0592-en_au/DM_794493/lolea-lolea-no-2-white-sangria-reviews/reviews.htm

Tasting - Opici Vino Bianco

Name: Opici Vino Bianco

Variety: 20% Chardonnay, 10% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Trebbiano, 40% Verdicchio

Region: Marches

Country: Italy

Year: Non vintage

Price: $9.99

Critic Review: Much more than a gimmick wine. Interesting blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Trebbiano, and Verdicchio. Pleasant maritime, saline, chalky, and citrus bouquet. Juicy, great acid, pleasant bite, long finish. 87-88.

My Review: I thought this wine was pretty basic. There wasn't anything I picked out while smelling it and the wine tasted like a lot of other wines I've tasted without anything distinct about it/

I did not taste food with this wine.

Critic Source: http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2007168

Tasting - Les Roucas Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Name: Les Roucas Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Languedoc-Roussillon
Country: France
Year: 2013
Price: $9.99

Critic Review (Cannot confirm vintage): Not a whole lot of anything here. A little earthy, a little bit of butterscotch and that's it.

My Review: I really didn't like this wine. The nose had some bad smell combined with the grapes, but I couldn't tell what. The wine was also bitter and the wine had that effect where my mouth was dry afterwards, which I think Wine Library TV said was tart.

I did not taste this wine with food.

Critic Source: https://www.vivino.com/wineries/foncalieu/wines/les-roucas-cabernet-sauvignon-2013

Variety, Region, and Country Source: https://www.vivino.com/wineries/foncalieu/wines/les-roucas-cabernet-sauvignon-2013

Tasting - Alamos Malbec 2014

Name: Alamos Malbec 2014
Variety: Malbec (assuming 100%)
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2014
Price: $11.29

Critic Review (Pretty sure review is for the 2014 vintage): Dark violet colour.

On the nose dark fruits, spices and oak.On the palate full bodied with velvety tannins and a long finish.


My Review: I personally didn't like this wine. I feel like this wine was the generic red wine. The nose of it was normal, nothing weird about it. The taste of this wine was bitter and there was a bitter aftertaste too.

I did not taste this wine with food.

Critic Source: https://www.vivino.com/wineries/alamos-winery/wines/mendoza-alamos-malbec-2014

Variety, Region, and Country Source: https://www.vivino.com/wineries/alamos-winery/wines/mendoza-alamos-malbec-2014

Tasting - Alamos Torrontes 2015

Name: Alamos Torrontes 2015
Variety: Torrontes (assuming 100%)
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2015
Price: $11.29

Critic Review: Sweetish and crisp. Nice summer afternoon wine.

My Review: To start off, the wine had a light nose and the smell was fruity. The taste of the wine confirmed the sweetness. The main thing I didn't like about the wine was the bitter aftertaste, but overall, an okay wine.

I did not taste this wine with food.

Critic Source: http://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2226893

Variety, Region, and Country Source: https://www.vivino.com/wineries/alamos-winery/wines/torrontes-2015

Tasting - Ecco Domani Pinot Grigio 2015

Name: Ecco Domani Pinot Grigio 2015
Variety: Pinot Grigio (assuming 100%)
Region: delle Venezie
Country: Italy
Year: 2015
Price: $11.29


Critic Review (Cannot confirm vintage): Looking for a crisp and refreshing white wine with citrus overtones? Look no further. Over the years this smooth drinker has become an old friend and my house go-to white.

When nicely chilled it is a great standalone sipper, pairs well with hor d'oeuvres, and boldly holds its own when complementing main course Italian fare.

Bring this Italian beauty to your next party -- you'll be glad you did.

My Review: I personally really did not like the wine. The major reason was the smell of it. I finally smelled  the barnyard smell that some Wine Library TV videos talked about. The smell just made me dislike the wine in it's entirety. There wasn't much of an aftertaste, though I could feel something there.

I did not taste this wine with food.

Critic Source: http://www.totalwine.com/wine/white-wine/pinot-grigio-pinot-gris/ecco-domani-pinot-grigio/p/11936750

Variety, Region, and Country Source: https://www.vivino.com/wineries/ecco-domani/wines/delle-venezie-pinot-grigio-2015

Tasting - Bourgogne Cotes D'Auxerre Pinot Noir Domaine Sorin De France 2013

Name: Bourgogne Cotes D'Auxerre Pinot Noir Domaine Sorin De France 2013
Variety (Unknown percentage, assuming 100%): Pinot Noir
Region: Bourgogne
Country: France
Year: 2013
Price: $12.99

Critic Review: Couldn't find a review

My Review: This wine had a normal nose. I really didn't like this wine since it was really bitter. I think I could taste the tannins in this wine, since I thought I could taste the grape seeds.

I did not try this wine with food.

Tasting - Sangue Di Giuda

Name: Sangue Di Giuda
Variety (Unknown percentages): Croatina, Barbera, Rara Uva
Region: Lombardy
Country: Italy
Year: Non vintage
Price: $9.99

Critic Review: Couldn't find review for wine

My Review: This wine had a small nose. This wine was carbonated and sweet, which I was pleasantly surprised by, since I haven't had one yet. I could still taste the grapes. I personally really enjoyed this wine since it was a fruit bomb and it is so far the only red wine I've liked.

I did not try this wine with food.

Tasting - Italo Cescon Artigiano Del Vino Pinot Grigio 2015

Name: Italo Cescon Artigiano Del Vino Pinot Grigio 2015
Variety (Unknown percentage, assuming 100%): Pinot Grigio
Region: Veneto
Country: Italy
Year: 2015
Price: $11.99

Critic Review (for the 2014 vintage): Chris does like his wine tart. He was not disappointed while sipping on this little ditty. Jenny commented "it would be nice with dessert!"


My Review: When I first smelled it, I thought I smelled a hint of peanuts, which I found odd, but not bad. I thought this wine was okay, it was not as bitter as other wines I've had. I also did noticed that taste I think is butter in it, since it had that effect where I felt something covering over my taste buds and made them feel weird. Overall, not a bad wine, still not my type though.

I did not try this wine with food.

Critic Source: https://www.vivino.com/wineries/italo-cescon/wines/pinot-grigio-2015

Tasting - Camino Del Peregrino Albarino 2015

Name: Camino Del Peregrino Albarino 2015
Variety: Albarino
Region: Rias Baixas
Country: Spain
Year: 2015
Price: Unknown

Critic Review (Could not find 2015 vintage review, 2009 vintage review given): Albarino is Spain’s contribution to the world of white wine. The variety’s profile in Australia has risen recently and our dollar has helped the Galician product make its presence felt.

The Rias Baixas region of NW Spain, close to where the Atlantic hits the Bay of Biscay, is where this grape performs to its best and the combination of sunny warmth with cold ocean winds is the secret. The wines typically taste of stone fruit, frequently verging floral, but its ripe-grape flavours are always carried by keen acidity. Here’s an example.

It has delicate pear fruit flavours, with elements approaching apricot and a wonderfully lemony tension. It is long and dry and lingering. All in all, you’d say on first sip, seared scallops (please) or swordfi sh that’s seen seconds under the grill.

My Review: I noticed that this wine also has a small nose. The main thing unusual I noticed about this wine was that I found that this wine had a taste that lingered on at the end.

I did not have this wine with food.

Critic Source: http://www.charteredaccountants.com.au/News-Media/Charter/Charter-articles/Life-and-style/2011-09-Drink-1.aspx

Tasting - Val de Vid Rueda Verdejo 2015

Name: Val de Vid Rueda Verdejo
Variety: Verdejo
Region: Rueda
Country: Spain
Year: 2015
Price: $15.99

Critic Review: Decent, acidic. Not very dimensional.

My Review: The nose on this wine was small until I swirled it. I also found this wine a little less bitter than the last one. I also noticed a buttery taste to the wine. I did mention it to the server and he said that normally these wines are aged in steel containers, so I'm not sure if maybe that was what I was tasting. I personally don't not like that taste aspect I tasted what ever it was, but I don't like it either.

I did not have this wine with food.

Critic Source: https://www.vivino.com/wineries/val-de-vid-31494/wines/rueda-verdejo-2015#user-reviews

Price Source: http://www.martinsofflicence.ie/val-de-vid-rueda-verdejo/

Tasting - Bellaconchi Brut Selection

Name: Bellaconchi Brut Selection
Variety: 30% Macabeo 30% Parellada 30% Xarel.lo 10% Chardonnay
Region: Villa Rodona
Country: Spain
Year: Not Vintage
Price: $17.82

Critic Review: Great value from this traditional method sparkler. Notes of baked apple and brioche pull through the nose to the palate. Well balanced with a satisfying finish. Perfect with chicken liver pâté on a toasted crustini. Tasted Oct 2014.

My Review: I think out of all the wines I drank at the tasting, I found this one was probably my favorite. While I personally didn't find it really good, I found it more tolerable compared to the other wines because it was fizzy. Unfortunately, it wasn't really sweet to me. Other than that, it smelled good.

I did not have this wine with food.

Critic Source: http://www.nataliemaclean.com/wine-reviews/villa-conchi-brut-seleccion/207936

Price Source: https://www.vivino.com/wineries/bellaconchi-150271/wines/cava-brut-seleccion-8888

Tasting - R&G Rioja 2011

Name: R&G Rioja 2011
Variety: Tempranillo
Region: Rioja
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $14

Critic Review: The 2011 vintage of the Rioja reveals red and black fruit. It’s exceptionally pure and clean, with prominent red fruit on the palate, along with firm tannins and  persistent finish.

My Review: This wine had a pretty dense nose. The taste of the wine was bitter to me and drier than the other wines. As with most wines, I didn't enjoy this one since I enjoy the fruitier ones.

I did not have this wine with food.

Critic Source: http://i-winereview.com/blog/index.php/2014/10/14/michel-rollands-new-spanish-wines/

Price Source: http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/roland+galarreta+r+g+tempranillo+doca+rioja+spain/2011

Wine Dinner #1 3/9/16

Okay, so I'm doing this post a bit later than when I did the wine dinner, so part of my memory is hazy. My friends and I ate at Kumo Asian Bistro in Northern Virgina during Spring Break. Here's how it went:

The first wine I had was the Bella Bellina Moscato Lemonata. I tasted this wine with yellow tail jalapeno. I thought this was a good combo since I actually like this wine since it was sweet. I wrote down the word "neutralize", so I'm assuming that the sweetness calmed down the spiciness from the jalapeno. I however, did not like the mix between this Moscato and the spicy squid. I don't really remember why since I didn't note it down.

The second wine I had was the Starborough Sauvignon Blanc 2015. One thing I had with this wine was rock shrimp. I did not like this combo because I felt like the bitterness from the Sauvignon Blanc didn't mix well with the sweetness and spiciness from the shrimp. Later on, I also had this wine with beef, and I actually thought this was a good mix. I don't fully remember why unfortunately.

The third wine I had was the Blackstone Pinot Noir 2014. I tried the Pinot Noir with spicy squid and I noted that I didn't think they mixed well. I also noted that I tried this wine with an Angry Dragon sushi roll, which was a better combination than with the spicy squid, but I still didn't like it. I distinctly remember I tried this wine with eel and I HATED the combination. The wine brought out the full seafood smell/taste from the eel, and that personally tasted disgusting to me. I think I didn't like this wine that much, which is why I didn't think it combined with many of the foods well. Lastly, I had this wine with beef, which I noted that the beef brought out the earthiness taste from the wine.

The last wine I had was the Menage a Trois California Red Wine 2014. The only food I noted I had with this wine was the beef, which I noted it was a okay mix.

Tasting - Madria Sangria Sweet & Fruity Moscato

Name: Madria Sangria Sweet & Fruity Moscato
Variety: 100% Moscato
Region: Modeosto
Country: California
Year: Non vintage
Price: $5.99

Critic Review: Great for summer picnics! Fruity flavors and delicious chilled or over ice.

My Review: Once again, this wine had a smaller nose like the Hobnob Red Blend. This wine smelled really fruity. While I did enjoy this since it was sweet, I felt it was a bit too fruity. It felt like you just had too much candy all at once. But it was still good overall.

I did not taste this wine with food.

Critic source: https://www.vivino.com/wineries/madria-sangria/wines/sweet-and-fruity-moscato-9999

Price source: https://www.vivino.com/wineries/madria-sangria/wines/sweet-and-fruity-moscato-9999

Tasting - Hobnob Red Blend 2012

Name: Hobnob Red Blend 2012
Variety: 40% Grenache, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Shiraz, 10% Pinot Noir
Region: Languedoc-roussillon, Vin de Pays d'Oc
Country: France
Year: 2012
Price: $7.95

Critic Review: dark, dry, fruity

My Review: I noticed this wine had a smaller nose than the other wines. Other tan that, it still smelled similar to the others. The taste of it was more of a balance between the first two wines that day (the Gen5 Chardonnay and the Viniterra Serie Terra Malbec). Since I'm just not a fan of the bitterness in wines, I didn't like this as much as the moscatos that day.

I did not taste this wine with food.

Region source: http://www.snooth.com/wine/hob-nob-red-blend-2012/

Wine percent source: http://www.empirewine.com/wine/hob-nob-red-blend-2012-i12558/

Critic source: http://www.empirewine.com/wine/hob-nob-red-blend-2012-i12558/

Price source: http://www.empirewine.com/wine/hob-nob-red-blend-2012-i12558/

Tasting - Sweet Silhoutte Roasted Marshmallow

Name: Sweet Silhouette Roasted Marshmallow
Variety: 100% Moscato
Region: Unknown
Country: South Africa
Year: Non vintage
Price: $7.99

Critic Review: Golden yellow color. Aromas and flavors of toasted marshmallow and praline with a petillant fruity medium body and a tangy citrus and apple accented finish.

My Review: This wine was my personal favorite of the day. It smelled and tasted pretty sweet, which was why I enjoyed it. It was also low in alcohol content so I couldn't really taste the alcohol.

I did not taste this wine with food.

Critic source: http://www.tastings.com/Wine-Review/Sweet-Silhouette-NV-Roasted-Marshmellow-Moscato-South-Africa-South-Africa-07-19-2014.aspx

Price source: https://www.vivino.com/wineries/silhouette/wines/sweet-roasted-marshmallow-9999

Tasting - Gen5 Chardonnay 2013

Name: Gen5 Chardonnay 2013
Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Region: Lodi, California
Country: United States
Year: 2013
Price: $10.99

Critic Review: Up front butter and mowed hay. Butter taste. Heavy butter aftertaste and quick but thick salty lemon finish.

My Review: I thought this wine smelled good. I personally still couldn't pick up anything besides grapes though. The taste of it wasn't the best in my opinion since it tasted a little metallic to me.

I did not taste this wine with food.

Critic source: https://www.vivino.com/wineries/gen-5/wines/chardonnay-2013

Price source: http://www.wine.com/v6/GEN5-Chardonnay-2013/wine/144188/Detail.aspx

Tasting - Viniterra Serie Terra Malbec 2013

Name: Viniterra Serie Malbec 2013
Variety: 100% Malbec
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2013
Price: $10.99

Critic Review: A nice solid Malbec. Nothing spectacular but a nice drinkable wine. Don't know the cost as it was a gift.

My Review: I found this one had a stronger smell than the Gen 5 Chardonnay 2013. I didn't smell anything out of the ordinary for this wine. The taste of it was similar to most other wines I've tasted. This one did seem a bit more buttery to me.

I did not taste this wine with food.

Critic Source: https://www.vivino.com/wineries/viniterra/wines/serie-terra-malbec-2013#user-reviews

Price source: https://www.vivino.com/wineries/viniterra/wines/serie-terra-malbec-2013

Tasting - "Italo Cescon Artigiano Del Vino Pinot Noir"

Name: Italo Cescon Artigiano Del Vino Pinot Noir
Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Italy
Country: Italy
Year: 2014
Price: $11.99

Critic Review: Can't find one.

My Review: I thought this one definitely had a stronger smell than the last wine (Italo Cescon Artigiano Del Vino Riesling). Unfortunately, I can't really smell anything from this wine that made it stand out from others in the past. I found this wine bitter and not really sweet. I personally did not like this wine that much.

I did not taste this wine with food.

Critic Review Source: Can't find one.

Tasting - "Italo Cescon Artigiano Del Vino Riesling"

Name: Italo Cescon Artigiano Del Vino Riesling
Variety: 100% Riesling
Region: Italy
Country: Italy
Year: 2014
Price: $11.99

Critic Review: Can't find one

My Review: It might of been because my nose was a bit stuffy the day of the tasting, but I really did not smell much flavor from this wine. All I smelled was the faint smell of generic grapes. Even drinking it, I did not taste that much from it. Sure I could taste some bitterness here and there, but that was really it. It wasn't as bitter as I was expecting it to be like other wines I've tasted. Because of this, it went down pretty smoothly. I think this would actually be a wine that I would consider trying again just because it stood out from the others so far.

I did not taste this wine with food.

Critic Review Source: Can't find one

Tasting - "Chateau L'insoumise Vin De Bordeaux Caresse du Terroir"

Name: Chateau L'insoumise Vin De Bordeaux Caresse du Terroir
Variety: 60% Merlot, 15% Malbec, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc
Region: Bordeaux
Country: France
Year: 2012
Price: $9.99

Critic Review (2011 Review, Couldn't find 2012 Review) : One of my personal favorite Bordeaux that I've tried. It's full bodied with high tannin levels, strong oak taste but not overpowering. It's a blend of 60% merlot, 15% Malbec, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc. Simply delicious.

My Review: I thought this wine didn't have much of a smell in the beginning, but after swirling, I could actually smell more of the wine. I'm not sure if it was because I took a bigger sniff or what, but I was surprised since I hadn't noticed that effect in the other wines yet. I thought this wine had more of a taste than the last wine (Italo Cescon Artigiano Del Vino Pinot Noir). This wine tasted more sweet but still bitter. I still did not like it much though.

I did not have this wine with food.

Critic Review Source: https://www.vivino.com/wineries/l-insoumise-50247/wines/bordeaux-caresse-du-terroir-2011

Region Information Source: https://www.vivino.com/wineries/l-insoumise-50247/wines/bordeaux-caresse-du-terroir-2011

Tasting - "Yellow Tail Red Moscato Bubbles Non Vintage"

Name:Yellow Tail Red Moscato Bubbles Non Vintage
Variety: Shiraz/Syrah, Semillon, Moscato (Unknown Percentages)
Region: Australia
Country: Australia
Year: Unknown
Price: $10
Critic Review: Deep ruby, small bubbles and showing a grapy, berry and tropical fruit and floral nose. Medium sweet (55g/L sugar content), fine mousse, flavours of sweedish berry, passion fruit, strawberry and citrus, with a medium finish. A wine like this is really best with spicy or sweet foods. This is a standout pairing to compliment chocolate chip cheesecake with a strawberry, blueberry and port reduction compote. The bubbles cleanse the palate between bites and flavours are in perfect harmony with the berry compote.
Tasted December 2015
My Review: I liked this wine the most out of all the ones I tried at the wine tasting. I liked this one the most because it was sweeter than the others and I also enjoyed the bubbly feeling from the wine.

I did not have food with this wine.

Sources:

Picture Source: http://www.yellowtailwine.com/media/403234/large%20bottle%20images%20vertical_red%20mosc%20bubb%20rebrand.jpg

Critic Review Source: http://www.nataliemaclean.com/wine-reviews/yellow-tail-red-moscato-bubbles/223623

Variety Source: https://www.vivino.com/wineries/yellow-tail/wines/bubbles-ros-9999#user-reviews

Tasting - "Beringer Smooth Red Blend"

Name: Beringer Smooth Red Blend
Variety: Shiraz/Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Sirah (Unknown Percentages)
Region: California
Country: United States
Year: 2012
Price: $15
Critic Review: Beringer Vineyards philosophy - "To thine own self be true". Don't be hating . . . I like California wine, in fact prefer it and this is a super example of why . . . Raspberry and plum on the nose with hints of that jamminess coming through on the tongue. Subtle oak and soft tannins make this a very drinkable red on its own.

My Review: I thought this wine was very similar to the last one (Yellow Tail Cabernet / Merlot 2014). I didn't really find anything unique about this one. Since it was bitter, I did not like this one that much.

I did not eat food with this wine.

Sources:

Picture Source: http://www.nataliemaclean.com/images/winepicks/04aae6fbf41dec6a083fdc77fd79cc98/207178-beringer-vineyards-founders-estate-cabernet-sauvignon-2012-bottle-1431348933.jpg

Critic Review Source: https://www.vivino.com/wineries/beringer-vineyards/wines/founders-estate-smooth-red-blend-2012

Variety Source: https://www.vivino.com/wineries/beringer-vineyards/wines/founders-estate-smooth-red-blend-2012

Tasting - "Yellow Tail Cabernet / Merlot"

Name: Yellow Tail Cabernet / Merlot
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot (Unknown Percentages)
Region: Australia
Country: Australia
Year: 2014
Price: $10
Critic Review: low acidic cab/merlot, experienced this wine that my husband chose for our spaghetti dinner, excellent choice for Italian meal, stood up to the intense flavors of Italian sausage sauce & balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing..A smooth dinner wine with a smooth taste & no after taste. Love it!

My Review: I thought this wine had a less potent smell than the last wine (Be. Bright Pinot Grigio), though it smelled sweeter than the first. The wine tasted more bitter than the last wine however, which I though was already really bitter. Therefore, I do not like this wine.

I did not have food with this wine.

Sources:

Picture Source: http://www.yellowtailwine.com/media/7265/cabernet_merlot.jpg

Critic Review Source: http://www.snooth.com/wine/yellow-tail-cabernet-merlot-2014/

Variety Source: https://www.vivino.com/wineries/yellow-tail/wines/cabernet-merlot-2014

Tasting - "Be. Bright Pinot Grigio"

Name: Be. Bright Pinot Grigio
Variety: 100% Pinot Grigio
Region: California
Country:United States
Year: 2013
Price: $10
Critic Review: The final wine of this shopper savvy week is the 2011 Be. Bright Pinot Grigio. I am a big fan of the Be winery based in California, and their great bottle design. Simple, yet playful, just like their titles. The wine also emanates the same simple and slightly playful character. We round out our affordable wines with this $10 tasty surprise.

The winery playfully describes their wine as:

Snagging the spotlight is simply effortless with this Pinot Grigio that breezes in with its sun-ripened fruit flavors, shines with carefree cues of the tropics, and finishes with an exquisite ending that welcomes you to your place in the sun.

 When you uncork this one you'll smell definite floral notes and bits of citrus fruit, almost demanding me to have this once the weather gets hot out. The wine is a nice light golden color, which enhances the delicate nature of this pinot grigio. Tasting this wine reveals light peach and white peach flavors intertwined with a floral background. A slight sweetness is balanced out with the typical Pinot Grigio dry profile. Very balanced and a bit of a cold-stone finish. Very pleasant for a Pinot Grigio. I am a big fan of Be wines and I hope they can branch out into red wines, making them just as accessible and playful as they have with white wines. Will definitely be trying this Pinot again in the summer with some fruit and cheese.
My Review: The main thing I noticed about this wine was that it was more bitter than the Dynamite Sauvignon Blanc. Since I already thought the previous wine was bitter enough, I didn't really enjoy this one as much.

I did not try this wine with food.

Sources:

Critic Review Source: http://caseym18.blogspot.com/2013/04/tasting-be-bright-pinot-grigio.html

Image Source: http://sr5.wine-searcher.net/images/labels/10/63/10371063t.jpg

Variety Source: http://www.snooth.com/wine/be-bright-pinot-grigio-2013/

Tasting - "Dynamite Sauvignon Blanc"

Name: Dynamite Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: 97.5% Sauvignon Blanc, 2.5% Muscat Canelli
Region: Lake County, California
Country: United States
Year: Unknown
Price: $13
Critic Review: Lots of fruit in this slightly sweet but balanced wine. It's bursting with lemon and lime, peach, fig and honeydew flavors, with just enough acidity to finish clean and zesty.

My Review: To start off, I thought the wine smelled very sweet the first time I smelled it. Since I'm not very verse at wine critiquing, I could only really smell grapes. The wine tasted bitter but I could taste that a part of it was sweet. I personally didn't enjoy it too much, though it isn't the worst one I tasted that day.

I did not taste this wine with food.


Sources

Picture Source: https://www.friartuckonline.com/Products/Images/018138312025/1000/DYNAMITE-SAUVIGNON-BLANC_Springfield-IL.jpg

Review Source: http://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/dynamite-vineyards-2005-sauvignon-blanc-lake-county

Variety Source: https://www.wespeakwine.com/products/Dynamite-Vineyards-Sauvignon-Blanc-Lake-County-2012-750ML.html

First Wine Post (Wine Background)

So my background with wine is really short. Pretty much the wine tasting from this week was my first time having wine. My experience with wine is as short as my experience with alcohol, as I waited till I turned 21 to drink, and I turned 21 last semester.

Before trying the wine on Thursday, I was expecting wine to be much sweeter than it actually was. I thought this since it smelled nice and I knew that it had a grape flavor. I didn't exactly liked the wine we tried that much because of my short experience with alcohol and from the bitter taste. I did enjoy the last wine a bit more though, since it was more sweet. I guess my preferences would be sweet and carbonated (or the feeling of carbonation). I guess for what I don't like is bitterness, but I guess that can't always be avoided with alcohol.

What I'm hoping to get out of this class is to learn more about wine and what the differences between them are. I also want to try to find a wine that I will actually like, which I'm not entirely sure if I will be able to find. I would also like to learn how to tell the differences in the tastes in the wine. I don't exactly know what else to learn from this course, but hopefully I learn a lot of interesting topics.