Review - Crane Lake White Zinfandel

Name: Crane Lake White Zinfandel
Variety: 100% White Zinfandel
Region: California
Country: United States
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95

Wine Shop Review: Light pink wine with floral and tropical aromas: flavors of strawberry, peach and raspberry with a touch of sweetness. This wine is an easy sipping wine that also pairs wel lwith a wide variety of foods ranging from crab cakes or

pâté to spicy Asian dishes, glazed ham, and grilled 

Personal Review: The White Zinfandel by Crane Lake brought a pleasant blend of strawberries, peaches, and watermelon to the nose. This blend of aromas was greatly enhanced by aerating the wine. Unfortunately, these flavors were almost nonexistent during the tasting which was somewhat expected given how high California Zinfandels are in residual sugar. None the less, it was a light, enjoyable wine with no significant mid pallet or finish.

Note: I did not consume this wine with food.

Review - Vina Galana Alicante Bouchet

Name: Vina Galana Alicante Bouschet
Variety: 100% Alicante Bouschet
Region: Spain
Country: Spain
Year: 2012
Price: $15.00

Wine Shop Review: From the rare Alicante Bouchet, one of the few grapes in the world with red flesh  this wine has a plush texture carring flavors of brandied cherry and chocolate ganache in this round red. Light tannins and gentle acidity impart a lovely, balanced structure.

Personal Review: The Alicante Bouschet had one of the most unique aromas that I have ever experienced. I kid you not, it the Alicante Bouschet smelled exactly like a freshly painted room. I also picked up blackberries and strawberry preserves at the nose. I found the Alicante Bouschet to have a simple, one dimensional pallet that was full of blackberries, cherries, and strawberries. No significant mid pallet or finish. 

Note: I did not consume this wine with food.

Review - Tonnino Syrah

Name: Tonnino Syrah
Variety: 100% Syrah
Region: Sicily
Country: Italy
Year: 2013
Price: $14.00

Wine Shop Review: An intense red color. Aromas of violet and blackcurrant enriched by hints of liquorice and black pepper. In the mouth it is full, round, slightly tannic and with a spicy note on the finish.

Personal Review: The Tonnino Syrah brought rich, dark cherry to the nose. Aerating the wine intensified the cherry aroma and also brought out raspberry and black pepper. My initial impression of the Syrah was full of the dark cherry and raspberry flavors. The mid pallet presented a smooth transition from the initial cherry and raspberry flavors to black pepper which lasted through the finish. A very solid Syrah.

Note: I did not consume this wine with food.

Review - Riebeek Cellars Viognier

Name: Riebeek Cellars Viognier
Variety: 100% Viognier
Region: Swartland
Country: South Africa
Year: 2015
Price: $15.00

Wine Shop Review: This is a luscious viognier, featuring a deep yellow color, that explodes with juicy peach and honeysuckle flavors. Viognier can easily become flabby, but this one manages to keep its figure within bounds. I recommend this for immediate, lip-smacking enjoyment.

Personal Review: The Viognier by Riebeek Cellars certainly surprised me at the nose due to an unexpected watermelon aroma that was accompanied by peaches and lemon. My initial impression of the Viognier was dominated by the watermelon that I detected while smelling the wine. Not dry at all; a bit too sweet in my opinion. No significant deviation from the initial impression during the mid pallet and finish. 

Note: I did not consume this wine with food.

Review - Dom Michel Thomas Pinot Noir Sancerre Rose

Name: Dom Michel Thomas Pinot Noir Sancerre Rose
Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Loire
Country: France
Year: 2013
Price: $32.00

Wine Shop Review: Bright orange-pink. Lively, mineral-tinged aromas of fresh red berries, orange peel and honeysuckle, with a hint of anise building in the glass. Dry and nervy in the mouth, offering vibrant strawberry and orange pith flavors and a suggestion of rose pastille. The floral element comes back on the finish, which lingers with very good spicy persistence.

Personal Review: The Pinot Noire Sancerre Rose had a very strong presence at the nose. I picked up predominantly apples and peaches but there was also an undeniable floral presence. The initial impression of the tasting was quite unique. I found the Pinot Noir Sancerre Rose to be surprisingly sour. Truly, the Pinot Noir Sancerre Rose mimicked a sour patch kid in the sense that it started off sour and ended sweet as the fruity floral elements returned.

Note: I did not consume this wine with food.

Review - Crane Lake Gewurztraminer

Name: Crane Lake Gewurztraminer
Variety: 100% Gewurztraminer
Region: California
Country: United States
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95

Wine Shop 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.

Personal Review: A very perfumy, floral aroma at the nose with a hint of peach and apple. Overall, very fruity and sweet at the nose. Surprisingly, these pleasant fruity flavors were non existent in the tasting as the Gewurztraminer was overwhelmingly sugary. No mid pallet or distinct finish. I found this wine to be quite disappointing and would not recommend it.

Note: I did not consume this wine with food.

Review - Codirosso Chianti

Name: Codirosso Chianti
Variety: 100% Chianti
Region: Tuscany
Country: Italy
Year: 2014
Price: $13.00

Wine Shop 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.

Personal Review: The Chianti had a sweet, sugary, peppery aroma at the nose that was accompanied by cherry after aerating. Truly, cherries really exploded out of the wine glass after aerating. Also a mild hint of blackberries. First impression was overpowered by a distinct sugary taste that quickly transitioned to cherry and pepper in the mid pallet and through the finish. 

Note: I did not consume this wine with food.

Review - Indwe Pinotage

Name: Indwe Pinotage
Variety: 100% Pinotage
Region: South Africa
Country: South Africa
Year: 2013
Price: $12.00

Wine Shop 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. Drink now-2016.

Personal Review: The Pinotage by Indwe brought a very strong dark cherry and red berry aroma to the nose. These aromas were enriched by aerating and also accompanied by a light spice aroma. The Pinotage was a mild red and color. My initial impression was dominated by cherry and red berry but the mid pallet transitioned to a complex peppery flavor that lasted through the finish. A surprising alcohol burn that lasted for a few seconds.

Note: I did not consume this wine with food.

Review - Palacio de Bornos Verdejo

Name: Palacio de Bornos Verdejo
Variety: 100% Verdejo
Region: Reuda
Country: Spain
Year: 2013
Price: $12.00

Wine Shop 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.

Personal Review: The Verdejo by Palacio de Bornos brought very strong strawberry and apply aromas to the nose. Aerating the Verdejo also brought out melon. I found the Verdejo to have a unique first impression that was full of flavor. Strawberries, apples, melon, as well as strong citrus flavors all presented themselves. Though I did not detect a significant mid pallet, I found the Verdejo to have a 10-15 second after taste in which the fruity flavors of the wine continued to develop. A very unique flavor pallet.

Note: I did not consume this wine with food.

Review - Tonnino Grillo

Name: Tonnino Grillo
Variety: 100% Grillo
Region: Sicily
Country: Italy
Year: 2014
Price: $14.00

Wine Shop 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.

Personal Review: The Tonnino Grillo had a crisp, floral, white grape aroma prior to aerating. Aerating brought peach and white grape to the nose. The Grillo presented me with a bright, peachy first impression that lasted from start to finish. 




Note: I did not consume this wine with food.

Review - Peter Mertes Platinum Riesling

Name: Peter Mertes Platinum Riesling
Variety: 100% Riesling
Region: Germany
Country: Germany
Year: 2014
Price: $18.00

Wine Shop 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.

Personal Review: The Platinum Riesling by Peter Mertes was light and sugary at the nose. The flavors were primarily floral and perfumy but not overwhelmingly so. Not a particularly sweet Riesling compared to others and, to be honest, that's what I liked most about it. 


Note: I did not consume this wine with food.

Review - Crane Lake Petite Sirah

Name: Crane Lake Petite Sirah
Variety: 100% Petite Sirah
Region: Lodi, California
Country: United States
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95

Wine Shop Review: This wine is ruby-purple colored; notes of blackberry, plums and spice predominate the nose and flavors. The tannins give a soft, full mouth feel.

Personal Review: I picked up a distinct fresh berry aroma at the nose that was really brought out by swirling the wine. The Petite Sirah by Crane Lake left rich almost inky black legs on the wine glass which led me to think the petite sirah would have an overwhelmingly complex pallet. However, I was surprised by the simplicity of the pallet. My initial impression was dominated by the fresh berry flavor of the Petite Sirah and I did not pick up a distinct mid pallet or finish. Truly, these black and raspberry flavors lasted from start to finish.

Note: I did not consume this wine with food.

Review - El Cortijillo Tempranillo

Name: El Cortijillo Tempranillo
Variety: 100% Tempranillo
Region: La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: 2014
Price: $9.00

Wine Shop Review: Bright purple. High-pitched red berry and floral scents display good clarity and a hint of cracked pepper. Shows a touch of jamminess to its pliant black raspberry and cherry compote flavors, with a spicy quality adding vibrancy. Finishes with good focus and no obvious tannins, leaving a sweet berry note behind.

Personal Review: I found the Tempranillo by El Cortijillo to have a very distinct earthy and peppery aroma at the nose that was accompanied by dark cherries after aerating. My initial impression of the wine was dominated by the earthiness that I had smelled but this flavor was quickly replaced by the peppery, dark cherry flavor in the midpallet and through the finish. Overall, the Tempranillo had a complex pallet with a distinct first impression, mid pallet, and finish. 

Note: I did not consume this wine with food.

Review - Les Clos Francs Vouvray Chenin Blanc

Name: Les Clos Francs Vouvray Chenin Blanc
Variety: 100% Chenin Blanc
Region: Loire Valley
Country: France
Year: 2013
Price: $21.00

Wine Shop Review: The cool climate in the Vouvray appellation area insures good acidity, which is balanced by the distinctly 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.

Personal Review: I picked up a very rich strawberry aroma at the nose that was greatly enhanced by aerating the wine. This strawberry aroma really jumped out of the wine glass and into my nose; almost bubbly it was so rich in these fruity aromas. My initial impression led me to notice a very pleasant apple flavor that was sustained through the mid pallet and finish.

Note: I did not consume this wine with food.

Review - La Lejania Chardonnay

Name: La Lejania Chardonnay
Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Region: Central Valley
Country: Chile
Year: 2015
Price: $10.00

Wine Shop Review: A refined and 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.

Personal Review: I found the La Lejania Chardonnay to be perfumy and floral at the nose. My first impression led me to pick up a light, refreshing, citrus and grape flavors that lasted throughout all three phases of the tasting. A very good chardonnay and certainly worth every bit of $10.00.



Note: I did not consume this wine with food.

Review - Yellow Tail Red Moscato Bubbles

Name: Yellow Tail Red Moscato Bubbles
Variety: 100% Moscato
Region: Australia
Country: Australia
Year: Non Vintage
Price: $10.00

Wine Shop Review: With a gorgeous deep pink hue, this is a wine that offers scrumptious aromas of lifted tropical fruits, ripe fresh strawberries with black currant and raspberry texture. Its flavor is a vibrant Moscato, with fresh forest fruits and strawberries and a nice dose of sweetness.

Personal Review: I immediately picked up a sweet, sugary aroma from the Yellow Tail Red Moscato. Aerating the wine brought out a distinct appley smell. I found the wine to have a refreshing, carbonated, appley and dark cherry flavor to it from start to finish.


Note: I did not consume this wine with food.

Review - Beringer Smooth Red Blend

Name: Beringer Smooth Red Blend
Variety: Blend of  Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah and Petite Sirah
Region: California
Country: United States
Year: 2012
Price: $15.00

Wine Shop Review: A blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah. Without a doubt, very smooth and uniquely balanced. Not too dry but not too sweet. Has a foundation of raspberry and blackberry that lingers in the finish. A slight hint at vanilla and some spice when it touches your tongue.

Personal Review: I noticed a distinct rubbery aroma that was accented with fresh tree fruit. My initial impression of the wine was that of a dried almond, oaky flavor. The mid pallet led me to pick up the apricotty flavors that I noticed while smelling the wine. Overall, the Smooth Red Blend by Beringer had a complex pallet that was full of rich, earthy, tree fruity flavors. The complexity of the pallet is not a surprise considering it is a blended wine.

Note: I did not consume this wine with food.

Review - Yellow Tail Cabernet Merlot

Name: Yellow Tail Cabernet Merlot
Variety: Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
Region: Australia
Country: Australia
Year: 2014
Price: $10.00

Wine Shop Review: A classic blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Medium-bodied and very approachable with soft tannins. Fruit-forward flavors of plum, cherry and blackberry are accented by notes of spice with more juicy berries on the finish.

Personal Review: Even before swirling the Yellow Trail Cabernet Merlot, I noticed an overwhelmingly peppery aroma. I found the Cabernet Merlot blend to have a complex pallet which is not surprising given that it is a blended wine. Again, I noticed a very peppery flavor during my initial impression but that ultimately transitioned to an earthy, tree fruity flavor during the mid pallet and finish. I feel it is worth mentioning that the Cabernet Merlot by Yellow Tail did have a distinct alcohol aftertaste to it.

Note: I did not consume this wine with food.

Review - Be. Bright Pinot Grigio

Name: Be. Bright Pinot Grigio
Variety: 100% Pinot Grigio
Region: California
Country: United States
Year: 2013
Price: $10.00

Wine Shop Review: This effortless Pinot Grigio keeps things light, with sun-ripened citrus flavors and a crisp, fresh finish. An instant taste of optimism, perfect for setting a carefree mood at any occasion. Serve chilled for total deliciousness.

Personal Review: I found the Pinot Grigio by Be. Bright to have a very pleasant fruity and refreshing aroma. My initial impression of the wine led me to notice a very sharp, crisp, citrusy flavor that did not change significantly as I swirled it around in my mouth. I did not notice a distinct mid palate or finish to the Be. Bright Pinot Grigio but that does not take away from the fact that, overall, I found the wine to be fantastic and would recommend it to anyone who was looking for a light, refreshing wine that is perfect for an afternoon outside.

Note: I did not consume this wine with food.

Review - Dynamite Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Dynamite Sauvignon Blanc

Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Lake County, California
Country: United States
Year: 2012
Price: $13.00

Wine Shop Review: Melon, green apple and citrus flavors are lively and refreshing, with a spicy, floral nuance.

Personal Review: I noticed a stemmy aroma that was really brought out by swirling the Dynamite Sauvignon Blanc. I found the Dynamite Sauvignon Blanc to be relatively dry but still quite refreshing. I really picked up a floral, perfumey flavor during my initial tasting. I did not pick up a mid palate or finish that altered much from my initial impression.



Note: I did not consume this wine with food.