Review - Crane Lake Riesling

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

Wine Shop Review: The trademark German red grape varietal Dornfelder has a lovely purity of soft red berry fruit. Integrated soft tannins combined with forward fruit flavors make for a perfectly balanced everyday sipping wine. Great with grilled red meat, sausage and chicken. Best served slightly chilled.

Personal Review: I found the 2013 Riesling by Crane Lake to bring peaches and strawberries to the nose before and after swirling. Whereas most "dessert" wines that I've tasted throughout this blog have been overly sweet, this Riesling was surprisingly balanced due to a bit of acid. The tasting was true to the aromas and full of strawberries and peaches.

Note: I did not consume this wine with food.

Review - Crane Lake Shiraz

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

Wine Shop Review: Beautiful ruby appearance, with blackberry and pepper notes. Tannins and fruit marry well for a soft finish. This wine pairs well with sharp cheddar cheese and hazelnuts. Also try it along with roast lamb at Easter time, veal marsala, or grilled salmon.

Personal Review: I found the 2013 Shiraz by Crane Lake to have a unique nose in that, prior to aerating, it smelled like the ocean. Seriously, I took a huge whiff of it before swirling and I felt like I just got blasted in the face by the Atlantic Ocean. After swirling, though, I detected black pepper, soil, and black cherry at the nose. My first impression of the wine was dominated by black cherry but the mid-palate shifted to black pepper through the finish.

Note: I did not consume this wine with food.

Review - Georges Duboeuf Nouveau

Name: Georges Duboeuf Nouveau
Variety: 100% Gamay
Region: Beaujolais
Country: France
Year: 2015
Price: $12.00

Wine Shop Review: George Duboeuf is THE king of Beaujolais.  His wines are full of pop, charm and great flavor and his Beaujolais Nouveau is no exception.  A cornucopia of expressive fruit wrapped in an almost-bubblegum-like frame; it is the flagship Nouveau.

Personal Review: The Nouveau by Georges Duboeuf brought a red-fruit bouquet to the nose full of cherries, plums, and grapefruit. Though the wine was not overly acidic, tannic, or sweet, it was still quite balanced. I found the Nouveau to express its red-fruit flavors from start to finish with no significant deviation in the mid-palate or finish. Side note: what a totally awesome label.

Note: I did not consume this wine with food.

Review - Maipe Torrontes

Name: Maipe Torrontes
Variety: 100% Torrontes
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2014
Price: $14.00

Wine Shop Review: The wine has a 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.

Personal Review: The 2014 Torrontes by Maipe was very light in color; almost clear. I found it to bring beautiful floral aromas to the nose accompanied by apples and peaches. I found the Torrontes to be surprisingly acidic but still full of the fruity flavors that I detected when smelling the wine. No distinct mid-palate or finish. Acidic, crisp, fruity, refreshing from start to finish.

Note: I did not consume this wine with food.

Review - Tonnino Pinot Grigio

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

Wine Shop Review: Tonnino’s exotic example of Pinot Grigio has a straw to pale gold color. It is fresh and clean on the nose with fruity notes of pear, green apple and white peaches. The palate is true to the nose with a fresh acidity, coriander and lime notes followed by a crisp finish. This wine pairs well with youthful aperitifs, clams or mussels, pastas and risotto dishes.

Personal Review: The 2014 Pinot Grigio by Tonnino brought a crisp, fresh, green apple bouquet to the nose. The palate, from start to finish, closely resembled the nose with a floral and green apple taste. I think this would be an outstanding wine to cleanse your palate prior to a meal. I'm not usually a big fan of pinot grigio but I would drink this again.

Note: I did not consume this wine with food.

Review - Peter Mertes Sweet Red Dornfelder

Name: Peter Mertes Sweet Red Dornfelder
Variety: Dornfelder
Region: Germany
Country: Germany
Year: 2014
Price: $12.00

Wine Shop Review: The trademark German red grape varietal Dornfelder has a lovely purity of soft red berry fruit. Integrated soft tannins combined with forward fruit flavors make for a perfectly balanced everyday sipping wine.

Great with grilled red meat, sausage and chicken. Best served slightly chilled.

Personal Review: The Sweet Red Dornfelder by Peter Mertes brought cherries and strawberries to the nose. Though the bouquet was nice, the taste was unbalanced. The Sweet Red Dornfelder was overwhelmingly sweet but low in alcohol at 9.5% ABV and not overly acidic or tannic. An unbalanced dessert wine that is certainly not worth more $12.00. 

Note: I did not consume this wine with food.

Review - Castello Sonnino Chianti Montespertoli

Name: Castello Sonnino Chianti Montespertoli
Variety: Blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Trebbiano, and Malvasia del Chianti
Region: Chianti
Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $15.00

Wine Shop Review: A blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Trebbiano and Malvasia del Chianti. Rich and modern, with a dark, saturated color and aromas of graham cracker and lemon rind. A juicy palate packed with plum and raspberry is carried by a creamy texture that’s rather toasty in terms of flavor. The finish is round, full and chocolaty.

Personal Review: The Castello Sonnino Chianti Montespertoli brought a peppery, petroleum-like, aroma to the nose. I found the Chianti Montespertoli to be rather dry and tannic but still balanced due to the 13.5% ABV. The pallet began with raspberries and balckberries before transitioning to a soily midpallet and finish.

Note: I did not consume this wine with food.

Review - Bolla Bardolino

Name: Bolla Bardolino Magnum
Variety: 60% Corvina 30% Rondinella 10% Molinara
Region: Bardolino
Country: Italy
Year: 2013
Price: $18.00

Wine Shop Review: A blend of 60% Corvina, 30% Rondinella, 10% Molinara this bright ruby red wine has hints of black cherry on the nose.  It is soft and fruit-forward, with black-fruit flavors followed by a bright and fresh finish. Serve it as the Italians do – young and lightly chilled. Pairs perfectly with fleshy fish, beef, lamb, red-sauced pastas and pizza.

Personal Review: The Bolla Bardolino Magnum brought a strong woody, ruffage punch to the nose. The Bardolino Magnum smelled like a pile of wet leaves. The pallet was complex, beginning with black currant and raspberries before bringing an earthy, peppery flavor to the midpallet and finish.

Note: I did not consume this wine with food.

Review - Tenuta le Velette Orvieto Classico

Name: Tenuta le Velette Orvieto Classico
Variety: 30% Trebbiano 30% Grechetto 20% Malvasia 15% Verdello 5% Drupeggio
Region: Orvieto
Country: Italy
Year: 2011
Price: $18.00

Wine Shop Review: The Berganorio Orvieto is a subtle wine with a bright palate. It shows white flowers on the nose and light citrus notes in the mouth. Its neutral character means it can accompany a wide range of foods. A blend of 30% Trebbiano, 30% Grechetto, 20% Malvasia, 15% Verdello, and 5% Drupeggio. The estate has 103 hectares on the hill opposite the hill town of Orvieto.

Personal Review: I found the Berganorio Orvieto to have a floral, perfumy, grapefruit bouquet. Though the Berganorio Orvieto was intriguing at the nose, its beautiful aromas were not indicative of how the wine actually tasted. I found the Berganorio Orvieto to have a red hot alcohol taste from start to finish. 

Note: I did not consume this wine with food.

Review - Aveleda Praia Vinho Verde

Name: Aveleda Praia Vinho Verde
Variety: 40% Arinto 30% Loureiro 20% Trajadura 10% Azal
Region: Vinho Verde
Country: Portugal
Year: 2013
Price: $10.00

Wine Shop Review: A blend of 40% Arinto, 30% Loureiro, 20% Trajadura and 10% Azal. Full of fruit, a lasting peach flavor targeted with laserlike acidity through the finish. It has the bite of salty ocean air and a lot of zing. For langoustines.

Personal Review: I found the Vinho Verde by Aveleda Praia to bring crisp green apples and peaches to the nose. I found the Vinho Verde to be very acidic, tart, and refreshing from the initial impression through the finish. Truly, it was almost like a green jolly rancher. An incredibly crisp and refreshing wine.


Note: I did not consume this wine with food

Review - Dona Sol Shiraz, Petite Syrah & Symphony

Name: Dona Sol Shiraz, Petite Syrah & Symphony
Variety: Red Blend
Region: California
Country: United States
Year: Non-vintage
Price: $6.95

Wine Shop Review: Shiraz has a unique jammy fruit character that is well represented in the Sweet Red. Both on the nose and on the palate, jammy fruit, like strawberries, cherry pie and red licorice, entices the senses and pair well with cheeses and desserts.

Personal Review: The sweet red blend brought strawberries, raisins, cherries, and raspberries to the nose. I found the wine to be particularly sweet and unfortunately void of the pleasant berry aromas. Still, a good dessert wine and I'd recommend it to friends.

Note: I did not consume this wine with food.

Review - Velvet Crush Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon & Petite Syrah Bllend

Name: Velvet Crush Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon & Petite Syrah
Variety: Blended Red
Region: California
Country: United States
Year: Non-vintage
Price: $18.00

Wine Shop Review: Velvety smooth texture just like its name. Soft tannins and lush dark fruit character. Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah bring backbone and character, while the Merlot balances out the blend for a soft, smooth texture.

Personal Review: The Red Blend by Velvet Crush brought beautiful cherry aromas to the nose. The blend truly smelled like a fresh cherry pie. A very fruity flavor pallet from the initial impression through the mid pallet and finish. Not particularly dry or much of an alcohol burn. 


Note: I did not consume this wine with food.

Review - Grand Cru Pinot Noir

Name: Grand Cru Pinot Noir
Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Region: California
Country: United States
Year: 2013
Price: $6.95

Wine Shop Review: This ruby-colored wine has aromas of raspberry, cherry and a hint of vanilla. Flavors of cherry and plum lead to a soft velvety finish. This wine can be enjoyed by itself. It is also an excellent accompaniment with Brie, goat cheese and smoked salmon. Lamb shanks and pork tenderloin are a favorite
main dishes to pair with this wine.

Personal Review: The Pinot Noir by Grand Cru Vineyards brought freshly cracked black pepper, dark cherries, and black currant to the nose. Though the first impression was predictably dominated by the rich berry flavors, the mid pallet was surprisingly earthy with nice pepper flavors making for a complex, full bodied pallet. 

Note: I did not consume this wine with food.

Review - Prime Brume Garganega

Name: Prime Brume Garganega
Variety: 100% Garganega
Region: Soave
Country: Italy
Year: 2014
Price: $11.00

Wine Shop Review: Pale color. Fruity, floral minerally inviting aromas of passion fruit, white grapefruit, spice poached pear, and papaya with a lean, racy, bone-dry medium body and a smooth, complex, long lemon, passion fruit, raw hazelnut, and wet stones finish with no tannins and light oak. From the tantalizing nose full of exotic fruit, citrus and minerality thru to the long, crisp finish, this soave can seamlessly go from cocktail hour thru to vibrantly flavored dishes.

Personal Review: I found the Garganega by Prime Brume to have a very unique bouquet. Personally, I picked up a surprisingly strong banana aroma as well as lemons and pomegranate. Very complex nose. Though the bananas were not present in the tasting, the citrus from the lemons and pomegranate really stood out during my first impression. A very nice blend of aromas and flavors make this Garganega well worth a shot.

Note: I did not consume this wine with food.

Review - Quintas Melgaco Blue Vinho Verde

Name: Quintas Melgaco Blue Vinho Verde
Variety: 100% Vinho Verde
Region: Vinho Verde
Country: Portugal
Year: 2013
Price: $10.00

Wine Shop Review: Refreshingly crisp white wine from Portugal--Vinho Verde is soft, light and refreshing, and is an uncompromising and ideal wine for everyday pleasure. Its bright color and pineapple aromas are followed by citrus notes. The palate is clean and fresh. Vinho Verde is an excellent accompaniment to fish and shell fish, white meats and salads.

Personal Review: I found this Vinho Verde to bring a strong apple aroma to the nose. My first impression of the wine was dominated by a tart, apple flavor. A very crisp and bright flavor pallet that didn't shift much from my initial impression. A good, refreshing wine.

Note: I did not consume this wine with food.