Tasting Beringer Chenin Blanc

Name: Beringer
Variety: Chenin Blanc
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2014
Price: $5.95

Vintage Cellar Review: A fresh green-apple aroma and vivid citrus and crisp apple flavors are supported by vibrant acidity in this medium-bodied wine. The texture is smooth but crisp, making lots of good food pairings come to mind, from pre-meal cheese, to salads, seafood and veggie pastas.

My Review: This wine had a impressive amounts of floral and sugar aroma to it. Its flavor was faint yet had fruity notes to it that were pleasant.

I did not have this wine with food

Tasting Carraia Aglianico

Name: Carraia
Variety: Aglianico
Region: Campagna
Country: Italy
Year: 2013
Price: $15

Vintage Cellar Review: Produced in the Campania region of Italy, this Aglianico has delicious black fruit flavors with hints of licorice, volcanic soil and tar notes. Classic in nature, yet in a lighter, more crowd-pleasing style, the Carraia is made of the ancient Aglianico grape. This black grape originated in Greece and today is widely grown in Basilicata and Campania.

My Review: This wine had a nice burnt red color to it, its smell however was incredibly overwhelming and made it difficult to approach the wine, at taste it wasn't much different as it left my tongue feeling like sandpaper unable to place any of the flavors, I wasn't incredibly thrilled with this wine.

I did not have this wine with food

Tasting Siema Vino Rosso

Name: Siema
Variety: Vino Rosso
Region: Piemonte
Country: Italy
Price: $10

Vintage Cellar Review: Intense ruby red with soft garnet nuances in the glass, the Rosso is intriguingly fresh, fruity and spicy on the nose. Perfectly round and balanced, the wine is particularly soft and dry. Pair with simple dishes like fresh cheese, ham, salami, or pizza for a divine culinary experience.

My Review: This wine had a glorious red hue, its smell was smokey and peppery that came through in its taste. In addition I caught notes of cherry that was smooth and dry.

I did not have this wine with food

Tasting Dom de la Foret Grenache Cinsault Rose de Mediterranee

Name: Dom de la Foret
Variety: Grenache Cinsault Rose de Mediterranee
Region: Provence
Country: France
Price: $13

Vintage Cellar Review: A stony, pure style, with a warm paving stone note framing the dried cherry and rose water notes. The long, watermelon rind—inflected finish is finely tuned. Shows length and cut, staying lacy in feel. 50% Cinsault and 50% Grenache.

My Review: This wine had a nice amber color to it. I couldn't quite place the aromas but at taste it was a slow intro that rose into a rising hot finish which I found interesting.

I did not have this wine with food

Tasting Bricco dei Tati Cortese

Name: Bricco dei Tati
Variety: Cortese
Region: Piemonte
Country: Italy
Year: 2013
Price: $10

Washington Post Review: “Great Value! Treat this terrific little white like a red: Don’t chill it too much, then let it open for a half-hour to develop its enticing tropical fruit flavors. It’s dry, but the fruit gives an appealing illusion of sweetness. Great as an aperitif or with light seafood dishes.”

My Review: This wine had a near crystal clear color. At the nose it had a somewhat oaky smell. At taste it came across as musty with a crispness and citrus undertones. All in all it was a fairly smooth wine that was fairly tasty.

I did not have this wine with food

Tasting Crane Lake Riesling

Name: Crane Lake
Variety: Riesling
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95

Vintage Cellar 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.
My Review: This wine had an overwhelming, lipsmacking amount of sweetness which was expected from the riesling, it's fruityness and sugar were quite enjoyable.

I did not have this wine with food

Tasting Crane Lake Shiraz

Name: Crane Lake
Variety: Shiraz
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95

Vintage Cellar 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.

My Review: This wine's light aroma left me unprepared for the heat that this wine gave off in its peppery taste. Once the initial kick came in it settles into a soothing swill that was fairly enjoyable

I did not have this wine with food