Wine-Cheese Blog

Today, along with my friends from the class, I tried three different wines with three different types of cheeses. We met up in our friend's apartment to do this. The wines I drank today were the Gallo Family Moscato, and White Zinfindel, along with Giles Mountain Tango. The small Gallo family bottles were just a few dollars each, while The Giles Mountain Tango was 15 dollars. The three cheeses these wines were paired with were Marry Dutch Gouda, Widmer Colby, and Black Creek Cheddar(aged nine months). Each cheese block was only couple dollars. As appropriate with the wine tasting methodology, we drank the white wines and made our way to the dark red wine. 

The first wine consumed was The Gallo Family from California, USA. The vintage was not specified on the bottle. The variety of the grape in the wine is Moscato. The wine itself had aromas of  unripened pear and apricot. The wine is light bodied, and high in acidity. The wine had tree fruit flavors, such as apple and pear. The wine also had a lot of residual sugar. After pairing it with Gouda cheese, the wine brought out the flavors of peach. The wine also became more acidic. Pairing it with Colby cheese, the flavors became creamier, and the wine became creamier. Pairing it with Cheddar cheese, the wine becomes more acidic and sour. It also brings out the green tart flavor.

The second wine drank by our group was The Gallo Family Rose from California, USA. The vintage for this wine was also not specified. The variety of grape is White Zinfindel. The wine itself had floral aromas, very similar to rose petals. The wine had very strong flavors of cherry that is put on top of an ice cream. Pairing it with Gouda, the wine becomes more acidic, and has flavors of honey. Pairing it with Colby cheese, the wine becomes creamier and brings out the flavor of plum fruit. Pairing it with Cheddar cheese, the wine becomes overpowering. The flavor is similar to the original wine, just a little fainter.

The third wine drank tonight, which is a red wine, was Giles Mountain Tango from Virginia, USA. The vintage on the bottle is 2015, and the variety is Cabernet Franc. The wine has aromas of spice and dirt. The wine has the flavors of ginger and black pepper. It is almost certain that this wine aws aged in oak barrels. The wine is medium bodied, and has an average amount of tannins. With Gouda cheese, the becomes spicier and brings out a barbecue flavor. With Colby cheese, the wine becomes creamy, but still hangs on to the spiciness. It even taste a little rocky. With the cheddar cheese, the spiciness subsides and the flavors of black berry and dark berries comes out. 

Overall, this was an amazing experience. This was a great way to bond with my friends, and express each individual's opinions. The wine and cheese pairing is an amazing way of bringing out different flavors from the wines. This proves that wine is a beverage to be consumed with food, and it expresses itself even more around cheeses, almost uncovering the hidden flavors that are unreachable if consumed just on its own.

Tasting - Ca' Bea

Name: Ca' Bea
Variety: 45% Uva Rara, 10% Barbera, 25% Croatina
Region: Oltrepo Pavese
Country: Italy
Vintage: 2014
Price: $9.95

Winery Review: This is a rare, sweet red wine with an intense fruity bouquet. It is a wonderful wine with desserts such as dry pastries, cookies and cakes.

My Review: This wine is medium to heavy bodied, and it has beautiful deep violet to purple colors. The wine itself has jammy aromas, and once tasted it is super sweet. It doesn't attack the palate with too much residual sugar. It would taste great with dessert items.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Alvarez de Toledo

Name: Alvarez de Toledo
Variety: Mencia Roble
Region: Bierzo
Country: Spain
Vintage: 2009
Price: $14

Winery Review: The 2009 Alvarez de Toledo was bottled just a week before the wine was presented but seems to be showing no symptoms of distress. Balsamic, leather, and black fruits are the principal notes struck by this suave effort that over-delivers in a big way. Like its older sibling, it can be enjoyed now but will have more to say in 2-3 years.

My Review: This wine is absolutely delicious. It is bitter in comparison with the rest of the wine tasted today. The wine is flavorful with its herbal and earthy ingredients. This wine has medium to strong tannins.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Codirosso

Name: Codirosso
Variety: 90% Sangiovese, 7% Canaiolo, 3% Colorino
Region: Tuscany
Country: Italy
Vintage: 2015
Price: $13

Winery Review: Dusty garnet color. Earthy aromas and flavors of dried sour cherry and sundried tomato, honey roasted mushrooms, chocolate yogurt, and hint of barnyard with a supple, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, interesting, medium-length nuts, cranberry compote, and earth finish with a suggestion of oak. A nice combination of bright fruit and rusticity will bode well for the hunter’s table.

My Review: This wine is medium to light bodied, and has fresh floral aromas of rose petals. There are also aromas of dark berry fruits. The taste itself becomes distinct with its cherry and cinnamon flavor.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - The Royal

Name: The Royal
Variety: Chenin Blanc
Region: Western Cape
Country: South Africa
Vintage: 2015
Price: $8.95

Winery Review: As the unofficial drink of the Riebeek Valley, Chenin Blanc is the perfect every day wine that offers uncomplicated quality for the novice and connoisseur alike. Packed with upfront melon fruit, the nose charms with an abundance of guava and gooseberries as well as the signature hint of honey. The palate follows through with fruit flavors balanced by a crisp acid to ensure a fresh and fruity style of wine.

My Review: The wine is light bodied, and has aromas of honey suckle. The wine is gentle, and pleasing to the palate. The wine has some slight floral background, matched with some spiciness.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Barao de Figueira

Name: Barao de Figueira
Variety: Siria
Region: Beira
Country: Portugal
Year: 2014
Price: 12

Winery Review: This wine is soft and rounded. It has lemon and light spiciness along with cool acidity. It is an easy wine that is ripe with apple and fresh lemon juice. Good with seafood, grilled fresh fish, white meats and as an aperitif.

My Review: This wine has slight aromas of herbal and vegetation. Once tasted, the green apple and crisp lemon taste stand out. The wine is light bodied, and is slightly acidic. Overall, the wine is very tasty and refreshing.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Crane Lake

Name: Crane Lake
Variety: Riesling
Region: California
Country: USA
Vintage: NA
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: Pale Golden Color. Ripe and dried peaches on the nose. Mineral and dried peach flavors. Nicely balanced, leaning towards lime acidity.

My Review: Personally, I am not that much interested in sweet wines. However, this wine is very balanced, and it is pleasingly sweet. The aromas are of honey suckle, and flowers. The main flavors are figs and peaches. This wine is not very acidic, but is is refreshing.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Vinedos Real Rubio

Name: Vinedos Real Rubio
Variety: Rioja Crianza
Region: Rioja
Country: Spain
Vintage: 2010
Price: $12

Winery Review: Lightly baked berry aromas vie for attention with leather, spice and mild earth notes, and the result is disjointed. On the palate, this is tight as a drum initially, but more expansive as it unfolds. Cherry, plum, raspberry, vanilla and woodspice flavors finish pure, clean and easy. This is a fine yet manageable Rioja that's not trying too hard.

My Review: This wine is strong in every sense. It is super tannic, and super acidic. However, it does not have too much of sweetness. Even with a lack of sweetness, this wine feels well balanced. It has strong floral and herbal aromas. The flavor is mainly dark berries, and this wine leaves the mouth feeling super parched and leathery.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Barao de Figueira

Name: Barao de Figueira
Variety: Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Touriga Franca
Region: Beira
Country: Portugal
Vintage: 2013
Price: $12

Winery Review: From vineyards at 2000 feet elevation, this is a rich and spicy wine that has a pure steak of fruit freshness and a firmly tannic core. It is perfumed from Touriga Nacional in the blend, with red berry and black plum flavors coming through strongly along, balanced by acidity. It will be better from 2017.

My Review: This wine is very delicious, and it is probably my favorite from the rest of the five. This medium bodied wine has earthy aromas and represents it's Terroir. The wine is perfectly acidic. The main flavors are blackberry and dark cherries. The aftertaste leaves the mouth feeling parched and leathery.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Garnacha de Fuego

Name: Garnacha de Fuego
Variety: Old Vines Grenache
Region: Aragon
Country: Spain
Vintage: 2014
Price: $10

Winery Review: The Garnacha de Fuego Rose is a solid effort that has a light salmon color to go with notions of cherry blossom, orange peel and herbs de provence. Medium-bodied, supple, fresh easy-drinking, and an outstanding value.

My Review: This wine is light to medium bodied, and this rose is slightly lacking in the acidity and the tannins. Personally, there isn't too much to taste in this wine. However, there are subtle flavors of citrus and raspberries. There is also hints of residual sugar.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Villa Vitas

Name: Villa Vitas
Variety: Ribolla Gialla
Region: Venezie
Country: Italy
Vintage: 2014
Price: $18

Winery Review: The 2014 Ribolla Gialla shows more minerality, nice quince, white currant and citrus oil notes, a dry refreshing mouthfeel and a fragrant bouquet.

My Review: This white wine is light bodied and crisp. The wine is less acidic than I originally thought it would be. The main flavors of this wine are lime and grapefruit. Overall, this wine is simple but sweet. This would pair well with appetizers.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Santa Luz

Name: Santa Luz
Variety: Malbec
Region: Vale Central
Country: Chile
Year: 2014
Price: $10

Winery Review: Our Santa Luz Malbec has rich flavors of damsons and plums with a hint of black pepper and chocolate. Ideal with roast or grilled meats, especially pork and beef, and grilled fish steaks.

My Review: This wine is young and sharp, and it is very flavorful. The wine is dark red with almost purplish color. The wine has aromas of spice and chocolate. Once tasted, the plumy, jammy flavor comes out with a hint of dark chocolate.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - San Elias

Name: San Elias
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Central Valley
Country: Chile
Year: NA
Price: $8

Winery Review: The grapes for this Sauvignon Blanc are selected from our vineyards in Central Valley. Pale in color with a gooseberry bouquet and fresh zesty flavor. Excellent aperitif or with salads, fish and poultry.

My Review: This wine has strong aromas of cat pee, and it is pungent. The wine itself is very crisp and dry. The flavors are powerful or green apple and lime. Overall, the wine is delicious and it is easy to be drank by itself.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - CK Mondavi

Name: CK Mondavi

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: California

Country: USA

Year: 2015

Price: $6

Winery Review: We harvest our grapes at peak of ripeness from prime California vineyards, creating wines with fully developed flavors. Our Cabernet Sauvignon has a classically deep red colors ad is rich with cherry and blackberry flavors that are perfectly balanced with a hint of oak and a long fruit finish.

My Review: This medium bodied red is full with flavors. It has nice aromas of spice and berries, and the taste is super smooth. I like the cherry flavors that is presented with a hint of oak flavor, which is natural to a lot of wines from California.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Buenas

Name: Buenas
Variety: Tempranillo
Region: Cosechores
Country: Spain
Year: 2013
Price: $10

Winery Review: In Spain, the casual greetings of buenas signifies the start to an enjoyable gathering among friends and family. Our Tempranillo is the perfect choice for these occasions, both large and small. Crafted in partnership with a highly acclaimed winery, this lush red offers a balanced notes of cherry, plum, and spices with a smooth, lingering finish. Pairs perfectly with pizza, tacos, and other casual fare.

My Review: This wine is super delicious, and is very gentle on the palate. This light/medium bodied red is really smooth and has aromas of dark berries and raspberries. The main flavors a re berries and it is  a little jammy. The aftertaste is dry and leathery,

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Le Borgate

Name: Le Borgate
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Lazio
Country: Italy
Year: 2015
Price: $8

Winery Review: This wine has dark red color with purplish shades. On the nose, this wine has an intense fruity, blackberry and clove smells. The taste is soft, structured and velvety. This wine would go really well with roasts, and grilled meats.

My Review: This cabernet sauvignon is medium bodied, and is very smooth. It has nice aromas of dark berries and a hint of spice. The flavor is rich, and this dry red wine leaves the mouth dry and leathery.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Alvaro Domecq

Name: Alvaro Domecq
Variety: Aranda Cream Sherry
Region: Jerez
Country: Spain
Year: NA
Price: $20

Winery Review: Golden brown in color, this has heady aromas of cola, nut, nutmeg, root beer and caramel. A pure, creamy palate of cinnamon apple, mocha, coffee and chocolate. It's quite smooth and balanced, and very long on the finish.

My Review: This sherry smells of alcohol, which it contains. It has other aromas of freshly baked bread, honey suckle. This golden sherry medium-heavy bodied with a lot residual sugar. It has the flavors of nuts, maple syrup, brown sugar, and a hint of tobacco.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Layer Cake

Name: Layer Cake
Variety: Garnacha
Region: Calatayud
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $18

Winery Review: The layer cake Garnacha from Calatayud, Spain is rich and powerful, yet clean and balanced. Layered with aromas of ultra ripe black fruit. On the palate, the wine shows intense and dark fruit a background of rich dark chocolate and fresh ground coffee with a long creamy finish.

My Review: The wine has a nice color, and it has the aroma of wet earth and hints of spice. The wine is delicious and has thyme flavors. It also has hints of black fruit and chocolate.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Fossi

Name: Fossi Rosso
Variety: Sangiovese, Merlot, Primitivo and Negroamaro
Region: Fiesole
Country: Italy
Year: NA
Price: $18

Winery Review: A blend of Sangiovese and Merlot with a touch of Primitivo and Negroamaro. It will remind those who have traveled to Italy of one of the local house wines they consumed while there. Simple, juicy, and perfect for drinking with or without food, it's packed with bright cherry, strawberry, cranberry fruit aromas and flavors.

My Review: The wine is light bodied and smooth. It has very distinct floral aromas of rose, and hint of spice. The taste is packed with berries such as dark berries and cherry. The wine would pair well with cheese.

I did not consume any food with this wine,

Tasting - Nugon

Name: Nugon Pie In The Sky
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: South Eastern
Country: Australia
Year: 2013
Price: $15

Winery Review: Aromas of poached peach, fig and pineapple with biscuity notes. Tropical, medium bodied style with peach and melon flavors complimented by zesty acids, savoury nuances and a crsip dry finnish. Perfect partner with many styles of modern cuisine including those with an Asian or Mediterranean twist.

My Review: The wine is medium bodied, and has pungent aromas. The wine itself is smooth and has a sour aftertaste. The wine also has flavors of peach and melon with other sweet non-berry fruits.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Invino Si

Name: Invino Si
Variety: Pinot Grigio
Region: Lombardy
Country: Italy
Year: 2014
Price: $14

Winery Review: Pavia, in the Lombardy region of northern Italy where viticulture dates back thousands of years is home to the Si Pinot Grigio vineyards. The wine is creamy on the palate with a crisp, dry character fresh citrus and pepper flavors and an elegant finish.

My Review: This white wine is light bodies, and has a beautiful color. It gives off the aromas of green crisp apples and lime. It is very dry and smooth, and the distinct flavor is pear.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Prime's

Name: Prime's
Variety: Ruby Port
Region: Oporto
Country: Portugal
Year: NA
Price: $18

Winery Review: Ruby color; red fruit aromas; pleasantly sweet and balanced taste. As the wines used to produce Prime's Ruby Port age, they gain smoothness and elegance while retaining their fruitiness, intensity and youthful ruby color. They are then blended together for balance and consistency.

My Review: The wine is very strong, and the smell of alcohol is very strong. Besides that, the wine smells like honey suckle and dried fruit. The wine itself taste like a blend of figs and raisins.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Lindeman's

Name: Lindeman's Bin 80
Variety: Cabernet, Merlot
Region: Southeastern
Country: Australia
Year: 2015
Price: $18

Winery Review: Medium red in color with ruby hues. On the nose, aromas of dark red berries, blackcurrants and ripe plums, while the palate is medium bodied, with dark red berries and a soft tannic finish.

My Review:  This wine has the hints of floral  things, such as, rose petals. The wine also has hints of spice. The wine medium bodied, and it is slightly acidic. The main flavor of this wine is berries with hints of plum.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Domaine du Poujol

Name: Domaine du Poujol Coteaux du Languedoc
Variety: Grenache Cinsault
Region: Languedoc
Country: France
Year: 2011
Price: $13

Winery Review: Minerally and berry notes make for a savory blend of flavors in this fine-grained red. Dried berry fruit dominates, with accents of white pepper and dill seed. Delivers lively acidity on the finish.

My Review: The wine is very delicious. It has hints of berries and aromas of minerals. The wine is slightly acidic, which help bring out the flavor even more. There isn't too much residual sugar.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting -Pazzo de Monterrey

Name: Pazzo de Monterrey
Variety: Godello
Region: Monterrei
Country: Spain
Year: 2014
Price: $15

Winery Review: Clean, minerally, slightly green in aromatics and oh so appropriate and nice. For an under $15 white, this Godello from Monterrei excels with layered flavors of apple, minerals and natural spice. The finish is long and hints of fresh herbs like thyme and tarragon. Potentially superb with garlic shrimp or calamari over fresh greens.

My Review: This delicious white wine has minerally smell of wet rocks, and has the aroma cinnamon. Once tasted, the flavors of green apple and citrus hints of orange. The wine is slightly acidic, but appealing to the palate.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Domiane de la foret

Name: Domiane de la Foret Rose de Mediterranee
Variety: Grenache Cinsault
Region: Provence
Country: France
Year: 2015
Price: $9

Winery Review: In color, this is almost white. There is some attractive acidity and the soft wine will slip down easily with just a touch of red currant. The result is a lightly mineral wine that is refreshing and good for an aperitif.

My Review: This white wine is young and refreshing. It is very acidic that leaves the mouth really dry. The most dominant trait of this wine is the green apple flavor with earthy aftertaste.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Dinner - Palisades (Local Cuisine)

Palisades is a restaurant located in Eggleston, Virginia. They usually do a themed dinner/wine tasting each week, and this week the theme was local cuisine with wines from wineries nearby. I went with two fellow students from the class, and one who was just interested in trying new things out, The restaurant itself is located off 460, and it takes a winding road off it to get to it. There is no service near there, so our phone lost signal on the GPS for a little. Once reached, we were seated, and the staff working there knew about the Geography of Wine class at Virginia Tech. The environment was very quaint, and it is a very pretty little restaurant. The restaurant is very friendly. I am a vegetarian, so I called ahead the night before to make sure I had any options to eat. The restaurant made sure to get me the best, and the appropriate vegetarian meals to go with the wines.

The wine and food pairings is as shown in the picture above. All the dishes and the wines were brought out  together.  Mine was slightly modified, because of me being vegetarian. The first item was smoked pimento cheese on crostini with 2015 Intermezzo. The second item for me was Green apple, biscuit crumbs, nuts and kale with 2015 Afternoon Delight. The third item was A doughy bread with cheese, tangy barbecue sauce, and thin strips of apple with 2015 Duet. The last item was falafel with creamy goat cheese with 2014 Destiny. The price of this tasting was very affordable, compared to the delicious food and service.

The first wine was 2015 Intermezzo (Vidal Blan/Chambourcin blend), which had aromas of berries, plums, cherries, and apple. The pimento cheese on crostini really brought out the flavor from both of these items.  The combination gave the cheese smokier and creamier flavor, while flavor of plum stood out more in the wine.

The second wine was 2015 Afternoon Delight (60% Vidal Blanc, 40% Chardonnay), which had a oaky aroma and taste with hints of green apple. The salad went well with this wine, because the flavors of apple and nuts became stronger while the taste of kale disappeared, and it really brought out the spicy oaky apple flavor from the wine. 

The third wine was 2015 Duet (Cabernet Franc/Chambourchin Blend), which was a deep red wine with aromas of dried fruit and taste of plums and berries. This wine went really well with the barbecue dough, and it brought out the smoky tangy flavor from the dish, while it extracted the dry plum flavor from the wine. Afterwords, my mouth felt very dry and leathery.

The last wine was 2014 Destiny (100% Vidal Blanc), which unusually had aromas of cat pee with the taste of melon and lime. This went exceptionally well with the goat cheese falafel, and the wine completely melted the cheese in my mouth giving it a lot of flavor. The wine itself grew a new distinct flavor of green cantaloupe. 

Overall, this was an amazing experience, and I definitely fell in love with this restaurant. It was very welcoming and comfortable, and the service was amazing. The food itself tasted great, and even better with the wine. My favorite food and wine pair was the smoky pimento cheese on crostini with the 2015 Intermezzo. I recommend combining certain types of foods with wines, because it opens up the doors to a new world of flavors and experiences.

Tasting - Coastal Vines

Name: Coastal Vines
Variety: White Zinfandel
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: Coastal Vines White Zinfandel is a light and fruity salmon-pink wine. Sweet, floral aromas of jasmine and roses burst into bright flavors of apricots, cantaloupe, and orange blossoms.

My Review: This wine is light-bodied and has no acidity to it at all. The wine is super sweet, and it taste like a lot of residual sugar. The wine has the aroma of honey-suckle.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Cortenova

Name: Cortenova
Variety: Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Region: Abruzzo
Country: Italy
Year: 2013
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: Wild berry, chopped mint, sun baked earth and violet aromas meld together on this solid savory red. The juicy straightforward palate doles out ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, anise and cinnamon alongside chewy tannins.

My Review: One of the most significant flavor and aroma of this wine is mint. Along with mint, this wine feels like full of herbal and earthy ingredients. The wine is very tasty, and it is a bit dry.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Rosemount

Name: Rosemount
Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: Southeastern
Country: Australia
Year: 2014
Price: $15

Winery Review: On the nose fragment red berry fruits; red cherries raspberries; supported by sweet earthy spice notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. The palate is bright and lively with flavors of cherry and raspberry are supported by a soft creamy texture, providing a long and elegant finish.

My Review: This medium-light bodied wine is very flavorful. The wine is also very dry with few tannins. As expected from Pinot Noir, it has hints of berries. However, it also has a hint of spice.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Valminor

Name: Valminor
Variety: Albarino
Region: Rias Baixas
Country: Spain
Year: 2015
Price: $19

Winery Review: Gloriously aromatic with jasmine and flint notes; very scented. Full and fleshy palate, a mineral follow-through and intense, harmonious finish. A very lovely Albarino that is so pure. - 92-Decanter

My Review: This wine has strong scents of flower. It has the flavor of herbal ingredients. This wine also has flavors of dark black cherries.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Yellowtail

Name: Yellowtail
Variety: Unoaked Chardonnay
Region: NA
Country: New Zealand & Australia
Year: 2016
Price: $7

Shop Review: Nice but light aromas of orange, grapefruit, apples, and a little lime on the light palate. Good acidity, pleasant finish, and decent minerality.

My Review: This light bodied wine has sour and citrus aromas. Once tasted, the fruit flavors come out. The ones that are easy to notice are oranges and apples. The wine is slightly dry and acidic.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Beringer Sparkling Wine

Name: Beringer
Variety: Muscat
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: NA
Price: $10

Winery Review: This innovative blend from Beringer is the perfect harmony of Moscato, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. It brings together the vivid aromas and flavors of the Moscato grape with the classic red berry characteristics of Zinfandel and ripe black cherry flavors of Petite Sirah. - Total Wine

My Review: This sparkling wine is crisp and bold. After being chilled for two-three hours, it is very refreshing. The wine is really sweet, with hints of berries. Personally, this wine is too sweet for my liking, but it would pair well with desserts.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Liberty Creek

Name: Liberty Creek
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2015
Price: $10

Winery Review: People love our Cabernet Sauvignon for the simple reason that there is so much to love. The color all by itself is impressive--deep, rich, red-purple hues. You can expect subtle, delicious cherry flavors and notes of red fruit, with a hint of plum and spice, when you taste this wine. You will appreciate the length and mellowness of its finish, as well.

My Review: This flavorful red wine is light in acidity, and it is easy to consume. The flavor overall is fruity, with hints of dark sour berries. The wine also a little spicy, and has a sense of earthiness.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Cousino-Macul

Name: Cousino-Macul
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Maipo Valley
Country: Chile
Year: 2012
Price: $15

Winery Review: Showcasing an dark ruby red color, this wine offers  intense fruity aromas of blackberries with fresh spice notes followed on the palate by harmonious flavors of red and black fruit. Medium-bodied, this wine has a persistent and complex finish with  a structure that allows it to be enjoyed now, or left to age for up to a decade.

My Review: This is one of my most favorite wines so far. It is a dark red wine, but with a lot of flavor that isn't residual sugar. The wine is slightly acidic, but it is smooth. The fruity flavors, along with the tannins of cabernet sauvignon makes this wine fantastic.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Monsalaia

Name: Monsalaia
Variety: Cabernet, Merlot, Sangiovese
Region: Tuscany
Country: Italy
Year: 2011
Price: $10

Winery Review: This simple blend of 50% Sangiovese, 30% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon opens with aromas of dried black cherry, vanilla and a whiff of coconut. The round, soft palate shows mature black fruit and coffee alongside ripe tannins. - Wine Enthusiast

My Review: This great wine from Tuscany has a range of aromas, from fruity to a hint of coffee beans. Overall, the wine is strong in taste. It is dry and acidic, and it doesn't have any residual sugar. However, there is a little fruity flavor of dark berries.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Alamos

Name: Alamos
Variety: Malbec
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2015
Price: $12

Winery Review: A classically Argentine wine, Alamos Malbec blends the deeply concentrated plum flavors of the country’s signature variety – Malbec – with small portions of Syrah and Bonarda to add dark cherry and blackberry flavors. Well-integrated hints of brown spice and vanilla contribute layers of complexity. A full structure, firm tannins and a long finish make this Malbec unforgettable.

My Review: This Malbec has strong aromas of berries, and once tasted, the flavor of dark berries comes out. These wine leaves a leathery aftertaste in the mouth after drinking it. The wine is dry and acidic, but it is balanced with fruity/berry flavor.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Crane Lake

Name: Crane Lake
Variety: Gewurztraminer
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2015
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: This floral wine has notes of rose, peach, and apricot, with a smooth, lingering finish. This wine pairs well with smoked Gouda and Munster cheeses. Also try it along with roast pork, turkey, red snapper or sauteed abalone.

My Review: This white wine has the definitions of floral ingredients. The aromas of honey suckle with peach makes this wine delightful. The wine itself taste like rose petals. Personally, I believe that this wine would go well with pumpkin pie.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - El Ganador

Name: El Ganador
Variety: Malbec
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2015
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: Garnet color. Aromas of black cherry, plum jam, rich dark soil, and violet honey with a lightly tanic, lively, dry medium-to-full body and a tingling, complex, medium-long black cherry, rich garden soil, crushed plum, and cinnamon toast finish with medium tannins and moderate oak. Dense, dark and chewy with earthy complexity, balancing the luscious jammy fruit qualities of new world with earthy qualities of old world wines. - Beverage Testing Institute

My Review: The first sense of aromas that arise from this wine is earthy, like soil. Once tasted, the flavors of dark berries stick out. The wine is lightly tannic, and there is a hint of spiciness.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Grand Cru

Name: Grand Cru
Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2014
Price: $5.95

Winery 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 accomplishment with appetizers and main courses. This wine goes well with Brie, goat cheese and smoked salmon, lamb shanks and pork tenderloin.

My Review: The wine has a particular smell, which comes off as a little fruity. Once tasted, the flavors of berries speak out that please the palate. There is also a hint of spice with the taste of berries. The wine leaves the mouth a little dry after consuming it.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Douglas Hill

Name: Douglas Hill
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2014
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: This light crisp Suvignon Blanc has aromas of grapefruit, bell pepper, and asparagus. On the palate, hints of floral and honey are revealed to yield a well-balanced, refreshing wine.

My Review: The aromas of this wine gives a hint of floral. After tasting the wine, the herbal/vegetative taste is distinct. The wine has light taste, and it isn't very dry.

I did not consume any food with this wine.