Tasting - Villa Cerrina Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

Name - Villa Cerrina Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

Variety - 100 % Montepulciano

Region - Abruzzo

Country - Italy

Year - 2014

Price - $4

Winery Review - "Clear dark garnet. Fresh plums, a touch of dry cherry, a whiff of cranberry, and just a little dash of brown spice. Light-bodied on the palate with good flavor, plum and black-cherry fruit and mouth-watering acidity."

My Review - This rarely reviewed four-buck-chuck from Trader Joes didn't disappoint. Its displayed strong aromas of leather and cigars with compliments of cherry. On the palate, raspberry and plum paired with the spice of pepper was simple yet light and delicious. I would recommend this dry, tart wine.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - 14 Hands Riesling

Name - 14 Hands Riesling

Variety - 100 % Riesling

Region - Washington

Country - USA

Year - 2014

Price - $10

Winery Review - "This bright and crisp Riesling displays flavors of apple, pear and apricot with an ideal balance of minerality and acidity. This wine is a perfect compliment to a variety of foods."

My Review - This light yellow wine was nearly clear in my glass. It had floral aromas alongside pear, lemon zest, and sweet honey. This wine tasted of pears, citrus, and vanilla. Very light and refreshing, this wine would go great on a hot summer day.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Fetzer Gewürztraminer

Name - Fetzer Gewürztraminer

Variety - 100 % Gewürztraminer

Region - Monterey County, California

Country - USA

Year - 2013

Price - $10

Winery Review - "For more than 30 years we've nurtured the foggy coastal vineyards that bring an elegant Gewürztraminer to life. With flavors of honeyed apricots and fresh peach, it's a secret weapon for taming spicy food."

My Review - This wine had a bright golden color. It smelled of citrus and pear with sweet notes of honey coming through. Tart and crisp, the taste of green apple and apricot came through on this refreshing wine. Although I enjoyed the wine, I expected it to taste a little sweeter in comparison to other Gewürztraminers.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Smoking Loon Pinot Noir

Name - Smoking Loon Pinot Noir

Variety - 100 % Pinot Noir

Region - Napa, California

Country - USA

Year - 2014

Price - $10

Winery Review - "Smoking Loon Pinot Noir is a well-balanced blend of vanilla, cranberry, raspberry and herbs de provence aromas. It has flavors of plum, cranberry sauce and raspberry jam along with a milk chocolate nuance. A light tough of tasty brioche displays the presence of French oak."

My Review - This wine had a bright garnet color. With scents of cranberry and raspberry, this red wine was milder than most and tasted light and airy. It left my mouth dry, but not as dry as most red wines. It was very easy to drink and I'd love to have it again!

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Escamas del Dragon Cabernet Sauvignon

Name - Escamas del Dragon Cabernet Sauvignon

Variety - 100 % Cabernet Sauvignon

Region - Valle Central

Country - Chile

Year - 2013

Price - $9

Winery Review - "The Andes, which run the length of Chile, are often referred to by Chileans as the 'Dragon's Spine', so we like to refer to our tough, sturdy vineyards at the base of the mountains as 'Escamas del Dragon', or 'Dragon Scales'. Appropriately, this layered and nuanced wine is full of flavor with ripe cherries, fresh plums, silky spice notes and fine tannins. Pairs magically with seared try-tip or garlic-seasoned chicken."

My Review - I'm not sure what dragon scales are supposed to taste like, so I was in for a surprise with this wine. It had booming aromas of fruit with some earthy and mineral notes. Very tannic and robust, this wine was bitter and dried out my mouth. I think this wine would be much better for someone with a more trained palate and not a beginner like myself.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Shutter Home Red Moscato

Name - Shutter Home Red Moscato

Variety - 100 % Red Moscato

Region - California

Country - USA

Year - 2012

Price - $6

Winery Review - "Raise a glass to friends and family with our juicy Red Moscato. Fresh strawberry and cherry aromas reveal sweet, creamy berry and rose flavors, and a crisp, vibrant finish."

My Review - This red moscato is a vibrant dark pink color. After a whirl, it gives off sweet aromas of strawberry and is very enticing. However, this wine is extremely sweet. On the flavor profile indicator on the bottle, the brand shows the wine is somewhat sweet; however, the predominant taste was pure sugar water and I could barely taste any fruit. This wine is a big pass to anyone without an overly sweet tooth.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Sea Cave Tour Guide Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Name - Sea Cave Tour Guide Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Variety - 100 % Sauvignon Blanc

Region - Marlborough

Country - New Zealand

Year - 2014

Price - $10

Winery Review - "Brisk ocean breezes drifting along the coast while waves crash ashore with you safe in your secret little beach hideaway waft through your mind as you take a sip of this classic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Sea Cave. Lychee, green grass and lemon zest encompass this beautiful wine that is delicious with oysters and grilled chicken salads."

My Review - This light, golden sauvignon blanc gives off soapy aromas with earthy notes of fresh dirt and hints of rubber. When I tried it, I was in for a surprise -- this wine tastes completely different than it smells. This light-bodied wine is herbal with grass notes and a puckeringly sour lemon taste. It's also very acidic and produces a lingering bitter finish.

I tasted this on its own with no food.