Tasting - Crane Lake White Zinfandel

Name - Crane Lake White Zinfandel

Variety - 100 % White Zinfandel

Region - California

Country - USA

Year - 2013

Price - $6

Winery 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 well with a wide variety of foods ranging from crab cakes or pâté to spicy Asian dishes, glazed ham, and grilled sea bass."

My Review - This wine smells very sweet on the nose, mixing raspberries and plums into a refreshing scent. The wine tastes surprisingly dry for a sweet variety, and almost tastes like a sweetened tomato. I liked this wine and would have it again.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Vina Galana Alicante Bouchet

Name - Vina Galana Alicante Bouchet

Variety - Alicante Bouchet

Region - La Mancha

Country - Spain

Year - 2012

Price - $15, Sale $10

Winery 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."

My Review - On the nose, this wine smells like a fruit cup dropped in dirt, or 'floorberries.' The wine tastes almost chalky with hints of pepper and smoke from a cigar. Overall, I was not a fan of this semi-dry wine.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Tonnino Syrah

Name - Tonnino Syrah

Variety - 

Region - Sicily

Country - Italy

Year - 2013

Price - $14, Sale $8

Winery 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."

My Review - This red wine smelled slightly musty at first with hints of cranberry coming through. On the tongue, this fruity wine was very smooth and had notes of cherries and a mild pepperiness. The finish is also very long and stays on your tongue.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Riebeek Cellars Viognier

Name - Riebeek Cellars Viognier

Variety - 100 % Viognier

Region - Swartland

Country - South Africa

Year - 2015

Price - $12, Sale $8

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." -- Washington Post

My Review - A buttery smell on the nose accompanied by a floral perfume. This was an interesting wine and tasted very different than it smelled. Overwhelmed by lots of heat, I couldn't get much else from tasting this wine. A bitter taste also lingered in my mouth long after tasting. I would not recommend this wine.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Dom Michel Thomas Sancerre Rose

Name - Dom Michel Thomas Sancerre Rose

Variety - 100 % Pinot Noir

Region - Loire

Country - France

Year - 2013

Price - $32, Sale $9

Critic 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." -- Stephen Tanzer, 90 Points

My Review - On the nose, this wine has a light, airy quality and a nice bouquet. The taste of orange zest is muddled by the overwhelming acid component of the wine. With heavy tannins, this wine tastes very tart. For the price, I was underwhelmed. 

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Chocolate Shop The Chocolate Lover's Wine

Name - Chocolate Shop The Chocolate Lover's Wine

Variety - Red Blend - Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah

Region - Washington

Country - USA

Year - 2012

Price - $12

Winery Review - "Chocolate Shop, the ultimate 'Chocolate Lover's Wine' is a deep, ruby red wine blended with rich, velvety chocolate. Inviting aromas of black cherry and dark chocolate combine in the glass and continue on the palate surrounded by hints of cocoa powder. Nuances of sweet red wine lingers on the smooth finish. Chocolate Shop provides you with an indulgent wine experience like no other."

My Review - This mega chocolatey wine smelled exactly like tootsie rolls. The taste felt very dessert-y with nice aspects of cherry and dark chocolate. With 7 % residual sugar, this wine was extremely heavy and I could barely finish half a glass. This wine is a stand-alone dessert wine for someone who's craving chocolate.

I tasted this on its own with no food.