Tasting - Sutter Home Chardonnay

Name: Sutter Home Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: California
Country: United States
Year: 2011
Price: $6.00

Winery Review: Our Chardonnay offers lovely aromas of fresh pear, peach, apple and lemon, enhanced by a rich creamy tone imparted by partial malolactic fermentation and wood aging. The wine's smooth texture and peach flavors persist into a long flavorful aftertaste. This delicious, beautifully balance Chardonnay makes and ideal match for any seafood or poultry dish, as well as for veal or pork chops, cream sauce pastas, and both mild and flavorful cheeses.

My Review: I tried this wine with and on a recommendation from my dad. It was good, very sweet with a grape nose to it. This Chardonnay tasted fruity and somewhat smokey. I liked drinking it with light hors d'oeurves on the side; this made it's flavors stand out a little better.

I tasted this wine with crackers and cheese.

Tasting - Gabriella Chianti

Name: Gabriella Chianti
Variety: Sangiovese Chianti blend
Region: Tuscany
Country: Italy
Year: 2008
Price: $7.95

Vintage Cellar Review: This beautiful wine has the very deep red, almost purple, color that you would expect in a Chianti. The first thing you notice is the fruit, balanced by a bit of spice. It’s a good dry wine with a bold flavor. Even with it’s boldness, this Chianti is velvety smooth.

My Review: I thought wine had a strong nail polish remover smell to it above any other smell I could distinguish. This Chianti was very dry and strong with a spicy taste. It dried up my mouth too much, I don't think I'd choose this wine to drink.

I had this wine without food.

Tasting - Lavarini Valpolicella Classico

Name: Lavarini Valpolicella Classico
Variety: 65% Corvina Veronese, 25% Rondinella, 10% Molinara
Region: Valpolicella Classico
Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $6.95

Vintage Cellar Review: The red ruby color and the dry taste give this wine joviality and cordiality. It is fresh and fruity, with lovely strawberry and cherry aromas and flavors, with nice spice and a silky texture.

My Review: This red had a very nice fruity, cherry smell. I was looking forward to the taste, but it was much too spicy for me. It was still smooth, but not my style.

I had this wine without food.

Tasting - Domaine de Mirail

Name: Domaine de Mirail Cabernet Merlot Rose
Variety: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot
Region: Cotes de Gascogne
Country: France
Year: 2011
Price: $5.95

Vintage Cellar Review: There is a fresh, crisp character to this light rosé. It is eye-watering in its refreshing character, with balancing acidity, smoothing out the edges with a touch of caramel.

My Review: For a rosé, this wine was not that sweet. Very acidic flavors. I didn't really like this rosé.

I had this wine without food.

Tasting - Norton Torrontes

Name: Norton Torrontes
Variety: 100% Torrontes
Region: Mendoz
Country: Argentina
Year: 2011
Price: $5.95

Vintage Cellar Review: Greenish yellow with hints of gold, this Torrontés has intense aromas of white peach, rose petal, and jasmine. Norton Torrontés 2011 is pleasant and well balanced on the palate.

My Review: When smelling this, I got a strong sense of the outdoors. It was very floral on the nose, but the taste was not sweet. There was a bit of a spicy aftertaste to it.

I had this wine without food.

Tasting - Dibon Cava

Name: Dibon Cava
Variety: Cava blend: Xarel-lo, Parellada, Macabeo
Region: Catalonia Penedes
Country: Spain
Year: Non Vintage
Price: $9.95

Vintage Cellar Review: The nose offers regal yeast and richness, while the palate has complexity to prop up apple, citrus and grapefruit flavors. Solid from front to back, with health and freshness.

My Review: This wine surprised me by being a little effervescent feeling. I didn't think the nose was very strong, but the taste was a very citrus-y and sort of bitter one.

I had this wine without food.

Tasting - Opera Prima Pink Moscato

Name: Opera Prima Pink Moscato
Variety:  97% Muscat, 3% Tempranillo
Region: Castilla La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: Non Vintage
Price: $5.95

Vintage Cellar Review: This fine sparkling presents and intense aroma of fresh berries and tropical fruits with hints of white flavor petals. Delicate bubbles caress the palate offering a silky and pleasant sweetness well balanced by a crisp, refreshing finish. Ideal on it own, as an aperitif or with all types of sweets and desserts.

My Review: This was, of course, my favorite wine I've tasted so far since it's as girly as they come; pink, bubbly, and sweet. This Moscato smelled like a fresh strawberry patch and tasted very sweet and fruity with a nice fizzy kick. It would be perfect for dessert!

I tasted this wine on it's own without food.