Tasting-Dom Michel Thomas

Name: Dom Michel Thomas Sancerre Rose
Variety: %100 Pinot Noir                 

Region: Loire   
Country: France

Year: 2013
Price: Regular $32; Sale $8.95

Winery 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 pit flavors and rose pastille. A floral element comes on the finish, and lingers with spicy persistence. Stephen Tanzer-90.
My Review: In the nose I noticed a sweet and juicy peach aroma so sweet I was reminded of a peach Dum-Dum lollipop or white grape juice. Dry on the palate, bitter and citrusy with hints of juicy white grape and an underlying asparagus flavor.
Food?:  did not pair with food.

Tasting- Leese-Fitch Merlot

Name: Lees-Fitch Merlot
Variety: 81% Merlot, 9% Syrah, 5% Grenache, 3 % Zinfandel, 2% Barbera                      

Region: Sonoma, California       
Country: United States

Year: 2014
Price: $11.99

Winery Review: Dark ruby in color this wine showcases complex aromas of raspberry, dark cherry, hints of thyme, cedar, and spearmint. On the palate fruit flavors dominate with cherry preservers, blueberry pie, plum, cranberry sauce, orange rind, coconut and basil. 
My Review: Full-bodied aroma of various blends of dark tart fruit and orange. Flavors of blueberry, cherry, rhubarb, and plum. Very smooth and low in tannins. 
Food?:  did not pair with food.

Tasting- St. Kilda Chardonnay

Name: Kilda Chardonnay
Variety: 100% Chardonnay                        

Region: Melbourne         
Country: Australia 

Year: 2014
Price: $11.29

Winery Review: A light wine, pale straw in color. The wine offers fresh stone fruit flavors and aromas of nutty oak.
My Review: Aromas of tropical fruits with hints of sweet peach. A citrus taste with lemon and orange flavors on the palate. Very smooth and light finish. This wine would pair well with white fish. 
Food?:  did not pair with food.

Tasting- Peter Mertes Platinum Reisling

Name: Peter Mertes Platinum Reisling 2013 Magnum
Variety: Reisling                           

Region: Rheinhessen            

Country: Germany

Year: 2013
Price: $18.00

Winery Review: Light bodied slightly sweet white wine. Medium pale slightly greenish-yellow. Inviting fresh, white peach aroma and flavors. Flavors develop in the glass
My Review: The nose had sweet hints of pear, peach, and white grape while the taste was slightly acidic but refreshing with notes of tart strawberry. A very enjoyable Riesling! 
Food?:  did not pair with food.

Tasting-Crane Lake Petite Sirah

Name: Crane Lake Petite Sirah
Variety: Petite Sirah                                

Region: Lodi

Country: California

Year: 2013
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: There is noting "petite" about this wine between the inky dark colors to the bouquet loaded with tons of blackberry fruit and a hint of exotic spice. It fills your mouth with velvety soft tannins. 
My Review: Aromas of dark and jammy fruits fill the nose, while cherry, crisp apple, and dark berries encompass the pallet giving it a tart, puckering flavor with a hint of sweetness. One of my more favorite wines in the tasting. 
Food?:  did not pair with food.

Tasting-Le Lejania Chardonnay

Name: Le Lejania Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay

Region: Central Valley

Country: Chile

Year: 2015
Price: $10.00

Winery Review: A refined and suave style, with an array of white fruit and cream flavors. Ripe citrus and pear notes fill the finish.
My Review: In the nose I could smell a yellow and white fruit essence such as apricot, melon, and peach. The taste was bitter, acidity, and packed a good deal of heat. I noticed the heat in all 3 areas of my palate and had a hard time overcoming this sensation to taste the flavors beneath.
Food?:  did not pair with food.

Tasting-Cupcake Vineyards Red Velvet

Name: Cupcake Vineyards Red Velvet
Variety: Blend of Zinfandel, Merlot, and Petite Sirah

Region: California

Country: USA

Year: 2013
Price: $11.99

Winery Review: The different blends provide distinct characteristics and depth of flavor. The Zinfandel lends ripe and jammy red fruits, the Merlot offers hints of blueberry and chocolate, while the Petite Sirah adds a creamy mocha finish. The blend was aged on an oak regime, contributing to the creaminess
My Review: The first note I made from the aroma was a scent of dark fruit such as blackberry and dark cherry. There was also a more mild and warm smelling choclatey sweetness. The initial taste was bold with berry flavors igniting. After noting the after taste I could sense a creaminess which I correlated to something buttery such as coffee creamer. There was a lot going on with this wine and there were some notes that I was unsure of, but pairing with a pasta dish helped to bring out more of the creamy flavors. 

Food?:  Paired with fettucine and bison meat sauce.