Tasting- Kendall Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay 2014

Name: Kendall Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay

Variety: Chardonnay

Region: California 

Country: USA

Year: N/A
Price: $17

Winery Review: Beautifully integrated tropical flavors such as pineapple, mango, and papaya with citrus notes that explode in your mouth. These flavors delicately intertwine with aromas of vanilla and honey to create depth and balance throughout. A hint of toasted oak and butter rounds out the long, lingering finish.

My Review: I was on a cruise this spring break, so it gave me a great chance to have some really good wine, with excellent food. This wine had a citrus fruit nose, as well as a vanilla smell to it. On the palate, you did get an oaky taste as well as pineapple and pear taste. Overall, this was a very enjoyable wine. 

*paired with bacon mac and cheese, topped with grilled chicken, as well as chateaubriand. I believe it paired very well with the mac and cheese, adding that buttery feeling to the dish. 

Tasting- Avenel Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2013

Name:  Avenel Dry Creek Valley

Variety: Zinfandel

Region: California 

Country: USA

Year: 2013
Price: $17

Winery Review: On the nose, it stands out as being perfect for barbecue dishes. It is brimming with grilled mesquite components aromatically. The palate opens with a soft jamminess. There is some dark fruit, a faint rubber edge, and a bit of leather. There is a very light floral tone with some raspberry and orange to the finish.

My Review: The nose of this wine was very smokey. You definitely got the smell of grilled food. The taste continued that smokey feeling adding a taste of pepper to the palate. I also got undertones of blackberry. I agree with the review that it would be good with barbecue dishes. I could see myself drinking with wine with a plate of ribs. 

*Did not pair with food 

Tasting- Dona Sol Blend

Name: Dona Sol Blend

Variety: Shiraz, Petite Syrah & Symphony 

Region: California 

Country: USA

Year: N/A
Price: $6.95

Winery Review: Shiraz has a unique jammy fruit character that is well represented in the Sweet Red. Both on the nose and on the palate, jammy fruit, like strawberries, cherry pie and red licorice, entices the senses and pair well with cheeses and desserts.

My Review: The nose was very fruity. I did not anticipate this wine to smell so sweet. After sipping it, I received flavors of strawberry shortcake. It tasted like I was eating a nerds rope. The after taste was very nice, not over powering or lingering.  

*Not paired with food 

Tasting- Velvet Crush Blend

Name: Velvet Crush

Variety: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon & Petite Sirah

Region: California 

Country: USA

Year: N/A
Price: $18

Winery Review:Velvety smooth texture just like its name. Soft tannins and lush dark fruit character. Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah bring backbone and character, while the Merlot balances out the blend for a soft, smooth texture.

My Review: This wine was had a very deep red color. I received nodes of black currant. The taste taste kinda like plastic, almost if I ate a cherry fruit roll up with the plastic wrapper still on. The flavor still seemed to be balanced even though it was a blend. 

*Not paired with food 

Tasting- Grand Cru Pinot Noir 2013

Name: Grand Cru Pinot Noir

Variety: Pinot Noir

Region: California 

Country: USA

Year: 2013
Price: $6.95

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 accompaniment with Brie, goat cheese and smoked salmon. Lamb shanks and pork tenderloin are a favorite main dishes to pair with this wine.

My Review: This Pinot Noir had very nice legs along with its deep scarlet color. The nose of the wine had nodes of dried cranberries, and a slight wood cleaner smell. The finish of this wine was silky, with a slight vanilla lingering taste. 

*Not paired with food 

Tasting- Prime Brume Garganega 2014

Name: Prime Brume Garganega

Variety: Garganega

Region: Soave 

Country: Italy 

Year: 2014
Price: $11

Winery Review: Pale color. Fruity, floral minerally inviting aromas of passion fruit, white grapefruit, spice poached pear, and papaya with a lean, racy, bone-dry medium body and a smooth, complex, long lemon, passion fruit, raw hazelnut, and wet stones finish with no tannins and light oak. From the tantalizing nose full of exotic fruit, citrus and minerality thru to the long, crisp finish, this soave can seamlessly go from cocktail hour thru to vibrantly flavored dishes.

My Review: The nose was very fruity, including orange and pear. I also got a smell of sunflower seeds. The taste of this wine was very wet, initially it tasted like collected rain water, it soon converted to a citrus blast finish. 

 

*Not paired with food 

Tasting- Quintas Melgaço Blue Vinho Verde 2013

Name: Quintas Melgaço Blue

Variety: Vinho Verde

Region: Vinho Verde 

Country: Portugal

Year: 2013
Price: $10

Winery Review: Refreshingly crisp white wine from Portugal--Vinho Verde is soft, light and refreshing, and is an uncompromising and ideal wine for everyday pleasure. Its bright color and pineapple aromas are followed by citrus notes. The palate is clean and fresh. Vinho Verde is an excellent accompaniment to fish and shell fish, white meats and salads.

My Review: The nose of this wine was very citrusy and flowery. It almost smelled like laundry detergent. The taste definitely had flavors of pineapple along with lemon. The after taste was pleasant and smooth, just an overall delightful wine. 

 

*Not paired with food