Tasting- Tonnino Pinot Grigio 2014

Name:  Tonnino Pinot Grigio

Variety:  Pinot Grigio

Region: Sicily 

Country: Italy 

Year: 2014
Price: $14

Winery Review: Tonnino’s exotic example of Pinot Grigio has a straw to pale gold color. It is fresh and clean on the nose with fruity notes of pear, green apple and white peaches. The palate is true to the nose with a fresh acidity, coriander and lime notes followed by a crisp finish. This wine pairs well with youthful aperitifs, clams or mussels, pastas and risotto dishes.

My Review: I thought this wine had a very pleasant bouquet. It was fruity with aromas of apples, and lemon. On the palate, it continued the apple, particular green apples. Overall, a very smooth and light wine. I think this wine would have paired well with a seafood dish. 

*Not Paired with food 

Tasting- Peter Mertes Sweet Red Dornfelder 2014

Name:   Peter Mertes  Sweet Red Dornfelder

Variety:  Dornfelder

Region: California

Country: Germany

Year: 2014
Price: $12

Winery Review:The trademark German red grape varietal Dornfelder has a lovely purity of soft red berry fruit. Integrated soft tannins combined with forward fruit flavors make for a perfectly balanced everyday sipping wine.

Great with grilled red meat, sausage and chicken. Best served slightly chilled.

My Review: On the nose I picked up a lot of different fruits including raspberry, and plum. It was very sweet, but I did pick up a slight pepper flavor to it as well. The wine did have a lingering after taste, but it was a pleasant one. 

*Not Paired with food 

Tasting- Castello Sonnino Chianti Montespertoli 2010

Name:   Castello Sonnino Chianti Montespertoli

Variety:  Blend

Region: Chianti

Country: Italy 

Year: 2010
Price: $15

Winery Review: A blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Trebbiano and Malvasia del Chianti. Rich and modern, with a dark, saturated color and aromas of graham cracker and lemon rind. A juicy palate packed with plum and raspberry is carried by a creamy texture that’s rather toasty in terms of flavor. The finish is round, full and chocolaty.

My Review: The wine had a very intense red, almost purple color to it. The taste had a kind of mocha chocolate taste to it. It was very spicy and hot. Did not really enjoy this wine. 

*Not Paired with food 

Tasting- Bolla Bardolino Magnum 2013

Name:   Bolla Bardolino Magnum 

Variety:  Blend

Region: Bardolino

Country: Italy 

Year: 2013
Price: $18

Winery Review:A blend of 60% Corvina, 30% Rondinella, 10% Molinara this bright ruby red wine has hints of black cherry on the nose.  It is soft and fruit-forward, with black-fruit flavors followed by a bright and fresh finish. Serve it as the Italians do – young and lightly chilled. Pairs perfectly with fleshy fish, beef, lamb, red-sauced pastas and pizza.

My Review: This wine had a very vibrant red color. On the nose, it had a chocolate covered cherry smell to it. The taste was fruity with tastes of blackberry and black currant. Overall, a solid wine. 

*Not Paired with food 

Tasting- Tenuta le Velette Orvieto Classico 2011

Name:  Tenuta le Velette Orvieto Classico 

Variety:  Blend

Region: Orvieto

Country: Italy 

Year: 2011
Price: $18

Winery Review: "The Berganorio Orvieto is a subtle wine with a bright palate. It shows white flowers on the nose and light citrus notes in the mouth. Its neutral character means it can accompany a wide range of foods. A blend of 30% Trebbiano, 30% Grechetto, 20% Malvasia, 15% Verdello, and 5% Drupeggio. The estate has 103 hectares on the hill opposite the hill town of Orvieto."

My Review: This wine had nice golden color to it. The nose was very floral and citrusy. The taste was underwhelming, bland to me. I picked up flavors of apples in the taste.  

*Not Paired with food 

Tasting- Aveleda Praia Vinho Verde 2013

Name:   Aveleda Praia Vinho Verde 

Variety:  Blend

Region: Vinho Verde

Country: Portugal

Year: 2013
Price: $10

Winery Review: A blend of 40% Arinto, 30% Loureiro, 20% Trajadura and 10% Azal.

Full of fruit, a lasting peach flavor targeted with laserlike acidity through the finish. It has the bite of salty ocean air and a lot of zing. For langoustines.

My Review: It had a very fruity nose, got hints of peaches. It tasted more acidic than I had anticipated. It was a little too sour for my liking. 

*Not Paired with food 

Tasting Kendall Jackson Vintner's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Name:  Avenel Dry Creek Valley

Variety: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot

Region: California 

Country: USA

Year: 2012
Price: $24

Winery Review: Aromas of lush, bright black cherry, blackberry and cassis draw you in. Round, rich, seamless tannins provide a robust backbone and supple mid-palate. Notes of cedar, vanilla and a hint of mocha linger on the finish.

My Review: Cabernet Savignon has been hit or miss with me in the past. Fortunately, this particular cab was a home run. It opened up with a smell of black currant, cherry, and chocolate. The wine was full bodied, had a nice even taste to it as well. It was a bit woody on the palate but not overpowering to turn me off to it. 

*Paired with prime rib and green peas, and mash potatoes. The meat was an excellent complement to the wine.