Tasting - Ksana Bonarda

•Name: Ksana Bonarda

•Variety:  Bonarda

•Region: Mendoza

•Country: Argentina

•Year:2008

•Price: $9.95

•Critic Review: The bouquet is floral and lightly jammy, with berry aromas and a savory note or two. To the uninitiated, this is a great introduction to Bonarda. Finishes solid. Very sweet, berry smell with some rooty undertones. Kind of dry, makes your lips pucker.

My Review: This wine had a really dark color and a cherry smell. There were also hints of pepperiness in the smell. It had a very very tart cherry taste. I was not a fan of how tart this wine was.
No food was eaten with this tasting.

Tasting - Concannon Shiraz

•Name: Concannon Shiraz

•Variety:  Shiraz

•Region:  Central Coast California

•Country: United States

•Year:2008

•Price: $7.95

•Critic Review: This is an extremely rich, full-bodied wine with a dark fruit core. Aromas of blackberry, blueberry, cassis and dark cherry are followed by more berry fruits and chocolate and mocha on the palate.

My Review: This wine had a dark color and a fragrant plum smell. It tasted slightly peppery and had a little bit of dryness. There also seemed to be a little bit of tartness to it, but I definitely did not think that it was "full bodied" as the description led on.
No food was eaten with this tasting.

Tasting - Chandon Sweet Cuvée

•Name:Chandon Sweet Cuvée

•Variety:  Cuvée

•Region:  California

•Country: United States

•Year: NV

•Price: $9.95

•Critic Review: This wine is an innovative sparkling wine style revealing vibrant stone fruit and floral aromas with rich, luscious mouthfeel. This wine enlivens the senses and sparks spontaneous moments, complementing your passion for a good life.

My Review: This wine also had a light color and smelled like peaches. It had a juicy taste but was not overly sweet. I would really enjoy this wine as a dessert wine also.
No food was eaten with this tasting.

Tasting - Black Ridge White Zinfandel

•Name:Black Ridge White Zinfandel

•Variety: Zinfandel

•Region:  California

•Country: United States

•Year: NV

•Price: $3.95

•Critic Review: This fruit forward White Zinfandel displays fresh aromas and crisp flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry. It is incredibly food friendly and will pair well with burgers, sandwiches, fruit salad, and more.

My Review: This wine also had a light color and had a light cherry smell. It tasted juicy and like strawberries. This wine was a little sweeter than I like but might make a good dessert wine.
No food was eaten with this tasting.

Tasting - Wilson Daniels Sauvignon Blanc

•Name:Wilson Daniels Sauvignon Blanc

•Variety: Sauvignon Blanc

•Region: Central Coast California

•Country: United States

•Year: 2010

•Price: $7.95

•Critic Review: Orange blossom and citrus permeate the aromas. Alluring flavors of orange and grapefruit dominate the palate. Bright acidity balances the plush mouthfeel, resulting in a clean finish.

My Review: This wine had a very light color and a light floral smell. It tasted juicy with grapefruit tastes and had a kick of acidity at the end. I really enjoyed this wine.
No food was eaten with this tasting.

Wine Dinner #1 - 4/14/13

Appetizer Wine
  
 Name: Raywood Wineyards Chardonnay

Year: 2011

Varietal: Chenin Blanc

Price: $8.99 at Vintage Cellar

Region: Central Coast California

Country: United States

Food: Fontina Fontal Cheese

Critic Review: couldn’t find any

Bottle Description: Located in the beautiful valleys of the central coast, Raywood Vineyards presents this lush chardonnay. Tropical hints of melon and peaches give way to a warm and mildly oakey finish.

My notes: This wine had a light color and smelled sweet like peaches. It tasted slightly buttery but in the aftertaste you could definitely taste the oakeyness with a little acidity. The cheese combination made the wine taste sweeter and juicier. With the added juiciness, it was easier to drink with the food and both my boyfriend and I had seconds. We drank this outside and I really enjoyed this combination for a warm breezy day.

Dinner Wine

Name: Covey Run Cabernet Sauvignon

Year: 2011

Varietal: Chenin Blanc

Price: $7.99 at kroger

Region: Columbia Valley Washington State

Country: United States

Food:  Ribeye steak and salad

Critic Review: Elements of black cherries, black licorice, vanilla, cinnamon, mineral and soy in this solid, medium-bodied red. (http://underthegrapetree.com/)

Bottle Description: Deeply colored, with flavors of dark chocolate, plum and black currant, this cabernet sauvignon is a perfect match for a juicy, grilled ribeye or smoked sausage, yet won’t overwhelm grilled salmon.

My Notes: This wine had a dark color ad smelled like cherries and plums. It tasted smooth and had a light plum taste. It had a medium body and once I had some steak with it, I noticed a peppery taste as well. I hadn’t noticed it before, but as soon as I had that first bite of the ribeye steak it was strong.

 Dessert Wine

Name: Barton & Guestier Vouray

Year: 2011

Varietal: Chenin Blanc

Price: $10.99 at kroger

Region: Loire Valley

Country: France

Food: vanilla mousse and blackberries

Critic Review: Once you pour this white wine you will notice the aromatic blend of fruits of peach and pear. They complement each other well in this bright straw colored wine with a hint of green. Your nose will be met with such floral notes blended with the fruits of white. This wine just dances on the palate in a way that you want another sip then another until you need a refill! (http://tipofthefork.wordpress.com)

 Bottle Description: Elegant nose with floral notes mixed with peach and pear flavors. Intense wine with a nice refreshing finish.

My Notes: This wine had a light color and smelled floral and sweet. It tasted like flowers and pears. Once I had the vanilla mousse, I noticed that the wine blended well but didn’t seem to change in taste. After finishing the dessert I noticed that I enjoyed the wine more. The food seemed to mask the flavors of the wine, but once drunken alone, I noticed more body and acidity which made the wine much more enjoyable.