Tasting - Mars & Venus Chardonnay

Name: Mars & Venus

Variety: Chardonnay

Region: Central Valley

Country: Chile

Price: $5.95

Shop/wine critic/winery review: A very nice value Chardonnay that comfortably over-delivers vs. its modest price tag. No oak here, just bushels of clean, crisp, Chardonnay apple and stone fruit with a hint of caramelized pineapple.  Juicy and clean, this is a mid-weight white that's just perfect for parties or weeknight sipping.

My review: This wine was very dry and sour.  A serious citrus flavor, definitely apple flavors.  This wine was also bitter.  I did not have this wine with any food.

Tasting - Cortenova

Name: Cortenova

Variety: Pinot Grigio

Region: Veneto

Country: Italy

Year: 2013

Price:  $6.95

Shop/wine critic/winery review: Brilliant straw color with emerald reflections. Fresh and floral bouquet with a hint of pears, apricots and bananas. Fresh and inviting with bright fruit and an easy drinking style with a pleasing hint of almonds in the aftertaste.

My review:  The first thing I smelled in this wine was pears.  This wine was decently sweet and not very acidic. Very clear color.  I did not have this wine with any food.

Tasting - Crane Lake Riesling

Name: Crane Lake Riesling

Variety: Riesling

Region: California

Country: USA

Year: 2013

Price: $5.95

Shop/wine critic/winery review: Punchy lime and lemon mark this off-dry Riesling with a staccato rhythm, adding edge to honeyed tones of peach and honeysuckle. Exceptionally priced, it’s satisfying and elegant.

My review: Slightly sweet tasting.  Definitely very fruity smelling.  Possibly apple and lemon smells.  Most enjoyable wine tasted today.  I did not have food with this wine.

Tasting - Crane Lake Petite Sirah

Name: Crane Lake Petite Sirah

Variety: Petite Sirah

Region: California

Country: USA

Year: 2013

Price: $5.95

Shop/wine critic/winery review: Shows a certain rustic simplicity now, with youthfully jammy flavors of blackberries, cherries and currants, sprinkled with cocoa and pepper and wrapped into dusty tannins.

My review: This wine was very similar to the wine  tasted previously.  I could again smell berries and spices.  I tasted more alcohol in this wine however.  I did not have food with this wine.

Tasting - Yellowtail Reserve Merlot

Name: Yellowtail Reserve Merlot

Variety: Merlot

Region: South Eastern

Country: Australia

Year: 2010

Price: Regular $12 Sale $6.95

Shop/wine critic/winery review: Round, velvety and mouthfilling, this is a satisfying Merlot at a bargain price. Aromas of black cherries and herbs fold in hints of cinnamon and mocha, while the flavors are generally fruity, but with a slightly tomatoey note. Soft on the finish. Drink now. 

My review: This had a strong berry smell.  Possibly cherry or black raspberries.  The wine had a warming taste and possibly a few spices.  I did not have food with this wine.

Tasting - Takutai Pinot Gris

Name: Takutai Pinot Gris

Variety: Pinot Gris

Region: Nelson

Country: New Zealand

Year: 2009

Price: Regular $21 Sale $6.95

Shop/wine critic/winery review: Since this wine weighs in at 14%, the fruit was clearly very ripe. That ripeness is reflected in the flavors as well, which feature nectarine and honey accented by hints of white pepper. It’s full-bodied and lush, with a long finish that mingles the sensations of sweet and spicy.

My review: When smelling this wine I could smell something of an orange flavor. This wine was had a harsh strong flavor with spices.  I did not have food with this wine.

Tasting - Mars & Venus Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Mars & Venus Sauvignon Blanc

Variety: Sauvignon Blanc

Region: La Mancha

Country: Spain

Year: 2013

Price: Regular Price $10 Sale $5.95

Shop/wine critic/winery review: Citrus and gooseberry aromas are mild but typical of the variety. A basic citrus palate delivers modest tangerine and nectarine flavors which lead to a mild, pithy finish showing light citric notes.

My review: When smelling this wine it had a weird citrus smell that I was unsure which fruit it was. This wine also had a slight sour taste to it. I did not have food with this wine.