Tasting Michelle Brut Rose

Name: Michelle Brut Rose

Variety: 93% Pinot Noir, 7% Pinot Meuiner. Sparkling wine.

Region: Colombia Valley, Washington

Country: USA

Price: $15.95

Year: 2013

Shop Review: "A blend of 93% Pinot Noir, 7% Pinot Meuiner the Michelle Brut Rose is a beautifully blush sparkling wine, with essences of berries in the nose and on the palate. The initial impression is dry with a soft and fruity aftertaste. Great with fresh berries & melons, Asian- inspired cuisine.

My Review: From my first smell, it seemed very fruity with hints of ripe apricot, peaches, and strawberries. It was a bit drier than I expected after the initial smell. It tasted just like peaches to me and I definitely had an after taste of some really ripe strawberries and blueberries. I really enjoyed the dry vs. sweet contrast and would definitely drink this again!

I did not pair this with food but would like to try it with some spicy food, as the makers suggest.

Tasting Siegel Reserve Uber Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Siegel Reserve Uber Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon (label missing Reserve but waiter confirmed it is).

Variety: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Shiraz

Region: Colchagua Valley

Country: Chile

Price: $18

Year: 2013

Shop Review/ Critic Review: "Good yet generic aromas of spicy berry and ripe plum are clean and inviting. A juicy palate deals lightly  baked flavors of spiced berry and cassis. A medium- long finish is tasty and feels right." - Michael Schachner.

My Review: From the initial scent, this smelled like black currents and black raspberries. It had a hint of a tart undertone with an underlying spiciness as well, perhaps a spice I can't pinpoint yet. It also had a hint of dark chocolate. At the taste, I wasn't overwhelmed with how tannic it was. It had a dark cherry flavor, with a bit of perfumy flavor, and complimented my dinner perfectly.

I paired this wine with what the restaurant we ate at recommended. I had a nice steak frites, which included a hanger steak, some parmesan and truffle fries, and water cress. The steak came with a bearnaise sauce, and it's creaminess really went well with the wine.

Tasting Starborough Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Starborogugh Sauvignon Blanc

Variety: Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Marlborough

Country: New Zealand

Price: $11

Year: 2014

Shop Review/Critic Review: Eocative of the luscious Marlborough region, this Starborough Sauvignon Blanc has refreshing flavors of citrus and tropical fruits with notes of fresh-cut grass. Layers of passion fruit, guava and kiwi create a crisp, approachable palate.

My Review: I initially really liked the crisp, fresh smell this wine gave off. After a second taste, it gave a sweet, peachy smell. I could also smell a tart apple, like a granny apple. The taste was really fresh and with a light body. It definitely tasted like green apples with a bit of a sour hint. What caught me off guard but was understandable due to where it's made, was the grassy taste. I actually found myself liking the freshness. I would definitely drink this again!

I did not pair this with food but definitely would be interested in trying it with some spicy Asian cuisine!

Tasting Coastal Vines White Zinfandel

Name: Coastal Vines White Zinfandel

Variety: White Zinfandel

Region: California

Country: USA

Price: $6.95

Year: 2013

Shop Review: This White Zinfandel has a beautiful pink salmon color and crisp acidity. The wine shows juicy fruit flavors of strawberry and cherry, with a tangy sweet finish. Pairs well with mild cheeses, crab cakes, and spicy Asian cuisine.

My Review: From the first whiff, I knew this was my kind of wine. It smelled like grape juice, so I knew immediately it was sweet. I also could smell a bit of a honeydew or melon smell, along with a summer fruit like berries. The taste of it wasn't very acidy but it had a nice crisp, honey taste. Compared to my typical preference of Moscato, it was a bit fresher and not as in your face sweet.

I went with the recommendation of drinking this wine with some mild cheese and my family and I enjoyed it with some mild cheddar, swiss, and some leftover brie.

Tasting Turning Leaf Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Turning Leaf Cabernet Sauvignon

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Modesto, California

Country: USA

Price: $11.99

Year: 2014

Shop Review/ Bottle Review: As you uncork this bottle of our Cabernet Sauvignon, we invite you to enjoy the aromas and flavors of black cherries, hints of oak, and brown spice in the Turning Leaf Cabernet Sauvignon.

My Review: From the initial smell, I didn't think this wine had an extremely "red wine" like smell. It was somewhat acidic smelling, but perhaps a bit watered down. I did get a dark cherry whiff, along with a sour pear smell. I couldn't really get the distinct oaky taste, but it did taste a bit woody to me. To me, it tasted like a cherry like grape juice that went bad.

I did not pair this food and probably won't, since it's a pretty cheap wine that didn't have that great of flavor.

Tasting Santa Julia Malbec

Name: Santa Julia Malbec

Variety: Malbec

Region: Mendoza

Country: Argentina

Price: $9.99

Year: 2013

Shop Review/Wine Critic Review: This purple-red wine is packed with ripe fruit flavors of plum, cherry and strawberries with hints of chocolate and a spicy finish. It will pair well with steaks, burgers and pastas with red sauces.

My Review: From the initial smell, it felt very acidic or tannic. I could smell a lingering smell of a dark berry, perhaps a rich sour cherry. While it wasn't spicy in traditional ways that I am used to, the acidity of it did almost come off as a type of spicyness to my nose. The taste was surprising and it didn't feel as acidic as it smelled. I definitely got a cherry flavor but it wasn't necessarily sour.

I food paired this with a selection of ham and salami, olives, and some bread and swiss cheese. To me, the wine reminded me a tad of Spain, so I tried to match it with some of my "Americanized" version of tapas!

Tasting San Elias Carmenere

Name: San Elias Carmenere

Variety: Carmenere

Region: Valle Central

Country: Chile

Year: 2014

Price: $9

Shop Review: This medium-bodied red offers roasted plum, kirsch, sage and game notes, with light tannins supporting the spicy finish.

My Review: This was one of the more interesting wines I have tried because it was very different. It had a smoky smell but also had a smell like a dark cooking chocolate. It tasted like tobacco or a dark roast coffee, something that was a tad offsetting to a person used to sweet wine. It definitely had a woody smell as well!

I didn't have this with food and would be interested how it's unique flavor would go with food!