Tasting - Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc

Variety: Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Marlborough

Country: New Zealand

Year: 2013

Price: $14.99

Wine Review: "Stunningly aromatic with tropical and citrus notes - a thread of lingering fresh ripe lemon and elegant minerality."

My Review: I had a glass of this during a dinner out at Coastal Flats with my family. It was paired with a Mango Chicken salad, which I thought complemented the fruity tones of the salad well. On the nose there was lemon zest, tangerine, and a slightly silvery-metallic aroma. By itself, there were hints of lemonade, grapefruit, and hints of grass. It was a light wine and paired well with the salad, that had cuts of chicken and pecan in it. The citrus flavors on the palate accented the salad topped with grapes, cranberries, pecans, and ginger vinaigrette. A successful food pairing!

Tasting - Sutter Home Moscato

Name: Sutter Home Moscato

Variety: Moscato

Region: California

Country: U.S.A

Year: 2013

Price: $7.99

Wine Review: "Pretty in pink, this flirty, bubbly wine exudes sweet creamy melon, mango, and honey flavors, leaving you refreshed and giddy with delight. Enjoy chilled as an aperitif or alongside soft, mild cheeses, fresh fruit, or freshly baked rhubarb pie."

My Review: Just as the pink color hinted, a few of my girlfriends and I sipped on this wine before we all went out. On the nose there was sweet tones of candy, strawberries and cream, lychee, and sugar. There was fresh, sweet fruit on the nose such as strawberries and passion fruit as well as a distinctly floral component reminiscent of honeysuckle and rose. This was a youthful, fun wine for easy drinking with some good friends. I enjoyed it without food, but it would be great with a fruit tart. 

Tasting - Loredona

Name: Loredona

Variety: Riesling

Region: Monterey, CA

Country: United States

Year: 2011

Price: $7.95 Sale

Winery Review: "If you like your Rieslings on the sweet side, this pretty wine is for you. It's brisk in Central Coast acidity, with citrus, peach, honeysuckle, and spice flavors that finish clean and long."

My Review: I loved this Riesling! On the nose there were peaches and cream, and most notably lychee. There was the same lychee taste on the palate, as well as sweeter tones. I got strawberry jam, hibiscus, honeysuckle, and canteloupe. It's made for casual, easy drinking - perfect for the warming weather. The texture was chewy and reminiscent of mochi. Keep an eye out for this wine, and I definitely regret not purchasing it! It wasn't pared with anything, but maybe strawberry and vanilla ice cream would complement the sweet tones. 

Tasting - Malbec

Name: Maipe

Variety: Malbec

Region: Mendoza

Country: Argentina

Year: 2012

Price: $8.95

Winery Review: "Deep purple color with violet tints, complex plum, fig, strawberry, spices, and floral aromas: rounded and velvety tannins, excellent length with a distinguished character. Excellent when paired with game, roasted red meats, pasta or pizza."

My Review: This Malbec was a dark brownish red. On the nose there was pomegranate and tomato juice. There was a nice tannic balance with red fruits, raspberries, and the pineapple with a strong finish. The mid palate was chewy with just a little heat, but the variety of flavors compensated for any unpleasantness. I liked this Malbec a lot, and was close to purchasing a bottle myself. It wasn't paired with food, but it would be good with cherry pie, a strawberry parfait, or dark chocolate.

Tasting - Villa d'Rosso Toscano

Name: Villa d'Rosso Toscano

Variety: Sangiovese

Region: Montepulciano

Country: Italy

Year: 2011

Price: $6.95

Winery Review: 100% Sangiovese grapes and is a wonderful rendition of a velvety Tuscan red.

My Review: Dark chocolate was predominant on the nose, but I also got licorice and dark red fruits like strawberry and pomegranate. On the palate there were spices, red peppers, and strong tannins. The mid-palate was chewy and bitter and had a gritty surface texture. This was a pretty standard red for me, and although it was enjoyable I don't know that I would go out of my way to purchase this. It was not paired with food, but I can imagine red meat or beef brisket would go well with this Villa.

Tasting - Arnold Palmer

Name: Arnold Palmer

Variety: Chardonnay

Region: California

Country: United States

Year: 2011

Price: $7.95

Winery Review: "A vibrant Chardonnay from vineyards in cooler climates of California. Chardonnay is well known for its characteristic fresh apple fruit aromas and rounded, rich flavors. Weather during the 2011 harvest provided ideal growing conditions of lush, yet perfectly balanced fruit."

My Review: The Arnold Palmer was a softer yellow instead of a lime green like the previous El Sierro was. The aromas were pleasant and had fruity green apple- nothing deviant from classic Chardonnay nose. It was not nearly as pleasant on the palate than on the nose, and I definitely did not enjoy this white. It was tart, grippy and had a bizarre mixture of pear skins and butter, which might have worked if not for the overpowering butter. If it was toned down, the creamy notions of butter would have been good. The pear acidity did not complement this butter cream taste. I did not pair this with food, but I probably would not try this wine again.

Tasting - El Sierro

Name: El Sierro 

Variety: Macabeo/Chardonnay

Region: n/a

Country: Spain

Year: 2012

Price: $6.95

Winery Review: "In the glass, there is a bright and shiny white wine with an incredibly welcoming, fresh appetizing aroma reminiscent of ripe tropical fruits. The flavor is rich, balanced and extremely comfortable. The near-perfect all-purpose white wine. As an additional benefit, and good evidence that El Sierro reflect the new Spain, the bottle is sealed with the technical viewed perfect screw cap that at once eliminates any risk of cork flavor and keeps the fruit and the wine fresher for longer time."

My Review: On the nose there were mangoes mixed in with floral tones. There was also an earthy, top soil component that gave this a rustic feel to complement its freshness. The surface texture was smooth with a strong finish. I was getting honey suckle, lime, tangerines, and the same floral notions I got from the nose. I enjoyed this fresh white and it should be paired with anything light- herbed salmon or a fruit salad. It is a very versatile white.