Tasting- Crane Lake White Zinfandel

Name: Crane Lake White Zinfandel

Variety: White Zinfandel

Country: California, USA

Year: 2013

Price: $5.95

Expert Review: Light pink wine with floral and tropical aromas: flavors of strawberry, peach and raspberry with a touch of sweetness. This wine is an easy sipping wine that also pairs well with a wide variety of foods ranging from crab cakes or pâté to spicy Asian dishes, glazed ham, and grilled sea bass.

My Review: This light rose colored wine was a sweet dessert wine. The aroma was tropical and fruity, reminding me of a strawberry daiquiri on the beach. The flavor was sugary but smooth in nature. The taste was limited in alcohol flavor but did bring up a watery apple tone.

Food: This wine was tasted with no food due to tasting it at the Vintage Cellar.

Tasting- Vina Galana Alicante Bouchet

Name: Vina Galana Alicante Bouchet

Variety: Alicante Bouchet

Country: Spain

Year: 2012

Price: $15 Sale: $9.95

Expert Review: From the rare Alicante Bouchet, one of the few grapes in the world with red flesh this wine has a plush texture carring flavors of brandied cherry and chocolate ganache in this round red. Light tannins and gentle acidity impart a lovely, balanced structure.

My Review: This Vina Galana was deep red in color. The aroma was earthy and reminded me of fresh green beans. This crisp fresh aroma was complimented by the taste of a grassy flavor which continued through the after taste. In the mid palate, bitter strawberry was also noticeable.

Food: This wine was tasted with no food due to tasting it at the Vintage Cellar.

Tasting- Tonnino Syrah

Name: Tonnino Syrah

Variety: Syrah

Region: Sicily

Country: Italy

Year: 2013

Price: $14 Sale: $7.95

Expert Review: An intense red color. Aromas of violet and blackcurrant enriched by hints of liquorice and black pepper. In the mouth it is full, round, slightly tannic and with a spicy note on the finish.

My Review: This wine was a beautiful ruby red in color. The aroma was strong with currant, raspberry and even a bit of vanilla mixed in. The taste was much different which was surprising. The flavor was vegetable in nature with broccoli having the strongest presence. There was some heat with this semidry wine. In the after taste, mild pepper was more noticeable

Food: This wine was tasted with no food due to tasting it at the Vintage Cellar.