Name: Rustenberg John X Merriman
Variety: Bordeaux Blend
Region: Stellenbosch
Country: South Africa
Year: 2011
Price: $19.99
Costco Review:
The palate is full-bodied with firm, dry, grippy tannins and a lot of tobacco-tinged black fruit. It expresses commendable definition and freshness with a nice touch of austerity that should see it age over 7-10 years with ease.
My Review:
I think I have found a new favorite red! The color of this wine was a nice dark red, with aromas of blackberry and cherry. The taste was not very acidic, which I have discovered I prefer, and the berries really came through. It was dry, smooth, and left behind a strong residual taste on my tongue.
I did not have any food while tasting this wine.
Name: Crane Lake
Variety: Riesling
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95
Vintage Cellar 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:
The aroma of this wine was slighty floral to me. It was very light and sweet, but was not very residual on the tongue. Tasting it more, I did taste the honeysuckle notes found in the wine.
I did not have any food while tasting this wine.
Name: Crane Lake
Variety: Petite Sirah
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95
Vintage Cellar 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:
I very much enjoyed this wine. So much so, that I eneded up purchasing it. To start, the color of the wine was a gorgeous purple-red, berry color. From the aroma I could sense the blackberries right away. The taste was smooth, dry, and I tasted a hint of vanilla.
I did not have any food while tasting this wine.
Name: Yellowtail Reserve
Variety: Merlot
Region:South Eastern
Country: Australia
Year: 2010
Price: $12.00
Vintage Cellar Review:
Round, velvety and mouthfiling, 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 fruits, but with a slightly tomatoey note. Soft on the finish. Drink now.
My Review:
The color of this Merlot was a brown-red. In the aroma I sensed capers, which may be the tomatoey note the Vintage Cellar mentions above. I could clearly taste the cinnamon spice to the wine, and sensed that this wine would probably be good to pair with vegetables.
I did not have any food while tasting this wine.
Name: Takutai
Variety: Pinot Gris
Region: Nelson
Country: New Zealand
Year: 2009
Price: $21.00
Vintage Cellar 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:
Initially smelling the wine, I sensed a pear aroma with some spice. The taste wasn't as sweet as the Mars & Venus. I would more so describe it as tart. I enjoyed this wine much more than the Mars & Venus because it had more complexity and depth.
I did not have any food while tasting this wine.
Name: Mars & Venus
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95
Vintage Cellar Review:
Citrus and gooseberry aromas are mild but typical of variety. A basic citrus palate delivers modest tangerine and nectarine flavors which lead to a mild, pithy finish showing light citric notes.
My Review:
Mild is a very good word to describe this wine overall. There was an orange, citrus aroma but the taste was barely there. I really struggled to taste any complexity of flavor. It was extremely light.
I did not have any food while tasting this wine.
Name: Coastal Vines
Variety: White Zinfandel
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $6.95
Vintage Cellar 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:
The aroma of this wine was also pineapple to me. It was very light and sweet with notes of berry and pear. The wine had a smooth finish and was a good end to the tasting.
I did not have any food while tasting this wine.
