Vintage Cellar Tasting - Beringer (3/31)

Name: Beringer

Grape Variety: Chenin Blanc

Region: California

Country: USA

Year: 2014

Price: $5.95

Cellar Review: A fresh green-apple aroma and vivid citrus and crisp apple flavors are supported by vibrant acidity in this medium-bodied wine. The texture is smooth but crisp, making lots of good food pairings come to mind, from pre-meal cheese, to salads, seafood and veggie pastas.      

My Review: Light yellow color (young). Overwhelming smells of grapefruit and orange. Surprisingly sweet taste. My favorite of the day.

*Did not have with food

Vintage Cellar Tasting - Carraia

Name: Carraia 

Grape Variety: Aglianico

Region: Campagna

Country: Italy

Year: 2013

Price: $15....Sale $9.95

Cellar Review: Produced in the Campania region of Italy, this Aglianico has delicious black fruit flavors with hints of licorice, volcanic soil and tar notes. Classic in nature, yet in a lighter, more crowd-pleasing style, the Carraia is made of the ancient Aglianico grape. This black grape originated in Greece and today is widely grown in Basilicata and Campania.

My Review: Dark red color. Aromas of Ricola medicine and has subtle minty tones. A blend of medicine, black licorice, and a high level of tannins. It was my least favorite of the day. 

*Did not have with food

Vintage Cellar Tasting - Siema

Name: Siema

Grape Variety: Vino Rosso (Dolcetto, Barbera, Nebbiolo)

Region: Piemonte

Country: Italy

Year: 2013

Price: $10...Sale $6.95

Cellar Review: Intense ruby red with soft garnet nuances in the glass, the Rosso is intriguingly fresh, fruity and spicy on the nose. Perfectly round and balanced, the wine is particularly soft and dry. Pair with simple dishes like fresh cheese, ham, salami, or pizza for a divine culinary experience.       

My Review: Beautiful ruby red color. Blend of vanilla, caramel, and red cherry aromas. Light bodied wine with a blend of cherry and plum flavors. 

*Did not have with food

Vintage Cellar Tasting - Dom de la Foret Grenache Cinsault

Name: Dom de la Foret Grenache Cinsault 

Grape Variety: Rose de Mediterranée

Region: Provence

Country: France

Year: N/A

Price: $13 Sale...$8.95

Cellar Review: A stony, pure style, with a warm paving stone note framing the dried cherry and rose water notes. The long, watermelon rind—inflected finish is finely tuned. Shows length and cut, staying lacy in feel. 50% Cinsault and 50% Grenache.   

My Review: Pretty light peach color. The smell resembled cheerios. Very tannin and tart with tones of grapefruit. 

*Did not have with food

Vintage Cellar Tasting - Bricco dei Tati

Name: Bricco dei Tati

Grape Variety: Cortese

Region: Piemonte

Country: Italy

Year: 2013

Price: $10...Sale $6.95

Washington Post Review: Great Value! Treat this terrific little white like a red: Don’t chill it too much, then let it open for a half-hour to develop its enticing tropical fruit flavors. It’s dry, but the fruit gives an appealing illusion of sweetness. Great as an aperitif or with light seafood dishes.

My Review: Strong alcoholic aromas. Hints of pear and apple. The taste is very tart but has a candy mid palette. 

*Did not have with food

Vintage Cellar Tasting - Crane Lake Riesling (Week #8)

Name: Crane Lake

Grape Variety: Riesling

Region: California

Country: USA

Year: 2013

Price: $5.95

Cellar Review:  The trademark German red grape varietal Dornfelder has a lovely purity of soft red berry fruit. Integrated soft tannins combined with forward fruit flavors make for a perfectly balanced everyday sipping wine. Great with grilled red meat, sausage and chicken. Best served slightly chilled.    

My Review: Sweet aromas of crisp apples. Very sweet but not overpowering. Fruity and well balanced. A great patio wine.

*Did not have with food

Vintage Cellar Tasting - Crane Lake Shiraz

Name: Crane Lake

Grape Variety: Shiraz

Region: California

Country: USA

Year: 2013

Price: $5.95

Cellar Review: Beautiful ruby appearance, with blackberry and pepper notes. Tannins and fruit marry well for a soft finish. This wine pairs well with sharp cheddar cheese and hazelnuts. Also try it along with roast lamb at Easter time, veal marsala, or grilled salmon.     

My Review: Funky smell, resembling trash and old socks. Also hints of earth and fungus. The taste was very smokey and oaky.

*Did not have with food