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Vintage: 2008
Price Range: $15
Producer: Vina Robles
Region & Country: San Miguel, California
Grape Variety: White Wine (Verdelho 41%; Vermentino 26%; Sauvignon Blanc 22%; Viognier 11%)
Recommended By: Wine Club
Place & Date Purchased: WineStyles, Evanston, IL - 9/10/2009
Place & Date Tasted: Home - 3/18/2010
Appearance: Clear with a tinge of yellow; brilliant clear and shines; full-bodied
Nose: Light, full floral scent, apple & lemon; creamy
Taste: Bold, full-flavor; creamy; fair taste of lemon; creamy tartness
Finish: Lingers sweet with lemon
Overall Impression: Fresh white, but still a little tart. Unfortunately, this wine did not pair well with spicy food. It is definitely creamy though and a great blend, but it tends to be a bit average. Nothing really stuck out that made it better than others I've had.
Overall Rating: 88/100
Overall Value: *** / 5 Stars
Vintage: 2006
Price Range: $20
Producer: Quivira Vineyards
Region & Country: Sonoma, California, USA
Grape Variety: Zinfandel
Recommended By: Wineclub
Place & Date Purchased: WineStyles, Evanston, IL - 2/2/2009
Place & Date Tasted: Home - 12/20/2009
Appearance: Full-bodied; Glossy, purple-red
Nose: Black and raspberry; oak, tobacco and spices
Taste: Smooth and juicy; raspberry, oak and spices
Finish: Lingers and dry
Overall Impression: I thought after smelling this wine that it was going to be much bolder and spicier. Yes, there was a great bold aroma, but the taste was very smooth. This was a great Zin. I love when wines surprise me!
Overall Rating: 93/100
Overall Value: ***.5 / 5 Stars
Vintage: 2007
Price Range: $15
Producer: Vina Robles Winery & Vineyards
Region & Country: San Miguel, California, USA
Grape Variety: Red Blend (51% Petite Sirah; 43% Syrah; 4% Tannat; 2% Touriga)
Recommended By: Wine Club
Place & Date Purchased: WineStyles, Evanston, IL - 9/10/2009
Place & Date Tasted: Home; 10/21/2009
Appearance: Deep, dark purple; full-bodied; dyes the glass
Nose: Plum, lavender, earthy spices
Taste: Deep earth and oak flavor; mocha; bold flavor
Finish: Slightly dry; lemon zest; does not linger long
Overall Impression: This blend had a lovely scent and a wonderful bold flavor! Actually, the aroma and the taste do not match at all, but it's still quite delicious.
Overall Rating: 93/100
Overall Value: *** / 5 Stars
Vintage: 2006
Price Range: $28
Producer: Conn Valley Vineyards
Region & Country: St. Helena, California, USA
Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Recommended By: N/A
Place & Date Purchased: WineStyles, Evanston, IL - 5/9/2009
Place & Date Tasted: Home; 10/12/2009
Appearance: Deep dark red-purple; full-bodied
Nose: Slightly hot at first; rich berry scent with cherry
Taste: Light, average-plain; berry taste, but slightly watered down; tastes a little like sugar-free grape Kool-Aid
Finish: Lingers slightly, but lightly; light juicy sweetness
Overall Impression: I like to find wines that can stand alone or be paired with food. This wine is definitely a dinner wine. I really wouldn't want it alone. It has a good palate cleanser and a lot of great berry scents, but it still has that mild grape Kool-Aid flavor that really threw me off. It's just average to me.
Overall Rating: 88/100
Overall Value: ** / 5 Stars
Vintage: 2007
Price Range: $26
Producer: Seghesio Family Vineyard
Region & Country: Healdsburg, California, USA
Grape Variety: Zinfandel
Recommended By: Christmas gift from Anne Mansfield
Place & Date Purchased: Christmas Gift, Chicago, IL - 12/24/2008
Place & Date Tasted: Home - 9/5/2009
Appearance: Full-bodied; Dark, blood red
Nose: Mixed berries, faint sweet jam scent and a rose scent
Taste: Rich, bold and full flavored; sweet, but not sugary; matured berries
Finish: So smooth with lots of fruit flavors
Overall Impression: Anne sure impressed with this gift. Sure, it took me nine months till I drank it, but it was well worth the wait. This Zinfandel was awesome! It was a great wine from beginning to end. With this bold flavor, I could almost taste it with steak. But it can definitely hold its own if you want to drink it by itself.
Overall Rating: 97/100
Overall Value: **** / 5 Stars
Vintage: 2007
Price Range: $20
Producer: Rose Valley Winery
Region & Country: Graton, California, USA
Grape Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Recommended By: Wine Club
Place & Date Purchased: WineStyles, Evanston, IL - 8/3/2009
Place & Date Tasted: Home - 8/25/2009
Dinner: Scallops, various cheeses and french bread
Appearance: Brilliant, pale gold; very clean and light-bodied
Nose: Strong lemon, apple, pear, honey and floral scent
Taste: Sweet honey taste with hints of apple and pear; clean and crisp
Finish: Taste more fruit in finish; lingers slightly, but clean
Overall Impression: This wine was delicious with the scallops. I'm a huge fan! This is got to be the best summer because it's just so fruitful and light. You will love the clean and crisp taste. It just cleans your mouth.
Overall Rating: 96/100
Overall Value: **** / 5 Stars
Vintage: 2007
Price Range: $19
Producer: Clayhouse Vineyard
Region & Country: San Miguel, California, USA
Grape Variety: Adobe White (34% Chenin Blanc, 17% Chardonnay, 16% Roussanne, 11% Viognier)
Recommended By: Wine Tasting
Place & Date Purchased: WineStyles, Evanston, IL - 1/31/2009
Place & Date Tasted: Home - 8/18/2009
Dinner: Various cheeses and crackers
Appearance: Light, almost white gold; full-bodied
Nose: Sweet scent like peaches and honey; very floral
Taste: Sweet, smooth and clean; tastes very floral with honey
Finish: Creamy and sweet; the sweetness also lingers
Overall Impression: Awesome! Even though I had it with the cheese and crackers, I know this would be a great stand-alone wine. It's the perfect combination of white grapes. It's the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess.
Overall Rating: 96/100
Overall Value: *** / 5 Stars
Vintage: 2007
Price Range: $25
Producer: Stags' Leap Winery
Region & Country: Napa, California, USA
Grape Variety: Viognier
Recommended By: Wine Club
Place & Date Purchased: WineStyles, Evanston, IL - 7/6/2009
Place & Date Tasted: Home - 7/30/2009
Appearance: Very light in color; full-bodied; color similar to the pulp of a lemon
Nose: Smells ashy like champagne; chalk, apple, floral
Taste: Sweeter than the scent; lots of sweet fruit flavor; slightly acidic with a vague champagne taste
Finish: Dry, but the sweetness lingers in a good way
Overall Impression: If you have never liked champagnes that much, but enjoy a white wine, this is for you. The smell, color and some taste is exactly like a champagne, but without the bubbles! It also has a yummy sweetness and not that ashy taste that most champagnes tend to have.
Overall Rating: 92/100
Overall Value: **.5 / 5 Stars
Vintage: 2007
Price Range: $12
Producer: Blackstone Winery
Region & Country: Napa Valley, California, USA
Grape Variety: Chardonnay
Recommended By: N/A
Place & Date Purchased: Dominick's Grocery, Chicago, IL - 4/25/2009
Place & Date Tasted: Home - 7/5/2009
Appearance: Pale gold; clean and brilliant; full-bodied
Nose: Green apples and sweet perfume; some herbs
Taste: Sweet and crisp, greet apples; hint of pear; perfume and floral
Finish: Lingers with a creaminess and a good slight tartness
Overall Impression: I think this is the nice summer wine that you can bring to a party on a beach. It's very casual and not pricey. It just haves a summer flavor to it with the flowers and fruit. The crisp taste and sweet goodness makes it a very nice Chardonnay.
Overall Rating: 87/100
Overall Value: **** / 5 Stars
Vintage: 2006
Price Range: $23
Producer: Mosby Winery
Region & Country: Buellton, California
Grape Variety: Dolcetto
Recommended By: N/A
Place & Date Purchased: WineStyles, Evanston, IL - 1/31/2009
Place & Date Tasted: Home - 7/1/2009
Appearance: Deep, cherry red; full-bodied
Nose: Vibrant, smells juicy, cherry, candy apple sweet
Taste: Juicy cherry; huge burst of fruit, but with a lite texture
Finish: Lingers smoothly with sweetness on the tongue
Overall Impression: This Dolcetto definitely goes right up there with some of the other great Cabs & Malbecs I have tried. The explosion of fruit boldness is something I love most about reds, but it is so lite. It is not heavy, so it seems like the perfect summer, stand alone wine. It actually has a delicious, mouth-watering flavor.
Overall Rating: 97/100
Overall Value: **** / 5 Stars
Vintage: 2006
Price Range: $20
Producer: Clos La Chance Winery
Region & Country: San Martin, CA
Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Recommended By: WineClub
Place & Date Purchased: WineStyles, Evanston, IL - 12/8/2008
Place & Date Tasted: Home - 5/5/2009
**HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO**
Appearance: Raspberry red and full-bodied
Nose: Fruity, earthly and sweet scents
Taste: Light, fruity & sweet; Very juicy taste
Finish: Fruitiness lingers; not acidic
Overall Impression: This Cabernet Sauvignon seems to just wet the mouth perfectly. It's so juicy and fruity, but the best part is that it's not acidic at all. It's just lush, delicious and sweet. I think this would make a great summer cab.
Overall Rating: 97/100
Overall Value: **** / 5 Stars
Vintage: 2004
Price Range: $17
Producer: Cecchetti Wine Company
Region & Country: Graton, California
Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Recommended By: N/A
Place & Date Purchased: WineStyles, Evanston, IL - 2/7/2009
Place & Date Tasted: Home - 4/21/2009
Dinner: Giordano's Stuffed Pizza
Appearance: Deep red, but slightly brown; medium bodied
Nose: Copper/Mineral scent, like a penny; a little hot
Taste: Copper and ash; almost like blood; tastes hot also, even after airing
Finish: Lingers with an ash taste and acidic; it just leaves a horrible after taste
Overall Impression: Not impressed at all. It's been a while since I have had a Cabernet that was just not good. There may be a fruit or berry taste, but I could never tell you which one. It was just overall metallic and not very good. This seriously should have been a "Critter" wine.
Overall Rating: 70/100
Overall Value: *.5 / 5 Stars
Vintage: 2007
Price Range: $15
Producer: Cecchetti Wine Company
Region & Country: Graton, California
Grape Variety: Chardonnay
Recommended By: N/A
Place & Date Purchased: WineStyles, Evanston, IL - 2/7/2009
Place & Date Tasted: Home - 4/7/2009
Appearance: Brilliant; Medium-bodied; pale, almost clear
Nose: Clean & floral with a hint of honey and apple
Taste: Crisp, clean, lite, buttery with green apple taste
Finish: Lemony lingers, but not acidic
Overall Impression: This is a great, sweet Chardonnay that isn't too overpowering. I love the crispness and fruit taste!
Overall Rating: 90/100
Overall Value: ***.5 / 5 Stars
Vintage: 2007
Price Range: $15
Producer: Toasted Head Winery
Region & Country: Woodbridge, California, USA
Grape Variety: Chardonnay
Recommended By: N/A
Place & Date Purchased: Dominick's Grocery, Chicago, IL - 1/10/2009
Place & Date Tasted: Home - 3/31/2009
Appearance: Brilliant; pale gold & full body
Nose: Soft floral and herb scent & grass
Taste: Undertone of lemon; smooth, soft and sweet; crisp flavor
Finish: Smooth and buttery; not very acidic
Overall Impression: Another great Chardonnay! I really have never had any problems with Toasted Head. They make great wines. This wine is great with food, but I find it can stand alone with no problem. I think this would be a perfect summer wine. It was crisp and delicious.
Overall Rating: 90/100
Overall Value: ***.5 / 5 Stars
Vintage: 2005
Price Range: $15
Producer: Mutt Lynch Winery
Region & Country: Healdsburg, California
Grape Variety: Merlot
Recommended By: Wine Club
Place & Date Purchased: WineStyles, Evanston, IL - 2/2/2009
Place & Date Tasted: Home - 3/24/2009
Dinner: Spiced chicken breast and stuffed past in a vodka sauce
Appearance: Medium bodied; Garnet red
Nose: Blackberry and jam scent
Taste: A little hot, even after airing; spicy and jammy
Finish: Acidic, tart and lingers
Overall Impression: "Woof bark bark ruff woof," which translates to "I've had a better Merlot for about the same price or better." It was much better after allowing to breathe, but still there was something about it that was lacking. I don't think it was actually worth the price... woof!
Overall Rating: 85/100
Overall Value: **.5 / 5 Stars
Vintage: 2006
Price Range: $17
Producer: Cecchetti Wine Company
Region & Country: Graton, California
Grape Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Recommended By: N/A
Place & Date Purchased: WineStyles, Evanston, IL - 2/7/2009
Place & Date Tasted: Home - 3/18/2009
Appearance: Light gold; brilliant-clear
Nose: Clean, fruity scent; soft floral and creamy
Taste: Sweet and herb; slightly tart
Finish: Slightly dry and lingers
Overall Impression: I had a bit of a strawberry when drinking this and it was great. It's a decent Sauvignon Blanc. It's a clean white, but the price is way too steep. I have had better for a much better price.
Overall Rating: 86/100
Overall Value: **/ 5 Stars
Vintage: 2006
Price Range: $17
Producer: Francis Coppola - Diamond Collection
Region & Country: Geyserville, California, USA
Grape Variety: Claret
Recommended By: N/A
Place & Date Purchased: Dominick's Grocery, Chicago, IL - 02/16/2009
Place & Date Tasted: Home - 02/16/2009
Appearance: Brilliant garnet red; full-bodied
Nose: Spices, raspberry jam & orange marmalade
Taste: Bold berry and spices
Finish: Slightly acidic & dry
Overall Impression: I have a tendency to compare certain wines when it comes to having one of the same series. For F.C. wine's, I definitely like their Cabernet Sauvignon more, but the Claret wasn't bad. I think this particular wine is extremely over-priced.
Overall Rating: 89/100
Overall Value: **.5 / 5 Stars
Vintage: 2006
Price Range: $11
Producer: Maxwell Creek Winery
Region & Country: Rutherford, CA
Grape Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Recommended By: N/A
Place & Date Purchased: WineStyles, Evanston, IL - 01/06/2009
Place & Date Tasted: Home - 02/04/2009
Appearance: Very light, almost clear; brilliant, full-bodied
Nose: Peaches, pears and a hint of grass
Taste: Earthy, sweet tasting and fruity
Finish: Slightly acidic and dry
Overall Impression: This wine had a great flavor that wasn't so overly powerful. It's a perfect example of a Sauvignon Blanc.
Overall Rating: 89/100
Overall Value: ***.5 / 5 Stars
Vintage: 2006
Price Range: Gift ($6)
Producer: Sea Ridge Coastal Winery
Region & Country: Napa, California
Grape Variety: Chenin Blanc
Recommended By: Brought to the New Years Eve Party that wasn't on New Years Eve by Grace Pederson, but it was actually recommended by Sakeena Henderson.
Place & Date Purchased: Rockin' New Year's Eve Party, Chiacgo, IL - 01/10/2009
Place & Date Tasted: Home - 01/31/2009
Dinner: Baked Salmon & Pesto Pasta
Appearance: Light gold; Brilliant and full-bodied
Nose: Faint sweet, soft, clean and slightly fruity
Taste: Very sweet and rich; buttery w/ citrus
Finish: Smooth; lingers slightly
Overall Impression: Midway through this wine, I decided to look up the price just to get an idea of my "overall value" rating. There were several different prices, but to purchase one bottle it was $6. I was surprised. For a sweet wine, it's very delicious. It has a great sweetness to it. With the butter taste of it too, it's the perfect balance.
Overall Rating: 90/100
Overall Value: ***** / 5 Stars
Happy Inauguration Day, Everybody! Did you catch Obama's speech today? I didn't because I'm a real American with a job and that's why we have YouTube.
Vintage: 2006
Price Range: $12
Producer: Blackstone Winery
Region & Country: Napa Valley, California, USA
Grape Variety: Merlot
Recommended By: N/A
Place & Date Purchased: Dominick's Grocery, Chicago, IL - 01/20/2009
Place & Date Tasted: Home - 01/20/2009
Dinner: Spaghetti
Appearance: Black cherry red; Medium-bodied
Nose: Without airing, it's hot; with airing, still hot but not as bad. The hotness overpowers the berry scent just trying to come through.
Taste: Watered down flavor; very little berry taste
Finish: Citrus, but not very acidic
Overall Impression: Not that impressed. There was no real flavor that stuck out and made me like this Merlot. It was just an average wine. To be honest, it was on sale, but I would definitely never pay full price for this wine. Too bad it wasn't as good as our new president's speech.
Overall Rating: 75/100
Overall Value: **.5 / 5 Stars
Vintage: 2008
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