Tasting- Dancing Bull Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Dancing Bull Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2011
Price: est. $9.00

Online Review: Crisp, fruity flavors of lime, kiwi, mango and citrus make this wine the perfect wingman for spicy shrimp or grilled seafood. One sip conjures memories of fresh-squeezed lemonade on a hot summer day. Vibrant citrus flavors and a touch of that traditional Sauvignon Blanc grassiness give this wine a crisp, inviting acidity. Stick to pork, chicken or fish with this wine, but throw in some basil or cilantro to match its unique flavors and texture.

My Review: The nose on this wine was very appealing. I kept smelling it because it smelled very fruity with pear and apple. I did not try it with any food, but once I tasted it, it was very smooth and the right amount of sweet. It had a few bubbles to give it some 'ooph' when it first hits your tongue and was very nice to sip on. I would definitely buy this wine again, and would love to drink it with a meaty dish in the summer.

Tasting- Coastal Ridge Chardonnay

 

Name: Coastal Ridge Chardonnay  
Variety: 95% Chardonnay 5% Gewürztraminer  
Region: Napa, California
Country: USA  
Year: 2011  
Price: est. $7.50

Online Review: "Rich and round, our coastal Ridge Chardonnay is created by our winemaker to compliment a variety of foods and events.  This wine has ample green apple, and citrus fruit, coupled with a hint of vanilla spice.  For relaxed sipping or an accompaniment to food, you will find that the balance and finish of Coastal Ridge Chardonnay to be pleasing." - Bob Stashak, Winemaker 12.5% alcohol content.

My Review: On the way to Key West for Spring break, my roommate and I were bumped up to first class because they had forgot to assign us seats! This was a great start to spring break! Since alcohol was free, we decided to try some wine for our wine blog! This Chardonnay was very good and smooth. When smelling it I smelled a lot of different fruit including apples and other citrus-like flavors. It was very relaxing to drink and although we did not drink this with food, I would definitely drink this wine again.

Tasting- Fetzer Chardonnay

 

Name: Fetzer Chardonnay
Variety: 89% Chardonnay, 5% Viognier, 3% Chenin Blanc,
2% Pinot Grigio, 1% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2010
Price: $9.00

Online Review: Sundial Chardonnay is characteristically golden straw in color, with aromas of tropical fruit like mango, pineapple, banana, ripe Kiwi and honeydew melon alongside notes of cinnamon, vanilla bean, lemon grass with hints of hazelnut and cloves. The wine is crafted to be fruit-forward, medium weight, with crisp citrus and lingering melon, pear and crème fraiche flavors. The balanced mouthfeel leads to a wonderfully lingering finish. We’ll never disappoint you with our Chardonnay: it’s like saying hello to an old friend.

 
My review: I like this wine a lot. It was very light with a variety of fruity flavors and aromas. I did not try this wine with any food, but on their website they give a list of different food pairings that would go great with this wine and I would like to try that one time. This wine was very smooth and had a great finish and I would definitely buy this wine again.
 

Tasting- Fruity Red Sangria

Name: Franzia Fruity Red Sangria
Variety: Red blend
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: N/A
Price: $16.00

Online Review: Table wine with natural flavors. The world's most popular wine. Since 1906. Premium wine. Award winning wines. New & improved. Drip-free Smart Tap.The award winning wines of Franzia stay fresh to the last glass, even after the package has been opened, because Franzia's patented Smart Tap spout and unique inner pouch prevents the oxidation that occurs in half empty wine-in-bottles. Freshness assurance. Alc 9% by volume. A refreshing red with flavors of citrus fruit and just the right amount of sweetness. Serve chilled over ice.

My review: This is my favorite flavor of the Franzia variety. I personally love sangria, and love making my own versions of it. A glass of fruity red sangria over ice with some fruit cut up in it is right up my alley. When tasting this recently I did not have fruit or ice in it #collegeprobs but I did enjoy it chilled in a red solo cup. It's a great, sweet red blend and is very refreshing.

Tasting- Franzia Sunset Blush

Name: Franzia Sunset Blush
Variety: Rose
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: N/A
Price: $16.00

Online Review: Table wine with natural flavors. The world's most popular wine. Since 1906. Premium wine. Award winning wines. New & improved. Drip-free Smart Tap.The award winning wines of Franzia stay fresh to the last glass, even after the package has been opened, because Franzia's patented Smart Tap spout and unique inner pouch prevents the oxidation that occurs in half empty wine-in-bottles. Freshness assurance. Alc 9% by volume.

My review: Classic college choice of wine- Franzia. Now that I've tastes many other good wines, coming back to Franzia doesn't taste as good as I always thought. Don't get me wrong, I still love me some Sunset Blush, the complexity I taste in other wines isn't really here. I did not have this with any food, but drank a few glasses with some friends and enjoyed the fruity, light flavors within it!

Tasting- ChocoVine

 

Name: ChocoVine
Variety: Cabernet Savignon & Dutch Chocolate
Region: Holland
Country: Holland
Year: 2010
Price: $10.00

Online Review: ChocoVine is a fine French Cabernet subtly combined with a rich dark chocolate from Holland, paired together to create a decadent, silky smooth drink, which can be served by itself on the rocks or as the main ingredient to an array of sinful cocktails. The combination of fine wine and chocolate blended to perfection creates a taste of pure bliss

My review: I was very surprised to find out there was a wine that consisted of red wine and chocolate, but I was eager to try it. It smelled like a chocolate milkshake with a little kick to it when I first smelled it. It was very thick and creamy and obviously did not swirl too well for being so thick. I tasted it and and swallowed and immediately thought of Bailey's Irish Creme. It tasted just like it, and I would have liked to try it again but over the rocks. It did have more of a burning sensation at the end, but overall I enjoyed it. How could you go wrong with combining chocolate with anything?

Tasting- Sutter Home Riesling

 

Name: Sutter Home Riesling
Variety: White
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2011
Price: $6.00

Online Review: Gorgeously gold in the light, lush, tropical fruit fragrances leap from the glass, while satiny summer peaches and fresh melons rain down on your palate. This is 24-carat bliss.

My Review: I bought this bottle of wine because I was in a rush and I wanted something cheap, light and familiar; Riesling it was. I chilled the bottle in the refrigerator and opened it (twist off) and poured myself a glass. When smelling it, it gave off very fruity flavors like peach and melon, but also had a tangy feel to it. I sipped and was surprised how it had some carbonation in it. I assumed it was a table wine with zero fizz, but was caught off guard when it hit my tongue. It was a good, sweet, wine and six dollars was worth it.