Tasting - Lapis Luna Cabernet Sauvignon

Name of Wine: Lapis Luna Cabernet Sauvignon 
Variety of Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Country of Origin: United States
Region of Origin: California / Lodi
Vintage Year: 2020
Price: $14
Shop/Winery/Critic Review: “Crimson in the glass with aromas of dark chocolate, cherry and a hint of roasted coffee. Rich and full textured on the palate with profound dark fruit. The finish brings succulent tannins and is long reaching, sticking with you until the next sip.” Vintage Cellar (2020)
References of specific flavors/aromas/grape characteristics: According to Wine Folly, a Cabernet Sauvignon should have aromas and flavors of black cherry, black currant, cedar, baking spices, and graphite. I can definitely pick you the black cherry and black currant while tasting and the baking spices and cedar while sniffing. (Pg. 88)
My Review: Tasted without food. The girl at the wine shop said she really liked this brand because it didn't taste like a usual Cabernet Sauvignon. She said this one had more fruity and chocolate flavors which I definitely picked up on while tasting. I would say this wine was not super dry, but had a bit of a dry sensation while sipping, but it also wasn’t too sweet. I have never had another Cabernet Sauvignon to compare this brand to, but considering how much I enjoyed this glass I will definitely be trying one in the future!

Tasting - Schlink Haus Riesling Spätlese

Name of Wine: Schlink Haus Spätlese
Variety of Grape: Riesling
Country of Origin: Germany
Region of Origin: Nahe
Vintage Year: 2021
Price: $15
Shop/Winery/Critic Review: “This riesling has a lot of characteristics: it offers a high quality of aromas, plenty of fruit, and a lingering sweet taste. It has the finest aromatic fragrances of tropical fruits, peaches, apples, and lychees on the palate. Serving Suggestions: This Riesling is highly recommended to pair with Asian cuisine, poultry, fish, and light meat dishes.” Vintage Cellar (2021)
References of specific flavors/aromas/grape characteristics: According to Wine Folly, this grape variety has references of green apple, lime, beeswax, jasmine, and petroleum. The wine I tasted was on the sweeter side so I would say I picked up on green apple, lime, and jasmine, but not so much the beeswax and petroleum. (Pg. 158)
My Review: Tasted without food. I really enjoyed this wine. It was a sweeter wine, but not so sweet that you felt sick after just one glass. I definitely tasted fruity flavors like peaches and apples. I would describe the overall body of the wine very light, which I really enjoyed. The worker at Vintage Cellar said he had this for his anniversary and I would agree that it is a very good anniversary/congratulatory wine - definitely a good substitute for Champagne if you don’t want anything bubbly!

Tasting - Magistrate Zinfandel

Name of Wine: Magistrate Zinfandel

Variety of Grape: Zinfandel

Country of Origin: United States

Region of Origin: California

Vintage Year: 2020

Price: $10

Shop/Winery/Critic Review: “This Lodi Zinfandel produces fruit flavors of juicy plum, strawberry, and raspberry, and is layered with notes of vanilla spice and fresh fig. Brimming with soft, velvety tannins and rounded out with vibrant acidity and a complex finish. Pairs perfectly with a hearty meat sauce, pork, or decadent chocolate desserts.” Kroger (2020)

References of specific flavors/aromas/grape characteristics: This Zinfandel wine has tastes of blackberry, strawberry, peach preserves, cinnamon, and sweet tobacco. While drinking it I definitely picked up on the berry flavor of the wine and also the aftertaste of cinnamon. I think I could also tell there was a hint of another fruit that was not a berry which in this case must have been peach. I'm not too sure I picked up on sweet tobacco though. (Pg. 189)

My Review: Tasted without food. This wine is definitely very dry on the tongue. I usually don’t love super dry wines, but I actually enjoyed this one. I really liked the berry/jam flavor it had and it wasn't smokey at all which is why I think I enjoyed this dry wine over other dry reds. I felt like it was very good for the price and I would definitely recommend this wine for gift giving on a budget, or even to purchase and enjoy yourself!

Tasting - Fairbanks California Port

Name of Wine: Fairbanks California Port
Variety of Grape: Zinfandel
Country of Origin: United States
Region of Origin: California
Vintage Year: Unknown
Price: $8
Shop/Winery/Critic Review: “Complex flavors mark Fairbanks California Port’s palate. The wine begins with juicy, ripe blackberry and raspberry tastes. Soon after, dried prunes and cinnamon spice tastes follow. The syrupy texture is complemented by notes of caramel, molasses, and characteristic chocolate. The taste is completed by walnut flavors, which are a fundamental component of Tawny Port wines.” Richard Allen, 2022
References of specific flavors/aromas/grape characteristics: This dessert wine has flavors of black plum, dried cherry, chocolate, raisin, and cinnamon. I got pretty much all these flavors while tasting the wine, especially the sweetness from all these flavors. The cinnamon is more of an aftertaste, but it's definitely there. (Pg. 154)
My Review: The first thing I smelled in this dessert wine was black cherry. This is a very decadent wine with lots of flavor, specifically sweet flavor, but I feel it is too strong for my liking. I could only do a couple of sips of this before I got tired of it. I will not be buying again, but would like to try another Zinfandel wine.

Tasting - Chalkboard Rosé

Name of Wine: Chalkboard Rose
Variety of Grape: Merlot
Country of Origin: France
Region of Origin: Vin de France
Vintage Year: 2019
Price: $7
Shop/Winery/Critic Review: “Delightfully fresh and casual, Chalkboard wines put a little sit-back-and-relax into your get-up-and-go. Delicate hints of lemongrass are balanced by subtle acidity and a palate bursting with bright, citrus flavors of lemon and zesty grapefruit. This wine is the perfect addition to a grilled halibut topped with mango avocado salsa.” Kroger, 2019
References of specific flavors/aromas/grape characteristics: This Rose blend with Merlot grapes has references of cherry, plum, chocolate, dried herbs, and vanilla. While tasting the wine, I definitely picked up on the plum and cherry. I did not get any of the chocolate, vanilla, or herbs. (Pg. 131)
My Review: Tasted without food. This Rose seemed to be semi-sweet to me, and also really citrusy. I tasted grapefruit and also a hint of peach. As I drank more of this Rose it seemed to be getting more dry, but I couldn't tell if it was just the tart of the citrus coming out. Definitely good for the price, but probably wouldn't buy again.