Tasting - "Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc"

Name: Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: 
Country: New Zealand
Year: 2009
Price: $18 regular / $9.95 close-out sale
Winery Review: A classy Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc with piercing aromas of ripe gooseberries and intense lime and passionfruit flavours. The wine was made from a blend of fruit grown in the Wairau and Awatere Valleys spanning a range of different climates. Would be an ideal match with a herbed salmon dish.

My Review: This wine had a very light yellow color. It had a nice clean nose. It had little flavor. There was not too much to this wine.

Tasting - "Rocland Duck Duck Goose Chardonnay"

Name: Rocland Duck Duck Goose Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: South Australia
Country: Australia
Year: 2009
Price: $15 regular / $7.95 close-out sale
Winery Review: Duck Duck Goose wines are made up of a Chardonnay that is nonoaked and fresh fruit driven with melon and citrus overtones. It has strong varietal characteristics that pair beautifully with light foods such as fish, shellfish and cheeses.

My Review: It is a golden yellow color. This chardonnay was a little hot for me. It also had a very sharp finish. I did not like this wine.

Tasting - "Morro Bay White Oak Chardonnay"

Name: Morro Bay White Oak Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: San Luis Obispo, California
Country: USA
Year: 2009
Price: $14 regular / $5.95 close-out sale
Winery Review: Toasted oak, butter and crisp apple/pear fruit aromas. The texture in the mouth is like a knife cutting a green apple. Together these disparate areas and flavors create a symbiosis that fills the tongue and echoes down the palate.

My Review: This wine had a very buttery nutty nose. On my first taste it was buttery and oaky. It also seemed to have floral aspects. It did have a clean finish.

Tasting - "Crane Lake Moscato"

Name: Crane Lake Moscato
Variety: 75% Muscat, 25% Proprietors Dry White
Region: Napa and Sonoma, California
Country: USA
Year: 2011
Price: $12 regular / $6.95 close-out sale
Winery Review: This sweet wine is light in color with floral aromas including notes of orange blossom, jasmine and honeysuckle. Flavors include peach, melon and spice.

My Review: This wine had a very fruity smell. It was very sweet and fruity. It had a clean light finish

Tasting - "Dona Sol White Zinfandel"

Name: Dona Sol White Zinfandel
Variety: White Zinfandel
Region: Sonoma, California
Country: USA
Year: 2008
Price: $8 regular / $4.95 close-out sale
Winery Review: Voluptuous blush wine that has hints of strawberry and fresh fruit in its wide range of aromas. As the wine flows into the palate, fresh fruit and sweet cherries are evident. Ends with a smooth sweet finish. Pair with seafood (light & heavy), shellfish, pork, cheese, poultry, and desserts.

My Review: This wine smelled very fruity. It was very light and clean. It tasted very fruity. I mostly taste cherry flavors but not a good taste overall. It was definitely not my favorite.

Tasting - "Coldstream Hills Sauvignon Blanc"

Name: Coldstream Hills Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Yarra Valley
Country: Australia
Year: 2009
Price: $27 regular / $7.95 close-out sale
Winery Review: There is an emphasis here on varietal fruit and length of flavour, which the cool climate bestows on each grape variety. The Yarra Valley wines are designed to be enjoyed upon release & are attractive when young, but will certainly reward careful cellaring.

My Review: The color was a deep yellow. The wine had an earthy nose. The flavor was very nutty. It had a clean nice finish.

Tasting - "Three Rivers Merlot"

Name: Three Rivers Merlot
Variety: Merlot
Region: Columbia Valley, Oregon
Country: USA
Year: 2006
Price: $27 regular / $7.95 close-out sale
Winery Review: Supple and full-bodied, with bright fruit notes of huckleberry, Bing cherry and raspberry, with hints of cedar and sweet spices from the extended oak aging.

My Review: This wine had a deep dark color normal to a merlot. It had a floral nose. On first taste it seemed a little hot but it blanced out for me with some great merlot flavors. It has been one of favorites I have tasted so far.