Tasting - Butterfly Kiss Moscato

Name: Butterfly Kiss
Variety: Moscato
Region: N/A
Country: Chile
Year: 2012
Price: $5.95

Winery review: Aromas of honeydew and apricot, gently kissed by orange blossom, candied pineapple and a hint of lime zest.

My review: An almost clear wine. Very citrusy and sugary smell. A very sweet initial taste followed by a citrus aftertaste. This wine would almost exclusively be good to drink with dessert.

This was tasted without food

Tasting - Purple Paws Zinfandel 2012

Name: Purple Paws
Variety: Zinfandel 2012
Region: Lodi, California
Country: USA
Year: 2012
Price: $7.95

Winery review: It smells like ripe boysenberries and cherries, and tastes generous and broad without being too full bodied. It finishes with more fruit notes and those who love a little spice and smooth tannins will be happy.

My review: For a red wine, has a strong fruit smell to it. A lighter red wine. The initial taste is bitter with a mid pallet that's more sweet and tastes of fruit. The aftertaste again is bitter 

This was tasted without food

Tasting - Purple Paws Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Purple Paws
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Lodi, California
Country: United States
Year: Non-vintage
Price: $7.95

Winery review: If a Cabernet can be smooth and creamy, this one is. It offers plenty of fruit flavor, smooth tannins that coat the mouth in a good way, plus a plush texture that keeps it from being even a bit harsh. With light body, a soft mouthfeel and lingering finish, there’s much to like.

My review: Rich, dark red wine with a strong body. Strong, harsh smell of fermented grapes. The wine begins with the classic Cabernet taste and is followed by a smooth taste. The after taste is tarty and the wine leaves the mouth feeling dry.

This was tasted without food

Tasting - Rosemount Chardonnay

Name: Rosemount
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: South Australia
Country: Australia
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95

Winery review: This world-renowned wine shows peachy tropical fruit and melon characters on the nose, with a hint of citrus freshness and judicious use of oak. The palate is generous and soft with full, ripe tropical flavors folded into a creamy backdrop that is beautifully structured with a long satisfying finish.

My review: Smells of citrus and holds a light gold color. Strong, bitter initial taste followed by a calmer taste and ending with a citrus after taste. This would possibly go well with grilled seafood or fish.

This was tasted without food

Tasting - La Lejania Sauvignon Blanc

Name: La Lejania
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Loncomilla Valley
Country: Chile
Year: 2015
Price: $6.95

Winery review: A light, refreshing, balanced sparkling wine with fruit flavors and aromas of citrus, pear and peaches, followed by a nuance of spice.  Enjoy this sparkling wine as an aperitif, or with salads and spicy dishes, especially those using citrus fruit. For dessert this wine pairs well with fresh berries or a fruit tart.

My review: Strong grapefruit smell, with very light almost clear color. Very sweet initial taste with a lingering fruity after taste. This would go well with a sweet flavored desert. 

This was tasted without food

My Experiences (or lack thereof) with Wine

   Ever since I was a little kid, my parents have enjoyed ending the day with a nice, healthy, red wine. Unfortunately, below the age of 21 I was never able to join them in their endeavors and always watched from afar. Now that I am 21, with little experience with any sort of wine my hope is to make myself into a wine enthusiast. The art of matching a wine with a meal and just tasting wine in general excites me.
   My initial thought of red wine is that it's smell is strong and almost vulgar. I can't tell the difference between a good wine or a bad wine other than the apparent reaction of other people. The wine that I have consumed can be considered on the cheaper scale, and I had always assumed wine cost was much more expensive than other alcohol. I have already begun to see how it can still be affordable to be a wine enthusiast.
   I hope and can already tell that this course will guide me into thinking for myself in wine selection. The opportunities to attend wine tastings and write my own reviews really interests me. Deciphering smells and tastes has never been my strong point, but I have never really given myself the chance to focus on those aspects of food or drinks. I consider myself a man of cheap taste, yet this course has the chance to change me of my ways.