Tasting - Sutter Home Chardonnay

Name: Sutter Home Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: California - including Sutter Home ranches in Santa Barbara County, Lake County, and the Sacramento Delta region
Country: USA
Year: 2011
Price: $6.00

Online Review(via Sutterhome.com): Sutter Home California Chardonnay offers aromas of fresh pear, peach, apple, and lemon. The smooth, round texture, and rich, creamy, fruit flavors persist into a long, flavorful aftertaste. It makes an ideal match for seafood or poultry, veal or pork chops, cream sauce pastas, and both mild and flavorful cheeses.

My Review: This Chardonnay has a rich, fruity smell and I could definitely taste the peach and pear flavors. It has a long flavorful aftertaste, and although I am not always a big fan of Chardonnay, this was very enjoyable. My mom used to drink this kind of wine, so I thought that I would try it. It is still somewhat cheap, and although it would not be my first choice, I would not mind drinking it again. 

Tasting - Menage a Trois Moscato

Name: Menage a Trois Moscato
Variety:
78% California Moscato
12% Lodi/Delta Region Sauvignon Blanc 
10% Lodi/Delta Region Chardonnay
Region: Napa Valley
Country: USA
Year: 2011
Price: $11.99

Online Review(via menageatroiswines.com): Made from premium grapes sourced from three distinct

growing regions in California, this wine begins its seduction with lush, alluring floral aromas, followed by luscious peach and apricot flavors that yield to a refreshing finish. It is 11.5% alcohol.

My Review: This wine truly does have a floral aroma and a wonderful sweet, fruity peach flavor. I had liked other brands of Moscato, and although this wine is still a low price, it is higher than the others. It wasn't a immense difference where I could never go back. The wine is sweet like the cheaper wine, but has slightly better flavor. I would drink this again, but am definitely interested in expanding my palate and learning about other types of wine. 

Tasting - Barefoot Sweet Red

Name: Barefoot Sweet Red
Variety: Sweet Red
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2011
Price: $6.99

Online Review(via Barefootwine.com): Chill out (no seriously, try this chilled) with the ripe, juicy flavors of raspberry, pomegranate and cherry. Pair with grilled veggies or marinated steaks. Gather up the family and friends for a BBQ.

My Review: I chose this wine because I am partial to sweet light wines, and have not yet gotten into many red wines. I thought that a sweeter red may be a good place to start. The wine smelled a somewhat fruity, but maintained the deeper slightly bitter taste of most reds. It was slightly sweet with a hint of raspberries, but definitely not to the extent of my usual wine choice. I would definitely like to try this wine again but paired with a meal to see how that may enhance the flavors.

Tasting - Barefoot Pink Moscato

Name: Barefoot Pink Moscato
Variety: Moscato
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2012
Price: $4.99-$6.99

Online Review (via Barefootwine.com): Aromas of Mandarin orange and sweet jasmine crash into each other to create a deliciously sweet sea of pink goodness. Subtle flavors of cherry, raspberry, and pomegranate wash ashore in the flavorful experience. Waves of pink go great with fruit kabobs; spicy apps or Chinese take-out.

My Review: I decided to try this newer Barefoot flavor because I enjoy their regular Moscato, and as we all know, Barefoot is very inexpensive. Although many people dislike or look down on Barefoot wines, I personally don't mind them for the good price. This wine in particular was very sweet like their original Moscato, but with an added fruit flavor. It has a fresh hint of fruits such as peach and apple, and I really enjoyed the wine. The sweetness may be overwhelming to drink in large quantities, but it was good for one glass, even without food to enhance the flavors. Many people would probably think that this wine is too sweet, but for my inexperienced palate it was just fine!

Tasting - Beringer White Zinfandel

Name: Beringer White Zinfandel
Variety: Zinfandel
Region: Napa Valley
Country: USA
Year: 2011
Price: $8.00

Online Review: Pale rose color; strawberry and rhubarb aroma; touch of fruit sweetness in flavor; delicate, soft finish.

My Review: I enjoyed this wine because it is fruity with a fresh acidity, without being overly sweet. This seems like a fun wine that you could enjoy while chatting with friends and with or without food. We had some yellow cheddar and havarti while tasting. The yellow cheddar seemed to enhance the fruity sweetness, and the havarti somewhat diminished it. Both cheeses, however, were enjoyable when paired with this wine. My good company also could have added to the enjoyment of this wine!