This red blend from the Lyeth vineyards is a fantastic Sonoma County representative of a smooth, drinkable wine from the first glass. After I let it breath the customary period, this bottle disappeared easily. 

For those seeking a slightly complex wine with an incredibly smooth texture and a relaxing finish, this is the wine for you. Would pair well with a cheese and fruit tray or a lighter steak plate.

2012 Magistrate Red Wine Blend

A 2012 version recommended by my local grocer. Magistrate's Restitution red wine blend was surprisingly smooth and paired wonderfully with red meat. For the low cost of around twelve dollars, this Napa Valley product was remarkably similar to most cabernets that I admire being a little lighter than most. 

Goose Island 312

I asked for a hefeweizen and this is what I got. To say the least I was pleasantly surprised by the refreshing taste this beer possesses. Not too hoppy but having a delightful strength that most light beers are missing, this will definitely be one that I try again. Being a wheat beer I expected something mild with somewhat of a strong taste that pairs well with oranges and lighter proteins. Again I was pleased with the atypical mildness this beer presents. Citrus is what remains on the palate and characterizes and summarizes the overall taste. 

Paulaner Hefeweizen

                        

I tried this beer for the first time in 2011 from a representative while I was working at a restaurant. The delegate poured the beer upside down in the glass until the head was at the top. Apparently this was to allow the foam to draw out favors from the beer. For me, this just meant I had to wait longer to enjoy the ensuing inebriation. As far as my habits today go, I no longer make such a spectacle before drinking the beer, especially at home. For the taste of the beverage, and for those unfamiliar with hefeweizens, I would describe it as a medium beer somewhere between a heavy lager and an amber with an IPA base. While a traditional IPA can be described in part as having extremely hoppy notes, this beer is heavy in taste while being light in that bitter hop filled character. One thing that separates this Paulaner standby from its competitors is the light and crisp tone and aftertaste a drinker is presented with while consuming. 

2011 Storyteller Red Blend

This blend from Sonoma County costs around 12 dollars and one of the more overrated wines we've tried recently. At 88 points and described with more fruits than it actually displays, the red was ultimately more dry and tart than we had anticipated or desired. 

2012 Chateau St. Michelle Pinot Gris

While this wine is self-described to be similar to a Pinot Grigio, it indeed has some spicier notes notes even with the fruity tannins and aroma. This actually allows the wine to couple well with darker meats like steaks in addition to traditional pairs like fish. 8 out of ten is the rating I would give vast on taste alone as it is completely drinkable with some fruity after tones that don't overwhelm. 

2010 Apothic White Winemaker's Blend

Slightly fruity, this wine pairs well with most lighter meats and fruits. Refreshing and not dry or crisp, Apothic has scored another winner for me with a wine that boasts semi-complex flavors for an extremely reasonable price of around $10. While I would normally prefer something more bland such as a straight pinot grigio, my wife was pleasantly surprised by the wine because of the fruity tannins from a relatively inexpensive blend.