Danza Del Sol Winery, Temecula CA

We had a 2 for 1 for this tasting room and decided to give it a shot.  They have some beautiful grounds in the heart of Temecula and some beautiful flowers that bloom in Spring.  They have picnic tables outside that you can eat and drink at along with multiple tasting bars inside the main building.  Unfortunately, this is a more corporate winery and so if you come here anytime between Friday and Sunday you're in for a very loud and crowded experience.

Because it was so loud, I did not hear any music playing.  Minus the people, it was cute decor with pillars, a semi-Spanish style, and numerous tasting bars.  They had some cute souvenirs and some relatively friendly pourers.  It seems that the rowdier crowd comes here (bachelorette parties and the like), but they also tended to give some generous pours.

It is generally easy to get a 2 for 1 if you go to any of the other wineries, so don't miss out on the deal!  Visit the website here.

Grenache (2010), $26.95: "The color is light, but the aromas are bright.  Aromas of cherry and root beer introduce silky flavors of plum and jujube and a note of vanilla.  655 cases produced.  Pair with: Autumn-themed food such as roast of lamb, pork, or baked beans."

• Color - bright and cherry with pretty pinks and reds.
• Aroma - bright cherry with deep subtle notes.
• Taste - darker than expected, with deep plum. Complex.
• Overall - Tasty! Deep and complex, especially for the color.  I love Grenaches, and this was a good representation.

Sangiovese (2010), $25.95: "Aromas of red cherries, and a mild hint of leather, lead into deep flavors of pomegranate and boysenberry, and finishes with a note of red licorice.  732 cases produced.  Pair with: Roasted pork or BBQ Baby Back Ribs."

• Color - bright garnet.
• Aroma - subtle red cherry.
• Taste - heavier with a slight licorice finish.
• Overall - This was okay, but I definitely preferred the Grenache.  

Mourvedre (2010), $28.95: "Tantalizing cranberry, rose petal, and spice aromas introduce this complex Spanish varietal.  The flavor is full with Ruby Red grapefruit but drops into a long, lingering finish of clove and nutmeg.  529 cases produced. Pair with: Portobello Bruchetta and Rosemary Aioli."

• Color - deep burgundy.
• Aroma - cranberry and rose, very beautiful aromatics; bright
• Taste - very complex, slight tart grapefruit; I taste slight nutmeg.
• Overall - very deep and complex with a distinct aftertaste, but good.

Zinfandel (2010)

• Color - bright reds, beautiful burgundy.
• Aroma - black cherries, subtle.
• Taste - plum and cinnamon, maybe raisin; definitely dark.
• Overall - Not a typical Zin; good but not great. Heavy.

Tempranillo (2010), $28.95: "Herbaceous aromas open and transform into spiced cherry and blackberry.  Deep flavors are highlighted with eucalyptus and wet slate.  684 cases produced.  Pair with: Beef Tenderloin Asturias; marinated mushrooms."

• Color - bright.
• Aroma - herby, cherry, blackberry.
• Taste - somewhat tart finish; subtle spice.
• Overall - medium bodied and earthy, I crave beef.

Merlot (2009), $26.95: "This classic Bordeaux varietal offers aromas of tea and cranberry.  Flavors of plum and blueberry are complimented with a hint of cocoa.  335 cases produced.  Pair with: Beef Tri Tip, Roasted Vegetables."

• Color - dark burgundy, bright garnet.
• Aroma - tinny with bright raspberry.
• Taste - very dry and earthy; cedar.
• Overall - Needs a few years, somewhat hard to drink.  This is the 1st wine I've ever been tempted to dump in the spit bucket.

Syrah (2010)

• Color - deep.
• Aroma - boysenberry, bright and lively
• Taste - fruity, lovely.
• Overall - very pleasant, typical Syrah.  Tasty.

Cabernet Franc (2010), $28.95: "Lingering aromas of black cherry and cranberry are complimented by a note of red licorice.  The flavors are plum and black truffle with a hint of coffee. 577 cases produced.  Pair with: Roasted Lamb with Rosemary."

• Color - deep, almost black; reds.
• Aroma - very bright lack cherry; slight cranberry.
• Taste - dark fruit and ripe plum with a lingering finish.
• Overall - Very pleasant, would love to savor on its own! My favorite on the list.

Cabernet Sauvignon (2010), $30.95: "Aged 19 months in a combination of new and neutral oak to accept rather than overshadow the fruit.  Aromas explode with vanilla extract.  658 cases produced. Pair with: Grilled seafood."

• Color - beautiful purples and bright pink tinge.
• Aroma - bright, hint of vanilla; cherry.
• Taste - powerful front, smooth finish; fruity but dark.
• Overall - needs more time, slightly generic (pourers agree).

Trilogy (2010), 32.95: "58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot.  Bold aromas of blackberry and Bing cherries with overtones of coffee and cocoa.  The flavors are full with plum and raspberry and are complimented by a hint of cola.  670 cases produced.  Pair with: Roasted lamb and Beef."

• Color - bright burgundy.
• Aroma - love! dark cherry and plum.
• Taste - heavy forward, deep finish; plum and cola.
• Overall - Tasty for a dark red drinker.

Tres Rose (2011), $23.95: "Cab Franc, Cinsault and Mourvedre are combined to produce this delightfully sweet wine.  Aromas of cherries and carnations introduce flavors of strawberry and rhubarb.  This is a perfect aperitif or sipping wine.  629 cases produced.  Pair with: Grilled seasonal vegetables.  Gold Medal - 2012 Jerry Meade International Wine Competition."

• Color - bright pinks and subtle oranges.
• Aroma - subtle sweetness, slight strawberry.
• Taste - strawberry and citrus, refreshing.
• Overall - refreshing; perfect Rose!

Fresco (2011), $21.95: "This Rose of Grenache has bright aromas of Cherry and Rhubarb.  The palate is graced with sweet flavors of red licorice and cranberry. 350 cases produced.  Pair with: Lime sorbet."

• Color - bright, clear darker pink; baby pink at end.
• Aroma - strawberry with a bite.
• Taste - slight cranberry, refreshing strawberry and raspberry. Citrus finish?
• Overall - Really enjoyed this! I'd love either rose on a summer's day.