Pop the Cork: Wine Reviews From The Experts at Haskell's

It's easy to keep choosing the same bottle of wine simply because the choices can be overwhelming. There are literally thousands of wine options from which to choose – from red, to white, and even "in-between." Our wine experts work hard to make it easier for you when it comes to choosing a wine for the right occasion — and sometimes, that occasion is simply because it's spring in Minnesota.

So, are you ready for a new go-to wine? We've started with a few wonderful whites, a beautiful Rose', and some solid reds worthy of any great meal. And, all at price points you'll love. Let's pop the cork, and see what our wine experts at Haskell's are recommending for you in these wine reviews.

Some Haskell's Favorites and Their Reviews

2015 Second Growth Pinot Gris – from Willamette Valley, OR (reg. $16.99)

• Pinot Gris (also known as Pinot Grigio) grapes are naturally low in acidity and high in sugars, so the finest Pinot Gris wines come from the world's cooler viticultural regions such as Oregon.
• Gris is French for "gray," and refers to the dusty, light-gray sheen the grapes often take on.
• Aromas of lemon and lime are followed by white peach and ripe pear flavors. The wine finishes with honeysuckle and nectarine.
• 92 points from Haskell's staff 

2014 Les Roches Touraine Sauvignon Blanc – from area of Touraine in the Loire Valley, France (reg. $11.99)

• Very crisp and refreshing but less intense than classic New Zeland Sauvignon Blancs. Less grapefruit and more of a mineral, stony taste and a hint of lemon.
• Of all of the French wine producing regions, the Loire might produces the greatest variety of wines. This region is best known for Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc.
• Pairs perfectly with fish, seafood, fresh fruit or on its own.
• 94 points from Haskell's staff

2014 Tobias Chardonnay  – Tobias from North Coast, CA (reg. $29.99)

• Crisp, fruity and luscious with a smooth minerality and slight hints of French Oak.
• Hails from a vineyard in Mendocino County, where there are exceptionally cool nights and warm days during the ripening season.
• Flavors of apple with a perfect amount of acidity, aromas of vanilla, tropical fruit, ripe melon and a hint of spice.
• The wine is not overly oaked and has very little to no buttery hints, but rather a crisp and refreshing iteration of Chardonnay.
• 92 points from Haskell's staff 

2015 Domaine Mirabeau Rosé - from Côtes de Provence, France (reg. $17.99)  

• Vibrant and full of raspberry and cherry fruit with a smooth and lingering finish.
• Made predominantly from Grenache and Syrah with a dash of Cinsault.
• With its creamy notes and refreshing acidity, it is elegant and full flavored.
• Pairs well with seafood dishes, Asian food (spicy), BBQs and also great by itself as an aperitif or with a fruit dessert!
• 94 points from Haskell's staff

2012 Baus Family Private Reserve Pinot Noir  – from Sonoma County, CA (reg. $19.99)

• Aromas and flavors of fresh strawberry and red cherry.
• Vibrant and alive with a juicy, jammy burst of red fruit and then it mellows out and becomes harmonious with a gratifying finish.
• Pair with grilled chicken, grilled cedar plank salmon or duck.
• 91 points from Haskell's staff 

2014 Dame Victoria Cotes du Rhone –  from the Rasteau region in the Rhone Valley of France (reg. $14.99)

• Made from 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, and like many other popular red blends, this wine is balanced, complex and loaded with personality and well-defined, yet smooth tannins.
• The Syrah in this blend provides lovely strong colors and adds delicacy and complexity, while the Mourvèdre adds the well-defined tannins which give this blend its staying power and helps express the quality and intensity of the aromas.
• This red blend is packed with personality, aromas of red fruit, spices, cocoa, hints of white pepper and licorice.
• 93 points from Haskell's staff  

2013 El Jamon Crianza –  Crianza from Cariñena, Spain (reg. $12.99)

• 100% Tempranillo from the Cariñena region in northern Spain. To be labeled as a Crianza, the D.O. (Denominación de Origen, the regulatory classification system for wine regions in Spain) requires a Crianza to be aged a minimum of 6 months in the barrel and an additional 12 months in the bottle before being released from the winery.
• This Crianza is a bright cherry red color with ruby and tawny hues.
• Intense aromas and flavors of vanilla, strawberry, cherry and spice notes linger on the finish.
• Pair with tapas, tomato based pasta dishes, pizza, Serrano, pork, steak, olives, and of course, Manchego Cheese.
• 92 points from Haskell's staff  

2010 Karma Cabernet Sauvignon – from Paso Robles, CA

• A rich and full wine with youthful, juicy aromas of blackberry, cherry and pepper.
• Flavors of black cherry, blueberry, spice and oak lend to its creamy texture and full-bodied mouthfeel.
• This wine finishes off balanced with soft tannins, enjoy this Cabernet along with grilled meat or your favorite pasta with red sauce dish.
• 95 points from Haskell's staff

Dolcetto d'Alba Beni di Batasiolo - from the town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy (reg. $15.99)

• The wine is named after the grape from which it is made (Dolcetto) and the area where it is produced in the Piedmont region (Alba).
• It is a dry red wine with low levels of acidity and mild tannins. Floral aromas such as lavender and violet with flavors of black cherry and slight and pleasantly bitter almond finish typical of the region's wines. These characteristics make it an excellent match with antipasti.
• It is an easy-drinking wine that could easily become your Tuesday night wine as it is perfect with pizza, antipasti or simple sandwiches!
• 92 points from Haskell's staff