Mostly a blend of merlot and syrah, and bolder than you might think. Fruity with blackberry and cassis, but also has earthy leather, solid acidity and tannins. Pairs well with any grilled meat. 4 stars out of 5. Sweetness=2 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $12
... Read More »Easy to Find
Reviews of easy to find wines in the United States.
Sebastiani 2006 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast
Creamy and buttery but no overwhelming oak found in inexpensive chardonnays. Instead, tangerine, honeyed almonds, earthy vanilla and apricot rule the sip. Good value. 4 stars out of 5. Sweetness=2 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $15
... Read More »Catena 2007 Chardonnay Mendoza
Made from vineyards grown in a cooler, high altitude region to achieve lively acidity, yet also to gain ripeness crucial for breathtaking chardonnay. Soft and medium-bodied with layers of creamy vanilla, mango, butter-saut
... Read More »Ravenswood 2007 Zen of Zin Sonoma
This red zinfandel backs up its cutesy name with character. It’s not bold and alcoholic like many zins but medium-bodied with chocolate, cinnamon, vanilla spice, black cherry and blackberry.4 stars out of 5. Sweetness=2 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $11
... Read More »Altos Las Hormigas 2007 Malbec Mendoza (Argentina)
The name, Las Hormigas, translates to ‘the ants’ since the vineyards are covered with critters that eat everything except the vines themselves. The protected fruit results in a wine oozing with mouth-filling black cherry, plums, licorice and soft leather. It’s dry with medium tannins ... Read More »
High Note 2007 Malbec Uco Valley Mendoza
Malbec is the new merlot — a rising star in the drinking ranks. And Argentina’s Mendoza region has a lock on the supply. High Note is fruity, with raspberry, bright red cherry, sweet vanilla spice and a swath of earthy coffee down the tongue. 4 stars out of 5. Sweetness=3
... Read More »Kim Crawford 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough
From the king of New Zealand comes another reliably charming wine – capped with a screwtop, no less. Its green grass aromas give way to dry, crisp acidity, ripe Granny Smith apples, zingy lime and plenty of refreshing grapefruit. The 2008 trumps previous vintages.
... Read More »Monte Antico Rosso 2005 Toscana
Family-owned Italian winery that produces a predominantly sangiovese grog. Ripe black cherry, leather and dried herbs. Medium bodied, smooth tannins, with a finish like the Energizer bunny. 3 stars out of 5. Sweetness=1 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $12
... Read More »Dry Creek Vineyards 2007 Sauvignon Blanc
Also labeled Fume Blanc, it denotes the same grape. More elegant and supple than many of its brethren, this sauvignon blanc refreshingly lacks the grassy, saliva-producing tartness of others. I could drink this smooth, melon and soft citrus sipper all day long. And have. Mouth-filling gulps of kiwi ... Read More »
La Crema 2007 Chardonnay Monterey
Monterey is a cooler climate area south of California’s San Francisco, where grapes enjoy basking in the chilly air of Monterey Bay. It’s a perfect region for growing pinot noir and chardonnay grapes, producing austere, citrus and tropical fruit flavors like in this La Crema example. Creamy ... Read More »
Wine review: Korbel Chardonnay Champagne
Flowery and perfumey, with kiwi, raspberry and a clean, crisp aftertaste. Sweetness: 3 out of 10 (dry to sweet) Rating: 4 stars out of 5. Price: $10 Availability: Grocery stores
... Read More »Segura Viudas Aria Brut
Dry, earthy and bursting with citrus and herbs, it’s an outstanding deal from Spain.4.5 out of 5. Sweetness=2 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $11
... Read More »