Domaine Sautereau Rose 2010‏

In the glass you are greeted by a light, bright salmon color.  The aromas are of medium intensity, primarily red fruit (raspberry/strawberry) with hints of floral notes.  On the palate the wine is light bodied with crisp mouth-watering acidity. The flavor offers you a light intensity of tart (possibly unripe) strawberry.  The finish is clean, short and refreshing.  Serve Chilled between 45F to 50F.

Approximate Retail Price: US$18.00


-- Review by Kenn Pogash ("the guy wearing the bow tie")

Chateau de Pitray 2009 Premier Vin

This is a wondeful wine displaying a deep garnet color in the glass. On the nose there is a complexity of aromas reminiscent of black fruits (black cherry, blueberry, blackberry) along with accents of cedar wood. On the palate the flavors are similar to the nose.  The medium+ tannin provides the structure and the mouthwatering acidity gives the wine a refreshing quality. The finish is clean with lingering elusive black fruit and cedar notes. There is a lot of value in this bottle.  Serve at 55F or 60F.

Food & Wine: Cheeses such as Sharp or Extra-Sharp Cheddar, Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino-Roman.  Generally a medium weighted dish.  Grilled or Roasted Chicken, Duck. Grilled or Roasted Lamb, Pork or Beef also pair well.

Approximate Retail Price: US$15.00

- - Review by Kenn Pogash ("the guy wearing the bow tie ")

Producer's Comments about Kenn's Tasting Notes:
Bonjour Kenn,

Thanks for your nice comment on the wine. It is a good description.

For your information, the wine has been noted 87-89 by RP.

Very best regards
Jean de Boigne
Chateau de Pitray
www.chateau-pitray.com

Pellegrini Family Vineyards Cloverdale Ranch Merlot 2006 (Alexander Valley, Sonoma)

Appearance: Looking from the top the wine is bright with a deep cherry color that is almost opaque. There could be some bluish highlights. Looking from the side there are broad, slow moving legs/tears that allow me to guess the wine has a 13.5%ABV or higher. At an angle the wine displays a deep cherry red core with a slight transparency moving to a dark pink rim.

Nose: There is a medium intensity of ripe black fruit with elusive and fleeting hints of leather, black cherry, vanilla and mint. All of these seem to move in and out of focus. Going back to the wine a 3rd time I seem to pick up a floral scent. (Not sure if I am imagining all these aromas but it sure keeps my interest).

Palate: The wine is dry with a medium body, medium acidity, with medium(+) fine grained tannins. The flavors are a fleeting sweet ripe spiced black cherry or blackberry fruit with hints of vanilla and dry hot cocoa mix. There is no indication of alcohol burn. (14.1%ABV).

Finish/Length: Clean with a medium(++) length of lingering ripe cherry and a hint of cedar. The wine continues to keep my interest because I keep thing I am missing another flavor.

Conclusion: This is an excellent quality example of an Alexander Valley, Sonoma Merlot. It is balanced in all the aspects. It is interesting that the wine met my expectations in all spheres because I thought it was going to be an absolute fruit bomb, which it is not. At a retail price of about US$24.00 it is an wonderful value. This wine drink now or over the next 6 to 12 months but this drinkability assessment, as with the maturing of all wines, depends upon many variables including storage.

Producer Notes: I received the following response to the winemaker requesting comments about my tasting notes above. Hi Kenn,Your tasting notes are right on. 2006 was a pretty cool year in ALV. The CLoverdale Rach is actually at the norther tip of the valley so it is quite warm up there. I think the 06 Merlot and Cab benefitted from a slightly cooler growing season that year. I pick up a lot more spice and menthol characters than in previous, warmer years which lend themselves to a much more complex wine. Hope your group likes the wine! I certainly enjoyed making it. Daniel Fitzgerald, Pellegrini Family Vineyards

Wente "Morning Fog" Chardonnay 2009

Appearance: Bright, pale yellow color. The tears/legs are slow moving, thin and wide apart leading me to guess the wine has a 13% or more ABV and the body would be at least medium(+).

Nose: At rest the wine has a light intensity (hints) of tangerine, ripe peach and ripe pineapple. After swirling, there is the additional hint of melon (maybe honeydew).

Palate: Upon initial entry there is a slight sweetness followed by a creamy texture. The slight sweetness may come from the ripe fruit at harvest. The wine is dry with a medium(++) to full-body offering mouth-watering acidity and fruit flavors similar to the nose that are of medium(++) intensity. There also is a little spiciness (cinnamon?? not a hot spice) that is part of the sweet attack that may be the result of the level of barrel charring for aging. There is no indication of alcohol burn on the back palate (13.5%ABV).

Finish/Length: The wine has a clean finish with a medium(++) to long length of ripe peach and pear along with an elusive melon flavor. The result is a lingering fruit cocktail along with the sweetness (of the ripe fruit??) and refreshing acidity. The wine continues to hold my interest.

Conclusion: This is a good(+) to excellent quality wine coming from the warm area of Livermore Valley, east of San Francisco. Its balance of creamy texture, mouth-watering acidity and and ripe fruit on the palate seems to make this an excellent value at the retail price of about US$13.00. This wine drink now or over the next 6 to 12 months but this drinkability assessment, as with the maturing of all wines, depends upon many variables including storage.

Producer Notes: 50% of the wine was barrel fermented in French, American and Eastern European oak, while the balance was fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve the natural fruit flavors inherent in our Livermore Valley Chardonnay. The barrel fermented portion was aged "sur lie" for 7 months. Batonnage, the art of stirring the barrels, was performed monthly. The stainless steel portion was aged on lees for 7 months. Enjoy aromas and flavors of green apple and tropical fruits, balanced by subtle oak, cinnamon and vanilla from the barrel aging. With a month-filling body and balanced acidity, this wine delivers a medium-long finish.

Pelligrini "Olivet Lane Estate Pinot Noir (Russian River, Sonoma) 2009

Appearance: Bright, transparent with a medium cherry color core moving to a medium dark pink rim. There are broad, slow moving tears/legs indicating that this wine might be 13.5%ABV or higher.

Nose: While the wine is at rest there is a light intensity of cherry lifesaver candy (it is indistinct and elusive). After a swirl, there is a medium intensity of red fruit along with a hint of a "brambly" black cherry fruit with a hints of a green herb (clove?). There also is an elusive hint of fresh cut wood at a lumberyard.

Palate: Upon initial entry there is a sweet attack (like ripe cherry) that quickly dissipates. The is a dry, medium(+) bodied wine with a high level of mouth-watering acidity. There is a low(+) level of fine-grained tannins. The fruit flavors are medium(-) intensity of elusive black fruit (maybe ripe??). The flavor could be that "brambly" blackberry. There also seems to be a slight hint of red cranberry. There is a very slight alcohol burn on the back palate that is not offensive. After a third sip there was no indication of alcohol burn (14.4%ABV).

Finish/Length: The wine has a clean finish with a medium length of indistinct red fruit (cranberry??) along with continued mouth-watering acidity. It continued to hold my attention.

Conclusion: This is a good quality wine that has the typical characteristics from a warm climate Russian River Valley of ripe fruit and a fuller body (probably due to the high alcohol level and the ripe fruit). Except for the very slight, insignificant alcohol burn (that dissipated) the wine is in balance with ripe fruit, fine grained tannins and high acidity. The retail price is about US$27.00.

Producer Notes: None available at this time.

Zenato San Benedetto Lugana DOC 2009 (100% Trebbiano di Lugana)

Appearance: Bright pale yellow

Nose: Light intensity of indistinct aromas -- maybe a very slight hint of peach

Palate: Dry, medium(-) body with medium(+) mouth-watering acidity. There is a light(-) intensity of fruit flavor similar to the core of the pineapple or unripe pineapple. There is no indication of alcohol burn (13.0%ABV).

Finish/Length: The wine has a clean and refreshing finish with a medium length of unripe pineapple.

Conclusion: This is a good quality Trebbiano wine -- simple, refreshing and balanced. The retail price is about US$13.00 representing decent quality for the money. It would serve as an alternative to a Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio.

Producer Notes: Pale straw in color with emerald highlights, this wine offers a delicately pleasing bouquet filled with elegant and appealing aromas of peach, citrus, banana and herbs, beautifully sustained by a crisp and supple body. The balanced acidity, along with a slight and pleasantly bitter finish allows for a wide choice of food pairings, but hors d'oeuvres and fish are recommended.

Giacomo Borgogno 2008 Barbera d'Alba DOC Superiore (Piedmont, Italy)

Appearance: Deep cherry (almost opaque) core moving to a dark pink rim. There might be a slight hint of a bluish highlights/reflections off the the core color.

Nose: Slight hint of earthiness. The earthiness might be described as a pleasant barnyard earthiness making for a pleasant complexity on the nose. I continued to seek out other aromas but if they are present the intensity is so light they were not perceptible.

Palate: The wine is dry, light(+) bodied with medium to medium(-) level of fine grained tannins. The acidity is a mouth-watering medium(++). The fruit flavors were of light intensity displaying green herbs (clove, oregano) and, what is reminiscent of cigarette tobacco. Both flavors have a pleasant and refreshing hint of bitterness. There was a very slight, but recognizable alcohol burn on the top back palate. (13.5%ABV)

Finish/Length: The finish is clean and refreshing although the length is short(+) with a slight lingering flavor of green herbs.

Conclusion: This is what I expected from a Barbera d'Alba of fairly good quality. Light bodied with with a good level of refreshing acidity. Although experiencing a slight alcohol burn (which is a fault), I do not believe the low level hinders enjoyment. This is a wine to drink now or within the next 6 to 9 months. Certainly not for cellaring. At a retail price of about US$18.00 it deserves attention although one must be prepared -- it is NOT a big, bold, muscular fruit bomb. It is simply a "condiment" to your food!!

Producer Notes: Aromatic, sweet forest berry notes. Plush, soft, deep, touch of tobacco, medium tannins, very nice finish. Great mineral nose aspect to it too. This is wonderful and full of character. Shows superb balance and intensity, with a long finish.

Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2010 (Marlborough, Wairau and Awatere Valley,New Zealand)

Appearance: Transparent, bright pale wheat/hay color that is consistent to the rim.

Nose: Pronounced herbaceousness (green herbs--tarragon, rosemary, oregano) with hints of citrus/tropical fruit (grapefruit).

Palate: Dry(-) because there seems to be a very slight sweetness upon entry which could be alcohol or fruit. Not sure but certainly not enough to describe a off-dry. The wine has a medium(+) body along with mouth-watering medium(+) acidity. The fruit characteristics are of medium intensity - a melange of tropical fruit, especially pinapple and grapefruit. There is no indication of alcohol burn. (13.0%ABV).

Finish/Length: The finish is clean with a lingering medium(++) length, keeping my interest with the tropical fruit flavors (pineapple and grapefruit.

Conclusion: This is a very good quality wine because all the components seem to be in balance and it did not have the pronounced tropical citrus flavors (especially grapefruit) that seems typical of Marlborough New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. I mention this because some of the NZ Sauvignon Blanc wine seem like you are drinking grapefruit juice. NOT THIS ONE FROM Oyster Bay. The flavors here were more subtle, more integrated and refreshing. At a retail price of about US$15.00 this is a wonderful value to be enjoyed now and during the next 6 months.

Producer Notes: The philosophy of Oyster Bay is to produce fine, distinctly regional wines that are elegant and assertive with glorious fruit flavors. It all starts in the vineyard. We treat each vineyard block and parcel of wine as individual. The fruit is crushed, gently pressed and the juice is cold settled.Pale straw green in color with brilliant clarity, Oyster Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is zesty and aromatic with lots of lively, penetrating fruit characters. A concentration of tropical and gooseberry flavors with an abundant bouquet, it is a wine that is always crisp, elegant and refreshing.

Oyster Bay Pinot Noir 2009 (Marlborough, Wairau and Awatere Valley,New Zealand)

Appearance: Bright, transparent dark salmon core moving to a broad light salmon rim. Some viscosity appearing on the sides of the glass.

Nose: Medium (++) intensity of smoke with a rich medium(+) intensity of ripe red fruit that is elusive in character (not sure which fruit).

Palate: Dry, full-bodied with medium(+) acidity and a low level of fine grained tannins. The fruit flavor characteristics are medium(-) intensity displaying smokiness and ripe red fruit. There is some perception of There is no indication of alcohol burn. (!3.5%ABV)

Finish/Length: Clean finish with a medium(++) length of lingering elusive ripe red fruit.

Conclusion: The wine is of good quality due to the nice balance of all the components. The ripe red fruit gave a slight sweetness to the palate and the finish that gave a nice juxtaposition to the smokiness. Drink now or during the next 9 months. Not sure that it has the potential to mature much beyond that period. Retail price is about US$18.99 and is a good value for those looking for a well-balanced affordable Pinot Noir. I would chill to 55ºF in order to highlight the wines crisp acidity and fruit.

Producer Notes: The philosophy of Oyster Bay is to produce fine, distinctly regional wines that are elegant and assertive with glorious fruit flavors.

With every vintage we are working with more established vines from a steadily growing number of small vineyard blocks, each site chosen specifically for its uniform soils of moderate fertility providing for slow ripening and enhanced flavor development. With Pinot Noir the fruit is always the primary focus, but of course we have many opportunities to influence it with traditional winemaking techniques to add subtlety and complexity. We use both barrel and tank fermentation and we also mature with a mix of new and older French oak. Oyster Bay Marlborough Pinot Noir is elegant cool climate Pinot Noir at its best. Fragrant, soft and flavorful with aromas of ripe cherries, plums and gentle sweet fruit tannins to provide serious structure and length.

Polkura Syrah 2008 (Marchigue, Colchagua Valley, Chille)

Appearance: Bright, deep, opaque cherry red core consistent to a narrow dark pick rim. The depth of color seemed to display bluish/violet/purple highlights. There tears/legs were thick and slow moving indicating a relative high level of alcohol.

Nose: Light intensity of indistinct red or black fruit (difficult to tell due to the weakness of the intensity). After a swirl the intensity seemed to be light(+) with a continuation of the indistinct aromas characteristics. Later, after the glass was empty and the wine integrated with more oxygen there was a medium intensity of black fruit and maybe a hint of cooked plums or prunes.

Palate: The wine is dry, medium(+) bodied with medium(+) tannins having a "dusty" texture. The acidity level is medium(+). The fruit flavors were light(+) intensity of indistinct medium-ripe black fruit with hints of green herbs. There was a very slight alcohol sensation of an alcohol burn on the back sides of the tongue and back palate. (14.6%ABV.

Finish/Length: Clean finish with a short length (not lingering fruit flavors). It was the fine grained tannins that lingered longer.

Conclusion: This is a poor quality. It has weak, almost empty aromas and flavors. It does offer the alcohol burn. Not what I expected from a warm climate Syrah. This wine did not meet my expectations. Expectations were to have a deep colored wine (which it is) with aromatics of black fruit (which actually were indistinct and light in intensity), rich, soft and more intensity of fruit flavor on the palate (which the wine did not possess). I wonder about the neutrality of the flavors and aromas (vineyard or winemaking). This wine needs to be drunk now because the components are not at a level to allow this wine to mature beyond maybe one year. I believe the Wine Spectator and Robert Parker gave this wine 91 Points sp maybe I am missing something or they tasted a different wine. The retail price is about US$21.00 which is beyond what I beleive it is worth. I would have estimated its retail price as US$8 to US$10.

Research: According to the Wines of Chille website the 2008 vintage the Sysrah shows intense colors, good but rather tougher tannins than the previous year. This made for careful handling in winemaking. The website also describes the Sysrah from the Cohchagua to be richly pigmented red grape yields inky purplish-red wines that vary greatly in style, depending on where it is grown. In warmer climates, such as Colchagua, the wines are often big, lusty, juicy delights that take center stage wherever they appear.

Producer Notes: Deep purple color. Typical spicy nose is combined with black fruit although the fruity character dominates the 2008. This is a full-bodied wine with very intense tannins. It has depth and extremely velvety. The acidity is in good balance with the sweetness of the alcohol. The wine is still young but very complex with mny layers and has a very long finish.

Mark West Chardonnay 2009 Central Coast Appellation

Appearance: The wine is bright showing a pale yellow color reflecting greenish highlights.

Nose: Light intensity of tropical fruit (pinapple and melon)

Palate: Dry, medium body with medium(+) mouth-watering acidity. There is a light(-)/weak intensity of lemon and pineapple fruit flavors. There is no indication of an alcohol burn on the back palate.(13.5%ABV).

Finish/Length: There is a clean refreshing finish but short in length. There seems to be a very slight lingering creaminess.

Conclusion: This a pleasant wine of good(-) quality due its balance but loses some due to the weakness of its fruit intensity. It is a pefect quaffing wine. The retail price is about US$14.00.

Producer Notes: Our 2009 shows aromas of lemon meringue, ripe pears and the amazing minerality note of the first rain on stones. Barrel aging contributes a brown sugar component on the nose. Our medium-bodied wine enjoys flavors of honeydew melon, lemon curd, and a cream layer reminiscent of a 50/50 ice cream bar.

Oyster Bay Chardonnay 2009 Marlborough, New Zealand

Appearance: Bright pale hay/straw color showing slight legs/tears on the sides of the glass indicating medium level of viscosity.

Nose: Medium intensity of melon and tangerine along with a fresh yeastiness. After the glass was empty there were aromas of medium intensity of guava, melon and tropical fruit.

Palate: Dry, full-bodied with medium(+) mouth-watering acidity along with a medium(+) intensity of citrus and a hint of pineapple fruit flavors. There is no indication of alcohol burn on the back palate.(13.0%ABV)

Finish/Length:The wine finishes clean with a medium(-) length showing citrus and unripe pineapple.

Conclusion: This a a good quality wine due to its balance of all its components along with its medium length. The retail price is about US$15.00 and seems to provide a good value price ratio.

Producer Notes: Oyster Bay Marlborough Chardonnay truly captures the character of Marlborough with pure, incisive, ripe fruit flavors. A combination of barrel and tank fermentation and the stirring of the lees on oak, achieves maximum softness and integration. To retain all the natural assertiveness and flavor, no malolactic fermentation takes place. Clonal influences in the vineyard have been very important, providing smaller berries and enhanced flavor intensity. The result of all of this is a delicious Oyster Bay Malborough Chardonnay with concentrated aromas and flavors of rip citrus and stone fruit, balanced with subtle oak, and creamy texture to finish.

Joel Gott Pinot Noir 2009 (Anderson Valley)

Appearance: Medium garnet core moving to a medium(+) dark pink rim about 1/4". The wine is transparent and moderately bright.

Nose: Medium(+) intensity of elusive/indistinct aromas that could be raspberry, black cherry and prune along with a hint of smoke and vanilla. There is a "brambly" texture to the aroma.

Palate: Dry, medium(-) tannins that have a grainy texture. The acidity is medium(-) with a light intensity of red cherry fruit. There was a burning on the sides on my tongue which occurred each of the three times I sampled the wine. It was almost like an alcohol burn which I felt on my back palate after swallowing the wine. (13.9%ABV).

Finish/Length: The finish was clean with a short length that only left a very slight hint of smoke along with the tannins (both being short in duration). The alcohol burn also was part of the length because it remained after I swallowed the wine.

Conclusion: This wine seems to be of poor quality primarily due to it lack of balance especially the burn on the tongue, lack of fruit and grainy tannins on the palate along with the short length. Selling for a retail price of US$19.99 I do not believe the wine is a good value.

Producer Notes: The Joel Gott Anderson Valley Pinot Noir has beautiful strawberry and cherry aromas with spicy notes of clove, cinnamon, vanilla, and earth. The palate is vibrant yet delicate with balanced acidity. In classic Anderson Valley Pinot Noir style, the finish is elegant with silky, integrated tannins.

Avalon Merlot Napa Valley 2009

Appearance: The wine is bright in the glass, reflecting light, with a deep, almost opaque cherry color with some blueish highlights moving to a narrow dark pink rim.

Nose: Light intensity of black cherry with very vague hints of vanilla and mint.

Palate: The wine is dry, light(+) body with medium(+) fine grained tannins and a medium level of mouth-watering acidity. No indication of alcohol burn (13.8%ABV). The flavors are light intensity of cherry (very slight).

Finish/Length: The finish is clean and the length is short displaying only a very fleeting hint of cherry that is almost green(unripe) in character.

Conclusion: This wine seems to be in balance, considering that all the components are light/thin in character and there is no indication of an alcohol burn. There is little complexity. I anticipated the Napa Valley fruit would offer more ripeness in the fruit flavors but maybe the grapes were picked early or were not able to ripen. This wine is ready to drink now and over the next 6 months because I do not believe the components have enough substance to for aging. The retail price is US$12.99 which, I think, place it at the high end of the price to value level.

Producer Notes: Our 2009 Merlot shows its depth with rich garnet color. Aromas of juicy boysenberries and cherry pie fill the glass. Creme brulee and brown sugar notes from oak aging complement the ripe berry aromas. Mountain fruit characteristics show in the intensity of the fruit flavors. The entry enjoys sweet berry notes of raspberry and cherry with a finish of jammy boysenberry preserves. The oak notes of chocolate and wood smoke pair with and complement the rich fruit layers. Refined tannins support this balanced wine that doesn't show the typical alcohol component found in many Merlots. As the wine develops in the glass, one may enjoy ongoing berry notes, a touch of allspice evolving in the middle, while the wine continues to lengthen on the finish. Smooth, silky and profound berry flavors confirm this wine's birthplace as Napa Valley.

Callie Alta Malbec 2009 (Valle de Tulum - San Juan)

Appearance: Medium(++) garnet core moving to a narrow(+) rim. There is some transparency when viewed from above.

Nose: Pronounced plums, cherries and elusive ripe black fruits with hints of vanilla and black licorice.

Palate: Dry, medium(+) body and medium(+) mouth-watering acidity. There is a medium(++) level of youthful tannins that have a grainy texture. There also seems to be a pleasant "tartness". There is a pronounced intensity of red fruit with indications of blueberry and blackberry. There is no indication of alcohol burn (13.8%ABV).

Finish/Length: The finish is clean with a medium(--) length with hints of blueberry and elusive red fruit.

Conclusion: The is a moderately balanced Malbec that offers enough for the US$10.00 that makes it a value proposition. Perfect for informal meals of pasta, bbq, etc.

Producer Notes: Deep and attractive purple wine. Its dominant notes are spices and wildberries. Good structure, fresh and elegant mouth-feel, with a long and intense finish.

Domaine R. Dubois et Fils "Les Vieilles Vignes" Pouilly-Fuissé 2008

Appearance: Clear, bright pale gold color consistent to the rim.

Nose: Medium(+) intensity of citrus, nectarine and and elusive melange of tropical fruit. There might be a hint of fig.

Palate: Dry, medium(++) body with medium(++) mouth-watering acidity. The flavors are medium (+) intensity with citrus (lemon) being the most pronounced flavor. There is no indication of alcohol burn (13%ABV).

Finish/Length: The finish is clean with a medium(+) length of citrus that is primarily lemon (almost like unsweetened lemonade.

Conclusion: This is a fresh and clean Chardonnay that seems to have not have any contact with oak. If there was oak contact, my guess would be neutral oak barrels. The retail price is about US$16.00 making this a fair value.

Producer Notes: None found

J. Lohr Estates Riverstone Monterey County Chardonnay 2009

Appearance: Bright pale gold color consistent to a water-white rim.

Nose: Clean, medium(++) aromas of vanilla, caramel and butterscotch. It was the "carmelized" aroma that seems the essence of the aroma.

Palate: Dry, full-bodied with medium acidity and weak intensity of fruit flavors, primarily and indistinct citrus and pineapple. There is some indication of an alcohol burn on the back palate (13.9%ABV)

Finish/Length: Clean finish that is short in length, although there is a lingering hint of citrus similar to unsweetened lemonade.

Conclusion: This is a wine of medium/low quality for its retail price of about US$15.00. It seems to lack the balance, length and complexity to justify its price. Lacks any interesting qualities. Drink now or the next 6 months because it does not seem to have enough fruit or acidity for aging.

Producer Notes:2009 J. Lohr Estates Riverstone Chardonnay has bright and youthful straw yellow color. The aromas are of lime zest, nectarine and pineapple with caramel, butterscotch, honey and vanilla perfume from the barrel fermentation and sur lie aging. The flavors are very complex and rich with citrus, stone fruit and barrel toastiness gracefully balanced by fresh acidity, creating a very flavorful and wonderfully balanced Chardonnay.

Downing Family Vineyards "Fly by Night" Zinfandel 2007 - Oakville, Napa Valley

Appearance: Bright, deep garnet color core (with a slight transparency from above) moving to a dark pink rim. A slight showing of viscosity on the sides of the glass.

Nose: Pronounced "brambly" ripe cherry fruit with hints of clove, vanilla and bitter-sweet chocolate.

Palate: Dry, medium body with medium to medium(-) fine grained tannins and mouth-watering acidity. A medium(-) intensity of cherry fruit and green herb (clove). No indication of alcohol burn (14.4%).

Finish/Length: A clean finish with a short length, maybe short(+), of clove.

Conclusion: This wine seems to lack depth, finesse, complexity. Struggling with the quality issue for this wine because the level and nature of the tannins and fruit do not seem capable of sustaining this wine for any ageing. Seems to be more a "quaffing" wine. I would have expected more ripe fruit, tannins, and complexity from a Napa Zinfandel. Retail price about US$20.00.

Producer Notes: 2007 Fly by Night Zinfandel - Oakville, Napa Valley (Organic). This marks our ninth relaease and is our third harvest from the new H&H vineyard in Oakville, Napa Valley. The H&H vineyard, like the original Pelissa vineyard in Oakville is a certified organically farmed (CCOF) vineyard. Bottled with Stelvin screw caps, this Zinfandel has bright crisp fruit with a remarkable balance and Cabernet like depth and complexity.

Cousino-Macul Cabernet Sauvignon Antiguas Reservas 2007

Appearance: Bright, deep (almost opaque) garnet core moving to a narrow dark pink rim. There are broad, slowmoving legs that indicate a high level of viscosity (alcohol).

Nose: Pronounced cherry with hints of clove.

Palate: Dry, medium-body wine with soft tannins of medium(+) intensity, and mouth-watering acity. The fruit flavors are of medium to meduim(-) intensity of black fruit and hints of green herbs/spice (clove). There is a slight indication of alcohol burn on the back palate (14%ABV).

Finish/Length: Clean with a medium(-) length showing green herbs and un-ripe black fruit (blueberry).

Conclusion: This wine is slightly out of balance due to the perception of alcohol burn. At $15.00 I do not believe the value is in the bottle. I also beleive Robert Part gave this with 90 Points. You be the judge.

Producer Notes: Aromatics of ripe blackberries, plum, herbs and cacao. Medium in body and light tannin, it captures the essence of Maipo Valley fruit. In the mouth, the flavors continue the blackberry-blueberry themes with hints of cassis and black olives. Its lingering finish echoes the black fruits and ends on a tangy cherry brightness. With time in the glass, this Cabernet unfolds beauitfully, suggesting it can be enjoyed in its youth or cellared for two to five years.

Morgan Metallico Monterey County Un-oaked Chrdonnay 2009

Appearance: Clear, bright, very pale gold color consistent to a water-white rim.

Nose: Clean with a medium(-) intensity of indistinct tropical fruits with a hint of melon.

Palate: Dry, full-bodied with mouth-watering acidity. The fruit character is pronounced ripe tropical fruit, similar to the nose, with a hint of peach. No indication of alcohol burn (13.5%ABV).

Finish/Length: Clean, refreshing finish with a medium(+) length of citrus and indistinct tropical fruit that seems is almost ripe in nature but not sweet.

Conclusion: This is a well balanced wine sampled at room temperature (about 65 degrees F) that held its character. Retail price is about US$18.00 and seems have the balance and quality to back up the price.

Producer Notes: Metallico's aromatics are intense with pineapple and lemon, complemented by mang and jasmine. The palate has ripe fruit flavors of white peach, guava and lemon. Crisp, food-friendly acidity keeps this special wine refreshing and bright. A perfect match for shellfish, Asian-Fusion cuisine, or any spicy dishes.