2006 Tohu Pinot Noir New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough

Light garnet in color. The aromas are a good combination of cherry, cigar box and damp earth. The cherry continues through the palate along with truffle, raspberry and rosemary. The finish is medium length and picks up a cedar note as well. A solid effort for an under $20 Pinot.

2004 Dynamite Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Red Hills Lake County

Deep purple color. Palate is based around flavors of dark berries and a fair dose of American oak. Barely passable as an everyday wine but nothing very complex or overly exciting. This label used to be a very good and affordable Cabernet. It remains to be seen if it’s simply a vintage issue or a continuing trend. Not recommended.

2005 Merus Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

The color is a dark purple that fades very slightly at the rim. After a few hours in the decanter the nose gives off cassis, blueberry jam, mint and damp earth. The flavor profile of this wine is outstanding and very structured. Ultra ripe and extracted currant, black cherry, sage and cedar all work well together. The finish is very long and the tannins are fine grained. This wine is certainly going to become one of the best of the vintage for Napa Cabs. It needs 3-5 years in the cellar to be fully enjoyed so be patient.

2005 DuMOL Syrah Eddie’s Patch

Very dark inky purple in color. The nose gives off dill, white pepper, and blackberry. The flavors are slightly muted from what I have come to expect from this producer which include cassis, spice and smoke. The tannins are gripping all the way through the medium length finish. Slightly disappointing when compared to previous vintages but still outstanding compared to everything else. An indulgence at $76.

2005 Bodega Catena Zapata Malbec Catena

Dark purple color. The nose gives off flowers and some damp earth. The is a very fruit forward wine. Jammy plumb dominates the flavor profile. The finish gives out very early. Less complex than one would expect for a wine in this price range. There are better options in the same range.

2004 Cuvaison Cabernet Sauvignon (Mount Veeder Napa Valley)

Not much nose to speak of. Hints of black fruits and a little must and earth after pulling the cork an hour before tasting. The flavors pick up spice, currant, and bell pepper. The finish is medium length with mount coating tannins at the end. A nice Mount Veeder Cab for the money.

2005 Las Rocas de San Alejandro Catalunya

Dark purple color is consistent all the way to the rim. The aromas are of blackberry, cherry and mineral. The flavors are black currant and tart red fruits with an earthiness that last into the short finish. It’s a medium body red wine that’s good for a summer mid-week drinker. Overall a good value at $10 but not great. This wine is the Spanish version of Grenache.