Wine: Apothic Red Blend 2008 California

Retail: $11.99

Rating: 90 points

 

The bouquet has a light edge of tar and graphite at first, and then it turns earthy, with herb and ripe black fruit aromas.  Medium full and soft on the palate, it gains a lot of ripe red fruit flavors and plenty of richness, but never seems overdone.  Really nice.

 

 

Wine: Montes Alpha Chardonnay 2008 Casablanca Valley, Chile

Retail: $21.99

Rating: 90 points

 

The bouquet is smooth and supple, a tad reticent at first, but with time a complex arrangement of leafy greens, citrus rind and melon aromas emerge, along with a very light spice note. Full and round, it has a wonderful, caressing mouthfeel, then pinpoint acidity arrives to firm up the grip and give rise to an array of fresh melon flavors.  A rich wine, but it stays decidedly dry.

 

 

Wine: Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir 2009 Willamette Valley, Whole Cluster Fermented

Retail: $17.99

Rating: 88+ points

 

Pale purple with a pinkish tinge, this wine has a light but lively bouquet with aromas of candied cherries, cranberry and light spice.  Medium bodied on the palate, it has a tasty balance between sweet red fruit flavors and firm acidity, making the palate buoyant and lively.  Moderate finish.  With food it gains depth and its character becomes even more defined.