Terrazas Malbec Reserva 2005

8 2/5 Screwcaps

Great New World Juice! Almost Australian in its bold fruit forward style as it has inky purple wine that really throws you off before you even taste it. Now, we will do blind tasting and off of looks alone, I would think that this would be Shiraz, but upon tasting, you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is nothing but Malbec from Argentina. With tannins to burn and fruit to spare, this wine is wonderful with dishes like pork and beef tenderloin.
This can lay down for about 2-3 years, but I would drink it now. Enjoy!

Höpler Grüner Veltliner 2005

8 1/5 Screwcaps

So for Christmas Dinner appetizers, my family had chicken empenadas (Spanish fried pastry stuffed with well...chicken and spices). Being that it was a spicy dish, I opened one of the bottles that I knew everyone would like. A white wine called Grüner Veltliner.
This Austrian wine is somewhat of a cross between French Sauvignon Blanc and German Riesling. It has the tart, grassy taste coupled with great apricot and a hint of sweetness, which in this case is perfect for Chinese, Thai or any spicy cuisine because it cleanses the palate, much like ginger with sushi. Buy it and try it today as it is low priced and easy to enjoy because if my family is any indicator to enjoying a new wine, anyone can appreciate this lovely Austrian!

PS. It won't run for governor of California anytime soon!

Chumeia Zinfandel Dante Dusi Vineyard 2005

9 1/8 Screwcaps

Talk about a blockbuster!! I almost feel like the greatest bargain shopper of zinfandels when I see this wine on the shelf. Now, if you are a Zin drinker and the name of this vineyard sounds familiar, it should. Dante Dusi Vineyard is the same vineyard that Turley Winery sources some of their Zins from, except Chimeia does it at a fraction of the price.
This Zin is a grand effort in that it is big, like an Italian Corvina with plenty of spice, cherry, fig and plum with a high alcohol content that doesn't boast its verbose at the end... 16.5% that tastes like a 13%. If you can find this veritable hodge podge of a wine, buy it today and drink it anytime over the next 3 years!!!

Mumm Cordon Rouge NV

8 5/8 Screwcaps

Such a beautifully complex wine at such an affordable price! This standard bearer for quality starts around $30.00, depending where you are, and it will not disappoint. This is a full bodied, Pinot Noir dominated champagne that gives floral scents with honey on the nose and caramel, hazlenut and citrus on the palate. Good for any occasion, buy a bottle and try it today. Give yourself a chance to have a preview of New Year's!

Terrazas Cheval des Andes 2002

9 Screwcaps

Talk about a blockbuster! This very strong wine (by that, I mean solid tannins and well balanced acidity) is a joint effort from both Terrazas winery in Argentina and Chateau Cheval Blanc in Bordeaux. This wine reunites Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec much in the same way that Rage Against the Machine had a reunion: you truly didn't know what to expect, but you had the feeling that it would be a powerfully emotional show. This show is packed with deliciousness that should be enjoyed in about 5 years for you collectors out there as the structure needs just a little more time to develop. This currant and cherry will smack the old taste out of you! Trust me, if you see it out there, take the time to appreciate this joint effort.

Martin Syrah 2004

5 1/2 Screwcaps

I want to go to Sonoma County with a large blackboard and make everyone that produces Syrah there to write 5,000 times "I will not make Syrah in Sonoma County."
(by the way, the same thing goes for Zinfandel in this county) It's not that the wine is terrible, it's just that the wine isn't good.
As typical of many Syrahs that are grown in Sonoma, this wine has enough fruit, but with no acidity or tannic structure. The nose is flat, with just a hint of blackberry followed on the palate with just...cold, jammy fruit.
Martin family, please pull these vines and plant tomatoes or something over them...

Allagash Curieux

8 4/5 Screwcaps

Are you wine drinkers too good for beer? Well, check your attitude at the door and stop looking down your nose! Allagash, a brewery from Maine has answered the call of a fine beer to compliment fine dining! This heavyweight (10.5% alcohol) is not just a Miller Lite, it is made in the Methode Champagnoise, creating a natural carbonation that works well whether you are pairing it with spicy Asian or sweet Creme Brulee.
Oh, did I forget? On the front, you will taste herbs, vanilla spice with a distinct tasted of bourbon on the back. Yes, I said bourbon, since before bottling, it is aged in Jim Beam Bourbon barrels for 8 months!! Thirsty yet? I am!

Rhodan Croze Hermitage 2003

8 1/4 Screwcaps

Let me start this first and foremost in that to me, most of the time, Croze Hermitage (northern Rhone Valley of France) reds are like the beautiful woman that you spoil and shower with gifts that you fall in love with, but eventually find out that she just used you. Fortunately, this is not a typical Croze Hermitage.
By law, Croze Hermitage has to have 90% Syrah and 10% white wine in their blend, making it a poor cousin of Cote Rotie. That having been said, this wine brings about a wonderful nose of pepper, floral smells, plum and slate and follows through beautifully with a cocophony of black cherry and white pepper that is coupled with nice, velvety tannins and a balanced acidity.
Perfect to use as a substitute when you are just tired of pinot noir to which it goes very well with lamb, turkey, pork and duck. Drink it within the first 5-7 years of bottling and you won't be disappointed!

Mollydooker Velvet Glove Shiraz 2006

9 5/6 Screwcaps

I hate to sound like a broken record, but once again Sarah and Sparky Marquis have raised the bar for what the best of Australian Wine should be. This is their top of the line, no holds barred pinnacle in their line of redoubtable wines. Pouring the wine in the glass is an experience itself as you see nothing through the glass as the juice is so thick and the aromas can't help but to fill the air with a nose coating of brilliance.

From the most redoubtable vines come this juice that is filled with aromas of currant, lard (it's a good thing), camphor and eucalyptus. What do you say to the palate? What did Columbus say when he saw the New World? What did Gilligan say when he got off the island? We said it too in an exclusive tasting at the Wine Team store. Thick, tongue grabbing juice that exudes the same tastes as the nose, along with some tobacco and dark chocolate with a finish that lasted a resounding 1 minute and 23 seconds!!! You could drink it now, but I would recommend saving it for over the next 10-15 years.

Also, look at this as an investment, due to the fact that this is the very first release of Velvet Glove, the price will more than likely triple within the next 5 years. Then again, a true collector will not want to get rid of this...drink it and you will know why.

Castano Monastrell 2005

8 3/4 Screwcaps

This is a fantastic find! Rich, full-bodied monastrell from Yecla (near the Eastern Coast of Spain, between Cartagena and Valencia) proves to be a resounding champion for producing exceptional wine for an amazing value. It is tough to think that not too long ago, this as well as the adjacent Jumilla region only produced insipid jug wine. Did I say well priced? How does the tune of $8.00 sound? An everyday wine that can take on $50 bottle wines and hold its own.

Jammy currant and blackberries are predominant on the nose and follows through on the palate with a very nice lasting finish. Buy this wine as soon as you can, but when you open it, let it breathe for about 20 minutes. Trust me, it's worth it.

El Seque Vinedos des Seque Alicante 2005

9 1/8 Screwcaps

This wine should be rated higher than what I have it at at the moment, but you all might think that I have lost my mind. Why? Well, let me say that this wine is 80% Monastrell and the rest being divvied up between Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. This wine is from Alicante; a coastal town in southeast Spain. Getting the picture? Delicious wine from Spain...how much do they generally cost? Well, think about that, while I go out to the store and buy a case of this wine. $10.99!!! This is a BBBBIIIIIGGGGG wonderful composition. Expect a mix of chocolate, cherry, bacon, white pepper and tobacco. Oh, and new car smell. You'll know what I'm talking about when you try it. Buy it now. Buy it by the case and I promise you that you won't be disappointed!

The Wines of Cougar Crest, Walla Walla, Washington

Cougar Crest 2003 Anniversary Cuvee
9 1/8 Screwcaps

The Bordeaux blend that kind of drinks like a Syrah! This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot has a full bodied richness with a touch of spice that just makes the whole day better. This wine has fantastic balance and an alcohol percentage that is high, but not discernible. If you can find this wine, save it over the next 5-10 years!

Cougar Crest 2003 Syrah
8 2/3 Screwcaps

The Syrah that drinks like a Bordeaux! OK, not really, but this is a VERY nice medium to full bodied wine that was made for upscale casual occasions (ie. BBQ with the Boss, date impressing, etc.). The spice from this wine is so subtle and elegant, if you don't like it, make sure that there is Busch Ice in the fridge because you have no taste. Seriously, this is a great wine that deserves serious attention and appreciation for the quality that Deborah Hansen puts into this wine.

Cougar Crest 2003 Cabernet Franc
6 7/8 Screwcaps

As much as I love most of the wines from Cougar Crest, I have to be as honest as I can (I obviously have no future in politics). As much as I love Cabernet Franc, I am that much more finicky when it comes to judging them. It is my favorite varietal, especially in blends, but when it comes to just the varietal, it must be soft and elegant. This is neither. Just like some New World wines being called "Wine on Steroids," this is much the same in that it gives more than what it has to offer. High alcohol content reveals little fruit and balance. I wish that this could develop over time, but as most Cab Francs don't, neither will this one.

Bodegas El Nido "Clio" 2004

9 1/2 Screwcaps

Oh Chris Rigland, you are just on top of your game! This Australian winemaker, famous for what is now Marquis-philips (yes, philips is lowercased on purpose. Don't EVER mess with Sarah and Sparky!) has come to Spain on contract with Jorge Ordonez to make this wine from Jumilla that is 70% Monastrell and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. The taste is a clash of Old and New World thought, as a nice classic tannin structure gives way to highly concentrated fruit that gives off a blackberry, currant, bacony goodness that has a finish that hugs your tongue as though it was never gonna let go! I timed the finish at 47 seconds!
Hold on to this amazing wine as long as you can, although, you can drink it right now. Either way, at the rating it has, it is a steal for just under $45.00, if you can still find it!

Ventisquero 2005 Root 1 Cabernet Sauvignon

8 7/10 Screwcaps

Talk about a raspberry/currant gem of a wine that just won't quit on price for the quality! From the Colchagua Valley in Chile, this Cabernet is a medium bodied wine that compliments a wide variety of foods, from a nice heavy steak, to spicy pork, even to delicate, buttery fois grois. The nose is deceptively sweet, making one think that the tannin structure won't be balanced whatsoever. This is a mistake. Once it hits the mouth, velvety tannins roll over all the areas of the tongue, letting you know that it's verbose alcohol content is classy, but it is also ready to party.

Drink this wine over the next two years.

Advintage Portfolio Trade Show

OK, we will do things a little differently. This past weekend, the Wine Team took a field trip down to Charleston, South Carolina for the annual Advintage Wine Show. Like last year's show, the turnout was tremendous and most of the wine didn't disappoint. There are a few exceptions, and will be pointed out on here shortly. Nevertheless, I will review 6 of the 150+ wines that I tasted. Heeeeeeerrrrre we go!!!

Maysara 2004 Estate Pinot Noir



9 Screwcaps

I will admit that I had never heard of this vineyard. I promise you, I will never forget this vineyard. We tasted through the line of Maysara and went from Pinot Gris, through a rose, to their Pinot Noirs. Simply put, they are a solid outfit from top to bottom. The Estate pinot, specifically was in and of itself, amazing with both power and elegance. The wine starts off with the smell of roses, pencil shavings and cherries. A perfect invitation! The juice enraptures you on the front with wild berries and just sticks a spicy 10 point landing on a very lengthy finish. I would recommend this wine to anyone that wants to know what New World Pinot should taste like.

Rombauer 2006 Carneros Chardonnay



6 Screwcaps

What a difference a year makes! As much as I lauded the effort of Rombauer in the 2005 Vintage, I cannot help but to think that Greg Graham decided to go the route of a Kendal Jackson chardonnay. This wine should epitomize what a solid effort from Carneros tastes like. What I get is just a very simple juice that should cost about $30.00 less than what it sells for (about $32.99). Nothing on the nose....just...it needs to be better.

Elyse Vineyards 2004 L'Ingenue



9 2/5 Screwcaps

We love wine. We really love red wine. It takes a LOT for us to enjoy a white wine. Elyse blew us away with their version of Condrieu, without the Condrieu pricetag. This wine is full bodied nirvana in it's blend of Marsanne, Rousanne, Grenache Blanc and Viognier that shows off a nutty nose, bacon fat (I really am talking about a white) and honey. Honey stays consistent throughout the tongue and let me just say that the wine holds on to the tongue like a college freshman holds on to a doughnut. It just doesn't let go. I am so happy that we tasted this. It is easily one of the most impressive wines that I have had in a while.

Shafer 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, Hillside Select



5 Screwcaps

Are you kidding me? If I could say just one thing to all that read this: do not buy this wine. Here are my reasons:
1. Timing and Pedigree. This cab is from the Stags Leap District in Napa and the flagship of the Shafer winery. Now in the past, especially the recent past, this wine was one of the best in the world. 2003 was a falloff year.
2. Body. When drinking a flagship cab, it should damn well be full bodied. This is a very medium bodied wine.
3. Price. The one characteristic that stays consistent with other vintages. $250 is the pricetag of a wine that I wouldn't pay $35.00 for.

Shafer, please, go back to the drawing board on this one. All this having been said, please don't think bad about this winery. They really are some of the best wines that Napa has to offer. For example, please try the "One Point Five" Cabernet. It is remarkable wine.

Cocodrilo 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon



9 1/2 Screwcaps

Cocodrilo is one of those wines that you can't put down. This monster is chock full of cassis and blackberries that are just irresistible to anyone's palate. The nose is legendary and the finish is longer than a George W. Bush press conference. This bottle should cost no more than $30.00, so buy it today!

Elio Grasso 2003 Barolo



9 3/4 Screwcaps

There should be a law against yummy deliciousness such as this!!! Silky, silky sweet tannins coat your mouth for what seems like an hour or so. Cedar, camphor and wild berries come in strong on the nose, followed up with an AMAZING attacking juice that will not surrender to you, but you to it. The only thing that I could have against it is that I don't know if it will last as long as most Barolos do. Maybe another 7-10 years. Best in Show


So there you have it. Six wines, and this is just the tip of the iceberg! Trust me when I say that there will be more, and the Wine Team will be just as impartial.

Mollydooker 2006 Enchanted Path Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon

9 2/5 Screwcaps

What do you say about a full bodied, tannic, gigantic unction of blueberries and chocolate covered cherries? Last year, Robert Parker gave this wine a 96 point rating. Don't expect his opinion to change much, seeing as the opinion of this reviewer didn't change at all. This wine is simply filled with HUGE fruit and has the ability to lay down for a few years in order to settle it's 16% alcoholic/acidic cannons.
The price went up a little, but for a wine that will appreciate with time, take advantage of the price right now. As it could go up again quite soon.
Also, getting ready to release in a month or so, Mollydooker's "Velvet Glove," which will probably end up being Sarah and Sparky Marquis' first 100 point wine, and more importantly, our very first coveted 10 Screwcap rating.

Domaine Ruinart Champagne NV Blanc de Blancs

9 3/5 Screwcaps

This is a giant amongst giants. This is what champagne should taste like. This beautiful wine is from the oldest champagne house in the appelation, and it is perfect for any special occasion. The bottle is the original shape that all champagne bottles once used and being the first to use it (1729), they maintain their originality to this day.*
First, a quick lesson in champagne.
1. Most champagnes don't have any other label on them than saying "Brut," and the town from which they came (Epernay or Remis).
2. Champagnes are mostly blended from 3 different grapes (but never any different grapes): Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Menuier. Not in this case.
Because the bottle also has the label "Blanc de Blancs," the wine is composed of 100% chardonnay. Because of this, you get a lot of generous apple fruit, coupled with hazelnut and vanilla. It is elegant like a 1920's leading lady, yet powerful like something out of Jurassic Park. This juxtaposed wine lists generally for under $70 and is every bit worth it. Buy it, drink it, age it, save it for the ones you love the most.


*There have been champagnes that were made before 1729 (Dom Perignon, for example), but the Royal decree which permitted the transport of bottled wines (casks are of little use for the transport of sparkling wines) was only passed in 1728.

Charles Krug "Generations" Proprietary Red Wine 2002

8 3/5 Screwcaps

For a Bordeaux-type styled wine from Napa Valley, this is a fun wine to drink at a fairly reasonable price. Now let's face it: getting a good Bordeaux-type blend from Napa County at a reasonable price is like getting Lindsey Lohan to give a spirited speech about staying off drugs. It just doesn't happen. Here is a solid exception. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and under 1% Syrah show off a wine that would have been fantastic, even if I paid for it (love my job)! Give this caged monster a little while to open, as I would suggest decanting for about a half hour. That having been said, unleash this gallant beast and hang on for the ride!

Absolut 100 Vodka

8 1/4 Screwcaps

To start off, premium vodka should be a drink, that when taken by itself, one can put into a wine glass with no ice and no mixer, and simply enjoy. Absolut 100 is just on the verge of this super-premium taste. A little burn on the back of the throat, this is to be expected since the vodka is 50% alcohol! Made from grain, Absolut 100 is a great mixer for any time you wish to step it up to 11. Enjoy!

Domaine Les Pallieres 2001 Gigondas

9 2/7 Screwcaps

OK, I put a picture that large in there on purpose. Let's say you have about 6-10 hours to waste away...open this bottle about 2 hours before that so there is time for this giant to decant. This wine is so big, it won't return Speilberg's calls. A classic Rhone Valley blend, it is primarily spicy grenache however, it is followed up by very elegant cinsault and mourvedre, bringing out a LOT of raspberry and camphor. Wine novices, beware! This may be too much for you to go into too soon. The good news is that this wine can be cellared for another 15 or so years, so you can afford to be patient.

By the way, today is Saturday, September 1st: start of the College Football season. Most of us having attending the University of South Carolina, the wine team says to you: GO COCKS!!!!!!!!

Kluge Vineyards "Albemarle Simply Red" 2002

7 Screwcaps

A Virginia selection, Albemarle doesn't represent the best of what Virginia has to offer. This wine would have been much better if drank about a year earlier. While you can tell that this old gal had a lot to offer in her day, she is on her way down, looking into her golden years. Still with a LOT of cherry taste, this proprietary red finishes off quick with a borderline insipid alcohol taste. Still decent enough for barbecues, drink it quickly.

Byron Pinot Noir 2002 Santa Maria Valley

8 1/6 Screwcaps

Actually, at first, I thought that this wine was as about as impressive as a second Democratic Presidential Debate on the Logo network. Too much fruit and no balance. Then it opened up.

Having been cooling down in the fridge for about 20 minutes, I took this baby out and gave her another chance. She didn't disappoint. She, along with many of her sisters from Santa Maria Valley are just fantastic pinots that generally can be found at a reasonable price point ($16.99 on this one). It had a very distinctive taste in it of pommegranite and cherry that was intense on the front of the palate. Wood, more like cedar than oak capped it off for a good accompanying bouquet. Perfect with pork or duck, give it a try over the next year.

Kestrel Cabernet Sauvignon Washington State 2003

7 1/2 Screwcaps

This is a lesson learned in Washington State wine making. Unless it is just Syrah, try to avoid drinking "single varietal wines."* This has happened in the past with single varietal wines in that they offer little balance and no complexity. Even though this one tastes like it has a hint of merlot and cabernet franc, there is little reward for them having been included.

Middle and front palate are awoken by some vanilla, fig and plum, and the taste dies off almost immediately. Don't get me wrong. This isn't the worst wine, but for half the price, one can find many wines from the same area that are much better.


*Single Varietal Wines mostly are wines that contain at least 80-85% of the grape listed on the bottle. Depending on where you are, the law will vary. However, even though they may be blended for specific taste, they will still mostly only show the primary grape used.

Bodegas Naia 2005 Rueda

8 2/5 Screwcaps

How does one explain love at first sip? To just preface this, the Wineteam currently resides in the Southeast United States. We are currently breaking streaks for the most times that someone has left their oven on and open because we just passed 100+ degree heat for the whatever time. On days like this, admittedly are days to crack open a cold, cheap beer. The Wineteam was out of beer and wasn't about to get in a car for fear of melting on the way. Naia was the saving grace that kept this reviewer cooler than Fonzie.
This crisp lemon zesty soulmate for seafood was as refreshing as the price tag that came with it. For under $10, this wine is an excellent value and is just as pleasing as any sauvignon blanc or chardonnay. Give it a try today with grouper or trout and you will be just as happy as I was.

North Coast Brewery "Cru d'Or" Organic Beer

9 Screwcaps

Let us start out by saying that it should not matter if this beer is organic or not. I don't care how many times that it tells you that it is organic, if this beer had reconstituted strychnine, there would still be no hesitation to drink this beer.
OK, before we talk about taste, let's talk product. This is a high-gravity beer. To put simply, it has more sugar than conventional beer (Budweiser, 4-5% alcohol content). The more sugar there is, the more that sugar can be transformed/fermented into alcohol(8+ percent), just like wine.
That having been said, not all the sugar in this beer is fermented into alcohol (probably a purposeful move by the brewmaster), leaving a hint of maple syrup on the palate. This medium bodied baby is so smooth, he could make your girlfriend dump you. Quickly.
Try this wherever you see it and enjoy!

Champalou Vouvray 2005

8 Screwcaps

This is a powerful and wonderful reminder to us all that there is more to French wine than Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne. Coming from the Loire Valley, just south-west of Paris in France's Centre Provence comes this 100% Chenin Blanc beauty that is reminiscent of everything that has happened in your life that was good. From that first kiss to the big game, to that walk down the isle. Concentrated honey juxtaposes absolutely no sweet taste and just a hint of vanilla. Think about serving this with fish, chicken or shrimp, you'll be glad you did. Medium bodied, this is a perfect pick ($15.00) in this pinnacle of summer.

Buy it and try it within the year.

Las Rocas 2005 Garnacha

8 4/5 Screwcaps

Surpassing it's older brother from last year, this 2005 Las Rocas (which by the way if you didn't know is a Spanish word, meaning "the Rocas.") is rich as it is complex. 100% Grenache from north eastern Spain, this is a meritorious behemoth of a wine that is under $10!!! Look for black and white pepper, accompanied with a cacophony of raspberry and a lingering finish that makes you crave for more. Kill this summertime heat and dive into a bottle of this velvety grenache with a nice steak or grilled pork tenderloin because at this price, it won't be around forever!

Oban, Western Highlands 14 Yr. Single Malt Whisky

9 1/5 Screwcaps

Our first entry into liquor can not be anything other than a great Scotch Whisky (No, whisky is not spelled wrong in this case. Anything that is from Scotland has no "e" in "whisky.") like Oban (pronounced O-bin). This powerful peat dominated scotch is sneaky. On the nose, you get peaches, peat smoke and sea salt, but on the palate, there is PEAT PEAT PEAT along with something that is reminiscent of seaweed salad. Golden in texture, this is to the Western Highlands what Lagavulin is to Islay except not as expensive (under $70). Enjoy this neat or with a splash of water.

Jacuzzi Family Vineyards 2004 Sangiovese

8 1/4 Screwcaps

To confirm your thoughts: yes, this is the family which invented that tub.
To answer your question: yes, they can make fine wine.
This is a sangiovese that is chock full of wild cherry jets that pound your palate while silky tannins wash over the rest of your mouth. If you are just a little tired of Italian Chianti and want a change of pace, let this California beauty show it's power and elegance until it all goes down the drain.

Drink over the next two years.

Yalumba Museum Muscat NV Dessert Wine

9 1/5 Screwcaps

Out of maple syrup to pour on your pancakes? Want a new and exciting topping to your ice cream? Looking for a ...dessert wine? Worry no longer! This first cousin of tawny port is screaming with versatility as it is not only a dessert, but a breakfast starter as well. Chill this wine down slightly and throw Aunt Jemima out the window. Don't pour too much of this toffee tasting wine at once, as it is a whopping 18%! Look for the 375 ml bottle for around $20.00 and enjoy!

Good for many years in the future, but we doubt it will last that long ;)

Mollydooker 2006 Merlot "The Scooter"

9 Screwcaps

Oh, we don't care if we drink it until we are blue in the face. As a matter of fact, I think that we did when the Mollydooker wines were released.
This blueberry muse is an offering that not even Willy Wonka himself could replicate. Do not let a 15.5% alcohol content dissuade you from making a purchase on a less than $20.00 wine that will quite simply blow your mind away with tasty deliciousness.

Drink this year.

Routas Coteaux du Provence 2006 Rose

7 1/2 Screwcaps

OK, first and foremost. THIS IS NOT WHITE ZINFANDEL. THIS IS NOT WHITE MERLOT. THIS IS NOT BLUSH. THIS IS DRY WINE. If you are looking at this bottle thinking that it is the three of the above mentioned abominations, let us know where you live. No reason of course... This rose (pronounced ros-AY) from Southern France is the definition of a great rose from the best rose region in the world. Because it is the best in the world, you think it would be expensive...not so fast my friend. This, like many of the best roses from France are under $15.00 and are perfect for summertime drinking, picnicing, or sipping on the porch when a cold beer just isn't enough. Look for apricot, grass and melon on this beauty.

Bodegas Juan Gil 2005 "Wrongo Dongo"

8 1/4 Screwcaps

Oh dear, sweet Lord, this is a bottle of red mouvedre deliciousness!!! From the hills of Jumilla, this treasure-o, for the price-o is difficult, if not impossible to surmount-o. Buy it tonight and treat yourself to a taste of the best that Spain has to offer. By the way, did we mention price? If it is more than $9.00, slap your wine steward in the face-o.

Drink through 2008.

Craggy Range 2003 Sauvignon Blanc Te Muna Rd.

3 Screwcaps

Imagine that you are sitting on your couch with pineapple, grapefruit, hazelnut. You know...great roommates that typically treat you well. Unfortunately, someone didn't pay up and the Landlord, Mr. Limestone evicted you all. Well, that is what you get with this Craggy Range. Nothing but limestone, so much that you wonder as far as to think that there could possibly be a grape verietal called cement. Don't buy it, don't drink it. The only reason it has 3 screwcaps is because it can be used in defense or as a practical joke. Boooooooooo.

Four Vines 2005 "Naked" Chardonnay

8 Screwcaps

Cool, crisp, refreshing chardonnay, so good it makes you want to take your clothes off and lay down on a bed of apples and pears! This wine being unoaked (naked) is durable enough for events from picnics to weddings to evenings when the kids are gone. Chill it down and you will love it forever, because for under $15, it might be naked, but your wallet won't be stripped!

Drink through the next year.

Mollydooker 2006 Shiraz "The Boxer"

9 3/5 Screwcaps

Delicious. Full bodied. Robert Parker, if you don't rate this higher than 95 Points, we will hunt you down. This bottle is pure, unadulterated love. ENORMOUS fruit, not unlike last year's premier vintage. In addition, the 2006 Boxer has complex, silky, yet strong tannins and is ready to go the full 15 rounds. It will hook and jab you with licorice, chocolate and bacon fat and then knock you out with an uppercut of blackberry and cherry. Do not drink this fast! Pace yourself! With an alcohol content of "16" percent, this heavyweight can and will put your flat on your ass if you're not ready for it.

Drink this over the next 2-3 years.

Remember, when you drink this, like all red wines, don't drink this at room temperature. Chill it for about 20-25 minutes (around 63 degrees) before you drink it. It really is a night and day difference.