Osborne, Solaz, Spain 2003 ($7) – A blend of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Ruby color, bright black cherry nose with forward cherry flavors. Fairly decent value and good house wine. Score: 7.5/10
Mas Donis, Montsant, Spain 2002
Mas Donis, Montsant, Spain 2002 ($10) – A blend of Garnacha (a.k.a. Grenache) and Syrah. Light ruby color, bright black cherry nose, simple fresh berry flavors with a dry finish. Nicely done and a good value. Score: 8/10
Beringer, Alluvium, Knight’s Valley, 1999
Beringer, Alluvium, Knight’s Valley, 1999 ($30) – Five classic red Bordeaux varietals are used to create this blend: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Ruby with nice variation of color, strong berry nose and a bit of oak, very nice blackberry and bell pepper flavor spectrum with smooth, drying tannins. Delicious now but has another 3-5 years of cellar time left. Score: 9/10
Acacia, Pinot Noir, Estate Vineyard, 2001
Acacia, Pinot Noir, Estate Vineyard, Napa Valley, 2001 ($40) – Dark ruby, raspberry and spice nose, silky blueberry fruit flavors with a kiss of oak and spices. Long, satisfying finish. Delicious, but has a few years ahead of it. Score: 9.5/10
Ravenswood, Zinfandel, Lodi 2002
Ravenswood, Zinfandel, Lodi 2002 ($17) – Ruby color, dusty berry nose, rich bramble and blackberry flavors with moderate tannins, nice balance for a 14.5% wine; Very good. Score: 8/10