Bonny Doon, “Ca’del Solo”, Big House Red 2003 ($9) – A blend of Syrah, Petite Sirah, Carignane, Grenache, Barbera, and Malbec. Dark ruby color with aromas of plum and raspberry; raspberry and blackberry fruit flavors with a hint of mint and silky tannins. A real fruit bomb with just a tinge of old world rusticness. Sealed with a Stelvin screwcap. A very good value and fun house wine. Score: 8.5/10
St. Francis Winery, “Red� 2002
St. Francis Winery, “Red“, Sonoma County 2002 ($10) – A blend of Merlot, Zinfandel, Grenache and Sangiovese. Dark ruby color, spicy blackberry and plum aromas with bold blackberry, raspberry and black pepper flavors finished with healthy, but somewhat polished, tannins. If tasted blind I would have sworn that Cabernet Sauvignon was involved here. Could use a year or two in the cellar to develop further. A nice value and an innovative package with 12 different labels plus a cool, black plastic cork. Score: 8.5/10