2007 Casa Lapostolle Sauvignon Blanc

Taste: 3/5
Value: 4/5
Price: $10-$15

This wine is a light yellow with hints of straw and green. The nose is fresh citrus fruit on entry. I expected to get lychee and fig on the palate, but if it was there, it was overrun by citrus and acidity. I had this wine with Chicken Piccata, which should have been an ideal pairing, but I just can't bring myself to like Saugnignon Blanc that much. I'd rather drink a Fume Blanc, which is softened by oak aging, but keep trying to find a warm climate Sauvignon Blanc with tropical fruit flavors that I love. As much as I try, I keep coming up tart.

2005 Franciscan Cabernet Sauvignon - Napa Valley

Taste: 3/5
Value: 2/5
Price: $22 (regularly $30)

This Cabernet is a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot and Malbec. "Aromas of cassis, ripe dark cherry and tobacco, with earthy notes of sage and peppercorn and sweet hints of vanilla. Mouth-filling flavors. Well structured palate of deep blackberry, coffee and spice. Rich and vibrant with supple tannins, finishing with notes of cassis, chocolate, and toasted oak." Since my sister and I had visited Franciscan winery in Napa in '07, I thought I would pay homage with this bottle. Frankly, I was disappointed and have had several Cabs for lesser price that I've enjoyed more. It simply was not that memorable. For the price, I'd much rather have a bottle of Rodney Strong Alexander Valley.

2005 Valley of the Moon Cabernet Sauvignon

Taste: 2/5

Value: 2/5

Price: $24 list (I got for $14)

Valley of the Moon winery has an extensive wine production. The cab is 57% Sonoma Valley, 43% Dry Creek Valley and is aged 22 months in French and American Oak barrels. Perhaps it is the anise that I don't care for, but I completely missed the rich fruit flavor, livened with black pepper, cocoa and baking spice notes. I got the firm tannins and LOTS of rubbing alcohol flavor that combined for the wine equivalent to bitter beer face. It was no better on the second day.