2008 Rayun Carmenere

Taste: 3/5

Value: 5/5

Price: <$10

If this wine hadn't had a screw top, I would have thought it was corked based on the nose - very musty. "Touches of spice and tar show on the expressive nose; the mouth is rich, with deep black/red fruits and earthy notes of incense and tobacco. Tannins are fine and silky, while the finish is long and ends on a suggestion of eucalyptus honey. If you've never experienced Carménère, this is the place to start." Just a guess here, but I think it was the tar, incense and eucalyptus honey I didn't care for. From past experience, had I read eucalyptus on the label's description, I would have passed it up.

2008 Tarrica Zinfandel

Taste: 5/5

Value: 5/5

Price: $13

Tarrica Wine Cellars sources grapes primarily from the Paso Robles viticultural area, which is ideally situated for growing premium varietal wine grapes. Nestled slightly inland, the warm, clear days are insulated from clouds, fog, and severe winds so sufficient heat reaches the grapes. Following sunset, a marine layer moves over the region and cools temperatures approximately 50 degrees, providing conditions conducive to maintaining outstanding acid structure and overall balance. Most consider this fluctuation to be a key component to the varietal character displayed in the resulting wines.
Tarrica Wine Cellars is a small, family owned winery started in 2000
in the Paso Robles Wine Country. The focus of our winery is to produce
value priced wines that are a clear expression of viticultural origin
and varietal flavor.

Described as ripe berry flavors wrapped with cedar box and caramel tones. Full body with balanced tannins and berry fruit carries long into the finish revealing creme brule nuances. This wine was a hit with all who tried it!