2007 Wild Z Zerba Cellars Red Wine

Taste: 4/5

Value: 3/5

Price: $20

Wild Z is a blend of 37% Melot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Syrah and 4% Cab Franc. Reminiscent of cedar, dark plum and white pepper that lead up to blackberry and dark cherry with hints of earth and olive. This wine was a little bold for me the first day - would definitely benefited from decanting. Not sure I would pay this price point for it again as there are enough wines priced less that I enjoy at least as much.

2008 Firestone Discoveries Chardonnnay

Taste: 4/5

Value: 5/5
Price: $13

The both the bouquet palate struck me instantly of tropical fruits - pineapple and banana, then unfolded to crisp apple with a hint of pear. True to the grape without being masked by oak. Both the taste and price point make this a great everyday wine, and one I would buy again. Day 2 and 3, my impression was more lemon and bright - still very good!

Discoveries goal is to produce bright, fresh and fruit forward wines. Based on this selection, I would be interested in trying other varietals from their portfolio.

UPDATE: tasted the Firestone Cabernet at a wine tasting, I'll stick with the Chardonnay on this one - not impressed by the Cab - there was a whole lot going on on the palate, but not all that pleasing.