2009 Moreccio Bolgheri

Taste: 5/5
Value: 5/5
Price: $15 (WTSO 55% off)

Would I rate this wine so highly if I'd paid full price, probably not, but for $15 it's a great Super Tuscan, or so it was billed.  It's actually a 30-30-40 blend of Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from Tuscany.  Plush, soft and rich, it offers ripe concentration and mature aromas of spice, sweet cherry and blackberry with leather and tobacco.  Incredibly smooth.

2010 Core Grenache Blanc

Taste: 3/5
Value: 2/5
Price: $18

I was very excited to try this wine, which was one of my August wine club wines.  I have several Grenaches that I like, but have never tried a grenache blanc!  It reminded me of an unoaked, or lightly oaked Chardonnay, of which there are several I like better than this at a better price point.

2008 Clos du Bois Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Taste: 4/5
Value: 4/5
Price: $22 (on sale for $15)


Having thoroughly enjoyed Sebastiani's Alexander Valley Cab, I thought I'd give another label a try.  While not as good and Sebastiani's (which reminded me of Mt Veeder Cab), Clos du Bois was very enjoyable.  Rich and sumptuous dark fruit and cocoa with long, well-balanced finish.  Would definitely have benefited from aerating.  Winemaker Gary Sitton.