2008 Escape Sweet Shiraz

Taste: 2/5
Value: 4/5
Price $13

I'm just not sure about this one. I don't really like the fact that it was recommended to me based on the other wines I was purchasing at the time, as that would suggest I like sweet red wines. I even asked the wine seller, is it really sweet? He said no. He lied. This is a very sweet red wine, reminiscent of Manichewitz, but a little less cloying. Produced by Mulderbach in South Africa, which is a winery known for their white wine production. With the right food pairing, it could be out of sight, I suppose, but I don't think I'm going to give it another chance.

2005 Charles Krug Merlot

Taste:3/5

Value: 3/5

Price: $24 (although I got for $15 on managers special at Kroger)

This is a Merlot that drinks more like a cab with it's tannic, highly structured finish, likely due to the 4% Cabernet Franc that tightens it up a bit. The Charles Krug website describes "Our Peter Mondavi Family Napa Valley Merlot is balanced, rich and polished with ripe currant and black cherry flavors. This fine wine offers a supple tannin structure and a medley of vanilla, chocolate and spice notes in its lingering finish." Also described as "wild berry and blueberry aromas, with a touch of roasted pecans." At $24, I'd be unlikely to buy again, but if I can find it again for $15 I'd definitely pick up a bottle.

2007 Villa San-Juliette Petite Sirah

Taste: 5/5
Value: 5/5
Price: $15

Petite Sirah is quickly becoming my second favorite red, just after Zinfandel. Like Zin, Petite Sirah is fruity and bold, often a higher alcohol content, lending to a nice body. This Paso Robles wine in particular is reminiscent of inky, tangy blueberries, and is 78% Petite Sirah and 22% Cab. Was especially nice with spicy spaghetti with meat sauce. Look for this wine to be on my 2009 Top 10 list...

2006 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau

Taste: 4/5

Value: 5/5

Price: $10

I've heard of and seen this wine over the years but had never tried it, until now. The first Gamay wine I remember drinking was a Gamay Rouge from V Sattui in Napa - absolutely fabulous with barbecue! This is a I also never realized that "because Beaujolais Nouveau is released annually on the third Thursday of November -- exactly one week before Thanksgiving -- the two have become as inextricably linked as Champagne and New Year's Eve." I'll have to remember that for this year...also noted to pair well with buttery cheeses such as brie or Camembert, that you may serve before or after! Fresh, smooth and fruity with no bite sums this wine up nicely. Would definitely keep a bottle on hand.

2005 Cigarzin California Zinfandel

Taste: 5/5

Value: 3/5

Price: $24

I bought this wine after describing to my friend who owns The Wine Cellar, a Sangiovese from Delonega GA that had such a divine, smokey taste. He suggested Cigarzin. In comparison, it wasn't really smokey at all, but it was a very good Zinfandel, although not as good as InZinerator from last week. Rich, creamy, concentrated, very fruity, very drinkable, but a bit pricey for everyday drinking.

2005 Souverain Merlot

Taste: 5/5

Value: 4/5

Price: $15-$18

I agree with the winemaker when he describes this wine as, "The core of vibrant fruit balances nicely with the fine-grained tannins, creating a plush and juicy mouthfeel. Baking spice notes from aging in oak barrels meld nicely with the generous black fruit and lead to a long, smooth finish." A very good merlot, but one could probably find a similarly good merlot for a little less.

2004 Inzinerator

Taste: 5/5
Value: 4/5
Price: $18

I discovered this wine at the Smyrna Wine Stroll with my sister-in-law and it was even better than I remembered. From the Scott Harvey website, this is: "A wine made for the “Super Hero”: Forward and luscious, this lively wine almost jumps out of the glass. Briary, blackberry extractive Zinfandel", a blend of 76% Zinfandel and 24% barbera. Tasting Notes: All spice, raspberry, figs, big & user friendly, firm tannins, complete, cherry, lingering finish, mocha. The only other thing I'd add is: fabulous! I'm guessing it's the figs that makes me think of a nice Port, just not so thick and syrupy. And the nice, high alcohol content (14.5%) gives it some sexy legs to boot.