2006 Layer Cake Cotes Du Rhone

Taste: 3/5

Value: 3/5

Price: $17

I've liked all other Layer Cake wines that I've tried to date, but was not overly impressed by this Syrah. While it had a nice spice to it, overall I found it flat and with a chalky mouth feel that I didn't care for - French soil maybe? Good level of tannin but not very fruity.

2008 Toasted Head Chardonnay

Taste: 4/5

Value: 5/5

Price: $10

So, if you don't like big, oaky Chardonnay's, you're not going to like this wine, but I was in the mood for such and found this quite pleasing. A crisp citrusy forward, reminiscent of lemon zest, with nice acidity and buttery rich, yet soft finish. Perhaps not a go-to Chardonnay, but when in the mood for big, I'd buy and drink this one again.

2007 Ravens Wood Vintners Blend Zinfandel

Taste: 3/5

Value: 4/5

Price: $9

I've read for quite some time that Ravenswood is known for their Zins. It must be for their higher priced Zins because this was not it for me. I found it more bold, even brazen, compared to the Zins I love. In general, it was the spiciness that came through at the sacrifice of the jammy fruit I crave in a Zin.

Teusner 2006 Joshua - Barossa Valley Red Wine

Taste: 3/5

Value: 3/5

Price: $20

This Barossa Valley red wine is an unoaked blend of 65% Grenache, 25% Mataro and 10% Shiraz. Description: "This wine shows a fruit intensity and warmth that speaks of a warmer growing region but without the jamminess, or baked fruit notions that can belie fruit from such an area. Here the fruit is Barossa sourced and its generosity is evident, but the difference is the pitch and higher toned brightness that gives it such an engaging lift and purity. Loaded with delicious black cherry, black raspberry and blackberry flavors that are layered throughout the palate, this has intensity and scale, but more importantly, the vibrancy and freshness that gives it so much personality." I couldn't resist the purchase with a description like that, but upon drinking, I just didn't find that description to hold true. There are plenty of other wines I like better for under $15, I won't likely buy this wine again.

NV LeLapin Ingenuity White

Taste: 5/5

Value: 5/5

Price: $8

LeLapin is the newest line of wine from Rabbit Ridge Winery, Sonoma CA, which opened in 1981, with a commitment to producing high quality wines at affordable prices. Made with grapes grown exclusively in Paso Robles, LeLapin wines are non-vintage, meaning they may be comprised of two or more vintages, which allows for the blending of a newer wine for freshness with an older vintage for complexity. Ingenuity is a blend of Chenin blanc, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc, and is crisp and light without being too citrusy. An all around great summer white!

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!