Top 10 Wines Tasted in 2009

10) 2005 Souverain Merlot

9) 2007 Villa San Juliette Petite Sirah

8) 2006 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau (I also had the 2007, which wasn't as good so my recommendation would be to buy when it comes out at Thanksgiving and save it until next year).

7) Mark West Pinot Noir

6) 2006 PETs Petite Sirah

5) 2006 Layer Cake Zinfandel

4) 2006 St George Coastal Chardonnay

3) 2005 GV Cellars Syrah

2) 2008 Chamarre Nouveau Merlot Syrah

1) 2004 Inzinerator (I've read the 2006 is sweeter, so we'll see if I like it as well)

2007 Exclamation Point Sangiovese

Taste: 4/5
Value: 5/5
Price: $12
Produced by Umani Ronchi of Italy, this wine is 100% Sangiovese. The nose is rich dirt and berries and the finish is nice and spicey.

2006 Kenwood Red Table Wine

Taste: 2/5

Value: 3/5

Price: $8

"A blend of 33% Merlot, 29% Petite Sirah, 20% Syrah, 15% Zinfandel, 2% Sangiovese and 1% Barbera" - seriously, what's not to love about a combination like that? Perhaps the fact that the winemaker left out the fact that it tastes like rubbing alcohol, even after aeration! While it did taste moderately better after being open a day, and with food, this is not a bottle I will buy again.

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.