2007 Albarino Burgans Rías Baixas

Why is it a bottle of white wine in this household never lasts past the night it's opened? Red wine lasts for days - rarely do the two of us ever finish a bottle on the night it's opened. Does this happen to you? My only justification is it's cold, lighter, and has more of the addicting sugar in it. Oddly, Crystal Light meets this criteria, but doesn't have quite the same alluring affect.

I digress, back to the crisp, cool, light, and slightly sweet wine. I can't say I've ever heard of the Rias Baixas wine region before (from NW Spain) nor the Albariño white grape, but found it be be closest to a savignon blanc. Great first impression with the matching orange cork (synthetic). The finish was a bit sweet, which made for a perfect summer wine to compliment my BBQ'd Halibut. Citrus & peach flavors, floral on the nose. If you come across this wine in a Tapas restaurant, throw down, it's a good one. I paid $11 @ Sam's Wine (a great value) for this 7/10.

2006 Kaboom Zinfandel - Sonoma County

This Sonoma County Zinfandel doesn't live up to it's name - the only explosion was when I pulled the synthetic cork out too quickly. The back label is almost comical as it describes, in all caps, the "BIG WINE with EXPLOSIVE fruit & character". The label goes on to speak of a "meal in a glass" and describes the ERUPTING flavors of black cherry, spiced plum, rich cocoa, and toasty oak.

It's pretty light, actually. Very average, in my opinion, although decent. No eruptions, no explosions, just average wine. It's not bad, by any means and certainly better than "10,000 BC" which I'm trying to watch right now. I'll give it a 5.5/10 and for $15 at Sam's Wine, tell you to go roll the dice elsewhere.

Mount Veeder 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon

A bit disappointing, honestly (still good though!). When I pay $28 for a wine, I expect my socks to be blown off. After all, I spend my time tasting wines at half the price. I first had this wine at a tasting, and it was the best one served all night - my wife and I both agreed and I noted it's label. Our wine egos were even stroked when the guy said we had the most expensive palates based on our preference. So with guests in town, I splurged on two bottles of the Mount Veeder Cabernet. The second bottle was never opened, so we'll see if I can manage to keep it a few years and compare and contrast this entry some day (good luck).

Very full-bodied black cherry & blackberry flavors with cedar-like flavors in the finish. Cola and chocolate flavors shine through as well. You can smell this one from across the room - and the flavors back it up. I love it when I can taste a variety of flavors like this, which typically means a great wine. I'll give it a 6/10 with a warning it's not for the faint of heart. $28 at Costco.

Tin Roof Cellars 2005 Merlot

Smooth as silk, easy sippin' wine. Definitely a crowd pleaser for $8 from Costco. Simple and straightforward cherry and plum flavors, but nothing else standing out making this too unique. If you are having a large party with several pallets to please and you don't want to break the bank, this is the bottle to choose. Strong 6.5 rating out of 10 - give it a shot. Wow, I just realized this is my first reviewed merlot on the site...a good start.

Muir-Hanna 2004 Napa Pinot Noir

A very unique & distinct flavor, mostly of strawberries with earthy undertones. Floral on the nose as well as oak flavors. Seemed to please all who was over for the ribs. 6.5/10 for this $18 from Sam's. I was only able to have one glass, so didn't have much time to savor the details of this one. I'd get it again, but wasn't blown away and there are so many others to try...

Cameron Hughes | Lot 35 - 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon

I opened this bottle on Wednesday and am pretty happy it lasted to Sunday. Definitely got our enjoyment out of it as well. A potent oak and vanilla flavoring done well. After reading a review on another site, a 'grape soda' smell in the nostrils is certainly present. Somewhat dry and a good finish.

Apparently Cameron Hughes Wine is a wine trading company that sources small lots of grapes from multiple growers. Each wine is then marked by lot number. This one is from growers in the Yountville District. Good ole #35 gets 6.5/10 rating for this fine wine from the local Costco. $13. Thanks Cameron.