Alexander Valley 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon

I've gotta give this one a strong 6.5/10. I've been on a streak of good cheap wines recently, and this one clocks in at only $14. Costco continues to impress me by carring good wines I've never heard of.

This Cabernet from the Wetzel family estate also contained small amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Strong tannins and currant on the finish, a bit tart even. Black cherry dominates. Overall, rich and spicy.

Laetitia 2006 Pinot Noir Estate

The Laetitia Pinot comes from the Arroyo Grande Valley in California. According to the label, Laetita is a Latin expression of joy and happiness...and it's certainly a wine well named. The first noticeable feature is the unique light plum color. It's very light and sweet on the start, but really kills it on the finish. Excellent flavors. A sweet raspberry on the nose.

While this was a gift (thanks Mike!), I had to look it up to see the price (for my loyal readers, of course). NapaCabs.com has this bottle for $19, which is about where I guessed it would be. Overall, I'm very happy with this sub $20 wine. 7.5/10 ranking. Hunt it down & enjoy!

Avalon 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

A random selection from "Frugal McDoogals" in South Carolina, which works out like random selections do - average at best. That's the point of this blog - I'll make the mistakes so you don't have to. Check out the Top Tier category on the right to avoid having to roll the dice like I did with this one.

The $12 selection ranks a 4/10 because it's nothing spectactular. Tastes like a typical bottle of $8 wine, characterized by a short, snappy finish that leaves you wanting more. Cherries, blackberries...wait, didn't I already tell you to look elsewhere? :)

2006 Hitching Post Big Circle Syrah

The Big Circle Syrah by Hartley-Ostini was the Valentine's Day selection at our dinner at the May Street Cafe in Chicago - an excellent choice at an excellent restaurant. While not the cheapest wine on the menu at $60, it was worth the splurge with an 8/10 rating. The BevMo!'s detailed review of the Big Circle Syrah is probably better than my memory, so enjoy - plus you can buy it there for $30.

The Hitching Post was the restaurant featured in the wine-flick Sideways, located just outside Santa Barbara, CA. I actually wasn't aware they made their own vino. My wife spotted this one on the menu remembering it's a favorite of a former co-worker. It might not be a Pinot, but at least it's not a Merlot :)

Francis Ford Coppola 2006 Rosso & Bianco

Very soft beginning and smooth finish. Surprisingly smooth for a wine that you would think would be spicy and firm based on it's makeup. The Coppola Rosso is 48% Zinfandel, 27% Syrah, & 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. A rather wet, cherry finish with a hint of vanilla. Slightly sweet.

As the bottle bills it, it's a good everyday wine. This is also one of those "entry-level" wines that is a crowd pleaser due to it's even keeled flavors with no major standouts to turn one off. Simple, but good. 6/10 rating, $10.

Watch out for the purple teeth!