Cloudline 2007 Pinot Noir

The Cloudline Pinot Noir comes from the Willamette Valley outside Portland, Oregon. Immediate strawberries on the nose and taste buds, with an acidic bite on the finish. There is a slight tartness in the finish which is possibly grapefruit.

Despite my streak of past two reviews ending up in my top inexpensive wines list, the Cloudline is coming in about average. This bottle was a leftover gift brought from a Thanksgiving guest, but looks to be found from $18-20 online. A bit acidic and sour for my tatse…4/10 rating.

Wily Jack 2007 California Zinfandel

First off, hello Marlboro Man, do you come with cigarettes? Second off, great wine website. Clearly a target audience of 21-30, there are features such as “Upload a Picture of You with Wily Jack” and the ability to fan Wily Jack on Facebook. What got me to the website was the back label; there is an odd “Chapter Three” verse which ends with a “to learn more go the site”. I bit. Good hook. There is even a contest on the website to win $5k if you write the next verse of this oddball story. Again, good marketing, Jack. My only complaint about your marketing skillz is how poorly your site is optimized for search engines (hey, it’s what I do)…at least fix your Title Tags.

And the wine…? The best sub-$10 zinfandel I’ve ever had. It came as a recommendation from a co-worker and lived up to expectations. The Wily Jack Zinfandel was $6 at the Harris Teeter grocery store. Very jammy plum flavors with a bit of pepper and tobacco on the finish. Nostrils fill with vanilla and oak. My wife felt it was a bit “grape juicy” and there is a bit of gumminess after a sip, but nothing stopping me from grabbing another bottle to verify a potential new house wine. I will warn you of the hangover…it will bite.

Welcome back, Marlboro Man.

Edna Valley Vineyards 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon

Surprisingly strong and flavorful for a $9.99 bottle. Very dry as well - overall a strong 8/10. I found this being promoted on an end cap at the local grocery, Harris Teeter.

This wine hails from the central coast of California, where the warmer climates let Cabernet grapes florish. Blackberries, black cherries, hints of cocoa, with a lightly spiced oaky finish. Slight vanilla in the nose. Tannins are strong and compliment the dry finish nicely. No complaints here - the Edna Valley Cabernet makes the A Wine A Week top inexpensive wine list.

2008 Anakena Sauvignon Blanc

Now this pretty picture just makes me mad because I spent all day raking up those damn leaves in my back yard. At least it was hot enough to wear shorts. Happy Fall, I suppose.

The Anakena is more of a spring/summer wine, as are most Sauvignon Blancs, but this one is worth breaking the rules. Coming in at the $8 mark at Total Wine, it's a heck of a value. Sweeter notes of gooseberry, grassy tones, and light citrus. The Anakena is a bit thicker than expected as well. When it warms up, there is a slight "tinge" in the finish that is the only reminder that this is an inexpensive wine.

Great value, 7.5 out of 10 rating. Grab it if you see it.