Kirkland 2009 Rutherford Meritage

After tasting the superb 2007 Kirkland Napa Meritage (and reading all of the wonderful comments which agreed with), I was quick to toss this bottle in the cart in a recent Costco visit. At $14, it was a few dollars more than that last gem, but worth a try.

This wine is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 12% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. Strong spices on the nose and quick to shock your palate, but become enjoyable over the long finish. Dark fruits with the smokey/oak coming through on the finish. Given a steak, this would near the top of the list for a bottle of wine under $15. A bit strong for a sipping wine. My wife drops the 5/10 rating, I’ll give it a 7/10. Definitely worth a try, especially if you like a full-bodied, big, bold red.

2009 Frenzy Sauvignon Blanc

Pear & honeysuckle on the nose, very light with a citrus finish. Grapefruit and grassy tones dominate. A bit of saltiness in the finish that I didn't expect.

I picked this up at the local Total Wine for around $10. As I was carrying the bottle around the store, I ran into a work friend who is a graphic designer. He couldn't believe I'd ever buy a bottle of wine that used this awful font on the label. He picks his wines strictly by label design. I'll say he's going to miss out on this excellent bottle, but to each his own.

Good purchase: 8/10 rating and that makes my top inexpensive wine list.

I'm still saying to stick to the New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs vs. California if you like the more light, citrus & crisp vs. sweeter and golden. Cheers!

Cupcake Vineyards 2009 Cabernet Savignon

It's probably time to send out a warning (again) that if you bring a bottle of wine over to our house, it's going to be reviewed on AWineAWeek.com. Either choose wisely (don't mistake that for a need to buy something expensive) or go with beer.

So I can't even get this down...thick and sugary. You can't discern any other flavors as the sweetness is overwhelming. My wife says "it's not the worst thing I've ever had" and rates it a 2.5/10.

I've seen this bottle all over the grocery store endcaps and is typically priced around $8-9. 1.5/10 is my rating...I'm not going to finish my glass.

Now, excuse me while I go brush my teeth...I feel a cavity or three coming on.

Louis M. Martini 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon

This is one of my favorite grocery store wines – certainly a go-to. Typically it’s $15-$17 at Harris Teeter, but it was on sale for $9.99. For that price, I’m giving this a 8 out of 10 and putting it in my Best Inexpensive Wines category. Red Laser can’t even find it online for that cheap. Total Wine has it for $14.

I call this a “wine drinker’s wine” because it’s very dry and complex (for a $10 wine). Cherry, blackberry, currant, and a bite to finish with hints of vanilla. It will go well with red meats or hearty meals.

Chateau de Camarsac Bordeaux Superieur 2008

A French wine on the day Osama Bin Laden is killed?...how un-American! The below sums up my feelings on the matter quite well:

"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that" - MLK Jr.

It's the colors of this bottle that first jump out...dare to be different and I'll buy. I was happy with this visit to the Bordeaux region and impressed by this red blend of 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc. $13 at Total Wine.

Lighter cherry on the nose, but bigger on the palate with dark berries dominating. Black berries and a zing from currant. Silky and smooth tannins.

7.5 out of 10...definitely a re-purchase, mainly so I can show off my French wine skillz.

Montebuena Rioja 2009

You'll want to just toss some fruit and sugar in here and stick with sangria. Typical Tempranillo grapes bring a full flavored mouthful of sweet wine. Not my style, so a 3.5/10 despite the low $8 cost at Costco.