Price: $25.99 Maker: Yangarra Estate Vineyard Varietal: Shiraz / Syrah Region: Australia

88

The wine brings the fruit explosion you expect from Australia. The body is big with black fruit flavors attacking your palate with hints of dark chocolate and a little vanilla.

Price: $27.00 Maker: Robert Mondavi Varietal: Pinot Noir Region: California

88

This is another good Pinot Noir from Robert Mondavi. This is a 100% Pinot Noir, a feature that is becoming rare. The smell of cherries smacks you in face with a hint of pepper. The flavor of the wine follows the nose with blackberries and cherries coming through and just enough tannins with a light oak finish.

Price: $23.00 Maker: Plungerhead Varietal: Zinfandel Region: California

88

The Old Vine Zinfandel is a deep purple color with dark fruit aromas. It’s a nice Zinfandel with light flavors of black cherry, plums, pepper and a little strawberry. The lighter flavors are a nice change from the fruit bombs that are often produced in this area. It opens up nicely but even after some time to breathe the wine is still hot on the finish. -KM

Price: $22.00 Maker: Rodney Strong Varietal: Pinot Noir Region: California

87

Shows plenty of the classic Pinot characteristics and structure you expect from Rodney Strong. You will find light flavors of red cherry, strawberry and a subtle tea flavor ingrained with an oaky finish.

Price: $24.00 Maker: J. Lohr Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc Region: California

87

Another nice Sauvignon Blanc this year from J. Lohr it has everything you expect from this varietal. Its acidity makes this wine crisp and refreshing, flavor of apples and pears lead the way. -VFE

Price: $23.99 Maker: Simi Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon Region: California

85

This is a nice blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, 2% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petite Verdot. The blending brings a nice balance to the wine with black cherry, blackberry with a little raspberry shining through. -VFE

Price: $30.00 Maker: Edmeades Varietal: Zinfandel Region: California

85

The Edmeades Zinfandel from Perli vineyards is one of multiple Zinfandels from this producer that is dedicated to producing Zinfandel. This bottle is blended with 14% Merlot and 9.5% Syrah. The blending of these grapes smoothes the body of wine; letting the flavors of strawberry and black pepper gently roll across your tongue. The wine is very drinkable but missing the jammy flavors most people expect in a California Zinfandel. -VFE

Price: $21.00 Maker: Murphy-Goode Varietal: Zinfandel Region: California

85

The flavors in the Murphy Goode Zinfandel are well defined and lush; showing a delightful concoction of black pepper, blueberry, cherry and a touch of spice. The drawback is a body that is a little light and the finish is just too short. -VFE

Price: $24.00 Maker: J. Lohr Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc Region: California

84

The wine is a pale whitish-yellow with light aromas of violet, honey dew and cantaloupe. The acidity keeps the wine crisp and tart with moderate flavors of lemon and grapefruit. -VFE

Price: $25.00 Maker: Rodney Strong Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon Region: California

84

Made from the 200 acre Rodney Strong Estate, this is a soft Cab with light flavors of plum and blackberry. The tannins are soft but the finish is a little too short. -KM