Dahlia, Monterey County, 2005

L: Very fruity and sweet. Paradoxically, I found this wine very easy to drink... but I could only drink one glass. Kind of intense in its fruity sweetness. Maybe... 7.5/10???

Guenoc, Cabernet Sauvignon

L: We bought this $14 bottle of wine at the liquor store on the corner because we remembered having it before and we thought we remembered liking it. When I took the first sip, I was a bit disappointed. It was sort of flavorless and caused this weird, tingly sensation on my tongue as if it was carbonated. Oh, well, I thought. Can't win 'em all. This was two days ago. Last night I drank another glass because there was nothing else in the house and I was too lazy to walk the 100 steps to Ray's Liquor. BUT, it was freaking delicious on the second day! I know it is common knowledge that wine gets better once it sits and aerates a bit... but seriously, it was WAY better.

So... buy this wine, decant it, and wait a few hours before drinking.

3/10 Before Decanting
8/10 After Decanting

Bargetto's: Chaucer's California Olallieberry Wine

L: Do you like pie? If the answer is yes - Try drinking your pie in the form of wine! If the answer is no - You are a weirdo. This wine is a delicious dessert wine that will probably be the best thing you ever drank. $15. 10/10.

McHenry Pinot Noir 2005, Santa Cruz

L: Yum. I've had this wine a few times before and it is always a pleasant experience. It isn't as full and earthy as other pinot noirs, but give IS perky, and zesty, and exciting! I've seen this wine described as having the flavors of plum and cherry and I would agree. Very fruity. BUT, there is a really interesting, peppery after taste. I love the tartness of this wine - it makes me pucker when it hits the sides of my tongue. It is also earns bonus points for being such a pretty color, a light fuchsia-ish purple. This is an interesting and tasty wine that hasn't failed me yet. 8.5/10

Roogle Shiraz 2006

R: Boring. Not peppery at all, flat in the mouth, weak finish. 4/10.

Goats In Villages Shiraz Pinotage 2006

R: That is a tiny picture. Ah well. This is a pleasant Shiraz/Pinotage blend. The intensity is all on the sides of the tongue, tannic and fruity. Long, dry aftertaste, but not much character in it. I don't know how to describe the way it tails off, but it's kind of 'thin'. Certainly doesn't engage the whole mouth. 6.5/10

Lano Barbera D'Alba 2005

R: It's been months since I actually drank this, but I saved the bottle, and it's been staring at me ever since. I don't recall anything about it except that I liked it. I'll update if I can track down another bottle.