2010 County Fair Wingman Shiraz Viognier - $7

A rich yet tart Shiraz with flavors of cherry and red raspberry.

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2009 Trader Joe's Coastal Syrah - $5

Big and spicy. Jammy too. Very traditional Syrah feel to this one. Grab this if you're looking for a cheap bottle of very drinkable red wine.

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2010 Marqués de Montañana Viura - $4.50

A crisp, dry, easy drinking white. Not much on the nose, and no real predominant flavors, but nicely balanced. Make this your go-to table white for under $5.

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2010 Eco Vino Chardonnay - $12

1.5 liters of rich golden colored Chardonnay with a mellow, rounded flavor that's not too buttery and finishes pleasantly. Alas, it's a bit ho-hum. Nothing exciting, but a nice value and would make for a fine party wine.

thumbs up - 82

2009 Trader Joe's Reserve Syrah - $10

Great ruby color. Pleasant nose with dark berry tones. Dark flavors for a Syrah: toffee, leathery, hint of plum.

thumbs up - 86

2010 David Frost Shiraz - $7

A dark, inky nose to match a dark, leathery taste with an ever so slightly tannic finish. Not your typical Shiraz, but tasty nonetheless. 

thumbs up - 83

2008 Red Diamond Merlot - $9

A smooth drinking bottle of merlot with prominent flavors of blueberry and plum. With the bottle sealed up, this kept well for days after opening.

thumbs up - 86

2009 Green Barn Red Field Blend - $5

Smooth and easy drinking with a light nose of white pepper. Predominant tart cherry flavors, but good depth of flavor for a five dollar bottle. As a bonus, this is tasty and ready to drink immediately after uncorking.

thumbs up - 89

2008 Black Barrel Syrah - $9

Inky, spicy, jammy and just a tad buttery. The high alcohol content adds just a touch of heat down the gullet.

thumbs up - 86

2009 Pasqua Ripasso - $9

Great light ruby color. Taste of tart red berry and a hint of Concord grape. Light and easy drinking. Not too complex, but certainly serviceable. 

thumbs up - 83

2008 Black Barrel Merlot - $9

A dark, rich, smooth Merlot with a tight nose and a long finish. A touch of chocolate is hidden behind the dominant dark red fruit flavors. Drinkable immediately and still good four days after opening.

thumbs up - 86

2009 Ryan Patrick Vineyards Naked Chardonnay - $6

Nice crisp prototypical Chardonnay taste without a wiff of oak. Exactly as its billed. Kudos. 

thumbs up - 84

2010 Roccalta Sangiovese - $4

Leathery, old world fruit on the nose. Tart plum. Nice bit of spice. Short finish. 

thumbs up - 84

Louise d' Estrée Brut - $8

Next in our series, this sparkling white French number. It's got teeny tiny bubbles that become kind of frothy in your mouth. Tastes of melon and citrus, with just the right hint of sweetness.

thumbs up - 86

M. Chevallier Brut Cava - $6

The holidays always seem to be jam packed with family asking for recommendations on sparkling wines and this year I thought to prepare myself with answers. Now, I know what you're thinking. Reviewing a slew of sparkling wines after New Years isn't much help to you. But, since most sparkling wines are of the non-vintage variety, consider this advice timeless.

First up, this Spanish sparkling is nearly transparent in color. On the nose its got some stone and mineral notes. In the mouth, it's tight bubbles and tart apple city - like a liquid Granny Smith. This Cava is light, crisp and easy to drink. A great choice for mixing with fruit juices or purees for your favorite mimosa-esque/belini-ish drink.

thumbs up - 88

2006 Riscal Tempranillo - $6

A feint nose of wild grass and a light, peppery taste (not to mention the screw cap) make this an easy drinking wine. This wasn't near as good on the second day, so drink it up before you go to bed.

thumbs up - 84

2009 Spiral Wines Cabernet Sauvignon - $5

Actual quote from my hawaiian-clad Trader Joe's cashier last night:

"This is the best wine under five bucks that we sell... not that I've tried all of them."

I'm inclined to agree. Right now, this is exactly the kind of wine you expect from Trader Joe's. Drinks great right after opening. Very approachable with tastes of cola and berry. I'm buying a case.

thumbs up - 91

2008 Overlake Merlot - $6

A perfumey nose, tart yet juicy flavor and a nice finish that hangs around longer than expected. All in all, a tasty and satisfying Merlot.

thumbs up - 85

2008 Chook Shed Shiraz - $8

The cooky (chooky?) rooster & shed label on this bottle drew me in, and I'm glad it did. This wine has a thick body that just clings to the side of the glass. The nose is present, and pleasant, but a bit sneaky too. Flavor-wise, it's hard to narrow down, other than to call it rich and grapey. Drinking note: I'd give this one some extra breathing time - more than your typical Syrah/Shiraz would need.

thumbs up - 86

2009 Trader Joe's Petit Reserve Pinot Noir - $7

This private label Pinot has juicy berry flavor and a luscious mouthfeel. The fruit is big right off the bat, but the wine is best on day two. Give this bargain wine some breathing room and impress your friends.

thumbs up - 90