Panilonco Merlot Malbec 2007 Reserve

Vineyard: Panilonco
Location: D. O. Colchagua Valley, Chile
Type: Merlot 60%, Malbec 40%
Vintage: 2007
Alcohol Content: 13%

Purchased: 1/28/09 - Trader Joe's, Mountain View, CA
Cost: $3.99
Rating: 5.75/10

Lot's of blends lately. There must be more on the shelf, because I'm definitely not seeking them out on purpose. As you can see from previous posts, I haven't had the best experiences with blends, however, this one isn't all that bad. I have to say though, I think the Merlot is holding this Malbec back.

Beautiful label, although simple, for this cheap wine. Impressive, even. I think that you could surely pull this wine off as a nice gift. From Chile, a reserve, fancy label! I'm not sure if blends are considered better or worse than non-blends, but if better - a blend!

Unfortunately, this wine is one of those that scores all over the place. The nose and aftertaste are really not that great, even to the point of undesirable. The taste is enough to bring it to the 5+ side overall. I swear that is the Merlot's fault though.

The California Wine Party Franc/Merlot 2006

Vineyard: The California Wine Party
Location: Paso Robles
Type: 70% Cabernet Franc, 26% Merlot, 4% Petite Sirah
Vintage: 2006
Alcohol Content: 13.0%

Purchased: 1/28/09 - Trader Joe's, Menlo Park, CA
Cost: $4.99
Rating: 5.5/10

The California Wine Party! What a name! There is an old dude on the label screaming something - and it must be important because there are 4 microphones recording him. There is a logo which reads "For the Independent Wine Drinker." Stars everywhere. On the back, there is even a quote from none other than a famous wine pundit, "This bottle's integrity speaks for itself." I don't know who this famous wine pundit is, but he is correct.

I'd like to see more of these Independent wine drinker logos. I think they could be a big hit. It's a good way of saying, "I don't need someone to tell me this wine is good in order to enjoy it." Perfect that it is under $5, too.

I was at TJ's picking up a couple bottles after work (or before work, if you consider this my job) today, and I found myself with about 7 that I wanted to try. I figured I should try to narrow it down to 5, so I took all of the bottles out to examine them and make a decision. A very helpful man who worked there came to help me out with my decision - and he was clear that this is one of the bottles that should make the final cut. Best part was that a woman came by to listen to our discussion and figured she should grab the bottle that we were discussing. I pointed it out to her, and her response was, "This one? But it's only $5!?" I responded that price is not always the best indicator of taste.

I need a business card.

Stonehaven Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Vineyard: Stonehaven
Location: South Eastern Australia
Type: Shiraz 80%, Cabernet Sauvignon 20%
Vintage: 2007
Alcohol Content: 13.5%

Purchased: 1/18/09 - BevMo, Marin, CA
Cost: $3.99
Rating: 4.0/10

0 for 2 on the night. Maybe I should avoid blends. Is the thinking that if it doesn't taste good - why not add a little Cabernet Sauvignon to it? Why would that possibly make it taste better?

I dare you to claim that you can taste the combination...

Lodez Syrah Grenache Carignan 2003

Vineyard: Lodez
Location: St Felix de Lodez, France
Type: Syrah 50%, Grenache 30%, Carignan 20%
Vintage: 2003
Alcohol Content: 12.5%

Purchased: 1/18/09 - BevMo, Marin, CA
Cost: $3.99
Rating: 4.0/10

Further proof that making wine expensive doesn't make it good. I (regrettably) assumed this wine was going to be really good because it was a) originally $12.99, b) from France, and c) aged since 2003. I hadn't had any French wines before, but I just figured it had to be good because French people drink so much wine which they wouldn't do if it didn't taste good. Also, because it was rather pricey before being on sale - I thought it would have a good chance of being good. I've never said that expensive wine shouldn't taste good, just that there must be some good cheap wines.

But, no. Nope. Didn't taste good. And to add insult to injury, there were dregs in the bottle. Take my advice and avoid this one - even though it looks like such a good deal.