Citra Montepulciano D'Abruzzo 2006

Vineyard: Citra
Location: Abruzzi, Italy
Type: Montepulciano D'Abruzzo
Vintage: 2006
Alcohol Content: 13.0%

Purchased: 11/30/08 - BevMo, San Francisco, CA
Cost: $3.99
Rating: 4.5/10

Now, I'm not going to generalize and say that all Italian wines are bad after only having one - but, I'm pretty close to saying that all cheap Italian wines are bad. Of course I'll keep drinking them if I find them for the right price, but I won't expect much. It's a hell of a boat ride from Italy, and not a cheap one. If it's still cheap enough for me to buy all the way out here, then it must have been really cheap at first. You can't be surprised at something that is that kinda cheap tasting not so great.

It's kind of a hearty wine. There is a lot of flavor, but the favor isn't very appealing. It also smells kind of bad. I don't think the fact that it is from Italy is enough for you to trick people into thinking that this is a better gift than it really is, unfortunately.

Crane Lake Petite Sirah 2005

Vineyard: Crane Lake
Location: Napa, California
Type: Petite Sirah
Vintage: 2005
Alcohol Content: 12.5%

Purchased: 11/19/08 - Mollie Stone's, Palo Alto, CA
Cost: $2.99
Rating: 5.75/10

We are on to our second Crane Lake wine, and I doubt it will be our last. Turns out, Crane Lake is at least made by the 2 buck Chuck folks, if it isn't actually 2 buck Chuck itself. While 2$C is a whole dollar cheaper, Trader Joe's isn't walking distance from my house, whereas Mollie Stone's is. Downside, however, is that this wine will probably suffer the same fate: despite possessing a superior taste, its recognizable name and cost will cause this wine to never truly be celebrated as it so deserves.

This stuff, like it's cousins (whether different grapes of the same label or Charles Shaw), isn't all that bad. It's a bit sweet, but not the point where I would complain about it. Not too much nose or aftertaste to it, but let's be honest, those things probably do more to confuse the idontdrinkwine drinker than anything else. Cheers.

Glen Ellen Merlot 2006

Vineyard: Glen Ellen
Location: Livermore & Ripon, California
Type: Merlot
Vintage: 2006
Alcohol Content: 13.0%

Purchased: 11/16/08 - FoodsCo, San Francisco, CA
Cost: $2.99
Rating: 3.66/10

Yup, that's a webcam picture. This wine was absolutely not worth finding my camera. However, it is from FoodsCo and is exactly what you might expect.

I've created a map below, so you can view where good wine comes from and where bad wine comes from.

Doña Sol Cab Sab 2006

Vineyard: Doña Sol
Location: Sonoma, California
Type: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2006
Alcohol Content: 12.5%

Purchased: 11/20/08 - Mollie Stone's, Palo Alto, CA
Cost: $2.99
Rating: 6.25/10

Doña Sol means Lady Sun for those of you who don't speak Californian. You can see the lady herself, on the label and cork.

The wine is pretty decent. It's kinda full bodied without too much flavor, which is a weird combination, but I got nothing else for you. The cork has the lady sun on it too, which, if for some reason you find yourself having to drink wine, makes it an easy pick over your other options.

Crane Lake Shiraz 2006

Vineyard: Crane Lake
Location: Napa, California
Type: Shiraz
Vintage: 2006
Alcohol Content: 12.5%

Purchased: 11/19/08 - Mollie Stone's, Palo Alto, CA
Cost: $2.99
Rating: 5.75/10

It's amazing to find something so cheap at Mollie Stone's. Other than candy bars, there isn't anything cheaper in the entire store. That's an excellent first start for this wine. I was excited about it before I even got it home.

In terms of the actual wine - I can't really complain all that much about it. Tastes fine - it's nice and spicy and very full bodied. Down side is that it is labeled as cheap - probably not a great idea to bring it as a gift to a dinner. To keep around to pour into people's glasses once they've had a few - perfect.

Capolan Merlot 2005

Vineyard: Capolan
Location: Sonoma, California
Type: Merlot
Vintage: 2005
Alcohol Content: 13.5%

Purchased: 11/10/08 - Trader Joe's, Palo Alto, CA
Cost: $3.99
Rating: 6.5/10

First off - the label is very cool.  There's texture, abnormal shape, lots of color. While I wouldn't ever recommend a bad wine with a cool label, this wine is good enough to comment on it. Bring it as a gift, and I'm sure the host will find it very cool as well. It will surely aid conversation if the conversation needs aiding.

The wine itself isn't bad at all. Smells fine blah blah blah. There is a bit of a spice to it that I liked. Not so sure what an old lady would think about it, but I like Bloody Mary's and I like this Capolan. I did get a mouthful of dregs at the bottom of the last glass - I thought the glass broke in my mouth. I am happy enough with everything else to forgive and forget... this time. There is a website on the bottle that no longer works - I doubt that's a good sign (someone else got dregs too?). Go pick up a bottle or two in case the missing website is a sign that they won't be around in the future.

Black Mountain Malbec 2005

Vineyard: Black Mountain
Location: Napa, California
Type: Malbec
Vintage: 2005
Alcohol Content: 12.5%

Purchased: 11/10/08 - Trader Joe's, Palo Alto, CA
Cost: $3.99
Rating: 5.25/10

This wine is kinda funny. It smells bad in the glass. I like the taste - there is some kick to it. When you swallow it, there is hardly an after-taste.

Can't really make up its mind, huh? I don't know anything about wine, but I have a feeling that someone who does wouldn't be a fan. They probably like consistency. 

By the way, the lack of words in this post is by no means a lack of effort. There just isn't really anything to say. In fact, I'm considering going back and lowering the rating I gave it. Rather than doing that, I'm just going to leave it alone and call it a night. Here's hoping that tomorrow is better.