2005 Terrazas de los Andes Malbec

2005 Terrazas de los Andes Malbec

Nose is strong with alcohol-tinged, slightly overripe fruit. Relatively full-bodied for an Argentinian wine, with little of the mineral qualities that typically distinguish offerings from this region. Not unpleasant, but almost had more characteristics of a California Zinfandel than a Malbec from this region. Still, enjoyable for ten bucks.

Tasting Tags: anise fruit raisin

2004 Kaesler 'Stonehorse' Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre

2004 Kaesler 'Stonehorse' Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre

Ripe cherries and hints of plum and pepper on the nose, with a tinge of alcohol that lingers even hours after uncorking. A quick hit of pepper to start, immediately filled in by toasty fruit. The finish has almost a milky texture, with lingering pepper and perhaps a hint of caramel. Unique among the wines I've tasted. Very nice overall.

Tasting Tags: berry caramel cherry pepper plum

2004 Maquis Lien Colchagua

2004 Maquis Lien Colchagua

Nose is rich with tangy fruit, very inviting. The balances a pleasing fullness with tart notes on the side of the tongue; hints of blackberry are present. The only thing holding this bottle back is the earthy and somewhat plain finish, but overall I still come away feeling like I didn't pay nearly enough for this wine. Very nice.

Tasting Tags: blackberry earth

2003 La Posta del Viñatero Estela Armando Vineyard Bonarda Mendoza

2003 La Posta del Viñatero Estela Armando Vineyard Bonarda Mendoza

Nose is full, with anise and a bit of oak. Toasty and very dark berry character, with a nice round sweetness on the tip of the tongue that is well complemented by an almost citrusy sharpness farther back and a light tannic edge. All in all, a nice pick for Merlot lovers, with a little more of the mineral character and austerity that seems to come from these higher-altitude Argentinian vineyards. Seems like it would go nicely with pork.

Tasting Tags: anise berry

2003 Ruffino Il Ducale Toscana

2003 Ruffino Il Ducale Toscana

Nose is sharp, as 2003 and 2004 Italians can be, and has traces of herbs, with a fair amount of alcohol. Flavor is tart, even after quite some time open, but there's enough body under the tannins--some nice dark berry in there.

2004 Domaine Chevillon-Chezeaux Pinot Noir Bourgogne

2004 Domaine Chevillon-Chezeaux Pinot Noir Bourgogne

Amazingly beautiful light red color--unfortunately I had a cold for the tasting and thus have no solid appraisal, though what I did taste was unremarkable.

2005 La Posta del Vinatero Malbec

2005 La Posta del Vinatero Malbec

Fruity and pleasant, but not as nuanced as the 2004 offering.

2004 M. Cosentino The Zin

2004 M. Cosentino The Zin

A nice offering, especially for the price I got on it ($13 or so, can't remember exactly). Nose is spicy, with raisins and toast. After breathing about 30 minutes, the flavors really start to come out--nice hints of apple and raisin, with a nice, almost cassia-like spicy edge. Great buy; M. Cosentino is proving to be a solid producer of Zinfandel.

Tasting Tags: apple raisin

2003 Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon

2003 Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon

A pleasant Cab, with some nice oak in the body and cherry highlights. A pretty decent buy for the price.

Tasting Tags: cherry oak

2000 Arboleda Syrah Colchagua Valley

2000 Arboleda Syrah Colchagua Valley

Nice sweet fruit up front, a solid woody body, and mineral and tannic tones that appear in the back of the mouth as you swallow. Bought this for $7 on sale at my favorite wine store; I worried, given the price and the age, that it might be passing its drinkability. It probably is reaching its final stages, but it's definitely a worthy buy if you can find it to drink soon. Great with my mushroom risotto tonight.

Tasting Tags: minerals wood