An okay NZ sauv blanc. Doesn't have the fruit or pungent richness of other NZ budget SBs -- I'd highly recommend Nobilo for that. Nice nose, but the palate seems to underwhelm. Okay as a quaffer or when you just want a good white drinker.

A fairly unremarkable and disappointing NZ pinot. I expected much more from it based on previous experience with other budget NZ wines. Very little pinot personality coming from it, and none of the fruit-richness I'd anticipate from an NZ wine. If you're looking for a budget pinot noir, I'd recommend the BV Coastal (from CA) first before this one, and the BV usually is cheaper here in the US.

Pale, wan reddish-brown color, like watered-down blood. The cork end in the wine was pale pink like cooked meat. Initially poured with a very simple fruit nose... cherries, maybe some strawberries and raspberries. Swirling in the glass suddenly brought up a lot of smoky, earthy, charred scents, with the underlying fruit. Tastes of charcoal, char-grilled meats, with a little bit of fruit fighting to make it through. Medium tannins, low mid palette, okay acidity... doesn't really seem balanced, not what I would call full-bodied, more light-medium. Finish has some almost plastic-y notes to it. An OK wine, nothing special. Might be a good quaffing wine with burgers and other grilled meats and veggies.

Deep reddish-brown color. Decanted to let it open up a bit. Initial thoughts: strong cherry, earth/funk, leather notes on the nose, softening to cocoa, maybe some blueberry and dark berry compote, cut green flower stalk. Taste has a bit of port-like character with a hint of sweetness to it, with almonds, and smokey roast meats.

A great tempranillo blend (41% temp, 30% cab sauv, 18% garnacha, 11% merlot). Nose just rising out of the glass reminded me of sour milk or buttermilk. Investigating it revealed rich, earthy cheeses like Parm Reggiano and Romano. Dark fruits, rich and earthy notes. Smoke, maybe some leather, maybe some sweaty notes -- what I would characterize as a masculine wine. Really enjoyed it, especially taste-bouncing between it and the feminine-refined Anne Amie pinot noir from Oregon. Taste was rich, a little creamy, with soft talc like structure. Good tannins, and well balanced. I enjoyed it more than I feared I would. Definitely would recommend it to someone, and would like to get more bottles.

An amazing pinot. Tried this with my buddy Terry. I was very impressed. Strong note of cherries on the palette at the finish. Rich, silky minerality in the mouth. Seemed very balanced with acidity and light tannins. Going from memory on the nose: smokey, floral, beautiful. Had a great presence when the bottle was uncorked, and opened up nicely as it breathed. We had by itself and with a standard pizza (pepperoni and mushrooms), with which it was paired acceptably. Think it would be great with delicate meats and smoked/grilled fare. I'll definitely go back for more and seek it out.

Silky smooth, medium-bodied red. Lots of fruit, jammy, like strawberry/raspberry/cherry gummy bears. Light in tannins, not too dry. I brought it to a wine tasting focusing on summer wines, for which it's perfect. Refined in structure. Like a good cru Beaujolais. Some detected bacon fat and smoke on the nose. A beautiful wine to seek out and savor. Can be very difficult to find outside of WA and OR. More info at their website (http://www.alexandrianicolecellars.com/)

Much better than I expected, after having a Duboeuf Beaujolais Villages which really didn't impress me. Rich, ripe, playful, almost smoky and somewhat earthy. Deep rich purplish red color. Good balance, dry but not tannic, good acidity. Very good wine overall. Richer and "meatier" than I was expecting from a Nouveau. Enjoyed it and would buy it again.

Color: nice golden yellow.
Nose: nothing special. Not much oakiness or butteriness. Seems more "green" and vegetal than I was expecting. Some bananas (maybe more banana nut bready), green apples, pears, cantaloupe, also cucumbers, a little marine or sea water, occasionally a quick "sharp" smell almost like an overripe vegetable of some kind (having a hard time placing it). Some essence of spice such as frankincense or sandlewood.
Taste: medium mouthfeel, not as full as other chardonnays. Acidity seems low, with more of a watery, almost oily consistency. Somewhat dry, with a little bitterness, but seems decently balanced. Almost reminds me more of a hearty sauv blanc than a chardonnay. Peppery with a smidge of smoke. Good full palette. Moderate finish, with middle falling off quickly.

Not a bad chardonnay for everyday, but nothing stellar. A good bargain value. Don't expect anything huge.

Your good, everyday workhorse of a merlot. Tried it based on WS' recent 90ish point score for it. Mild tannins, moderate acidity, good mouthfeel and body, good finish. Bouquet was rather tight, and most of what I remember was some oakiness. Would try it again, and would keep it as a good house wine to have on-hand.