This is drinking quite well and at peak right now.  Inky purple in color.  The nose has black raspberries, roasted meats, slight white pepper and slight bacon fat.  On the palate, this is light on its feet, not ponderous yet there is alcohol in the plush texture.  Juicy black raspberry fruit.  Layers of fruit and pepper and slight earth.  Long finish.  Easily will go another decade and closer to two.  A nice match with roasted foods.  

This was a bit of a controversial wine on release due to the hot vintage and the extracted nature of the wine.  Purple in color, ruby at the rim.  The nose has black cherries, spice, and slight earthiness.  On the palate, this has calmed down since release.  There are nice black cherries, but it is not hot or over ripe.  Plenty of depth.  It has settled into adulthood quite well.  Layers of fruit, earth and spice.  Nice finish.  It works well with grilled peppers or probably most grilled foods.  It won't get better and probably should be drunk in the next five to seven years, perhaps a few

Although it doesn't carry the designation, the Marsanne grapes come from Condrieu.  This is an entry level wine that provides nice value.  Light golden in color.  The nose is a bit waxy with pears and slight white peaches.  Tight.  On the palate, this has nice acidity.  Vanilla, pears and slight peach.  also a bit of dill which is somewhat distracting.  Nevertheless, it is crisp enough and tasty enough to work with lighter foods or drink on its own.  Probably should be drunk in the next few years.

Erbaluce is a grape that was new to me.  It has a history in the Piedmont region dating back to 1606.  It is a very pretty wine with a deep golden color.  The nose has hay, white raisins, and a hint of lemon.  On the palate, this is full bodied.  The white raisin quality carries thru.  Almost like a dry dessert wine.  Maybe some oxidized apples as well.  It's enjoyable but more interesting than great.  It's not expensive.  No idea how long it ages but given that it is already five years, it's probably best to drink sooner than later.  Will work well with cheeses or even vegetarian pasta dis

I am not a huge Malbec fan in general but if I were, this is not a style of Malbec I would choose.  So, take this review with a grain of salt.  Purple in color, ruby at the rim.  The nose has cherries, slight plums and green bell pepper.  On the palate, there is an overt acidity to this wine that seems misplaced.  It has a nice full bodied texture.  Tart cherry fruit with a green bell pepper back bone.  Clipped finish.  I tried this at a local wine shop and some of the other patrons seemed to enjoy this more than I.  It isn't going to get any better so drink now.  

This is 100% Monastrell (also known as Mourvedre) from Jumilla, Spain.  It is another excellent red value from outside the main wine growing regions of Spain.  Purple/ruby in color, clear and bright.  The nose has a dusty attic quality along with plums and a bit of iodine.  Interesting.  On the palate, this has black cherries and plums.  A bit of spice.  Some acidity.  Not a lot of complexity but easy drinking.  it should be drunk in the next year or two, but who knows, perhaps a lost bottle will surprise in five years.  It is a nice wine for a party or cook out.  It should go with most mea

From the Utiel-Requena region of northwest Spain and made from 100% Bobal grapes.  This is an excellent value red.  Ruby in color.  The nose is tight at first but opens with air to show dust and cherries.  On the palate, this has light tannins.  Nice cherry fruit.  Some black cherry fruit and a bit of earthiness.  Slight depth.  OK acidity.  This should certainly last another five years and it may get better.  It works better with food.

This is  a white blend from Southwestern France.  It is a blend of 35% Sauvignon, 25% Colombard, 20% Ugni Blanc, and 10% Gros-Manseng.  This retails for under $10.  Light silvery/gold in color.  The nose has limes and peach.  There is some varietal complexity on the palate.  Limes and minerals.  Some acidity.  Easy drinking.  Not for cellaring.  Nice for a party or cook-out.  Works a bit better with some food.  

Silvery gold in color, clear and bright.  The nose has chalk and slight peach note.  On the palate, this is oily which is good.  Plenty of minerals with some bitters.  Also a slight peach note.  Good acidity.  Long finish. This is a basic wine that provides great value.  It should be drunk in the first year or so to enjoy it's freshness.  It will go well with salads, seafood and lighter foods.  

Whoa.  I thought this would be good, but this exceeded my expectations.  From the first sip it just kept getting better, and the first sip was very good too.  Purple in color, ruby at the rim.  The nose is very pretty with black cherries, spice.