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.

In the running for wine of the year.  Consumed from Magnum while tailgating at the Browns vs.

This was a new wine for me to try.  Of all places, I had it tailgating at the Jets vs. Browns Monday Night game in NY (NJ).  Deep ruby in color, a bit lighter at the rim.  The nose is nice with cherries and slight dusty cigar box notes.  On the palate, this has a nice texture.  Medium bodied.  Plenty of cherry fruit with some underlying crushed leaves.  Some depth and complexity.  Good finish.  This works well with a wide variety of foods.  It seems at or at least close to peak.  It should have another five to seven years at this level.