Alexander Valley dry Ros of Sangiovese 2007

Price: $12
Maker: Alexander Valley Vineyards, Sonoma County, Healdsburg, California
Varietal: Sangiovese
Packaging: 750 ml bottle, screw cap
Alcohol: 13.5%
Our Rating: 8.8 out of 10

Alexander Valley dry Ros of Sangiovese 2007 has enticing aroma of melon and flowers, and is a crystal-clear dark pink color. It’s flavor is an interesting mix of watermelon and berries, with a crisp acidity that’s so tingly on the tongue that one expects bubbles to form. We see very few Ros wines here, and even fewer of this quality.

Mont-Pellier Pinot Noir 2007 wine

This California sourced Pinot is a purple cranberry hue with some depth. Strawberries and Pinot nose with sweet spicy raspberry hints.

Palate--fresh, fruity strawberry/raspberry palate with a delicate tartness that lends some life, finishing with some fruit.

Okay, here's the surprise--this is a very drinkable Pinot with some down right Pinot character and yet this wine cost a ridiculous $6

Pascual Toso Malbec 2007 wine

Jellied cranberry hue with purple rim. Tart pie cherry bouquet with sweet fruit underneath.
Palate--spice front; watery feel, nice berry flavor but somewhat closed.

Finishes with sour cherry fruit. Okay , it is only $9 and it is okay at that price point and perhaps it is that I just don't care for Malbec but this was just so-so. But if you like Malbec, I'd still recommend something else like Neu Direction or Trapiche's Oak Cask. Raise a glass!

Cono Sur Pinot Noir 2007 wine

A pretty light cherry pour with really nice honest pinot aromas of tart raspberry.

Palate--alcohol is a bit overwhelming and flavors a bit thin with light raspberry. For $10, this wine is drinkable and varietal.

Saint-Esprit Cotes Du Rhone 2007 wine

Dark purple/garnet hue with bouquet of rich inky dark berries with dried cherry aromas.
Palate--light spice with tart cherries and tasty berries.

This blend by Delas is 75% Syrah 25% Grenache favoring the Syrah yet with Grenache fruity undertones. For $11, it is pretty good drinking. Raise a glass!