Chris MacDonald

Pelee Island Pinot Noir Reserve 2008, VQA Pelee Island

Nice light red color. Earthy and a little harsh, but it grows on you. Just okay for my tastes.

Trapiche Malbec Reserve 2008, Mendoza

Very dirty, earthy nose. I get spice and mushroomy, plummy flavors. I shouldn't like it, but for some reason, I do. It works.

Jadot Combe Aux Jacques Beaujolais Villages 2009

Cono Sur Merlot 2007, Central Valley

Deep purple color. Flavors of berries, earthy and a little sharp up front, but smooth on the finish. Good length and balance for 10 bucks. Recommended.

Xplorador Carmenere 2009, Central Valley

Slightly acidic nose, but turned out to be very smooth. Berries and vanilla. Finish is a little rough, but good length. Nice sipper and a great price, make this a winner.

Trapiche Malbec 2010, Mendoza

Nice deep color; initial aroma is sharp. Nice balance here: I get berry up front, into the leather and earthy finish. I like it as a sipper, but then I'm a sucker for cheap malbec. Easy to drink.

Tini Sangiovese Di Romagna 2009, Sangiovese Di Romagna

Very tart berries, high acidity. I remember it being better, last time I had it. Just okay this time around.

Castillo De Monseran Garnacha 2008

Meh. Didn't get the fruit bomb at all. Earthy and sour at the start, long into licorice with some berries. Disappointing for me, but can't beat the price.

Farnese Daunia Sangiovese 2009, Abruzzi

Nice color and very tart nose. Definitely get the berry flavors at the start, lengthens into a touch of earthiness going down. I'd say this is a pretty good value sipper, light body (but not weak) and exceptionally easy to drink. Recommended.

Yellow Tail Shiraz/Grenache 2009