Blair WineLover

Duckhorn Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Napa Valley

It does not have the complexity or long finish I would expect in a 90 rated wine. But the smoothness is amazing, with a slightly peppery mid-taste. This wine starts good and really grows. This would be a perfect introduction to great wine when serving less experienced wine drinkers. It seems a bit expensive, but not in stratosphere like other Napa wines.

I love it, and want more.

Benmarco Malbec 2012

It has a slightly off taste (maybe I don't like anise/licorice), which does fade a bit with time, but I don't think this wine is worth the money.

Cesari Mara Valpolicella Ripasso 2010, Veneto

Rich and smooth. A great value to have available in the general section, so you don't have to run out and buy a bunch before they are gone.

Cave De Roquebrun Roches Noires St. Chinian 2009, Ac

From the label: Generous tears on a rubis robe, this wine presents greedy notes of raspberry and blackberry. In the mouth, rounded tannins are a sign of well ageing. The attack is rich, a well balanced palate and a long finale with fruit aromas.

I could not possible match such fine prose, but this wine starts good, and becomes more amazing with every sip. And it does have a nice long finale.

Santa Rita Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2011, Casablanca Valley

I don't get it. It tastes like cheap wine to me. Not worth the price.

Estate Argyros Assyrtiko 2011, Santorini

With so many great reviews, why is it that I think this is the worst wine I have had in a long time. It reminds me of the homemade wine I used to make many years ago, a bit of vinegar with some sweetness to compensate. It might pass as cooking wine, or maybe I should just pour it down the sink.

Marqués De Cáceres Gran Reserva 2005, Doca Rioja

I have had a few high priced busts recently, so when I opened this one and the cork was rotten, it was oh, no, not again. But it was definitely not again. This wine is wonderful. Lots of pepper, complex and smooth. It is everything I hope for in a decent wine. Ah, finally.

Emiliana Novas Petit Verdot 2011, Colchagua Valley

Big and bold and reasonably smooth, it does not quite have the complexity to rate a ninety in my opinion. But a decent value for the price. (89)

UPDATE: I tried it again, after time in the carafe. I tasted a lot more complexity, so I will raise the score to 90. Excellent value.

Ridge Three Valleys 2009, Sonoma County

Cherry taste, leading into moderate spice, but not as much as I expected given the grapes involved. You think it is done, then the long finish kicks in. I was not impressed at first, but each sip brings out a little more complexity. Not really worth thirty five dollars.

Small Gully Mr. Black's Little Book Shiraz 2010, Barossa Valley

I don't think you can appreciate this wine from one taste right out the bottle. Some time in the carafe removed all trace of the few rough edges. This is extremely rich and smooth, with great finish. I tried one, bought a case, had another, then bought two more cases. It is that good.