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Muga Rosé 2011, Doca Rioja

A lively wine with a fair amount of minerality and acidity. Tart and sour fruits are the flavour du jour here. Cranberry, raspberry and rhubarb.

Tasted June 2012.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Columbia Valley

Coffee, chocolate, oaky, sweet/spicy black fruit. Long, simple finish.

Nothing special, but a crowd pleaser of sorts.

Tasted February 2013.

Zonte's Footstep Baron Von Nemesis Single Site Shiraz 2009, Barossa Valley, South Australia

Medium weight palate (light for au Aussie Shiraz), plenty of red berry fruit, particularly raspberry, with plenty of peppery spice on the nose. A rather acidic finish which doesn't leave a great deal of drinkability.

Not your typical Barossa Shiraz and your money could certainly be better served at $17.

Tasted January 2013.

Small Gully Mr. Black's Little Book Shiraz 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia

Big ol' fruit bomb. Plenty of dark berries with dark chocolate and a hint of coffee mixed in. A velvety finish with decent tannic structure.

Not great value for money.

Tasted January 2013.

Cloudline Pinot Gris 2010, Oregon

A very light, refershing and delicate Pinot Gris that truely exudes it's origins. Flowers are prominent with pear and nicely layered minerality with crisp, simple finish.

Tasted March 2013.

Santa Barbara Collection Chardonnay 2010, Santa Barbara

In agreement with comments above. A real crowd pleaser with great drinkability and moderate complexity. A refeshing, if not surprising, value for California Chardonnay at less than $20.

Tasted March 2013.

Salomon Undhof Salomon Groovy Grüner Veltliner 2012, Osterreich

Lots of white peach with very mild floral notes and parsley. Palate is similar to a riesling; petrol, a little sweet and yet slightly tart and dry.

Good value for price.

Tasted May 2013.

Montresor Soave Classico 2013, Veneto

Clean, fresh and in a enjoayble little package. I certianly appreciate that it's more reserved and subtle. A very nice value - especially consdering the rarity of affordable, classic Soave in vintages.

Tasted May 2015.

Santa Alicia Carmenere Reserve 2010, Maipo Valley

Medium body. Flavours of black berries, smoke, chocolate and espresso. Silky and smooth with light tanins.

Sterling Vintner's Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Central Coast, California

I was a little surprised by this wine, perhaps because I was expecting less form it.

While it lacked balance, decanting helped it express itself a little better. Flavours of ripe berry, cassis, clove, oak and vanilla. Medium tannins and a soft finish.

The recent discount makes it a more reasonable price for quality.