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Raymond Classic Chardonnay 2010, North Coast, California

A rich, creamy Chardonnay with lots of tropical fruit: banana, pineapple, and caramel. Plenty of length and controlled acidity.

Tasted April 2013.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Columbia Valley

A fine wine for the price with great drinkability.

Typical Cabernet fruit: plum and cassis, with some subtle and nicely integrated pepper and earth notes. Medium body, average length and a smooth, silky finish.

Tasted August 2012.

Zenato Rosso 2009, Igt Veneto

An affordable, enjoyable wine that is true to the region. Zenato doesn't mail this one in, showing the fine wine-making expertise that they bring to their more expensive products.

A solid, well focused wine in a price category where we expect more disjointed wines.

A good everyday value.

Tasted May 2014.

Michele Chiarlo Le Marne Gavi 2011, Docg

On the sweeter side with slight acidity.

White flowers, peaches, nectarines and hints of spice. Medium palate and clean, refreshing finish.

Tasted July 2012.

Pirramimma Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Mclaren Vale

A solid wine, but not the best value. It certainly didn't live up to expectations based on previous vintages nor the price tag.

Lots of plum, blue berries, black berries, mint, chocolate, and oak. The alcohol lingers on an otherwise decent finish.

Certainly something to decant.

Tasted March 2013.

Château De Galifay Cairanne Côtes Du Rhône Villages 2010, Ac, Rhône, France

Spinifex Papillon Grenache/Cinsault/Carignan/Shiraz 2010, Barossa Valley, South Australia

Not much to add on tasting notes here. An elegant wine that focuses on restraint. complex and layered with depth for the price. A great grab at the bin end sale.

Tasted August 2013.

Sivas Sonoma Old Vine Zinfandel 2009, Sonoma County

Jammy bumbleberries, tart raspberries with sour cherries. A modest finish, but unbalanced sweetness and acidity. Fleshy yes, but a lack of integrated oak and depth.

Pair with sweet bbq. Moderate value.

Tasted March 2013.

Boutari Grande Reserve 2007

100% agree with JS.

Xinomavro is still new to me, but I am truely enjoying it. A great alternative to Italian and is always an interesting wine to bring to a friend's for dinner or as a gift.

Very nicely paired with tomato based dishes.

Tasted February 2013.

Château De Treviac 2010, Ap

A earthy, herbaceous wine with good complexity and body. A real taste of Southern France at a fair price - good value for money.

Dried dark plum, cassis, liquorice, lavender and sweet herbs, smoke, peppers, medium body, and a smooth velvety finish with moderate length.

Tasted April 2013.