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Hess Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Mendocino/Lake/Napa Counties

Notes of rich fruit, particularly dark plum, cherries and cassis, nicely laced with cocoa. Mid-weight on the palate, smooth finish and silky tannins.

Purchased this is the U.S. at a much more reasonable $12. At $25, it doesn't present the best value but still a good wine.

Tasted July 2012.

Flagstone Music Room Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Wo Western Cape

A full bodied wine with lots of expressive, bold notes and flavours. Sweet blackberries and blueberries, coffee, mint, chocolate and black pepper. Mild, soft tannins and a long, velvety finish.

Tasted April, 2012.

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.

Gérard Bertrand Saint Chinian Syrah/Mourvèdre 2009, Ac

Smooth as silk. Very good value.

Korta Barrel Selection Reserve Petit Verdot 2010, Lontué Valley

A meaty, smokey, jammy wine, but rather tannic and acidic at the same time. Perhaps if this was put away over the short term it will calm down.

Tasted October, 2012.

Rabl St Laurent 2009, Kamptal, Niederösterreich

Smooth savoury with plenty of bright acidicy and young red fruit. A little tart, but a simple but enjoyable wine nonetheless.

Tasted June 2013.

Château Le Bourdieu 2009, Ac Médoc

Boutari Naoussa 2008, Pdo Naoussa

Hitting well above it's weight, a real value. Dried red fruit, potpouri, herbal notes, touch of oak, with the complexity and tannic strucutre to improve over a few years.

Tasted October 2013.

The Hogue Cellars Genesis Riesling 2010, Columbia Valley

As with many Rieslings, I had trouble getting past the petrol / waxy notes and sugary, heavy palate.

Tasted March 2013.

Rivera Violante Nero Di Troia 2009, Doc Castel Del Monte

This wine has a beautiful, vibrant colour. It is certainly fruit forward with a firm tannic backbone. Lively, bordering on tart, young red fruit with plenty of violet to boot. Certainly a modern style.

I would recommend serving slightly chilled for a good sipper, or pair with salty foods.

Tasted October 2013.