It's only wine but I like it

Casa Castillo El Molar 2011, Do Jumilla

big, soft, ripe and cuddly. easy to like, with lots of alcohol.

Aubert Visan Côtes Du Rhône Villages 2013, Ac

Well, the label claims 75% Grenache/25% Syrah. Certainly, the Syrah component makes its presence felt, with noted black pepper and spice along side the ripe red fruit. A hint of bug spray (which I get sometimes from syrah)detracts a bit - became more apparent on night 2. Tasted March 2016.

Meandro Do Vale Meão 2012, Doc Douro

Re-tasted Aug 2017: A couple of years of bottle age have made a big difference - lovely now and will keep. upgraded 1 pt.

Original note: A bit brooding and intense at the moment, certainly not giving all it can. Behind the tannin is plenty of ripe fruit, cedar, hints of vanilla, and fine length. Complexity and charm will come with age. To my taste, this is not ready for full enjoyment, but has fine potential. Hold until 2018, should keep into the '20s without concern. Tasted May 2015.

Maçanita Red 2012, Doc Douro

Agree with David and JS, this is well made, ripe Douro with some good backbone. Not the complexity or finish of top examples of the region, but representing good value. Tasted April 2017.

Lento Lamezia Riserva 2010, Doc

Re-tasted nearly a year after my first tasting, this is still a superb red. Perhaps the tannin has softened a bit but fresh and going strong. Drink now or hold a few more years.
Original note:
What a classic southern Italian wine. A very complex mix of dried fruits, herbs, ripe red fruit. To me, the tannin still seem quite powerful, though did not detract at all. Love this now, but I think even better in 18-24 months. Glad I bought a second bottle. A steal on sale at $15.75.

Quinta Do Mondego 2009, Doc Dão

A nicely balanced, complex red from the Dao. Firm, with ripe fruit and vibrant acidity. Yet, somehow it was just slightly underwhelming for $20. It just seemed a bit plodding and never really soared. Still, a well made wine..perhaps just needs a year or two. Tasted March 2015.

Tapiz Alta Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Mendoza

As DL notes, this is a very well-balanced cabernet, no doubt in large part due to the high altitude source of its grapes. Ripe fruit, solid structure, well-integrated oak. Very little heat from the 15% ABV. Long finish. Picked up on sale at the local Vintages for $16, a bargain (the original $19.95 price tag is more that fair given the quality here).

M. Chapoutier Les Vignes De Bila Haut Côtes Du Roussillon Villages 2013, Ac

Again this vintage, a solid southern French Rhone from the ever reliable Michel Chapoutier. Herbs, black pepper, smoked meat all support bright black and red fruits. Agree with DL, serve with a slight chill. Fine value indeed. Tasted June 2016.

Matetic Corralillo Sauvignon Blanc 2014, San Antonio Valley

An intense and vibrant Sauv Blanc here from a cool costal region in Chile. I get some pronounced pineapple flavours, back by passion fruit and lemon lime flavours. Very crisp and fresh. Organic and a very good value indeed. Tasted July 2016.

Ascheri San Giacomo Nebbiolo D'alba 2012, Podere Di Rivalta, Doc

Lovely floral nose here, very nebbiolo. On the palate, however, a bit of a letdown. Slim, and tart for sure, with lean red cherry/currant fruit. But just not that much depth here I'm afraid. Relatively simple and just an average finish. A good wine, no doubt, and true to its roots....just not a $25 wine. tasted March 2016.