Paul Yeoman

Farnese Casale Vecchio Montepulciano D'abruzzo 2013

This is a wine you definitely want to decant -- it needs a tonne of air to open up well. It's dry with some grip, but not unpleasant. It didn't really hit the mark for us.

Trapiche Reserve Syrah 2013, Mendoza

A good syrah, but I didn't find it overly memorable. I found it grew on me more with each glass. Was hoping this would be a stand out syrah like Trapiche's cabernet sauvignion, but was disappointed. I think the Cusumano is the better choice.

Trapiche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Very nice -- two of us concurring. Pleasant, fruity nose and relatively smooth for a young cabernet. Some alcohol on the finish, but nothing extreme. We drank this on its own and will be purchasing this regularly in the future.

Good pick by Steve. I'm going to try aging a few bottles, which I think will make this a real treat.

Château De Gourgazaud Cuvée Mathilde Minervois 2013, Ac

Santa Carolina Gran Reserva Petit Verdot 2012, Rapel Valley

This was a treat. It's a big wine that benefits from decanting. A great option if you like Cabernet Sauvignon, but want something a bit different. We drank this by itself, but I think it would be killer with food.

Of the three main PV options (Pirramimma, Santa Carolina and Cathedral Cellars), I found this to be the best structured from the big initial hit all the way to the lingering finish. Good value.

Bordon Gran Reserva 2005

La Posta Cocina Tinto Red Blend 2013

This is good, but I think there are better "general purpose red" options for under $13. It's likely a wine I would buy to give as a gift to infrequent wine drinkers -- the label does look pretty impressive and makes it appear to be a more expensive wine than it is.

Ogier Cotes Du Ventoux Red 2013

Not much depth, but a light peppery taste to start. A smooth drinking wine. Would make a nice pairing with strong cheeses. I also used this in a braised beef dish and was very pleased with the results.

Montecillo Crianza 2010

Tini Sangiovese Di Romagna 2012, Emilia Romagna

Quite nice. This sangiovese doesn't suffer from the harshness experienced from most sub-$10 wines of this varietal. Don't let the ratings put you off -- it's definitely worth the purchase. It's become our go-to weekday cheap night wine.