2006 Francois Bour Cotes Du Rhone

On account of bastardos helping themselves to my tools in the garage, I'm being forced to replace them... This gets expensive. Where does this pertain to wine, you ask? Well, economic hardships forced me to drink on the cheaps last night. I found this and a few others at a nearby gas station. The local Shell, believe it or not, stocks Stags Leap, Clos Du Val, and many other respectable wines....

This was not one of them.

I have always relied on fuel stations for their gasoline, but I never imagined I would pay two bucks to bring a bottle home and drink it. Wow! I'll use quotes from Anchorman to rate this.

Eye- Looks like the contents of a dirty diaper filled with indian food.

Nose- Pungent... stings the nostrels. I'm not going to lie to you, it smells like pure gasoline!

Taste- The inside of a prosthetic leg

Finish- it's a deep burn... it burns deep!

I've never been in prison, but the jail wine made of spit, yeast and fruit cups will please the palate more than this. Note to self- never sacrifice good wine for the sake of a few bucks. Stick to buying hot dogs, soft drinks and fuel at Shell stations.

-7/10

2010 Finca El Origen Reserva Malbec

VALUE ALERT! This is a wonderful bang for your buck if you like the Malbec grape... A young yet mature wine from Valle De Uco in Mendoza.

I am not always a fan of malbecs (unlike my cohort and good friend, Bluedog) and yet I am swept away by the layers of ripe fruit that are masterfully balanced by earthy, rich tannins; they hold each other together beautifully to a loooooong finish. For less than ten bucks, buy it and drink it tonight!

Eye- Crayon Purple

Nose- Ripe berries and pencil shavings

Mouth feel- Tannic yet not overly so

Taste- Ripe summer raspberries tapered into balance with leather for a finish that lingers on the palate.

Do it.

8/10

2008 Ernst & Co Pinotage

I'm baaaack! Though I have taken a rather long hiatus from my oenophilia/editorial/critical duties, I finally decided to jump back in... what a great feeling to be writing again and what a splendid wine to start with... and what a terrific value at that! The wine... 2008 Ernst & Co Pinotage.

One word- Good. Delicious South African wine that I found on clearance for four dollars a bottle... I think I just might buy a case... or two!

Eye- dark garnet

Nose- smoke and ripened fruit

Mouth feel- soft and warm

Taste- smoked bacon, ripened berrries and tobacco on the front with a subtle vanilla coming in to the tart blackberry finish that stays on your palate.

Rating- 7.5/10! drink now