Lolonis Cabernet 2005

This was half-off at the local mart, and so I couldn't pass it up.  I usually do Zins more often so this will be a treat of difference.

Look/Smell - Sweet, green apple and the juiciest grape.  Red, then purple.  Sweetness is in the tartness.

Taste - Tart, plummy, green apple.  Tannins are light.  This one is suspiciously sweet for how high its alcohol content is.  The tannins come after the tart, they coat the tongue like a sheet, not like a blanket.

Rating - 6
Although this one is pleasing, I expect more from a cab.  It should be full of flavors and balanced.  This one is exceptionally tart which is unique but also its downfall.

2007 Bogle Old Vine Zinfandel

This was a $10 wine from the local grocery store.  Hope it can keep up with the more expensive wines.  This was selling for $22 at a bigger wine store.

Nose & Look - Dark purple, very little red.  Cherry and strawberry, more fruit than earth.

Taste - Strong body, tannin front, lemon orange citrus mix in aftertaste.

Rating - 6
This one could pass for more, but I've had better.  Bring this to a party and tell them it was $30 and I bet they'd believe you.

2007 Ravens Wood Vintners Blend Zinfandel

Found this for under $10 at the store and I was interested.  Here we go.

Look & Nose - Clear, rose red but not a deep red.  I let it decant for 45 min.  A nice sour maybe lemon or citrus orange.  Tannins are light.

Taste - Lightly rich, light being the operative word.  Great balance, the aftertaste containing all the tannins.  I'd say the secondary note is vanilla.

Rating - 6
I've been giving out sixes lately, but this one is a great find.  Under $10 will get you a wine that could easily fool the unacquainted. 

2008 Fetzer Merlot

This is a wine I'm familiar with.  Picked it up because it said it grew in a sustainable way and I like that.  Let's see how it fairs.

Nose & Look - Burgundy, slightly transparent.  I let it decant for 30 minutes.  Tutti-Frutti, a great sweetness with a floral comes to the front.  This will make you want to eat some fruit.

Taste - The tannins that were a no show in the nose come out to help fill in the rest of the song.  The fruits and flowers take a back seat to an oaky and slightly spicy tannin. 

Rating - 6

This is a wine that in is comparable to others, and would be good to serve with dinner.  I think there are better, but this one might be the quick pick while at the store.

Casillero del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Blanc from Chile, left to decant for ~30 min.

Nose and Pour - Slight sediment, clear just like most blancs.  Sweet nose, no tannins, great citrus background. 

Taste - Sweetness first, then a slight tannin, but mostly sweet.  Great flower and citrus on the way down.  Easy going and sophisticated.

Rating = 6 
I wasn't enthralled, but this was a great wine for ~$10.  I'm always partial to south American wines, and this one won't disappoint unless your looking for the spectacular.  Great sweetness will pair with desert or with a light fish and salad.