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.

The $3 Oak Ridge Cab

So I know Sean is going to hate me for putting this on his blog, but in my defense we did review Bug Light Wheat (rating = 2) and so I thought it was only fair.  Plus the value of this wine can theoretically only go up.  So here I go.

Nose & Look - Grape and spice, with tannin behind.  I detect something warm, and maybe some citrus.  Looks a little thin but an o.k. red.

Taste - I would have to say it's bland, but what would you expect.  You get equal amounts of alcohol and grape.  Less tannin, even less warmth and citrus.  What you would expect from something this cheap, but I can't say it's horrible.

Rating -4
I believe this is a pretty fair rating.  Nothing about this wine makes it spectacular, nothing makes it great, and nothing really makes it good.  It gets one better than a three because of the value factor, but I do have to say that spending even $7 more will get you something more around a 6.  Trust me, bring this to a party in another bottle and most won't no the difference, but if you want a great wine look somewhere else.

Malbec Alberti 154

2008 Malbec Alberti 154 from Mendoza, Argentina. 
Aged 6 months in oak barrels, 14.5% alc. vol.

Now we are in for a nice afternoon.

Price - $22 for the bottle, right in my price range.  I feel this is the range that gives the most bang for buck.

Nose - Great sweet grape smell (duhh right, but this ones to the moon).  Low tannin smell, but you can easily detect its value.  Last value is floral, and its the undertone.  Very little alcohol to smell.

Taste - The grape nose becomes the undertone, being moved behind the tannins.  The florals come steadily, with it being that last taste you have, then nice soft tannins again.  Distinctly unalcoholic, which allows me to taste the notes better.

Grade - 8
It's hard to beat the value and what you get for it.  Great red that would pair well with and tomato based sauce and fatty meat.  Would overpower any other food i.e. fish  This wine should be in your go to wine holder.