Dirt Cheap Wine

Dirt Cheap Wine- Dark Today- Protesting SOPA and PIPA

2012-01-18T09:21:00.000-07:00

January 18th, 2012 is the largest online protest in history, to stop the internet censorship bills, SOPA & PIPA. Join in by urging everyone you can reach to contact Congress now.

For more information, please visit http://sopastrike.com/strike/

$4 Green Fin 2010 White Wine California Trader Joes Organic

2011-12-29T01:33:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I have to admit that the 2009 vintage of this wine was less than stellar. But I decided to try the 2010 vintage just in case. Boy, am I glad I did... the 2010 got the vague-ness of "white wine" spot on. Just the right amount of fruitiness, sweetness, tartness... you name it, it has it. It's right up there with a good pinot grigio. I'm usually not a fan of white "table wine" but this one is a winner. I will be buying several more bottles. Did I mention that this wine is made with organic grapes? Well that's just icing on the cake. Drink up!

I give this wine 4 stars out of 5.

$2 Hayden- Harlow Merlot California Stater Bros.

2011-10-03T22:47:00.001-06:00

Now that Stater's $1.99 Douglass Hill has gone up a bit in price, I was interested to see the latest edition to the selection of dirt cheap wine. The new $1.99 Hayden~Harlow vineyards collection. I snapped up a bottle of the Merlot to test the waters. I like the concept of the eco-friendly bottle too. Now onto the tasting.

It has a rich, cocoa aroma with some cherries and coke. It is light-bodied and vaguely fruity on the palate with a long and spicy finish. I am a bit disappointed that the overall flavors seem very watered down but the nice finish somewhat makes up for the lack of fruit. Drinkable for sure, but not 100% satisfied.

I give this wine a 3 1/2 out of 5 stars

$5 Rex-Goliath Cabernet Sauvignon California Stater Bros.

2011-07-21T01:17:00.000-06:00

This wine label boasts a Giant 47 pound rooster on it which according to them, is a testament to their full-bodied, hearty wines. Let's see about that.

The color is nicely purplish and as I swirl it around, the legs are rather syrupy. It smells a bit generic with a strong essence of cinnamon on a fermented berry/cherry base. The first sip yields tight fruits with a nicely balanced acidity. The tannins provide a nice, dry finish. There are hints of berry pie, nutmeg and blue sweet-tarts. Overall, it is a nice, drinkable wine, and I would buy it again.

I give this wine a 4 out of 5 stars.

$2 Charles Shaw Pinot Grigio California Trader Joes

2011-07-11T17:05:00.000-06:00

I am a fairly big Pinot Grigio fan and was elated when Charles Shaw came out with their own Pinot Grigio. Previously the only white wines they offered were Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. It has a decent nose, fruity, melon-y with a touch of green apple. The first few sips are a bit astringent with very little of the promised fruit. After a few more sips, my palate adjusted, and the wine became more enjoyable. I still prefer the Sauvignon Blanc, but this is a decent runner-up.

I give this wine a 3.5 out of 5 stars.

$3 Crane Lake 2009 Pinot Grigio California Henry's Market

2011-03-14T09:52:00.001-06:00

I'm just gonna lay it out for you- avoid this one at all costs. I usually enjoy Crane Lake, so I was stoked to try this one. It smelled kind of "off" but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. The first sip went from good to bad in about two seconds. For a moment, there was a nice fruitiness but then it was quickly followed by a strong, rancid honey flavor. I tried a few more sips to see if it would iron itself out, but no luck. I let it chill overnight and the next evening, I poured it through a wine aerator... still no luck. That horrible rancid honey taste was overbearing and it was just way to sweet for a Pinot Grigio. As a last ditch effort I chopped up some strawberries and let them soak in the glass for a while which made the wine taste like a bottle of Frutezia.

I give this wine 1 out of 5 stars.

$5 Black Swan Merlot 2009 California Stater Bros.

2011-01-23T23:14:00.000-07:00

I am a huge fan of the Black Swan Cabernet Sauvignon so I am hoping the Merlot is nicely done as well. The nose is somewhat bland, very little fruit. The first sip is rather nice though... slightly fruity, with a nice grassiness about it. After a few sips I begin to pick up some nice jammy berry flavors with a touch of cinnamon and dried apricot. It certainly lived up to my expectations. I would definitely buy another bottle.

I give this Merlot a 5 out of 5 stars.

Round Hill $5 White Zinfandel 2009 California Online

2011-01-03T22:02:00.002-07:00

White Zinfandel has gotten a bad reputation for several reasons... it lacks complexity, it can be too syrupy and it's a favorite among middle-aged women earning it the affectionate nickname "cougar-juice." But before you pass judgement on the pink stuff, it might be time to revisit White Zinfandel.

I love what is on this bottle, "committed to sustainability" and the label includes all kind of "green" info about the winery and wine. But I guess what's in the bottle is more important.

This particular one doesn't have much in the way of a nose, maybe a light fruitiness, but that's about it. Surprisingly the taste is very fruity and a bit more crisp than a typical White Zin. It also has some floral notes and tropical fruit punch flavors. I would say the sweetness level is a little sweeter than a Reisling, but not too much. This would be perfect served with a fruit salad or a cheesecake. It's sweet and fruity, yet drinkable. Now I remember why White Zin is a great starter wine for those that don't normally drink wine.

I give this a 3.5 out of 5 stars for a White Zinfandel.

Dirt Cheap Wine- Top Picks of 2010

2011-01-01T17:49:00.000-07:00

These wines are the ones I found myself re-buying often because they were easy to find, super-affordable and consistently good. Try them out and leave a comment!

#1
Archeo, Nero d'Avola 2007 found at Trader Joes for $4
At first is smells of smoky, woodsy notes, more specifically, pine. But after letting it breathe after a hefty swirl, subtle cherry notes came through. The first sip is quite delicious, a bit read more...

#2
Crane Lake, Pinot Noir 2009 found at Henry's Market for $3
Oh my, does this one smell good! Super-berry aromas with plenty of cherry notes, yum. Smells like something I might taste at a fancy-schmancy winery. But did it deliver? Why yes, it did. This Pinot Noir is very nice, I am impressed. It is full of read more...

#3
Douglass Hill, Sauvignon Blanc 2008 found at Stater Bros. for $2
This one was one of my go-too wines when I wanted something I new would be good. And for the price, you couldn't go wrong. It is very consistent from glass to glass and read more...

#4
Diablo Creek, Pinot Grigio 2009 found at Vons/Safeway for $4
Light and crisp, a bit of citrus and some mango. The first sip is pretty decent, with some green apple and more citrus in the way of lemons and grapefruit. It has a consistently long finish, sip after sip and it seems like it's ...read more

Vinas Chilenas $3 Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Chile Trader Joes

2011-01-01T17:27:00.000-07:00

Delightful nose of grapefruit, mango and bursting with bananas. I thought I might need to add an umbrella to my glass. The first couple sips were a bit on the harsh side, very acidic and overly floral. After it had time to be swirled around a bit and mellowed out, it became very likable. The mango and bananas really stand out after you get past the strong bitter floral notes. Drinkable, but not stellar.

I give this wine a 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.

Douglass Hill $2 2009 Syrah California Stater Bros.

2011-01-01T17:14:00.000-07:00

Most Douglass Hill wines are quite drinkable, but nothing to write home about, so I my expectations weren't incredibly high when opening this bottle. The color was really pretty, a bright ruby tone and it smelled of cranberries and cherries. The sip was mild, lacking complexity and lightly fruity. It has a medium finish with notes of dark chocolate. Nothing spectacular, but very consistent from the first glass to the third.

I give this wine a 31/2 stars out of 5

Il Valore $4 2009 Sangiovese Italy Trader Joes

2011-01-01T17:08:00.000-07:00

I just love a good Sangiovese and I was excited to try this one- so affordable! The nose was absolutely yummy with the richness of figs, the fruitiness of black currants and hint of dark chocolate and black pepper. But on the first sip, the disappointment set in. It tasted nothing like it smelled... there was an intense bitterness right off the bat, totally lacking fruit and a medium finish of more bitterness. Yikes, this was really bad. Before dumping it, I popped on my wine soiree (aerator) and poured a bit through it. It softened the bitterness quite a bit, but it still overwhelmed the wine. I was ready to give this wine a 2 out of 5 stars, but then I forgot about it on the counter for four days. I figured I would give it one more shot before the drain, and poured a bit in a glass. And you know what, it wasn't half bad. It still wasn't great, but definitely drinkable. So the moral of this story is that if you get a bottle of this, plan ahead to decant and aerate the heck out of it before attempting to drink it.

I give this wine 3 out of 5 stars

Callaway Cellar Selections $4 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon California Stater Bros.

2010-12-23T00:08:00.001-07:00

It's a bit over-aged on the nose with a light undertone of dark berries. I was not terribly thrilled with what I was smelling, but I am giving it the benefit of the doubt... I have liked Cellar Selections in the past.

The first sip yields barely-there fruits and a mild green pepper finish. After a few sips I began to pick up subtle cherry notes but overall it's lacking complexity of any kind. About half way through the glass I had some grilled meat, and that did bring out a slight jamminess, but it was too little, too late and I probably would not buy it again.

I give this wine a 3 out of 5 stars.

Dirt Cheap Wine- Interviewed for "South Florida Wine and Food"

2010-10-31T16:23:00.002-06:00

From South Florida Food and Wine:

"This past year I've interviewed some great bloggers with even better names, Fat Kids Club, Burger Beast, WorstPizza, The Chowfather, The French Fry Fairy, it’s all in the name and that is what piqued my interest about this week’s blogger in the spotlight, Dirt Cheap Wine. I could only imagine what this blog was about when I first started following her on Twitter. So here’s the thing if you’re going to pitch Dirt Cheap Wine it definitely needs to be done in a very straight forward way because it either works or it doesn’t; there’s no fluff, no blah, blah, blah, no terroir pontificating and Dirt Cheap Wine does just that she gets to the point and tells you it works or it doesn’t. This a great resource site about budget wines and mind you I had no idea there were so many cheap wines on the market. Dirt Cheap Wine has done a great job of finding inexpensive wines and has post after post of $4 and $5 wines, just reading them gives me the “sulfite strain.”

I have to say I’ve passed this site on to people who are into value wine and Dirt Cheap Wine has yet to miss the mark. Many of her recommendations have made economical wine sippers very happy. So for some pretty spot-on cheap wine reviews and overall entertaining reading, our Blogger in the Spotlight this week, Dirt Cheap Wine is bringing it home."
CLICK HERE FOR THE INTERVIEW

$5 Barefoot Sauvignon Blanc California Vons/Safeway

2010-10-16T00:15:00.000-06:00

This light colored wine smells of crisp pears and honeydew melons, a perfect blend for a warm spring day. It tastes light and fruity just like it smells and it even has a touch of effervescence that tingles on the palate. Classic, clean and crisp. I would definitely keep this on hand.

I give this wine a 4 out of 5 stars

$5 Barefoot Pinot Noir California Stater Bros.

2010-10-05T00:34:00.001-06:00

It has a nice purple-red tone, but a closed, tight nose. If I really have to dig, it's slightly jammy with a berry. Not any particular berry, just a generic single berry note.

And the taste doesn't vary to much from the smell. A bit of nearly imperceptible fruit, followed by a bitter tobacco flavor. Even though it is lacking flavor, it's still a bold, in-your-face wine but with an immature arrogance. It stutters with the faint taste of green chiles and unripe plums and ends with a long, tart finish. Overall, it is somewhat drinkable but I would not buy it again. Try the Barefoot Zinfandel, which is much better.

I give this wine a 3 out of 5 stars

$4 Jacob's Creek 2007 Shiraz California CVS

2010-09-30T23:45:00.000-06:00

This wine is an earthy burgundy color and it smells of port and ripe cherries. The first sip is a little tart and kerosene-ish. It continues to be bitter with very little fruit or flavor. Okay, I'm going to call it. This wine is garbage. Leave it on the shelf for some other guy who doesn't read this blog.

I give this wine a 1 out of 5 stars.

$5 Barefoot 2008 Zinfandel California CVS

2010-09-21T00:11:00.001-06:00

Barefoot is usually a dollar or two out of my budget but sometimes it goes on sale so I like to grab a few bottles when it does. I picked this one up at a 2/$10 sale with a couple of other varietals.

It's got rich, ripe cherries and berries on the nose with a touch of anise. It's very fruity tasting without being too jammy. The tannins are nicely balanced and it has a long finish that begins on the fruity side, and ends with some light nutmeg and cinnamon notes. This is a delicious wine and I will be back for more.

I give this wine a 5 out of 5 stars

3 Blind Moose $4 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon California CVS

2010-09-21T00:00:00.000-06:00

It's got a tight nose, some slightly perceptible fruitiness and green bell pepper come through but that's about it. It tastes very earthy, with subtle black cherry. It's definitely missing the fruitiness that I usually enjoy in a Cab. It's got a long finish of aforementioned earthiness and it really tastes a bit past it's prime. I wouldn't bother getting a bottle, and if you have one on hand, drink it or use it pronto. This is another bomb by 3 Blind Moose, see my review of their Merlot.

I give this a 3 out 5 stars.

Redwood Creek $5 2008 Pinot Noir California CVS

2010-09-19T23:38:00.000-06:00

It has a tight nose (not smelling a lot a going on in the glass.) Picking up some cola, prunes as well as some unexpected tropical fruit notes. The first sip yields some minerality and green bell pepper. It mellows out a bit after the first few sips, but then it gets very watery. It lacks flavor and complexity. I am not thrilled with this at all.

I give this wine a 2 out of 5 stars

$7 Barefoot Sparkling Wine Pinot Grigio California Stater Bros.

2010-09-16T01:36:00.000-06:00

After years of avoiding Dirt Cheap Champagne (technically- "Sparkling Wine") due to limited variety, I am glad it's becoming more popular to offer a reasonably priced bottle of bubbly. I picked up this bottle at my local grocery store and was pleased that the label was modern and easy to read. I usually don't buy anything over $5, but I guess if you're splurging on bubbly, a few extra bucks won't hurt.

I grabbed this one because I have been on a Pinot Grigio binge over the summer, and thought this would be a good way to say goodbye to the refreshing varietal in exchange for the red wines I enjoy in autumn. But I think I may be in trouble since this bubbly is downright delicious! It was lacking that sharp, garish flavor that many budget bubbly's have and it did indeed taste of Pinot Grigio. It was nice to know the varietal before purchasing so that I could anticipate what I was getting.

This sparkling wine is a good in-between bubbly. Not too sweet, not to dry. (Unless of course you have an obsession with super brut sparklers in which case, it might be a tad sweet.)

I give this Sparkling Wine a 4 1/2 out of 5 stars

$5 Barefoot Wine Pinot Grigio California CVS

2010-09-10T01:44:00.000-06:00

Summer is coming to an end and so is my love affair with Pinot Grigio. It has kept me refreshed in the summer heat, but as the weather cools, I will turn back to reds for their boldness and warmth. Okay, enough poetic crap- onto the tasting!

It's a very light straw color, in low light it could almost pass for water. It has a tight nose with a quick blink of pears and a fleeting moment of lavender. A few more sniffs reveal some ripe pineapple and subtle notes of honey.

Upon the first sip I get some quiet woodsy notes, with a touch of ripe, yellow pears. It has a very slight effervescence which keeps it very light and refreshing. Overall, not terribly complex or overly fruity but a nice drinkable wine.

I give this wine a 4 out of 5 stars

Dirt Cheap Champagne Review brought to you by~ Cara Alwill of "The Champagne Diet"

2010-09-09T00:00:00.001-06:00

Do you have Veuve Clicquot taste on a Franzia budget? Love the taste of sparkling wine but afraid that you can't enjoy it unless you spend hundreds of dollars on a vintage bottle of Dom Perignon? Have no fear, affordable Champagnes are here!

When Chelsie asked me to do a piece of "dirt cheap Champagnes" I knew my first job would be clarifying exactly what I'd be reviewing. We all know that true Champagne is only produced in the Champagne region of France. Because of its scarcity, "real" Champagne is typically expensive. The cheapest bottle of Champagne one could ever really get would be probably retail anywhere between $50 and $70. But sparkling wines have the same effervescent quality as Champagnes do, and they are much more budget-friendly.

Here are some great sparkling wine choices under $10

Andre Extra Dry - $4.99
By itself, Andre is not wonderful. Perhaps it’s because before trying it, the only reviews I could find online described it as “the perfect Champagne for college kids on a budget.” I was immediately turned off, and after trying it myself, I had to agree that this is not my favorite. It’s way too sweet and just not enjoyable. But throw in some Cipriani Bellini mix, or some orange juice, and you’ve got yourself a winner. Would I have this with my favorite brunch meal on the weekend? Probably not, but at just about 5 bucks a bottle, you really can’t go wrong when serving “Champagne cocktails” at a party or a brunch to the masses.

Cristalino Brut Cava - $8.99
I stumbled upon Cristalino Brut by accident. It was given to a coworker as a gift from a high-end client. Without seeing a price tag, I assumed this was an expensive Champagne. After falling in love with it, I went to price it in my local liquor store. I was shocked to find how inexpensive this Cava was. Cristalino Brut is an excellent choice for when you want to drink bubbly straight up. It’s crisp and light bodied, with a hint of fruit behind it – but not overbearing. There is definitely an apple taste to it, but don’t be misled – this is a very dry sparkling wine. My favorite out of all the “cheap Champagnes” out there.

Cava Codorniu Brut – $8.99
Another fabulous choice when you’re looking for a sparkling wine under $10 to drink by itself. This is filled with floral and citrus notes, and goes down easy. It’s smooth yet full bodied. This is one of the more complex sparkling wines I’ve tasted in this price range. The best part about it is that it comes in splits for $3.49 a “pop!” Can’t beat that.

~By Cara Alwill of The Champagne Diet

3 Blind Moose $5 2007 Merlot California CVS

2010-09-08T23:28:00.000-06:00

This wine is a nice translucent shade of purple-red. They should make a crayola color for it. Cherries are popping out of the glass while I'm pouring it... yum! It is rich and jammy on the nose with some espresso undertones.

The first sip is a bit on the bland side. Very generically fruity and light bodied. The finish is very dry but it's lacking the fruitiness that I look for in a Merlot. definitely not great right off the bat. Towards the end of the glass I started picking up some eucalyptus and some green peppers, but it never really came around.

I give this wine a 3 out of 5 stars.

$4 Sutter Home 2007 White Merlot California CVS

2010-08-31T01:48:00.001-06:00

In my search for a budget Rose, I picked up a bottle of this in hopes of a light, crisp Rose that would pair well with grilled chicken and summer picnics. The color is that of a melted pink popsicle and it smells of strawberry jolly ranchers and strawberry jam. It is horrendously sweet in a very manufactured way and tastes like a syrupy version of Strawberry Hill mixed with Welches white grape juice. I would stay far, far away from this monstrosity. I could see some pimple-faced teenager sneak-drinking this out of a paper bag in the back of a hand-me-down '91 mini-van. This is the kind of crap that gives cheap wine a bad name. Blech. There is no saving this bottle.

I give this wine a ZERO out of 5 stars. That's a first!

$2.50 Oak Creek Chenin Blanc/Pinot Grigio California CVS

2010-08-31T01:36:00.000-06:00

I bought 2 bottles of this, one says Pinot Grigio in dark letters and Chenin Blanc in light letters. The other says Chenin Blanc in dark and Pinot Grigio in light. Go figure. I have no idea what that means, if anything. Could just be a change in labeling. But with that labeling weirdness and the lack of year... I'm a little worried. Okay, so onto the wine. The nose is sweet and fruity with a crispness to it as well. It's an average straw tone, not to light, not to dark. I picked up on some honeydew aromas with some lemon notes. I was intrigued. Unfortunately, it smells way better than it tastes. Not much going on in this glass of boredom. I can hardly detect any fruit in it at all. This might make a good wine for sangria (trying to stay positive here.) This wine says "blah-blah-blah" to me. I would not get it again, nor recommend it. As Gary V. would say- "poor effort."

I give this wine a 2 out of 5 stars.

$5 Twin Fin 2007 Pinot Grigio California Stater Bros.

2010-08-31T01:27:00.000-06:00

This has a deeper yellow color to it than most Pinot Grigio. It has a lovely, fruity bouquet with loads of apples, pears and honeydew melon. The first sip tastes exactly as it smells, very fruit forward and slightly sweet and syrupy. This wine is mature and a little more succulent and robust than a younger, crisp Pinot Grigio, hence the deeper hue and slightly syrupy mouth-feel. Not bad at all though, very drinkable. I don't think anyone should hold onto this wine too long since it's already aged enough, so if you get some, drink it up! Cheers!

I give this wine a 4 out of 5 stars.

$3 Forestville 2007 Gewurstraminer California CVS

2010-08-29T21:52:00.000-06:00

CVS carries a really big selection of wine- who knew? And with their awesome sale prices, I might be shopping there for wine more often. Okay, so moving on to the wine itself.

It's a nice, light straw color, usual for a Gewurstraminer. It has a peppery nose with subtle pear and lemongrass notes. The first sip is surprisingly crisp and lightly sweet. It is nicely balanced and tastes of pears canned in light syrup (not in a bad way- don't get me wrong) and lemon zest. After a few sips, the sweetness became more evident. This wine would be great for wine newbies, and it would make a great dessert wine to serve with some cheesecake.

I give this Gewurstraminer 4 stars.

$4 Sutter Home 2009 Zinfandel California Stater Bros.

2010-08-21T22:19:00.000-06:00

It smells of cola and chocolate with subtle undertones of cinnamon and spice. It tastes of berries and cocoa with a nuance of maraschino cherries. At first it is very bold with a sharp finish, but after my palate adjusts, it became slightly jammy with a long, lingering mild finish.

I give this wine a 5 out 5 stars.

$5 Barefoot Shiraz California Stater Bros.

2010-08-13T23:19:00.000-06:00

I love a good Shiraz, so I was excited to try this one. The color is a nice, translucent red-burgundy color. It smells of damp grass, raspberry vinaigrette and ripe, red peppers. It has a bright raspberry flavor to it with a nice, long finish. After a few sips it starts to become a bit more fruity with almost a jammy quality coming through. The dry finish brings some pine and redwood with a slight touch of grassiness.

I give this wine a 4 1/2 out of 5 stars

$5 Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon California Stater Bros.

2010-08-12T21:36:00.002-06:00

I was excited to find this on sale this week for $5 (usually it's around $7... a bit pricey for my under-$5-budget.) There is no year on the label, except for a "best buy" award from Wine Enthusiast in 2008 talking about "Cabernet Blends."

The nose is fruity with a peppery (thinking green peppers here) quality. The palate is full and thick with flavors of spice and charcoal with a decently long finish. The fruit is a bit lost and not quite as "jammy" right off the bat as the label says. I aerated it with my Wine Soiree and it softened it enough to let some of fruitiness come out. I picked up some notes of blueberry and blackberry. Overall, pretty good stuff, I would buy it again.

I give this wine a 4 1/2 out of 5 stars

$4 Archeo 2007 Nero d'Avola Sicily Trader Joes

2010-08-11T00:14:00.000-06:00

I absolutely loved the 2005 vintage of this wine, way back before I even had a wine blog. I went and bought a bunch of wine at Trader Joes a couple of weeks back and I was saving this one for last. It has a nice bottle too, so if someone did not frequent Trader Joes, then they might assume this is a more expensive bottle just by the look of it. Anyway, onto the tasting!

At first is smells of smoky, woodsy notes, more specifically, pine. But after letting it breathe after a hefty swirl, subtle cherry notes came through. The first sip is quite delicious, a bit hearty and grassy with subtle layers of eucalyptus and molasses. The finish is long with a touch of fruitiness. The more I tasted it, the more the fruitiness came out, without losing it's character.

Overall, this wine is an excellent price for the complexity and balance. I think if it was in a blind tasting, it would rival much more expensive wines.

I give this wine a 5 out of 5 stars.

$4 Abrazo Del Toro 2008 Garnacha Tempranillo Spain Trader Joes

2010-08-04T02:25:00.000-06:00

After a horrible experience with the 2005 Abrazo I was really worried about what I would encounter in this bottle.

The nose is nicely smoky with a bit of meatiness. The first sip yields light blackberries with a bit of herbs and tobacco. The Garnacha softens the Tempranillo, perhaps a bit too much for those who like a bold Tempranillo. Dry, yet fruity, this wine is far cry from the '05 vintage but in a good way. I do think this wine is pretty much at it's peak, so I would drink it up now. No point in saving this bad boy.

I give this hearty wine a 4 out of 5 stars

$4 Purple Moon 2008 Shiraz California Trader Joes

2010-07-27T20:45:00.001-06:00

I was so excited to try this Purple Moon Shiraz as the last vintage I tasted, Purple Moon 2004, was stellar. This one is kind of a dull, deep red and smells very grassy. It is slightly bitter, but mellows out after a few sips. It tastes of nutmeg and half-ripe cherries. I decided it was in need of some aeration, so the next glass I poured through my Wine Soiree to clean it up a bit. The aeration helped it quite a lot and it helped bring out some of the subtle cinnamon, blackberry and black cherry notes. It is definitely bold, and complex but it needs the aeration to really open it up. It doesn't live up to the 2004, but is still intriguing.

I give this a 3 1/2 out of 5 stars
But, I give this a 4 out of 5 stars when aerated

Check out my friends thoughts on the same wine at ZinbytheSea

$5 Tuscan Moon 2008 Sangiovese California Trader Joes

2010-07-27T01:33:00.000-06:00

This is a pretty pinkish purple and very transparent. It smells of berries, spice and grass. I took a sip and it's not bad at all! It's full of fresh, ripe fruit but it has a nice balance of tannins and acidity that all work very well together. (Basically, the fruit balances the dryness.) There is even some residual smokiness on the finish. It is a lighter bodied red, with a medium finish.

I give it 4 stars out of 5

$4 Rendez-Vous 2009 Beaujolais Nouveau France Trader Joes

2010-07-23T23:53:00.000-06:00

This wine is a lovely jewel tone of reddish purple and is quite rich looking. It smells of subtle plums and cherries. The first few sips yield layers of black currant, black cherry and blackberry. It is also very peppery with heavy spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. This Beaujolais is medium-bodied with a very long, spicy finish. It is very nice indeed... I would definitely keep a bottle of this on hand.

I give this wine 4 out of 5 stars

$4 Green Fin 2009 White Table Wine California Trader Joes

2010-07-23T00:18:00.000-06:00

This cute 'lil bottle was practically clamoring to get into my cart. So I brought a bottle of "table wine" home. But on the plus side- it's made with organic grapes. The first sniff smells a bit of syrupy Moscato followed by crisp Sauvignon Blanc. Interesting so far. The first sip yields definite sweetness followed by... well, nothing. There is nothing to pick out, it's just a generic white wine... I guess the label was correct.

I give this wine a 3 out of 5 stars.

(I had to throw on an extra star because it's organic.)

$5 Herding Cats 2008 Merlot/ Pinotage South Africa Stater Bros.

2010-07-22T23:25:00.000-06:00

This opaque, deep purple wine smells of grass and damp earth. The first sip is quiet bold with nuances of black pepper. It has a meaty quality to it, I almost want to chew it up like a good steak. The savory Pinotage has completely overtaken the Merlot and there is very little fruit to speak of. Even though the blend missed the mark slightly, this is a very drinkable wine. It is definitely on the heavy side, so I would suggest serving it with an equally heavy dish- lasagne perhaps?

I give this wine a 4 out of 5 stars.

$5 Redwood Creek 2009 Chardonnay California Stater Bros.

2010-07-18T22:01:00.000-06:00

This one has a nice melon fragrance... but the taste gives way to extreme creaminess, bordering on buttery. Tons of pears, gala apples, bananas and maybe a touch of pineapple upside down cake. Very rich, fruity and creamy. If you like a succulent Chardonnay, this one's for you!

I give this wine a 4 out of 5 stars

$5 Now and Zen 2008 Alsace White France Trader Joes

2010-07-18T21:57:00.001-06:00

Melon and citrus on the nose, with a bit of papaya. Upon sipping, it is a very well-rounded blend. There is a bit of just about everything in there... fruit, crisp flavor with a touch of sweetness. There is a bit of a Moscato-ish flavor with some flavors of Pinot Grigio too. This would be a great table wine, when you are serving a lot of different people with different tastes.

I give this wine a 4 out of 5 stars

For a more in-depth review of this wine, check out Jason's review at Jason's Wine Blog

$4 Albero White Sparkling Wine Spain Trader Joes

2010-07-17T22:52:00.000-06:00

First off, it gets a big thumbs up for being organic. Even though it's sparkling wine, it looks to be just an ordinary white wine, except for the slightly bulbous cork. The nose is somewhat sweet and flowery. And then.... what a let down. It is completely flat. Maybe a slight fizz on the tongue but on the whole, more like a stale champagne than a sparkling wine. The flavor is a bit on the sweet side and tastes more like a Gewurstraminer.

I give this wine a 1 out of 5 stars

$4 Callaway Cellar Selections 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon California Stater Bros.

2010-07-13T00:56:00.000-06:00

This one has a bright purple-red color with thick, slow legs. It smells of ripened cherries, allspice and freshly mowed grass. I took a sip and it has a bit of a bite, but still nicely fruity and spicy. After a couple of sips, berries and cinnamon became the key players followed by nuances of green peppers, and earth. Not a bad Cabernet for the price, not a terribly complex wine, but decent enough.

I give this wine a 4 out of 5 stars

$5 Black Swan 2009 Shiraz Australia Stater Bros.

2010-07-13T00:01:00.000-06:00

I was so impressed with the Black Swan Cabernet Sauvignon I was excited to try the Shiraz. The color is a nice, deep burgundy and it smells of toast and jam. The first sip is bold and brazen with slight jamminess to it that quickly gave way to a slightly bitter finish. There is almost a syrupy texture to the wine which makes it seem very fruity, but the tannins overpower it so it is very conflicting, and not in a particularly good way. After a few sips, my palate adjusted and it became quite tasty. But the finish always came across a bit harsh.

I give this wine a 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.

Vinturi VS. Wine Soiree TASTE-OFF!

2010-07-09T23:36:00.001-06:00

As you may or may not know, aeration is the KEY to enjoying cheap wine. Why is that? Because exposing the wine to air can reduce or mellow out any bitterness and funky flavors you might encounter when you take a chance on a $2 bottle of wine. My Vinturi aerator has made an undrinkable bottle of wine drinkable again. It has saved countless bottles of wine from being poured down the drain. But the big drawback to the Vinturi is that it is expensive, it stains, the plastic eventually becomes dull and it becomes something you keep in the drawer instead of displaying on the wine bar where it used to reside. It is also creates a bit of a drippy mess after you pour 2-3 glasses through it. Which requires a break to rinse and dry it before resuming use.

I was so excited to try the Wine Soiree because number one, its affordability. If you drink dirt cheap wine, you want to keep your wine accessories dirt cheap too. And another bonus is that is made of glass, which won't stain or become dull. BUT I was worried that it could never live up to my Vinturi. But at half the price of one Vinturi, if it was even half as good, it would still be a bargain.

The major difference between the two aerators is that you pour the wine into the top of the Vinturi aerator and it comes out the bottom into the glass. When not in use, it rests in a holder. You have to use it per glass which can get kind of drippy. The Wine Soiree pops into the top of the bottle so you can easily pour multiple glasses with ease.

I tested the two on a Black Swan Shiraz, which was on the young and bitter side straight from the bottle. I tasted the Wine Soiree pour and WOW what a difference. It cut the bitterness and mellowed it out into a perfect Shiraz. The Vinturi pour also cut the bitterness... but not as much. I was stunned that the Wine Soiree beat out my beloved Vinturi! I spent thirty minutes between the three glasses and multiple cracker breaks (to cleanse the palate) and the Wine Soiree continued to out perform the Vinturi. Okay I am sold.

Now don't get me wrong, my Vinturi is still destined to make the occasional appearance. Since the Wine Soiree is attached to the bottle, it would make it difficult to aerate the wine a second time if needed (yes, once in a while I pour a wine 2-3 times through the Vinturi to mellow it out) But it will remain in the drawer while the Wine Soiree will sit nicely on the bar.

Check it out at the Wine Soiree site.

Black Swan & Douglass Hill 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon TASTE -OFF!

2010-07-07T00:37:00.001-06:00

So how does Douglass Hill, the cheapy blue-collar wine stand up to the poor-man's expensive wine- Black Swan? I conducted a brief side-by-side tasting to see which one is the better choice for this vintage (year) and varietal (grape.) I started with Douglass Hill which was a little over-ripe, but mellowed out into some earthiness and berries. Definitely on the dry side. After a quick palate cleanse, I dug into the Black Swan which was heavy on the fruit punch yet still delivers a bit of boldness. Back to the Douglass Hill which now presents flavors of Coca-Cola and black licorice. And a finish off to the taste-off with the Black Swan, which tastes exactly the same as the first sip.

Final thoughts- The Douglass Hill is still a bargain at $2 even though it is a bit lackluster and fruit-less. The Black Swan rivals some top-notch wines at many wineries I have had the pleasure of visiting. This Black Swan wine is a good example of a cheap wine being as good as some of the expensive ones. In the case of Douglass Hill, it needs a bit more work. (Douglass Hill does make a decent Merlot, so not all is lost!)

I have to give this match to Black Swan hands-down.

$5 Black Swan 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Australia Stater Bros.

2010-07-07T00:06:00.000-06:00

Okay, okay, so this one is usually priced at $6.99 (out of my usual $5-or-less budget) but it was on sale this week for $4.99 so I picked it up. It actually goes on sale quite often, so wait for the sale and stock up instead of buying full price. I poured a hefty two ounces and gave it a swirl. It smells of sweet dried cranberries and maraschino cherries. There is a toasty, woody note too. It has a heavy, slightly syrupy mouth feel at first and tastes of blackberries and black cherries. It has a nice contrast of tannins and sweetness with a well-rounded medium finish. I am quite impressed with the complexity of this wine for under $5. I would definitely get another bottle... and soon!

I give this wine a 5 out of 5 stars!

$2 Quail Oak Merlot California Vons/Safeway

2010-07-03T00:13:00.000-06:00

Bold and berries on the nose, with a light, yet vivid burgundy color. It is refreshing, bold and fruity on the palate with a medium finish. Not bad for two bucks. I would definitely get this again, however the year is not listed on the bottle... so this review might not pertain to this wine 6 months from now.

4 out of 5 stars

Luxist Article- Does Expensive Wine taste better than Cheap Wine?

2010-06-29T13:37:00.001-06:00

Check out this article on Luxist.com which discusses whether expensive wine tastes better than cheap wine. And to back it up, here is the research paper on the same subject.

$4 Lucky Duck Shiraz Australia Walmart

2010-06-28T23:28:00.000-06:00

This one has a strong, bold berry aroma with black cherries and a bit of black coffee. It's pretty tasty. After swirling it around briefly, I took a small swig. There are immediate flavors of sweet red peppers and tart plums. After a few sips I noticed a nectarine taste which complimented all the tartness and berry flavors quite nicely. This shiraz has a nice medium finish and leaves me with a lingering taste of olallieberries. This is a fairly bold, yet ever-so-slightly jammy wine. I would buy it again.

I give this wine a *4 out of 5 stars.

*I might have given this one a 5 stars, but there was an annoying plastic shrink-wrap over the top (is plastic the new foil?) which was a pain to remove. And the bottle did not mention the vintage (year) so there is no telling if 6 months from now, it will be the same.

$3 Crane Lake 2009 Pinot Grigio California Henry's Market

2010-06-23T19:28:00.000-06:00

Boy, have I been on a serious Pinot Grigio kick lately, or what? It's such great cheap, summer wine though. Crane Lake has been pretty consistent with decent wines, so let's see if this one holds up.

It has a fun, beachy smell aroma to it at first and then I start to pick up the fruit. Light citrus and papaya come through as well as the usual pinot friend, pears. First sip is buttery. Yes, buttery... a bit unusual for a Pinot Grigio wouldn't you say? This is a lightly sweet wine full of fresh, summery fruits. A fruit salad if you will- minus the berries. It's pretty good, a nice light finish and a typical Pinot Grigio flavor. Anyone making the transition from Gewurstraminer and Reislings to a drier white would find this one a nice baby step up.

While white wine has been de-lish, I have to turn back down red road for a bit. I miss the complexity of red.

I give this wine a 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.

$2 Gato Negro 2009 Sauvignon Blanc Chile Albertsons

2010-06-23T00:36:00.000-06:00

First off, I absolutely adore that this bottle has a screw top. It has already been proven that a cork adds nothing to a bottle of wine and I don't have to worry about the stopper being short enough to fit into the bottom rack of the fridge door. Okay, enough about closures and on to the opening. After a quick pour and swirl, I went in for a sniff and it was oh-so-fruity with lovely pears, sweet oranges and touch of lemonade. The first sip was very nicely packed with pears, melons and green apple. Not to complex, but very consistent. This one is very yummy, and a bit on the sweeter side of the spectrum. This would be a fantastic pairing with flip-flops and swimming pool.

I give this wine a 4 out of 5 stars.

$2 Crane Lake 2008 Sangiovese California Henry's Market

2010-06-21T01:15:00.000-06:00

I love a good Sangiovese, so it takes a good one to impress me. Upon pouring I took note of the rich, red, burgundy color. The first sip is bold and fruity. Cherry, blackberry and black currant flavors with a long, expansive finish. This wine is rich, substantial and satisfying. There are undertones of a super dark chocolate (as in 80% cocoa, dark) it really opens up when swished around a bit. The second pour really mellowed out but it never lost it's bold fruit and generous finish. This one's a keeper folks!

I give this wine a 5 out of 5 stars

$3 Diablo Creek 2009 Pinot Grigio California Vons (Safeway)

2010-06-18T23:31:00.000-06:00

Mmmm... smells yummy right off the bat. Light and crisp, a bit of citrus and some mango. The first sip is pretty decent, with some green apple and more citrus in the way of lemons and grapefruit. It has a consistently long finish, sip after sip and it seems like it's pretty close to being at it's peak. So buy a bottle, put a chill on it and enjoy it immediately. This is good one to bring to a summer barbecue to go along with the grilled chicken and chilled pasta salad. Yum!

I give this wine 4 out 5 stars.

$4 Glen Ellen 2009 Pinot Grigio California Stater Bros.

2010-06-17T23:26:00.001-06:00

This particular bottle boasts "Proprieter's Reserve" and the name "Concannon Vineyard" which doesn't mean much to me unless the wine delivers. Okay, onto the tasting. To start off, the nose is very bland. The small amount of fruitiness I detect is somewhat over ripe. The first sip brings me absolutely nothing. The second sip I really swish around and have to dig for it, but there are a bit of unripe citrus and some pineapple notes. Overall, a really terrible wine. I would recommend if you already have a bottle of it, make some sangria with it or cook with it.

I give this wine 1 star out of 5

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2010-06-15T23:49:00.000-06:00

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$4 Sutter Home Pinot Grigio 2008 California Stater Brothers

2010-06-15T23:46:00.001-06:00

I guess this warm weather has driven me to white wine for the time being. On tonight's tasting menu is a Sutter Home Pinot Grigio from Napa Valley. The nose is light and refreshing with pears and lemons and I couldn't wait to taste it. The first sip is a bit harsh and somewhat tart and lacking in fruit. The finish is short and compact. There is not much fruitiness and it's rather bland. About half way through the glass, I began to pick up flavors of sweet melon and the finish improved slightly. But overall I'm not impressed and I don't think I will be buying another bottle of this anytime soon.

I give this one a 2 out of 5 stars

Please take a second to vote...

2010-06-14T23:42:00.001-06:00

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$2 Oak Leaf Vineyards Merlot California Walmart

2010-06-14T22:15:00.002-06:00

The year isn't even listed on the bottle which makes me wonder about the quality right off the bat. Once poured it had a light red color and virtually no legs. The nose was more promising. It promised me some ripe cherries, peaches and blueberries in fact. I went in for a taste and wow, it was very unexpected. Big, ripe fruits with a bold, medium finish. Upon a few more sips, the boldness mellowed out but the fruitiness was maintained. The fruit flavors are somewhat over-ripe for a Merlot but not bad at all for a two dollar bottle of wine! I found it was even better after being chilled for 5 minutes.

I give this wine a 4 out of 5 stars

$2 Douglass Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2008 California Stater Bros.

2010-06-13T14:27:00.005-06:00

For the price of Strawberry Hill, you can get a fine bottle of Douglass Hill, an actual real wine! However, unless you're 2-buck chuck, can you really have a decent bottle for that price? Let's find out.

The nose on the Sauvignon Blanc is somewhat non-existent. Very light notes of pears and grapes but it pretty much falls flat. But the nose does not always tell all, so I held out hope.

The first sip was pretty nice, very fruity with pears and citrus. Upon the second and third sip some melon and tropical fruits came through. Overall this wine is not bad. I think it would be fantastic with some shrimp ceviche or some chips and salsa. While it was a nice, gentle, well-rounded wine it did not pack a bright, flavorful punch that I like in a good Sauvignon Blanc.

I give this wine a 4 out of 5 stars.

$3 Crane Lake Pinot Noir 2009 California Henry's Market

2010-06-11T16:15:00.004-06:00

Oh my, does this one smell good! Super-berry aromas with plenty of cherry notes, yum. Smells like something I might taste at a fancy-schmancy winery. But did it deliver? Why yes, it did. This Pinot Noir is very nice, I am impressed. It is full of cherries, strawberries and plums with a lingering finish of dark chocolate and coffee. For a mere $3 a bottle, this one is right on the money. Drink this now, its at it's peak! Henry's better watch out, I'm going to be stocking up on this bad boy.

I give this one a 5 out of 5 stars!

$4 Forestville Merlot 2008 California Stater Bros.

2010-06-11T16:04:00.007-06:00

I was very excited to try this wine, as the 2005-2007 vintages were pretty darn good. But unfortunately, the 2008 fell flat. It had a promising start... the nose on this dark burgundy wine is rich and hearty. Very earthy aromas with a bit of ripe plum. Upon tasting I get a quick bite of fruit which quicky mellowed into a watery, tinny earthiness. And just like that, it was gone. No lingering finish, just a wham, bam, thank you ma'am. It sadly is lacking all that Merlot has to offer. I tried it through my wine aerator which made a very slight improvement. I tried it with some of my favorite aged cheddar which always perks up an unfortunate bottle, but alas, I'm afraid there is not much help for it.

I give this wine a 2 out of 5 stars.

As requested- I'm baa-aack!

2010-06-11T16:00:00.003-06:00

I have not even checked on my blog in so long, I forgot it was here! I logged in on a whim to find several requests for more frequent posts... and I'm happy to oblige! I'm glad to know people are getting some use out of my reviews =) The more feedback I get, the more I want to post... so keep those comments coming! For now, I will share my thoughts on a few recent tastings. Check back often, I've got lots of drinking to do!

How to "Fix" a Bad Bottle of Wine

2009-06-13T14:48:00.001-06:00

If you're buying wine on a budget, the chances increase that you might end up with a bad bottle. The extent of it's "bad-ness" is variable of course, and you might be able to drink it anyway. If it smells of rotten eggs, (or rotten anything for that matter) it's best to dump it down the drain, no questions asked. But if it's a matter of the wine being too old, too young, or has a funky flavor that is not agreeable to your palate, you might be able to "fix" it so that it becomes at least drinkable. Okay, let's get started.

Aerator
First of all, as a purveyor of cheap wine, you should immediately invest in a Vinturi Wine Aerator. (No, they don't pay me to rave about their product... I wish) I recommend the "red wine" version. I use it for reds and whites and it's fine. What the aerator does is expose the wine to air which can reduce any funky flavors and "mellow out" any overpowering flavors. If you do not have an aerator on hand, pour the wine quickly between two glasses for five to ten minutes, or pour it into a shallow dish and let it sit for an hour or so, stirring occasionally. That will also expose the wine to some air.

Change it up with Food
As most wine-drinkers know, food can dramatically alter the taste of a wine. So if the wine you opened is past it's prime and has some port-y notes or even meaty flavors, try eating a bite or two of chocolate (I mean plain milk or dark chocolate here, not a Baby Ruth.) If that helps, take a nibble of chocolate every few sips to keep those gnarly flavors in check.

If your wine is too young, too green or too tart, try a squeeze of lemon juice. Just a couple drops right on your tongue should do. Or you can try a green apple. Italian dressing (oil and vinegar) on a small salad will also help.

If your wine has some really funky flavors that are not mentioned above, try to eat something in the same flavor category as the funkiness. If it tastes like chicken, eat some chicken. If it tastes like brie, eat some stinky cheese. If it tastes like rotten eggs (trick question) down the drain it goes. The point is, if you already have the flavor in your mouth, you won't taste it in the wine as much.

Mix it up
You can try this method... but it's risky. It only works about 50% of the time and more so with white wine. If you have a decent bottle of wine, mix a splash or two into a glass of the offending wine. Reislings, Gewurtraminers and Moscatos are good ones to mix into crisper whites like Pinot Grigios and Sauvignon Blancs.

If you're stuck with a funky bottle of red, try mixing it half and half with grape juice. No, I'm not kidding. I have done this before, not only to fix a bad red, but also to dilute red wine for white-wine drinkers. It is actually really tasty.

Add your tips!
While these tips will not save every bad bottle of wine out there, it might help save a couple. What are your tips for improving a funky bottle? Add them below! I will add them to this article.

$5 Black Swan Shiraz-Cabernet South Eastern Australia Stater Brothers

2008-11-30T01:51:00.001-07:00

I have been a fan of Black Swan wines for some time now. For the price, they had a lot to offer... this one was decent, but failed to deliver the usual goods. Super-fruity nose... ripe, fresh fruit such as apples and cherries with a few undertones of over-ripe plums (yes, that would be prunes.) It does smell pretty interesting. The first sip renders a mild fruitiness a bit watered down, with a strong bite towards the end. The second sip is more mellow, with a softer berry fruitiness that gives way to an over-ripe plum. All in all, there is not much to this wine.

I give this so-so wine a 3 out of 5 stars.

$4 Cabernet Sauvignon Talus 2004 California Trader Joes

2008-11-29T22:01:00.000-07:00

The nose is vibrant and peppery with hints of roasted red peppers and green grass. the first taste is definitely grassy with a sweet undertone that I can't put my finger on. It has a strongly metallic finish which is quite unpleasant. The second sip is very herbaceous and a lesser metallic taste and by the third sip my taste buds have adjusted and it becomes bright and grassy. It also has very high tannins and is very astringent. I think this wine could definitely benefit from a day on the counter.

$4 Zinfandel Napa River Trader Joes

2008-11-28T19:54:00.001-07:00

The first night I opened this wine, I didn't pay that much attention to it. It sat overnight and then I poured a glass the next evening. I smell hints of blackberry, raspberry and coffee after I swirl it around for a moment. A bit of smokiness perhaps. The first sip brings some slight dark chocolate which was quickly replaced with ripened apricots and plums. The next few sips bring out some slightly grassier flavors with a hint of maple. This wine is delicious now and I think it will be even better in 3-4 years. Buy one to enjoy now and three to store in the cellar.

I give this wine 5 out of 5 stars.

$3 Shiraz Chasing Clouds Trader Joes

2008-11-27T22:15:00.000-07:00

The nose is quite astringent making it difficult to discern any other aromas. I detect a bit of fruit, but it's hard to say what kind. The first sip is strong with raspberries and a hint of apricot and dried figs. It is a very green wine and I expect it might be better in a few years, unless the fig overpowers it. It's also quite bitter and I think this is one better left on the shelves.

I give this bitter Shiraz a 3 out of 5 stars.

Cheap Wine It's tastier than you think!

2008-11-26T21:20:00.000-07:00

I just came across an article in Wikipedia that talks about how we perceive wine. Here is an excerpt about wine tasters- "When given wine that they are falsely told is expensive they virtually always report it as tasting better than the very same wine when they are told that it is inexpensive." Very interesting... and it goes along with my thoughts that a lot of people short-change the more affordable wines. Try a blind-tasting yourself and see what kind of results you get.

$6 Shiraz/Cabernet 2006 Black Opal South Eastern Australia Safeway

2008-11-25T19:31:00.002-07:00

_{Chelsie's Tastings Home Page}

This wine has a straightforward nose of coffee and maple. The first sip tastes of bold fruits and has an underlying peppery flavor. A quick, dry finish wraps it up nicely. After a few more sips, the flavors didn't change much... still peppery (and I mean green bell peppers... not ground black pepper) but I think it would make a good table wine with a big dish of spaghetti.

I give this wine a 3 1/2 out 5 stars.

Wine Tasting- Create one at home for $25 or less!

2008-11-25T16:00:00.002-07:00

First you need to decide if you want to do a "Vertical Tasting" (wines of the same type from a single winery), a "Horizontal Tasting" (wines from the same year), or you could also pick your favorite grape and do all one varietal. Or you can do what I do and get whatever is on sale- that is fine too. Once you pick your tasting event's style, now you need to decide whether you want to do a more casual tasting or a more formal tasting. And when I say "casual" and "formal" I am not talking about what people will be wearing.

Casual
For a more casual atmosphere, you can pop the corks, pass out the glasses and start sipping. Discussion about the different wines is sure to follow. To be more organized, you could give everyone a notepad and paper for notes or have some pre-written questions to ask to get the discussion going.

Formal
A more formal tasting takes quite a bit more preparation, but is a lot more thought provoking. In advance, create a tasting "menu.". List each wine, the grape, the year, the area in which it was grown and so on. If you will be drinking some french wines with all the complicated labels, you may need to do a bit of research as to how to list them. I also like to add a little blurb from the label or from other people's tastings online. Lastly, add a few blank lines for your guest's own notes. Pass these out prior to opening the bottles. Open one bottle at a time, pour an ounce or two into each glass and let the tasting begin.

Other Info
Each wine bottle should serve at least 10 guests with a decent sized tasting. At $3-$4 a bottle, you should be able to serve everyone at least 5-6 different wines. If you can get an even better bargain and keep it at $3 a bottle, you will be able to serve 5 to 6 wines plus a couple of bricks of interesting cheeses (havarti, aged cheddar or brie go well with wine.) Remember to taste the wines in an order so that one wine does not overpower the next. The order I see most often in Wineries is- white wines, roses, light reds, bold reds, champagne and lastly, port.

New Wines Coming Soon!

2008-11-24T21:03:00.002-07:00

After taking a year-long break, I look forward to sharing my tasting notes with you again! Starting soon, I will be updating the site on a regular basis with all the affordable wines I can find. Due to the time it takes to take a picture, upload it, crop it etc... the posts may not all have pictures of the bottle, but they will have all the usual label info and most importantly how it tastes! So to all you bargain wine hunters out there- stay tuned!

$5 Merlot Black Swan Australia Albertons

2007-08-20T10:24:00.000-06:00

This wine is a pretty standard Merlot. Fruity with berry notes and a slightly mapley finish. A few notes of figs and raisins are noticable after a few sips. This is a pretty decent merlot. I would buy it again.

I give this wine 4 out of 5 stars

_{Chelsie's Tastings Home Page}

$5 Valpolicella Bollo Italy Safeway

2007-08-16T20:56:00.000-06:00

Valpolicella is actually not the grape itself but the area in Italy it is grown in. Valpolicella is typically made from three grape varietals: Corvina Veronese, Rondinella, and Molinara. I've had some delicious Valpolicella and this one unfortunately fell short. It tasted instantly of port followed by what tasted like water with a little bit of wine in it. After half of the glass I headed to the sink to dump it out, but I remembered how good chocolate goes with port. So I ate a couple of nibbles of some dark chocolate and voila! What a difference! It brightened up the flavors and made it drinkable but I had to nibble the chocolate ever other sip.

I give it a 2 out of 5

With chocolate, a 3 out of 5

$3 Syrah Searidge California Safeway

2007-08-16T20:10:00.000-06:00

When a wine is only $3 at Safeway you have to question it. And when I opened it I read the back label which I think is missing a word. Not a good sign. Surprisingly it's not too bad though. It has a decent nose and smells of berries. It's a very simple wine, fairly fruity with a slightly bitter finish. I would be disappointed had I spent $10 on it but it is an excellent wine for the price and accessibility.

I give this value wine a 3 out of 5 stars.

$5 Merlot Little Boomey South Eastern Australia 2005 Albertsons

2007-08-11T21:19:00.000-06:00

This bright red wine smells sweet with hints of chocolate and cocoa. Upon tasting it, I don't pick up any chocolate, but plums and berries are strong. There is even a bit of citrus flavors that pop out towards the end of the sip. There is definitely a grassy quality to this wine, but it's pretty good overall.

I give this decent wine a 4 out 5 stars

_{Chelsie's Tastings Home Page}

$5 Pinot Noir 47 Pound Rooster California Albertsons

2007-08-10T21:23:00.000-06:00

I have yet to find a great Pinot in the value range. This one has some nice peppery aromas with a bit of raspberry buried in there. I was trying to pick up something besides the pepper and I almost inhaled it, so I am now moving on to tasting it. Rich, deep blackberry flavors with that signature pinot peppery-ness greeted my tastebuds followed by a medium finish with a tart bite at the end. This is definitely one of the better affordable Pinots and I would buy it again and probably recommend it.

I give this peppery Pinot a 4 out of 5

$5 Reisling 2005 Yellowtail South Eastern Australia Safeway

2007-08-10T16:25:00.001-06:00

Hmmm... I have to be honest I was not impressed with this Reisling at all. After a few sips, the barely-there Reisling flavor was completely overpowered with sour notes and strong Sauvignon Blanc dryness. While German Reislings are known for being dry, this was not dry in a good way. So to sum it up, this one is better left on the shelf. However, I do have to point out that Yellowtail on the whole is a decent brand, but as far as the Reisling goes, it's only going to get a paltry 2 1/2 stars.

$4 Merlot Redwood Creek California 2005 Albertsons

2007-08-05T21:26:00.000-06:00

Very caramely and mapley on the nose. The first sip tastes of heavy cinnamon flavors... the second sip is more cinnamon with a bit of chocolate. This is not a very fruity Merlot, but a rich, warm Merlot. There are fruit and berries there, but it's under the cover of butterscotch, toffee and cinnamon. Not bad for 4 bucks!

I give this rich Merlot a 4 out of 5

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$5 Shiraz Banrock Station South Eastern Australia 2005 Albertsons

2007-08-03T21:24:00.000-06:00

It's becoming apparent that Australia is one of the biggest (and in my opinion- best) Shiraz producers. This one is a deep purpley red and when I swirl the glass, the wine sticks nicely to the sides and doesn't drip much. It smells lovely of peppery notes on top of slightly unripened raspberries and sweet blueberries. So far so good, so I go in for sip. the immediate taste is of espresso and a bit of cocoa. The second taste brings even more strong coffee flavors with a bit of almond and a touch of berries. I take a third sip hoping for a bigger array of flavors, but the coffee flavors are taking over. About half way through the glass the coffee-ness subsides and the berry flavors begin to come through along with some subtle caramel. All in all, it's a good wine for the price and I would recommend it. Especially if you like coffee and caramel!

I give this wine 4 out of 5 stars

_{***Note- I enjoyed this wine after my husband sprayed grout sealer on our kitchen tile so our house smells like nail polish remover. I did my tasting away from the kitchen, but it may have affected my palate anyway.}

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$4 Sangiovese Tuscan Moon 2005 California Trader Joes

2007-07-31T23:27:00.000-06:00

The first scent of this wine is earthy and smells of leather, figs and apricots. I can't wait to try it as I am a big fan of Sangiovese. I was surprised by the big apricot flavors that hit my tongue immediately. Black currant and blueberry flavors quickly followed. There are some lingering flavors of strawberry and raspberry and a pretty quick finish. It is very tasty, though it is a bit fruity for a Sangiovese. The flavors are unexpected, but I would buy it again. Definitely a great buy for $4... but don't expect the usual Sangiovese flavors.

I give this tasty wine a 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.

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$5 Shiraz 2005 Kumala South Africa Safeway

2007-07-28T23:27:00.000-06:00

Yum... I picked up some cinnamon-y aromas while pouring this light red wine. A bit of watermelon came through too. Upon the first sip, a sharp bite of rich and robust flavors (chiles, earth, smoke, tomatoes, peppers, a hint of caramel) came through with a long, dry finish. I immediately thought this would be a great wine to pair with some hearty, tomato-ey Italian pasta dish. It is dry, tangy and flavorful... a great bottle! This is not a subtle wine, it is an in-your-face wine.

I give it a 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.

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$4 Pinot Noir 2006 Lindemans Bin 99 South Eastern Australia Safeway

2007-07-26T22:20:00.000-06:00

The fragrance of this wine is smoky and peppery and it has brown tones to it's rich, deep red. I swirled it around for a moment and for those of you who care, it had nice thick legs that took their time dripping back down into the glass. The first taste is a bit bland. The second and third tastes brought out some subtle pinot flavor and.... not much else. I'm a bit disappointed, it smells so much better than it tastes. Still a drinkable wine though.

I give this uneventful wine a 3 out of 5 stars.

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$5 Merlot The Little Penguin South Eastern Australia Albertsons

2007-07-26T16:36:00.000-06:00

This wine has a nice, mellow, fruity nose with a bit of green pepper. The first sip is smooth and a bit sweet. Not very dry at all with some raisins, fig and apricot flavors. This is a good table wine but nothing to write home about. I also had a piece of that wax-wrapped Babybel cheese with it about half-way through the glass, and it made the cheese taste moldy. It might be a good wine to make a sangria with!

I give this wine 3 out of 5 stars.

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Rating System

2007-07-24T16:46:00.000-06:00

I know it is common to rate wines on many levels using a 100-point system or more than 100 points or even a percentage system. I find that those big numbers get a bit confusing and don't tell me what I want to know- should I buy this wine? I use a simpler approach, a 5-star rating system.

5 Stars-
A delicious wine that I highly recommend and will be buying more of it.

4 Stars-
Pretty good for the price, I would recommend it and probably buy it again if it was on sale.

3 Stars-
This is an average wine, nothing special but still drinkable.

2 Stars-
Not a very good wine at all, almost undrinkable, I would not
recommend it nor will I be buying it again.

1 Star-
Bad, bad, bad wine.

I try to use the whole star, but sometimes if I am really torn between two ratings I may have to throw a "1/2" on it.

Cheers!

$5 Shiraz Matties Perch South Eastern Australia Safeway

2007-07-19T15:46:00.000-06:00

When I smelled this wine I was expecting nothing since the Cabernet/Shiraz of this same brand had no nose whatsoever... but I was pleasantly surprised. It smelled of berries and raisins and I could smell the dryness too. It was the very picture of a shiraz with bright peppery overtones and softer berry undertones. The label promised me vanilla but what I picked up on was a bit of coffee. It had a nice long, dry finish. I would definitely pick up a bottle of this wine again.

I give it 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.

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$5 Cabernet/Shiraz Matties Perch South Eastern Australia Safeway

2007-07-16T23:10:00.000-06:00

Interestingly this wine has very little "nose" to offer. The first sniff got me nowhere and the second one picked up next to nothing as well. Not impressed by the lack of aromatics, I chug on in hopes of a turnaround. As I taste the wine, I am immediately greeted by a sweetness and raisins and figs. I deduct the blend must be about 80% cab. But it is good nonetheless. I go on to taste more but it's pretty much the same flavor over and over again. There is an interesting tanginess towards the end and a quick finish. I think this is a very drinkable red despite it's lack of aromatics.

I give this consistent wine a 4 out 5 stars.

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$5 Chardonnay 2005 Fish Eye California Vons

2007-07-13T10:11:00.000-06:00

A good, basic Chardonnay. Crisp melon-y flavors with a hint of sweetness. Just what you would expect from a chard. A perfect white table wine for your everyday meal. Nothing to extraordinary, but very classic flavors.

I give this Chardonnay a 4 out of 5 stars.

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$4 Malbec Barrio La Boca 2005 Argentina Trader Joes

2007-07-13T10:00:00.000-06:00

Not bad, not bad at all for a bargain Malbec. Rich and earthy flavors with quick tannins and a green astringency. Robust and bitter flavors of coffee and unsweetened cocoa combined nicely with some lighter flavors of dried fruit. Definitely a spicy wine.

I give this wine 4 out of 5 stars.

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$3 Carménère Panilonco 2005 Chile Trader Joes

2007-06-17T19:32:00.000-06:00

Here's an interesting tidbit- Even though they may not be very popular, Carménère grapes are considered part of original six noble grapes of Bordeaux, France. Now that we have that out of the way, on to tasting it! A nice, peppery nose greets me with some notes of rich, smoky, meatiness. The flavor is strong, grassy, and bright. A quick finish wrapped it up tightly. The first taste was so quick I have to go in for another. The next few tastes brought out some bell pepper-y flavors, but all in all, the first taste is what you get. It's a simple, dry red. Not bad, though.

I give it 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.

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$5 Cabernet Sauvignon Meridian 2004 California Vons

2007-06-06T23:29:00.000-06:00

This wine may be a little past it's prime. It smelled of maple and caramel and freshly cut grass. The fist taste was very much like soil... the kind you get in a bag to plant your flowers in. Then the next sip brought out flavors of German chocolate cake and over-ripe cherries. The finish was nice and long with low tannins and very high astringency. I've had better.

I give this wine 3 out of 5 stars.

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$4 Cabernet Sauvignon Trader Joes Coastal 2005 California Trader Joes

2007-06-06T23:15:00.000-06:00

This wine is delicious! Okay, let me back up a bit. The nose and color were typical Cabernet. The first taste was a nice tangy fruity flavor. Then it became very smooth with a medium finish. Not a very complex wine, but defintely worth trying.

I give this bargain wine 4 out of 5 stars.

$5 Syrah Rose Josefina 2006 Paso Robles Trader Joes

2007-06-06T20:30:00.000-06:00

This Rose has a very tangy nose. A lot of melon... a little apple...some blueberry. The first sip was unusual... very sour and a quite bitter with a charcoal aftertaste. I gave it another try later in the evening, but to no avail. Not a very good Rose.

I give this bitter wine 2 1/2 out of 5 stars.

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$4 Cabernet Barefoot California Sprouts Farmers Market

2007-06-03T23:22:00.000-06:00

I have tried a few other Barefoot wines... and they have been so-so. I poured a glass of this Cab and it was an average-ly red tone. I took a sniff and it was brightly astringent... red chiles and red berries. The first sip had a slightly over-ripe earthy flavor with a nice smooth finish. Then on the second and third sip it became much lighter and brighter with a green apple flavor. This would go perfectly with a rack of lamb and some steamed veggies.

I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

$4 Shiraz Purple Moon 2004 California Trader Joes

2007-05-30T21:57:00.000-06:00

This shiraz is fabulously fruity and dry, a great combination. It is extrememly smooth and vibrant with a lot of blackberry and raspberry flavors. There was a even a subtle buttery undertone to it that sealed the deal for me. I will definitley be buying more of this wine and highly recommend it.

I give this fabulous wine a 5 out of 5 stars.

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How to "Taste" wine

2007-05-30T13:30:00.000-06:00

Being able to really "taste" a wine and pick up on all the other flavors takes time. Think of it like coffee. If you don't drink it very often, it all pretty much tastes the same. You might be able to tell if it's a dark roast... but not much else. If you are a passionate coffee drinker, you will be able to tell what the roast is, how it was brewed, where the beans came from and how they were processed. Same thing thing with wine. Your palate will quit tasting the obvious "wine" taste and start to pick up on the other subtle flavors. So if you can't taste anything other than "wine" on the first try... that's okay. Just keep trying on a regular basis. Eventually you'll start picking up on all the different flavors. And after you've figured it out, it's like riding a bike... you'll be able to pick it right back up again even if you have taken a break.

So let's get to tasting!!!

First, open the bottle and pour enough to fill the glass about an inch or two.

The "Legs"
Swirl the wine up the glass and note how the wine drips back down the inside of the glass. The lines that the drips leave are called legs. Some think the legs are very important in that if they are thicker, it generally means a higher sugar content. Other winos don't think it makes a difference whether you pay attention to them.

The "Nose"
Then stick your nose as far into the glass as you can and take a nice long whiff. See if you can pick out any aromas besides the alcohol smell. Sometimes it will be fruity, sometimes grassy, sometimes peppery. Then after you've had some time to think about it, take another whiff and see if you come up with anything different. Keep sniffing it until you have smelled everything there is to smell. The first few times, you may only smell alcohol, but don't give up!

The "Body"
Now for the tasting part! Take a small sip and swish it around your mouth making sure to cover every part of your tongue. At this point some tasters will spit it out (If they are going to be tasting a lot and don't want to get drunk) but the rest of us that paid $$ for it will swallow it. While you're swishing it around, note the first flavors that come through. Some words to describe them could be earthy, smoky, coffee, vanilla, grassy, green peppers, berries, melon, pear, raisin, meaty or caramel. After the first flavors come through, you may notice other flavors that come through that may similar too, or totally different than the initial flavors. Finally notice the last flavors... the ones that kind of linger in your mouth after you swallow it. Also pay attention to the "finish." Does the wine flavor really stay in your mouth or does it go away quickly? Is the finish sharp or smooth?

After you have thoroughly tasted the wine, go back for a second sip and see if you come up with the same flavors, or different ones. A "complex" wine will have many different flavors. Sometimes the last sip tastes totally different than the first. Other wines are simple and are consistent throughout the bottle.

Tips

Chew it
If you are having trouble extracting flavor from the wine other than the grapes... try chewing it. With the wine in your mouth make chewing motions for a moment or two. That can bring out more flavor.

Glasses
Try the same wine in 2-3 different shaped wine glasses... a short thick one, a large bulbous one, a tall narrow one. You'll soon see that reds do better in a large bulbous glass and white's in smaller, heavier glasses.

Wine Log
Keep track of your wine tasting! Write down the grape, the year, the brand and then take notes about the legs, the nose and the body. Then you can give it a rating. It can be as simple as a like/didn't like to a more complex rating system. Make sure to jot down the price and where/when you purchased it in case you want to get more later.

Variety
When you begin wine tasting, really branch out and buy as many different grape types as possible... (sangiovese, malbec, barrolo, pinot noir, pinot grigio, viognere etc.) You'll start to notice a pattern in your palette of what you prefer... such as I prefer Shiraz from Australia and Sangiovese from California....or I prefer a $5 Cab over a $20 Chard. It will take tasting about 20 bottles before a pattern emerges.

Food
Try different food and wine pairings to see how that changes the flavors. Take a bite of apple before a sip of Moscato... or a bite of dry cheese before a sip of Sangiovese. You'll taste the food and the wine in a whole different light.

$5 Pinot Noir Pepperwood Grove South East Australia 2006 Albertsons

2007-05-27T21:50:00.000-06:00

This wine had a particularly brownish tone to it upon pouring. It had an astringent berry fragrance to it and thin, spindly legs. I was expecting an earthy taste because the color was so rich, but it actually had a light and fruity flavor. It is very smooth with a strong melon flavor which is quite nice for a red. There were also greenish flavors to it like green grapes, grass and tomatillos. This was a great wine for a great price!

I give this fruit-foward wine 4 out of 5 stars.

$5 Reisling Black Oak 2005 California Sprouts Farmers Market

2007-05-18T23:31:00.000-06:00

This Reisling was very unusual. I didn't neccesarily dislike it, but it had some "off" flavors for a Reisling. The nose was somewhat heavy, not light and crisp like usual. Flavors of Coca-Cola came through which was very odd, but it wasn't so terrible that I could not make it through the glass. It was caramel-y and maple-y in such a way as to not be off-putting, but in a way to cause you to do a double take, to make sure you're actually drinking a Reisling.

I give this unusual Reisling 3 out of 5 stars.

$5 Cabernet Vendange 2005 California Safeway

2007-05-18T23:24:00.000-06:00

This beautiful red wine smells of black pepper and a hint of cinnamon. Very spicy. The flavor is of blueberries, grapes and blackberries. There were also notes of lemongrass and caramel. Very good wine for the price, I would definitely recommend this one.

I give this wine 4 ou of 5 stars.

$4 Cabernet Pacific Peak California Sprouts Farmers Market

2007-05-18T23:20:00.000-06:00

This Cabernet has a light and fruity nose... a little berry, a little apple. It has a lot of green pepper and green chile flavors with a little bit of blueberry. Very green and earthy. A mild fruity start and a smoky, dry finish. This wine is good, but there is nothing unusual or interesting about it.

I give it 4 out 5 stars.

$4 Shiraz Blue Reef 2004 Australia Sprouts Farmers Market

2007-05-18T23:17:00.000-06:00

Let me start off by warning you that this is a screw-top wine. That being said, put your reservations aside because this wine is superb! After I poured a bit, I stuck my nose in and took a big whiff...the first thing that came to mind was the beach. I smelled seawater and a beachy/briney scent. (Interestingly enough it is named "Blue Reef.") I was so intrigued by the first smell, I went in for another and was greeted with the same beachy scent along with garden flowers. I couldn't wait to try it out. The first sip seemed a little metallic, and I wasn't sure where it was going. On the second and third sips I picked up on an earthy, leathery taste and it was very silky. After a few more sips, a caramel note came through that was very thick and mapley. This wine also has a nice mouth-feel which adds to it's character. Definitely a winner.

5 out of 5 stars

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