Gougenheim Syrah 2009

This Argentine red comes up to the standard set by the vineyard's other wines. It's a nice blend of dark cherry and plum, with a hint of chocolate and a certain smokyness in the finish. A nice buy at $7.99.

Gougenheim Malbec Reserve 2009

This red is the upgraded version of the wine previously reviewed here and it's very nice indeed. It exhibits a beautifully smooth and integrated blend of plum and black berry flavors, with the typical Argentinian Malbec chocolate element and just enough of a tannin element at the finish to make it interesting. Highly recommended. $10.99, but you can get it for a dollar-and-a-half less in N.J.

Alandra Red

This non vintage Portuguese red from the extreme south of the country is a blend of three local varietals. It's pretty much fruit up front, with a vaguely acerbic finnish. Not bad, but at $8.99 it's quintessentially overpriced, being available at three dollars less throughout N.J. Quite frankly, I'm tired of hearing from defenders of the PA system who maintain that my bias is unreaonable. Can't you people add?

Calcu Malbec 2008

This Chilean red is lighter than one would expect of a Malbec, it is in fact on the verge of being insubstantial. If you insist that your wines take a back seat to your food, it may do for you. $7.99.