Jacob's Creek Chardonnay Reserve 2009

The standard version of this Australian white is drinkable, one expects more of the reserve. To my taste, it's over-oaked and nearing the end of its useful life. The dominant elements are pear and citrus. $9.99, certainly a good price, but hardly a memorable wine. Tomorrow we're off for ten days afloat, followed by a week in northwestern France, at the end of which time I hope to file a detailed report on what we found to drink.

Mas de Cadenet Sainte Victoire Rose 2011

I'm a firm believer in A.J. Liebling's dictum that, among roses, only a Tavel is worthy of consideration and I fear that this Cotes de Provence does nothing to disabuse me of that notion. This is a pleasant enough wine, but it comes unomfortably close to being actually sweet. The PA price of $20.69 is obscene, it's available for less than half of that elsewhere.

Ruffino Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico2007

While, for ineluctable reasons, this particular bottle is unavailable in PA, it sells nationallt for a huge gamut of prices, all the way from $50 down to an incredibly cheap $10. It's a fine bottle, the Tuscan San Giovesee nearly at its best. It is substantial, oaky, and and rich bodied, with, however, just a slight bitterness in the finish, attesting to the fact that this was not a great year.

Chateau d'Or et de Gueumes Trassegum 2009

This Rhone red is a Costieres de Nimes, just across the river from Chateauneuf du Pape. It exhibits soft tannins and a nice mix of fruit, wih blueberry dominant and a slightly peppery finish. A nice buy at $9.99.