Col di Sasso 2007

We tried two reds from the huge Banfi combine. The Sangiovese/Merlot was thin, acidic, with a bitter finish. I do not recommend it. The Cabernet Sauvignon/San Giovese was somewhat better. If you let it breathe it will develop some dark berry flavors with a lot of tannin. Both were $7.99, with $2.50 instant rebate tags attached. If you find a bottle with tag, you might give it a try.

Ohio Weekend

We tried a couple of wines in Columbus: 1)Santa Rita Carmenere Riserva 2007. This Chilean red is a quite pleasant wine with dark berry flavors and quite a bit of tannin and a nice finish. $7.99, the PA price of $11.99 is an insult to the intelligence. 2) Espada del Gaucho Malbec 2008. This Argentine red has somewhat less body than most Malbecs, a very distinct plum flavor with the usual notes of chocolate and vanilla and a very even finish. $8.99, not presently on offer in PA.

Luna Freakout 2007

This California white is one of the notorious "internet specials". I found one bottle at my local outlet so I took a flyer on it. What we have here is an imitation Friuli, a blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and a Slovenian grape named Ribella Gialla. Like many hybrids, it can't make up its mind about what it is.
It's somewhat fruity, somewhat sweet, somewhat bland. It's certainly not bad, but nor is it in any way interesting. If you can find a bottle in your local store at the closeout price of $4.99 you might want to try it, otherwise don't waste your money on transportation charges.

Boutari Moschofilero 2008

This white from the Peloponnese comes from one of Greece's largest wineries, but for all that rises well above the level of plonk. It has a pleasant floral bouquet and tastes of pear with a strong element of citrus and a slightly bitter finish which my CDC found interesting and which reminded me, but only just, of the famous Greek Retsina, which only native born Greeks savor. Although I would probably not drink it by itself, it makes a nice accompaniment to spicy seafood dishes and curries. At the closeout price of $8.09 it's an attractive buy if you can find it.

Ondalan Rioja Joven

This Spanish red comes with the designation "Joven"/Young instead of the year of harvesting and it is that. It has a rather unsettled mix of dark berry flavors with a lot of tannin and a peppery element. At $9.99 it is undoubtedly overpriced.

Caveat Emptor

CAVEAT EMPTOR: LET THE BUYER BEWARE! The PA Liquor Board has come up with a new swindle. They send you an email advertising a number of wines at very attractive prices. But when you get to the state store it turns out that the wines have all been pulled from the shelves and are available only by ordering them over the internet. If you do so, they will then be shipped to your local wine store, but you will be charged an additional $5.00 for an order of three bottles. If this isn't misleading advertising, what is it? QUIS CUSTODIET IPSOS CUSTODIES? WHO REGULATES THESE REGULATORS?

Ochoa Garnacha/Tempranillo 2007

This Spanish red comes from Olite, the capital of the medieval kingdom of Navarre. While there is nothing regal about it, given that a young brashness is its main characteristic, it nevertheless provides a nice blend of black berry flavors with quite a lot of spice and some licorice. The price in this country for whatever reason fluctuates wildly, the PA $9.99 falling in the middle range.