Chateau de Meursault Beaune 2002

Alright, so it was our Easter dinner and we wanted something special. The Pinot Noir grape is capable of maturing in colder climates and thus is well suited to Northern Burgundy. Vintages vary considerably from year to year and 2002 was a fairly good one in the region. The wine is well balanced with predominantly blackberry elements nicely balanced by oak and a slightly acidic finish. I picked this up at the closeout price of $23 and if you can find it for that you might splurge on it, but drink it now, I have the impression that it won't last very much longer.

Nieto Senetiner Malbec 2008

This Argentine red is aged for ten months in oak and that shows. Along with the strawberry and blackberry flavors there is a decided caramel element and a lot of tannins mark the finish. Anice wine, but, as usual, at $9.99 it's overpriced, being available for two dollars less in neighboring states. When are wwe going to vote the State Liquor Board out?

Louis Latour Duet 2007

This French white from a huge vineyard in the Ardeche is a half-and-half blend of Chardonnay and Viognier. The result is a somewhat diffident but pleasant wine, with strong notes of pear and a touch of caramel. It doesn't stay long on the tongue, but is most welcome while it does. At $8.99 it's reasonably priced, though those of you lucky enough to live within striking distance of a Trader Joe's can get it for two dollars less, which is a real bargain.

Rio Diamante Malbec 2008

This Argentine red is somewhat drier than your average Malbec and combines dark berry and vanilla flavors with pronounced tannins at the finish. Alright, but not my favorite in this price range. $7.99.

Woodridge Pinot Grigio 2008

This California wine, from the Robert Mondavi monster combine is an inoffensive but drinkable product with an element of citrus and not much of a bite. But, in these parlous days, one shouldn't be too critical, and if you can find it with an attached instant rebate coupon, it's only $6.24, if you buy two bottles.

Finca La Daniela Tempranillo 2007

The Argentinian Tempranillos tend to be somewhat heavier and duskier than their Spanish counterparts and this one is no exception to that rule. This is a nice wine, with dark cherry and tannins and a touch of smoke. Worth the price of $10.99

Colorado Caper

Just back from a long weekend in CO where I drank the following:

Di Majo San Giovese 2008. This Italian red manages to be both full bodied and dry, not an easy accomplishment. It tastes of plum, with a didtinctly nutty flavor element. I liked it. $8.99, not on offer in PA.

Gato Negro Cabernet/Merlot 2008. This very simple Chilean red has dark berry flavors tempered by mild tannins. Rather inoffensive but certainly drinkable, and it's cheap. For the feminists among you, it's made under the supervision of a woman wine maker. $5.99, PA offers the straight Merlot at $6.09.

Zamba Malbec 2008. This Argentine red has small admixtures of Syrah and Cabernet Franc. I'm not sure that this is a success. While it's very dry, with elements of cherry, the characteristic chocolaty Malbec element is almost entirely absent. $8.99, not available in PA.

Casa de Campo Malbec 2009. Now here is an eminently likable wine. This Argentine red has a nice, even blend of dark berry flavors with just the right amount of chocolate. It's good now, but being so young, should improve further in the bottle. $8.99, the PA price of $9.99 is not excessive.