What the man and I were sipping on in June, 2010.

i.  Ray’s Station Vineyards; Merlot

2006 North Coast

14.5%

Notes/Comments: Bold and rich in style … black cherry flavors with a touch of caramel

Grade: B+

ii.  Kenwood; Red Table Wine

2007 California

13.5%

Notes/Comments: Select varietals from fine California vineyards … barrel aging has softened the wine

Grade: B+ (I was surprised how much I loved this ~ very drinkable and enjoyable)

iii. Callia Alta; Malbec

2009 Argentina

13.8%

Notes/Comments: Deep and attractive purple wine.  Dominant notes are spices and wild berries. Good structure, fresh and elegant mouth-feel, with a long and intense finish.

Grade: B

iv. Casita Mami; Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon Blend

2004 Crianza Spain (Spanish Red)

14%

Notes/Comments: Subtle yet balanced courtship of fruit and oak

Grade: B

v. Pedronicelli; Sangiovese

2006 Sonoma

14.7%

Notes/Comments: Multi-layered berry aromas, full-bodied with medium tannins and a long, balanced fruit

Grade: B

vi. Ravenswood Vintner Blend; Zinfandel

2007 California

13.5%

Notes/Comments: Bright & richly flavored

Grade: B++ (A gns fav)

vii.  Rex Goliath; Cabernet Sauvignon

California

13.5%

Notes/Comments: Dark and Intense; long on fruit, short on attitude

Grade: B

viii.  Rex Goliath; Shiraz

California

13.5%

Notes/Comments: Peppery and plummy ~ a demonstration of why the world has gone ga-ga over shiraz

Grade: B+

ix. Hogue; Chardonnay

California, 2008

13.5%

Notes/Comments: Fruit-focused, dry white wine; showcases bright apple and citrus flavors.

Grade: B++ (delish; good, peppery -JEH- exceptionally drinkable)