This was the big winner with everyone but me at a recent wine tasting we hosted.  Maybe I’m spoiled — we did drop in on Ridge Winery earlier in the day.  It was smooth enough, balanced enough, and I’d definitely buy it again — maybe I missed something the first time around.

paid: $10

scored: 86

After tasting Murietta’s Chardonnay at the Wine Room in Palo Bajo, I had high hopes for this bottle.  True to the style of California, the quantity of Petite Verdot and Cab Franc in the blend exceeded the typical Bordeaux ratios.  That is not necessarily a bad thing… but unfortunately in this wine the nose far exceeded the finish.  It is a nice mouthful, though, complex and entertaining.  But does the finish belie the true quality of this wine?  In the end I felt I had overpaid by 50%.

paid: $32

scored: 86

reminder:  (to myself and others) the score reflects enjoyment/price!  Without the price in the denominator, closer to 90…

This wine was totally decent.  Smooth, a bit of fruit, but really not much going on.  Glad I tried it, probably wouldn’t seek it out again.

paid: $12

scored: 86

Never judge a book by its cover.  So… judge a wine by its label?  mmmGuilty.  Some friends brought this tasty shiraz and I’m lucky they did, because I never would have bought it.  It is an easy-drinker with a mellow blast of fruit.

paid: nada (but suspect $12)

scored: 86

Petite Sirah is usually a mouthful.  Not so with the Stanza (which is a good thing in the sense that it is smooth).  More rhythm section than soloist, but the kind of rhythm you want to kick back to.  Glad I didn’t pay the $16 sticker price.

paid: $10

scored: 86