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

I don’t think I’ve ever had a riserva with the black rooster label for $15.  Until now.  Very pleased… clear fruit, a little bit of linger and all wrapped up in that dry, earthy Tuscan signature. un altro bicchieri, per piacere…

paid: $15

scored: 90

Tasty, simple and balanced.  Very few can do this well with cab in this price range (the 337 is another fine example).   I really should taste them side by side.  Mostly sourced from Dry Creek Valley (though not enough to say so on the label).  11% Syrah in there too.

paid: $15

scored: 89

This is a great find: a cabernet sauvignon that doesn’t overtax your wallet, and that makes your taste buds sing.  Nothing too complex here, no long finish, just a bright and balanced cab with a nice spot of fruit.  Just the right amount of tannin to pucker your tongue.  I think I’ve bought this wine at least 4 times;  I really should plump for a case.

paid: $14

scored:89

This is the first Bordeaux I’ve tasted since moving to CA.  We were out in S.F. at Chapeau! (a very worthy bistro, in which the exclamation point is part of the name).  Earthy and smooth and very light on the fruit;  the little that is there is tasty.  This is a bottle to seek out.  My guess is it could be found for $15.

paid: $9 / glass

scored: 88

I tasted this about 10 days ago but my impressions were pretty clear:  light and minerally, with a subtle but very nice flavor.  Maybe a bit closer to a Burgundy than a CA wine.  I should mention that Chalone is a very small appellation in Monterrey, maybe only a handful of vineyards.  Definitely on the short list for places to visit.

paid: $15

scored: 88

Hum.  I suppose one should be wary of a $15 wine that is labeled as “special reserve”.  Not much fruit and a bit sharp.  Glad I got it on sale for $10.  Given all the very good wines in this price range I would probably not buy this again.

paid: $10

scored: 83

The folks at Sonoma-based Shiloh Road aren’t shy about sourcing their fruit from diverse regions.  It may leave you without a feel for a specific terroir (particularly if you sample other varietals), but hey — its tasty and smooth.  A worthy effort.

paid: $11

scored: 87