CHATEAU TOUR SERAN - 2005

Medoc, 13.5% alcohol. 65% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 10% Verdot.

TASTING NOTES:

Dark red color with smoky char-grill on the nose. Black currant dominates the palate with black cherry and oak on the finish. Very saturated ripe fruit with sweet tannins on the finish.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

88 PTS

Definitely shows off the strength of the 2005 Bordeaux vintage. A structured and flavorful wine with a bit of power and finesse. For $25 a bottle this is a pretty good offering from a pricey vintage.

JOH. JOS. PRUM GRAACHER HIMMELREICH AUSLESE - 2005

8% alcohol.

TASTING NOTES:

Lots of frizzante. Gold in the glass. Aromas of peach, flint, flowers and citrus. Flavors of green apple, peach, and lime. Minerality with tremendous balance, sweetness and just the right tart acidity on the finish.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

94 PTS

Phenomenal balance. Weightless, easy to drink. A delightful wine with great purity. What's not to love about this one? Retails for around $40.

CHATEAU MONTELENA NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON - 2001

14% alcohol. 80% Cabernet and 20% Merlot.

TASTING NOTES:

Purple color with wood pencil and black fruit on the nose. Flavors of pencil shavings, blackberry, black currants, plum-raisin. Oak on the finish is joined by dusty tannins with some sweetness.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

90 PTS

Low yields and high quality grapes pay off in the bottle. This wine seems to be in perfect drinking shape after a few years in the cellar. Highly enjoyable. Great structure, length and balance. Solid all around for $38 a bottle.

TUA RITA ROSSO DEI NOTRI TOSCANA - 2007

A blend of 60% Sangiovese, 30% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, and a dash of Cabernet Franc and Syrah. Tuscany, Italy with 13.5% alcohol.

TASTING NOTES:

Dark cherry red color with aromas and flavors of tart cherries, minerals, red fruits, herbs and spices. Vanilla oak on the finish. Considerable amount of acidity. Medium-bodied.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

87 PTS

Well made but lacks excitement. Falls into the middle ground where its somewhat enjoyable but leaves you wishing you opened a different bottle that night. Much better with food but the wine sort of flattens out. ALmost feels like its relying on its Tua Rita name to get by. Retails for $20 making it a pass.