Blackstone 2007 red Zinfandel

Type: Red Zinfandel
Year: 2007
Price: 10.99
Rating: 2 - Probably won't buy again
Where Bought: Pick N Save grocery store
Comments: It's a little light for a red wine, for my tastes. Probably more for someone who enjoys whites wines and reds that aren't as heavy. I gave it a 2 rating, since it was a little better after chilling. But, I probably would pass on it in favor of many other wines.

Yalumba South Australian Cabernet 2006

Type: Cabernet Sauvignon
Year: 2006
Price: 12.99
Rating: 3 - Will try it again
Where Bought: Otto's Brown Deer
Comments: A very nice pleasant Cabernet. We always liked trying wines from different countries and this one was no exception. I would like to try it again, just to make sure that it wasn't just a good bottle or a one time experience. Another interesting note, is that most red wines are better around the 60 degree temperature. However, after refridgeration (I know, we should use a wine fridge), this one wasn't that bad. I guess its just another plus for this wine.

J. Lohr Paso Robles Merlot 2006

Type: Merlot - Paso Robles Merlot - Los Osos Estates
Year: 2006
Price: 11.99 --> 10.99
Rating: 3 - Will try it again
Where Bought: Otto's Brown Deer
Comments: J. Lohr continues to produce nice full bodied wines. I started my liking with their products when I tried their Cabernet. I found that their richness was carried onto the Merlot. I usually like to try a product more than once before I give it a higher rating for consistancy reasons. To see my review of their Cabernet, please click here.

Marques de Caceres CRIANZA 2005 Rioja

Type: Rioja RED
Year: 2005
Price: 16.99
Rating: 4 - Would definitely buy again
Where Bought: Otto's Brown Deer
Comments: I am very impressed with the general or standard red wines I have purchased. I would have guessed that they would not be as full bodied as the Cabernet's, however, I am finding that they do have a full compliment of flavors as well as richness. Very unexpected, but impressive. This is why I rated this as a wine that I would definitely purchase again.

Louis Martini - Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Type: Cabernet Sauvignon
Year: 2007
Price: 13.99 (marked down to 12.99)
Rating: 5 - One of my favorites
Where Bought: Otto's Brown Deer
Comments: You will notice that there is another post of this particular wine, however, that post is from the 2006 collection. This one is a 2007. This Sonoma County wine has been very consistant and with a nice taste. What makes it a rating of 5, rather than a 4 (actually I originally would have liked to rate it a 4.5), is that the new 2007 vintage is also similar and good tasting. So, I don't have to be weary if it was bottled in a different year. Unlike what happened to one of my favorite Rosso's. You can read about the rosso here.

Coppola 2007 Syrah-Shiraz

Type: Syrah-Shiraz - Green Label Diamond Collection
Year: 2007
Price: 12.99 --> marked down to 9.99
Rating: 3 - Will try it again
Where Bought: Otto's Brown Deer
Comments: Nice wine. However, it seemed a little on the light side. Sometimes this could be just this bottle, so to be fair, I gave it a 3 rating and will probably try it at least one more time.

J Lohr 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon

Type: Cabernet Sauvignon
Year: 2007
Price: ?
Price: 11.99 (Purchased Sat. June 10th 2010 - Otto's Brown Deer)
12.99 (Purchased Sat. November 13th 2010 - Otto's Brown Deer)
Rating: 5 - One of my favorites
Where Bought: Sendik's Market in Brookfield
Comments: I can't believe that I rated the previous entry of J Lohr's Cabernet at only a four. Maybe the 2006 version of this wine wasn't as good ? Well, I am glad to say that the 2007 is fantastic. This is what I look for in a full bodied wine. Very thick on the palette, with a pleasant aroma. Wow, I am starting to sound like an expert...all kidding aside, this is one of my favorites and will definitely be buying again. Hopefully, we can find the receipt so I can record the price. I would really like to keep an eye on this one as I buy more in the future.

One more interesting item regarding this wine. I believe I may have mentioned it before, but I have found that wines seem to taste better at the restaurant, rather than what I buy and bring home. So, I decided to ask at one of my favorite restaurants whay that is. Their thought was "consistant temperature". However, I keep my wines in the basement, and I believe the temperature is quite consistant. Oh well, maybe that is it. If I ever figure it out, I'll make it a point to record this as an entry on its own. This deserves a stand alone discussion.