Estancia Merlot 2008 Central Coast

Type: Merlot (Central Coast)
Year: 2008
Price: 9.99 (Marked down from 12.99)
11.99 - Dec. 17th 2010
Rating: 4 - Would definitely buy again
Where Bought: Otto's Brown Deer
Pick N' Save - Dec. 17th 2010
Comments: This was a pleasantly surprising nicely bodied wine. The reason I say surprising, is that with the exception of a few, most Merlot's seem a little on the light side. Perhaps, this is due to the fact that I like Cabernet's which are generally a heavier full-bodied wine. Anyway, this one was very nice and perhaps its the grapes used in the 2008 version. I would definitely try it again, and I hope it wasn't just a one time good tasting wine.

Francis Ford Coppola Rosso 2009

Type: Rosso (Red Wine)
Year: 2009
Price: 6.99 (Marked down from 7.99)
7.99 (March 26th 2011)
6.99 (Sept 17th 2011)
6.99 (Marked down from 7.99 Oct 15th 2011)
Rating: 3 - Will try it again
Where Bought: Otto's Brown Deer
Comments: A nice wine, however, the 2006 version was this brands best Rosso. The 2007 was noticeably lighter and this version is similar. Still a nice wine and somehow a little better than the 2007. I will definitely try it one more time to verify the consistancy.

Bere Viticcio Toscana 2007

Type: Toscanna (Red)
Year: 2007
Price: 13.99
Rating: 4 - Would definitely buy again
Where Bought: Sendik's Brookfield
Comments: I am more and more pleasantly surprised by the wines which categories into the standard "red" category. On many occasions have I experienced a nice full bodied smooth wine. This one is no exception. Bere has put out a very smooth, full bodied red wine. I look forward to trying it again, to see if it maintains its quality consistantly. A very nice wine.

Blackstone Merlot 2008

Type: Merlot
Year: 2008
Price: 9.99
Rating: 3 - Will try it again
Where Bought: Otto's Brown Deer
Comments: Very similar to its Cabernet Sauvignon counterpart, a very smooth and nice bottle of wine. I cannot definitively say if its as good as its Cabernet, so for now, I'll provide a rating of 3. I would definitely purchase one more time. Perhaps I should try a taste comparison next time. If I do, I'll definitely post the results. However, for now, standing on its own merit, a very nice inexpensive bottle of wine.

Estancia Shiraz Central Coast 2007

Type: Shiraz
Year: 2007
Price: 10.99
            8.99 (Marked down from 10.99 - Otto's Brown Deer, Sat. June 9th 2012)
Rating: 4 - Would definitely buy again
Where Bought: Otto's Brown Deer
Comments: Very surprising and nice wine. A little on the light side, however, smooth and not too watery. A good wine in the warmer months as well. I would definitely buy it again.

Beaujolas-Villages Georges DuBoeuf 2008

Type: Beaujolais
Year: 2008
Price: 8.99
Rating: 4 - Would definitely buy again
Where Bought: Otto's Menomonee Falls
Comments: This red wine was another of the nice surprises I received when I first tried it. Lately, I have become, let's say, cautious when trying new uncharted territories. Most recent unknown wines have been more of a disappointment. But, then along comes a wine, every now and then, that rejuvenates my faith in trying new things. This is one of those times. This wine was very pleasant and smooth. Once in awhile, its also a nice departure from the strangth of a Cabernet, which are my favorites. So, anyway, I'm skipping right over my general rating for new wines, to a rating of 4. Yes, I would definitely buy this one again.

Blackstone Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Type: Cabernet Sauvignon
Year: 2007
Price: 9.99
Price: (Update Dec. 17th) 8.99 (Pick N Save)
Rating: 4 - Would definitely buy again
Where Bought: Otto's Menomonee Falls
Comments: This wine was a surprising delight. We had tried this particular wine in restaurants and enjoyed it, but I didn't have high expectations for the bottled version. As I have stated in previous entries, I have found that wines tend to have a higher premium taste quality at a restaurant establishment rather than at home from a purchased bottle. I wish I knew why...Anyway, regardless, this wine had a very smooth taste, surprising for a Cabernet, which tends to have a stronger, but expected bite to it. I will definitely purchase this wine again, if nothing else, to verify that it wasn't just a chance selection of a "good" bottle.