2006 PKNT “Silver Collection” Sauvignon Blanc, Maule Valley, Chile, $8.50. Grapefruit, celery, and honeydew melon on the nose. Medium finish and length. A crisp, clean, varietally correct wine, though without much complexity. The Raymond Rating = 84 points.
2006 Fat Cat Chardonnay, California, $11.25. Pear, melon, and some spice on the pleasant nose. Rather thin with light fruit and a short but nice finish. The Raymond Rating = 80 points.
Non Vintage Steeple Jack Moscato (by Ballast Stone), Southeast Australia, 9.5% alcohol, $8.25. A small amount of bubbles -- sometimes referred to as “petulant”. A spicy, floral, honeyed nose with citrus notes. Medium sweet, but with enough acidity to be refreshing instead of cloying. This delightful quaffing wine is a very good value. The Raymond Rating = 85 points.
2006 PKNT Pinot Noir, Central Valley, Chile, $8.50. Garnet color. A raisiny nose overpowered the underlying aromas of smoky raspberries and leather. Light fruit with a soft, short finish. A second bottle was opened and found to be the same. This was very disappointing in light of the fact that previous bottlings were much better. The Raymond Rating = 78 points.
2004 Fat Cat Merlot, California, $11.25. On the nose, burnt match aromas over black cherry and some earthy notes -- cleaned up with air. Good fruit with soft, medium tannins and finish. A nice, easy-drinking Merlot. The Raymond Rating = 81 points.
2005 PKNT Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Valley, Chile, $8.50. Slightly dusty nose with sweet red-fruit aromas and spicy highlights. Good fruit with velvety tannins, some complexity, and a medium finish. A good value. The Raymond Rating = 84 points.