2006 Fox Brook Sauvignon Blanc, California, $5.65. Subdued, lightly herbal nose, for a Sauvignon Blanc, with aromas of citrus and crab shells. Medium fruit and finish. Fairly simple, but nice. A good match for seafood. A super value! The Raymond Rating = 84 points.
2007 Tomero Torrontes, Mendoza, Argentina, $13.05. Grapefruit, peach, and pine needles on the nose. A little thin in the mouth, though crisp and refreshing. Moderately long with medium fruit and finish. Reminds me of a less herbal Sauvignon Blanc. The Raymond Rating = 87 points.
2007 Colombelle Rosé, Vin de Pays des Cotes de Gascogne, southwestern France, 60% Tannat, 20% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, $9.80. Peaches and blackberries in the lightly perfumed nose. Medium fruit, finish, and length. The Raymond Rating = 86 points.
2005 Cantine Valpane “Rosso Pietro” Barbera del Monferrato DOC, Piedmont, Italy, $16, tasted 4/21/2009. An interesting nose with violets, rhubarb pie, mint, and cola notes, evolved with air. Good fruit with some complexity. A medium finish dominated by firm tannins. A few years to soften the tannins and develop additional complexity should increase drinking pleasure. The Raymond Rating = 88 points.
2007 MillsReef “Reserve” Merlot/Malbec, 51%/49%, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, $14.50. Black cherry with lightly herbal and tarry highlights. Good fruit and complexity. Well balanced with a long finish. An excellent value for a wine of this quality. The Raymond Rating = 90 points.
2005 Hope Estate “The Ripper” Shiraz, Western Australia, $16.75. A forward nose of tobacco, smoke and berries. Good fruit with a medium finish and length. The Raymond Rating = 87 points.
2006 Fox Brook Cabernet Sauvignon, California, $5.65. Strawberry, sweet oak, and tobacco on the nose. Fairly simple, but good fruit and finish with medium length. A stunning value! The Raymond Rating = 87 points.