NV Pinot Evil, Pinot Grigio, IGT, Delle Venezie, Italy, $7.85. Pear and raw almonds on the nose. Light fruit with good acidity. Crisp and clean with a slight off-note on a typical Pinot Grigio finish. Raymond Rating = 79 points.
2007 Jacob’s Creek “Reserve” Riesling, South Australia, $13.99. Orange peel and honeysuckle on the nose. Very dry with good fruit, some complexity, and a slight bitterness on the finish. Raymond Rating = 87 points.
2007 Big House White, Muscat Canelli, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Malvasia Bianca, and Vermentino, 13.5% alcohol, California, $8.95. The nose was dominated by Muscat aromas on an herbal background. Medium fruit, finish, and length with some complexity. A very good value. Pair with seafood, lighter chicken dishes, or vegetables. The Wine Enthusiast magazine rated it 89 points. The Wine Spectator gave it 83 points. Raymond Rating = 86 points.
2005 Big House Pink, Sangiovese, Barbera, Zinfandel, Carignane, and Mourvedre, 13.0% alcohol, California, $8.95. A forward nose of strawberries, raspberries, tobacco, and flint. Dry and crisp, good fruit, with a medium finish and length. A very good value and would be a good wine to serve with brunch. Raymond Rating = 87 points.
2006 Sasyr (by Rocca delle Macie), IGT, Toscana, Italy, 60% Sangiovese and 40% Syrah (hence the name, Sasyr), $18.90. Tobacco and cherries on the nose. Good fruit and finish with soft tannins and medium length. Raymond Rating = 87 points.
2006 Jacob’s Creek “Reserve” Shiraz, South Australia, $13.99. Eucalyptus, berries, with light herbal and smoky notes. Crisper, lighter, and less fruit-forward than typical for an Australian Shiraz; but could almost be mistaken for a good French Syrah. It would likely be more food-friendly than most Australian Shirazes. Raymond Rating = 88 points.