2008 Caposaldo Pinot Grigio, IGT Veneto, Italy, 12.5% alcohol, $10.99, tasted 9/16/09. Melon rind, lemon, and light notes of raw almonds on the nose. Medium fruit, finish, and length with very light bitterness on the finish. (Distributed by Val with Republic.) Raymond Rating = 86
2008 Acrobat Pinot Gris, by King Estate Winery, Oregon, 12.5% alcohol, $14.75, tasted 9/16/09. Slightly floral nose with aromas of pear. Good fruit lasting through a long finish with some complexity and light bitterness on the finish. (Distributed by Val with Republic.) Raymond Rating = 87
2008 Sebeka Sauvignon Blanc, Western Cape, South Africa, 12.5% alcohol, $8.99, tasted 9/16/09. Herbal nose with tropical fruits and some minerality. Medium fruit and finish. A little simple and short with light bitterness on the finish. (Distributed by Val with Republic.) Raymond Rating = 84
2006 Sebeka “Cape Blend” Shiraz (60%)-Pinotage (40%), Western Cape, South Africa, 13.5% alcohol, $8.99, tasted 9/16/09. Meaty nose of bacon and blackberries. Good fruit, though a little simple and short with soft tannins. (Distributed by Val with Republic.) Raymond Rating = 84
2007 McWilliams “Hanwood Estate” Shiraz, S.E. Australia, 13.5% alcohol, $11, tasted 9/16/09. A lovely nose of eucalyptus, berries, spice, and light notes of smoke. Lush fruit and a long finish with some complexity. A super value! (Distributed by Val with Republic.) Raymond Rating = 90
2006 Castle Rock Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, California, 14.5% alcohol, $13.50, tasted 9/16/09. Pretty nose of sweet berries, licorice, and hints of leather. Very good fruit dominated a finish of medium length. A soft, easy-drinking fruit-forward Zin. (Distributed by Val with Republic.) Raymond Rating = 85
Non-Vintage Barefoot Moscato Spumante, California, 8.5% alcohol, $10, tasted 9/16/09. Charmat method sparkling wine. Typically floral Muscat nose; though with a hint of furniture polish. A sweet, simple sparkler. (Distributed by Val with Republic.) Raymond Rating = 80
2008 Castle Rock “Monterey County” Pinot Noir, Monterey Co., California, $14.75, tasted 9/16/09. Slightly smoky with cherry/raspberry aromas and notes of leather. Good fruit and soft tannins on a medium-long finish with light complexity. A good value for Pinot Noir. (Distributed by Val with Republic.) Raymond Rating = 85
2007 Windmill Estates “Lodi” Chardonnay, Lodi, California, tasted 9/17/09. Low intensity nose of apples and light oaky notes. Fair fruit, though rather soft and simple with medium length. (Distributed by Val with Republic.) Raymond Rating = 81