2008 Tamás Estates “Carta d’Imbarco” Pinot Grigio, Monterey, California, $10.75, tasted 1/7/10. Slightly peachy, melon aromas on the nose. Crisp and clean with some complexity and medium length. (Distributed by Sonny with Bryant) Raymond Rating = 86 points
2007 Round Hill Pinot Grigio, California, $8.50, tasted 1/7/10. Lemon furniture polish with light herbal and floral highlights on the nose. Soft with medium fruit and finish. An easy-drinking, all-purpose white. (Distributed by Sonny with Bryant) Raymond Rating = 84 points
2008 High Note “Elevated” Malbec, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina, $13, tasted 1/7/10. Mulberries with oaky highlights on the nose. Very good fruit, medium length, moderate tannins, with some complexity on a nice, fruit-dominated finish. (Distributed by Sonny with Bryant) Raymond Rating = 88 points
2007 Tamás Estates “Double Decker Red”, Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Sirah, Central Coast, California, 13.5% alcohol, $10.75, tasted 1/7/10. Tropical fruits, black cherry, and slightly dusty earth notes on the nose. Soft with very good fruit and little complexity; though a pleasure to drink. Gayle’s new favorite red! (Distributed by Sonny with Bryant) Raymond Rating = 86 points
2007 Tamás Estates “Carta d’Imbarco” Zinfandel, San Francisco Bay, Livermore Valley, California, 15.5% alcohol, $12.99, tasted 1/7/10. A spicy, berry nose. Very good fruit with some heat. Moderate tannins with little complexity. (Distributed by Sonny with Bryant) Raymond Rating = 85 points
2008 Root:1 Cabernet Sauvignon, Colchagua Valley, Chile, 14% alcohol, $13.50, tasted 1/7/10. A very forward nose of plum, berry, cherry, and mint, with a touch of diesel fuel. Rich fruit, moderately soft tannins, some complexity, and a medium-plus finish. (Distributed by Sonny with Bryant) Raymond Rating = 87 points