2008 Three Winds Sauvignon Blanc, Vin de Pays d’Oc, South of France, $9.95, tasted 3/2/10. Typically grassy/herbal nose. Good fruit, moderate middle palate and finish. (Distributed by Sonny with Bryant.) Raymond Rating = 84 Points
2008 Three Winds Chardonnay, Vin de Pays d’Oc, South of France, $9.95, tasted 3/2/10. Medium nose of tropical fruit and some oak. A decent, soft, though not particularly interesting Chardonnay. (Distributed by Sonny with Bryant.) Raymond Rating = 83 Points
2007 Three Winds Syrah, Vin de Pays d’Oc, South of France, $9.95, tasted 3/2/10. A pretty nose of cherry and blackberry. Good fruit with nice length and moderate tannins, though not much complexity. (Distributed by Sonny with Bryant.) Raymond Rating = 86 Points
2008 Three Winds Pinot Noir, Vin de Pays d’Oc, South of France, $9.95, tasted 4/1/10. Medium purple/ruby color. A nose of raspberry and light leather notes. Medium tannins and fruit. Light complexity. Doesn’t taste much like a Pinot Noir, but pleasant. (Distributed by Sonny with Bryant.) Raymond Rating = 83 Points
2007 Earthquake Zinfandel, by Michael and David Phillips, Lodi, CA, 16.0% alcohol, $27.50, tasted 3/3/10. Great nose of slightly meaty/smoky berries. Lush fruit, long finish, and some complexity. The best Zin I have had in a long time. A delight to drink by itself, but would pair well with foods such as game, hearty stews, or fowl. (Distributed by Sonny with Bryant.) Raymond Rating = 94 Points
2009 Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz, Western Cape, South Africa, 12.5% alcohol, $10.50, tasted 4/1/10. Ripe, jammy berries and a touch of pipe tobacco on the nose. Medium sweet over fairly dense tannins with fruit lasting through the long finish. Not much complexity, but a nice sweet red. (Distributed by Sonny with Bryant.) Raymond Rating = 86 Points