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Having returned to Palau, where wine is heavily taxed, we have no wines under $10.00 to review. In fact, the infamous "Two-Buck Chuck" becomes "Sixteen-Buck Chuck" here in the south pacific. We figure we cannot help much from here., although we considered reviewing rum. "Whalers Rum" at Trader Joe's is a good one. Dark, smooth with caramel and vanilla finish. 

But we must stop.

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Dailywinos

Rootstock, 2007, North Coast, Syrah

Rootstock, 2007,
North Coast, Syrah
OUR SCORE: 4 Out of 5
TRADER JOE'S FOR $6.99

From beginning to end we found this Syrah to be most pleasant and rewarding. The nose was a blend of alcohol and violet....just like the label on the bottle says. In the mouth it became a symphony of berry, plum and cherry. The finish did not disappoint, with vanilla and essence of soft oak. We were happy that we decided to try this wine and will serve it again.

Cellered and bottled by DnA Vineyards, Ukiah, California.

J.W. Morris, 2009, California, Riesling

J.W. Morris, 2009,
California, Riesling
OUR SCORE: 3 Corks out of 5
Trader Joe's for $3.99

Denise gave us this bottle for the purpose of a review, hoping to resolve a family dispute  of sorts. So here we go, trusting that the review will bring you ever closer!

This is a light sweet wine, that is best used as an apertif or to anchor a summery afternoon break with cheese and fruit. The nose had some hints of citrus while the major impact on the palate was sweetness belnded with hints of apple  It is certainly drinkable and smooth throughout, but features little that is special. We served it chilled. The price is right for a large party or wedding.

Cameron Hughes, Lot 137, 2007, Paso Robles, Syrah

Cameron Hughes, Lot 137,

2007, Paso Robles, Syrah
OUR SCORE: 2.5 to 3 Corks out of 5
Costco for $7.99

We just did not get the characteristics claimed by this wine. From the nose, through the palate and on to the finish, we encountered little exciting or robust. Certainly drinkable and with nothing objectionable, this wine reminds us that we have experienced others with much more character at almost half the price.

For more information go to http://www.chwine.com/.

Fetzer Vineyards, Valley Oaks, 2007, Merlot

Fetzer Vineyards,
Valley Oaks,

2007, Merlot
OUR SCORE: 3 Out of 5 Corks
Trader Joes for $5.99

There is nothing unpleasant about this Merlot. The nose is a blend of berry and alcohol. On the palate there is a hint of berry with a soft oak finish. All is smooth and not complex. Absolutely drinkable for a daily wine if you enjoy the smooth and nothing too exciting.

To learn for about the Fetzer Award-Winning wines visit http://www.fetzer.com/.

Vintjs, Russian River, Chardonnay, 2008

Vintjs, Russian River,

Chardonnay, 2008
OUR SCORE 3.5 OUR OF 5 Corks
NEW AT Trader Joe's for $6.99

If you are looking for drinkabilty and not complexity, this wine may do. You will find pineapple on the nose and that's far as it goes. After  that, there is nothing disturbing or excitng. Green apple is on the palate with a soft and undistinguish finish. This wiil work for a summer afternoon alcohol-delivery party, but not take you to any sort of complexity.

Website information to come... Happy weekend everyone!

7 deadly Zins, 2007, Lodi Appellation, Zinfandel

7 Deadly Zins, 2007,
Lodi Appellation,
Zinfandel
OUR SCORE 4 CORKS out of 5
Costco for $9.99. Close to $20 elsewhere

This is a blend of seven old vine zinfandels from the Lodi Appelation. The nose has little fruit and is dominated by smoke. A hint of cherry exerts itself on the tip and middle tongue and the end is all oaky smoke. This is a smoothly pleasant wine from beginning to end. We usuallly expect more fruit from a zinfandel, but this blend is quite enjoyable.

For more information see http://www.lodivineyards.com/