Fiat Vino

Dan brought this over, $9.99 (on sale from $17.99) - 5 (1-10) This was a simple shot at an inexpensive Pinot, which are a low yielding grape and an unwieldy wine to make (so they say...I've never tried, and I don't think I ever will). It has some typical Pinot characteristics of cherries and a light, albeit balanced, oak to it. For the price, it is only hoe-hum; nevertheless I've had much [much] worse. I would buy this again or shall I say, I would buy this, since I didn't buy this one. I do prefer 'old standby' - that's what we call Mondavi's Private Selection Pinot 'round here, but I could see myself changing it up now and then with the Gallo Sonoma Reserve. Let me justify the 5 here. Do not pay $17.99 and especially not $19.99 because I've seen it that high too. For $9.99, it is a perfectly acceptable bottle of juice that belongs on any table or at any party. But if there's some Argentinian Malbecs on the wall for the same price...I...

About $35 from J's winery direct. 10 (1-10) Great Scott!!! Sweet peaches!!! Have I died and gone to heaven? This is one of the best wines I have ever had, no questions please. Like all great operas there is a HUGE finish here (I've never been to an opera). The fruit, the oak, the earth, the spice - everything was balanced perfectly. The flavors lingered for 5 minutes after each sip. It was bold and although stupendious, FYI, it could have sat for another few years. At $35, this knocks the pants off wines twice and three times the price. That justifies the 10; you will not find me give that high a score to a $35 wine because it is so difficult to justify them. Get real, I know so many $17 wines I'd simply rather have two of. For those not familiar, Pinotage is its own varietal. It was a cross between Cinsualt and Pinot Noir developed in South Africa in the 1920's. I have not run into many before, and none outside South Africa. So to be honest, I can't tel...

About $15 from BevMo's wine club 6 (1-10) Another good pick from BevMo's wine club; I have been pleasantly surprised with the values they have selected for us here and I will recommend the club to anyone adventurous (i.e., not picky about what they drink). I may be stingy, even miserly, about the wine I buy [who isn't] - but no one can call me picky. This has a good balance of acid and it is exactly what one should expect from a $15 bottle of Sav Blanc. Would I buy it again? Probably not. But if I was in a jam, didn't want to pony up, and there were more expensive bottles to choose from; I know I'd be getting a decent glass with this one. Auf.