Summer Value Reds

We had an informal tasting last night. The theme was value red wines for summer parties. All wines were $11 or less and rated 85 to 88 by Wine Spectator. All were bought from Connecticut Beverage Mart Newington.

2002 Columbia Crest "Two Vines" Merlot, Columbia Valley - $8
2002 Dog House Merlot, California - $9
2004 Lindemans Bin 40 Merlot, South Eastern Australia - $7
2003 Columbia Crest "Two Vines" Shiraz, Columbia Valley - $8
2003 Pepperwood Grove Syrah, California - $8
2005 Alice White Shiraz, South Eastern Australia - $7
2004 Rosemount Shiraz-Cabernet, South Eastern Australia - $11
2004 Black Swan Shiraz-Merlot, South Eastern Australia - $7

All of the wines were drinkable - solid "C" ratings. None were real stars, but the two best-liked ones, earning a C+, were the Dog House and the Columbia Crest Shiraz. The Dog House Merlot was nicely fruity, with some cherry flavor, and a hint of mocha in the aroma. The Columbia Crest Shiraz had big plum flavor.

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