CONCANNON - CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Vintage: 2006
Price Range: $8
Producer: Concannon Vineyard
Region & Country: Arroyo Grande, California, USA
Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Recommended By: N/A

Place & Date Purchased: Dominick's Grocery, Chicago, IL - 07/21/2008
Place & Date Tasted: Home - 07/21/2008

Appearance: Shiny, black cherry tone
Nose: Light and fruity, yet warm
Taste: Light, sweet and full
Finish: Warm on the tongue with light flavor
Overall Impression: I find this is a very versatile wine. You can have it alone or with dinner. I thought it had a great taste and I liked it.

Overall Rating: 88/100
Overall Value: **** / 5 Stars

R. COLLECTION - MERLOT

Vintage: 2004
Price Range: $18
Producer: Raymond Vineyards
Region & Country: St. Helena, California, USA
Grape Variety: Merlot
Recommended By: Jamie Carroll

Place & Date Purchased: Jamie's Wine Studio, Galena, IL - 01/20/2008
Place & Date Tasted: Home - 07/10/2008

Appearance: Blackish red with clear shade
Nose: Fruity; slightly hot, but in a good way
Taste: Spicy, peppery, rich & bold
Finish: Hot flavor that lingers. It's good.
Overall Impression: Delicious! This is a great stand alone wine. It just has this wonderful, bold flavor!

Overall Rating: 93/100
Overall Value: **** / 5 Stars

CICCHITTI - MALBEC

Vintage: 2004
Price Range: $20
Producer: Cicchitti Winery
Region & Country: Mendoza, Argentina
Grape Variety: Malbec
Recommended By: Wine Club

Place & Date Purchased: WineStyles, Evanston, IL - 06/10/2008
Place & Date Tasted: Home - 07/02/2008

Appearance: Black cherry red
Nose: Smells fruity and warm
Taste: Bold & full bodied
Finish: Smooth; Warmth lingers
Overall Impression: Bold & delicious! Great dinner wine! This is another great wine that you should bring to a party or give as a gift to impress.

Overall Rating: 94/100
Overall Value: ***.5 / 5 Stars