Wine Batch Review 3/13/11

7 out of 10 for above average:

Porto Morgado, 10 Years Old Tawny & Ruby (Portugal) - This bargain priced series of ports carried by Trader Joe's is an outstanding value with smoothness and tastes rivaling mainstream ports were twice as much. Well done.

6 out of 10 for upper average:

Domaine de Nerleux, Clos Des Chatains, 2005 (Saumur-Champigny, France) - An appelation I had not heard of before from France on a bottle Trader Joe's carries for around $15. Quality stuff midway between old world and new world style. It had a long lasting life too, two weeks after I uncorked it I went back to finish and it was still fine, maybe even better.

Pancake Cellars, Big Day White, 2009 (Paso Robles, California) - A complex mix of Chard, Sauv Blanc, Voignier, Muscat Caneli, and Pinot Blanc. Bold and tasty but not overdone. A great value with a ridiculous name.

Green Truck, Petite Syrah, 2009 (Mendocino County, California) - One of the organic entries by the affordable Red Truck brand. Pretty high in alcohol (13.5%) and very bold and forward, it was decent but not outstanding.

Scoring 5.5 out of 10 for dead center average:

Andre, Peach Passion Durazno (California) - Despite the fact so many of the entries by Andre are not much more than wine coolers Nancy and I both think this is a cut above their others. Sweet and peachy but really not overdone. Refreshing and fun. Yeah, it's still a wine cooler, but at least it's a decent one.

Scoring 5 out of 10 for lower average:

Ali, Sangiovese di Toscano, 2007 (Italy)

Canyon Oaks, Chardonnay, 2009 (California)

Terranoble, Sauvignon Blanc, 2009 (Chile)

Green Truck, Sauvignon Blanc, 2008 (Lake County, California)

Haut Marin, Cuvee Marine, 2009 (Cotes de Gascogne, France) Good flavor but a little acidic

Villa Carlotti, Prosecco (Italy)

Yellow and Blue, Sauvignon Blanc, 2009 (Central Valley, Chile)

Bancrock Station, Chardonnay, 2008 (South Eastern, Australia)

Orleans Hill, Alexandria, California White Wine, 2009 (California)

Puerto Viejo, Malbec, 2009 (Mendoza, Argentina) - I can't believe I gave this brand a second try. Although Nancy thought it tolerable to me it was just vinegar.