2008 Juan Benegas Malbec

This is my dream bottle of cheap red wine. It’s fruity, jammy & loaded with flavor. But it’s not too intense, it’s actually quite mellow. It was the wine steward’s selection at my local grocery store the other day, which is why I thought I’d try it. I am so glad I did. I cannot believe it is only $10 a bottle. I’ve had so many other wines that didn’t even come close to this for far higher prices. Try it! You’ll be glad you did!!!!

★★★★★★★★★ I’m rating this a solid 9

$10.49/bottle retail

Great French Red Wine: Domaine Raspail-Ay Gigondas 2005

This is a fantastic red wine with a very reasonable price point. I recently had a glass at a french restaurant in Las Vegas called Mon Ami Gabi. Now, this restaurant is excellent, but expect to pay a premium for a glass of this wine. I payed $18. That being said, the food is amazing and the service is everything you could hope for. This french red wine has a wonderful balance of flavors. It tastes mature, all the flavors have had a chance to settle into a mouthful of delicious fruit. I had it with steak,  but I think it would go well with any food that has strong flavors.

This is going onto my list of wines to stock up on.

$24/bottle retail

★★★★★★★★ I’m rating it an 8

2007 Luchador Shiraz El Diamante

I chose this Southern Australian red wine purely on the label design (and because it’s a red, of course). It’s got a very eye catching label, which always peaks my curiosity. Many times with wines that have interesting labels, I wonder if the label design is based on the quality and personality of the wine, or if the people who are making it feel the need for something eye catching because it tastes terrible and they’re afraid no one will buy it with a boring label.

So based on my very unethical approach to choosing this particular bottle of wine, I can say that I believe this eye catching label design was chosen because otherwise no one would be purchasing it. It wasn’t the worst wine I’ve ever had, but it definitely was far from the best. It’s fairly acidic & tart  in flavor. It didn’t have much scent. The finish was sharp, with some lingering flavors, though I’m not sure what the flavors were. I won’t be purchasing this wine again.

$18/bottle retail

★★★★ I’m rating it a 4

2006 Three Rings, Shiraz

Awarded 91 points by the Wine Spectator, October 2008

Awarded 91 points by Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, October 2007

My daughter liked the label on this wine and kept commenting on it. One day I decided I should try it and see if her interest in the label was deserved. I am happy to say that, yes, the eye catching label matches up with a good red wine. Bold and balanced flavor, hints of berry, oak & spices. Yum!

From the Barossa Valley, Australia

$17/bottle retail

★★★★★★★ I’m rating it a 7

2006 Alexander Valley Vineyards, Syrah

Here’s a delicious red wine, with a great price point. I was surprised by the woody undertones in this syrah. It has a pleasant depth of flavors and an unexpected complexity. A mellow finish that lingers nicely. This is going on my list of keepers.

$16.99/bottle retail

★★★★★★★★ I’m rating this an 8

2008 Mollydooker, Two Left Feet

Comparing this to The Boxer, by Mollydooker, I don’t like it as much. Two Left Feet has a lighter taste overall, but is still very good. It has some tobacco scents and flavors of raspberry & oak. It definitely has a sharper taste than The Boxer, with a higher acidity. Great big fruit and a crisp finish.

Here’s what’s in it: 68% Australian Shiraz, 17% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon

$24/bottle retail

★★★★★★★ I’m rating it a solid 7

2008 Mollydooker, The Boxer Shiraz

Awarded 91 points by Wine Spectator

I had this fabulous wine at Jak’s Grill in Seattle. They were offering it as a special. It had  a big, bold fruity start, then a great spicy taste. I was surprised it didn’t linger a bit longer, the finish was a bit abrupt. All in all, I liked  it so much I had to find out more about it. I love the flavor & the price. It’s going on my list of keepers.

Here’s what’s in it: Australian Shiraz. Combining the regional flavours of grapes from McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek and Padthaway.

$26/bottle retail

★★★★★★★★ I’m rating it an 8

You can purchase 2008 Mollydooker, The Boxer Shiraz at Wine.com and don’t forget to use these coupons to save some money.

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Six Prong Red Wine

I had a glass of this the other night at Pacific Grill in Tacoma, Wa. I was looking for a decent glass of something big & red. They  also have an excellent wine list if you’re in the market for a whole bottle. Six Prong has a big, robust flavor…nice acidity, nice balance. I love the flavor of this red, especially for the price.

Here’s what’s in it: 35% Cabernet Franc, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Sangiovese, 10% Malbec, 10% Syrah, 5% Barbera

$15/bottle retail

★★★★★★★ I’m rating it a 7