Very Old Vines Carignan Vin de Pays de L'Aude 2006

That long description tells us a little - it's a predominantly carignan blend, a local wine (vin de pays) from the L'Aude. What's that? A department in south-central France named after the Aude River that is between the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees. It's the home of Carcassonne. Other wine you might have heard of is the AOC Corbières.

OK, so it's a decent inexpensive French red. Not too oaky or boozy (12.5%)

Wild Horse Merlot 2005

We have been enjoying this Merlot for years; I think we received our first one as a gift in 2001. Based on our experience you will always be happy with this.

"this deeply pigmented wine offers flavors of plum, black cherry, cedar and toasted oak." (I didn't notice the oak).
$15 at Western (normally $19)

Twenty Rows - The Grappler 200x

One of our many selections for Man Trip 2007. We previously reviewed this wine in December 2006 and grabbed it again on a recent trip to Western.

"The Grappler is an intriguing blend of 58% Zinfandel, 30% Syrah, and 12% Cabernet Sauvignon. The three grapes come from three different regions of California: Lake County, Paso Robles, and Calistoga respectively. But this melting pot wine is in no way undistinctive. It's got deep color, intense aromas, great integration of flavors, and everything you'd want in a masculine Zin blend. Black cherries with some spicy cinnamon and pepper, a hint of smoke on the finish, and a long finish make this an experience from start to finish."

$18 @ Western.

Qupe Syrah 2005

Gosh, how many times have we quaffed this and it hasn't been blogged. Not officially anyway. The 2004 did make the trip to NC last year but didn't get described. Anyway, this is a delicious and very reliable CA Central Coast Syrah. It is extremely well balanced in fruit, spice (a hint of pepper), and finish.

From the winemakers: "This wine is 93% syrah, 4% Grenache, 2% Mourvèdre and 1% Counoise. The grapes come from 16 different vineyards in the Central Coast – 55% from Santa Barbara County; 39% from Paso Robles and 6% from the Arroyo Grande Valley.

2005 was an amazing vintage for both quality and quantity and, in fact, it’s one of the best vintages I’ve seen in my 27 years on the Central Coast. The grapes had impeccable balance and flavor intensity and the perfect weather allowed us to really dial in the harvest sugars."

About $13 at Overton & Vine.