$5-$10 bottles

Villa Borghetti 2006

A friend said that he could get me some similar wines to Lindey’s proprietary Rocket Science but at a fraction of the price. I said, “Bring it on.” The first he presented me with is the Villa Borghetti. And it’s not a bad comparison. I guess this is his Italian version of the Rocket Science. It’s still a little young but pretty mellow for an Italian wine and deep like the Rocket Science. This may be one of the better Italians that I’ve had. I didn’t let it breathe much so it could still open up some. Overall, a nice recommendation.

HRM Rex-Goliath California Cabernet Sauvignon

This is a nice $7-$8 bottle of wine that’s a staple with us. Rex Goliath’s website refers to it as the ultimate hamburger wine. I’m not sure if that is good or bad or both. The site also claims that it has hints of cedar and oak, with layers of raspberry, plum, mocha, and currant. I can definitely detect the woody intimations as well as perhaps the plum and currant flavors. Mocha and raspberry may require a bit more imagination at least on my part. For the price, you can’t beat it. Get it before it goes up.

$10-$20 bottles

Hey Mambo!

Found this at Palmer’s and it probably didn’t last long there. Great stuff. Gotta try it!

Wildhurst Vineyards 2004

This wine will go to the top of my $10-20 list. Palmer’s Beverage recommended it and it has been very enjoyable. This wine has a nice smoothness to it and is not sweet which some Cabernet’s can be. For $13.99 this is an excellent bottle of wine and I’ll be back for more soon.

Clos du Bois 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon

It’s strange what these winemakers write. Clos du Bois “pairs well with barbecued steak, beef roast or fajitas.” Barbecued Steak? Even if I knew what barbecued steak was, I don’t think I’d have wine with it. According to closdubois.com, Clos de Bois is all the french that you’ll ever need to know. How haughty of a winemaker in Geyserville, Cali. Clos de Bois isn’t a bad bottle of wine. In fact, it’s decent for $12 but I’d buy the Rex Goliath and save $4. Clos du Bois is somewhat full-bodied and I can detect the black cherry and plum intimations. But it’s a little too sweet and watery for me.

Mirassou 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon

After this opened up, it was very agreeable. It sort of reminded me of a raisiny taste. Perhaps just a little tangy is the best way to describe it.

Toasted Head 2005 Cabernet
My wife and I don’t remember too much about this wine. Palmer’s had it prominently on display, so I bit. Not a stand out but potable.

Match Book 2004
This was not the Matchbook Blockhouse. At least, I hope not. At first, it seemed a bit sweet but then grew on me as it breathed a bit. Not bad, but it won’t go to the top of my list.

Chateau de Buisson

My wife brought home a bottle of Chateau de Buisson 2006, a bordeaux. It’s a mixture of 82% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon. It claims, “Grapes produce beautiful deep garnet color. Fine woody notes on the nose combine with aromas of ripe fruits, liquorice, and vanilla. Full-flavoured, full-bodied in the mouth and well-structured.” They further recommend that it be served at room temperature with grilled meats and sauce-based dishes.

The Chateau de Buisson was still very young and I failed to detect the woody notes, the aromas of ripe fruits, licorice, nor vanilla. If anything it had the biting taste of a young wine. It may be a bit to early to judge this wine. Ah well, on to the next wine.

$20-$30 bottles

Simi Alexander Valley 2004

A very oaky Cabernet Sauvignon. I can definitely taste the hints of blackberry. Cherry and plum flavors may come later. It’s very smooth and easy going down. Is it $24.95 good? I’m desperately seeking another bottle of the Villa Borghetti at just less than 1/3 the cost.