[Aric] domaine ligneres 2002

60% Carignane, 25% Mourvedre, 15% Syrah,Suzette Ligneres Chateau La Baronne, France 14%
www.acadiaetfils.com
Aric
Imported by: Sovereign Wine Imports, Santa Rosa, CA

Excellent nose: Deep fruit with a perfume of rose in the best way. A little alcohol on the nose but rich bourbon alcohol. Smoke, cherries, fruit leather and wet stones for an excellent mouth-taste experience. Strong flavors for a Frenchie. More like Italian. Good, balanced, yet rich red. Keeps well too. Reminds me of a Cotes du Rhone but meater and more complex. Nice! Very Nice!

Leapard's Leap, The Lookout 2005

Cab 45%, Shiraz 34%, Cinsault 21%, Western Cape Vineyards, South Africa, 12.5%
www.leapards-leap.com
www.capeleopard.org.za
Imported by: Confluence wine importers, New Port Beach, CA
www.cwimporters.com

Deep, dark nose: A tiny tad oxidized but nice hints of smoke and ink. Good clean fruit with some lavender, violet and rubber (in a good way. . .). Tangy and chewy on the tongue. A heavy wine but not syrupy. Nice linger of licorice and dried fruits. Nice use of the blending. Best South African wine I've had thus far.

Talus Collection Pinot Noir 2006

Vin de Pays d'oc (AKA French swill), 13.5%
Jeff Kasawan winemaker
www.taluscollection.com

Mild nose. Some raspberry and a little hint of synthetic plastic-y stuff. Soft fruits, a bit tart, a little sweet. Drinkable but not interesting or complex. Nice linger of strawberry and maybe cranberry. Decent I guess but pretty boring stuff.

Marietta Old Vine Red Lot #47

Marietta Cellars, Alexander Valley, Geyserville, CA 13.5%
www.mariettacellars.com

Nice dark fruits with a smoothness on the nose. Smooth, light plum, cherry, and currants with some sweet, extracted flavors. Rich after-taste with some nice tartness and good chewy tannins. Excellent drink-ability. A pleasing fruit forward wine with impressive character from nose to finish. Simple and simply tasty.