Quail Creek

Shiraz
California
2008

A dark, rich red with a delightful smell that tickles your nostrils.  We couldn't actually find anything online more about this wine or the history behind it.  It is a typical shiraz, except, we think, it is much smoother than most.

Colin:  It was a nice Shiraz, although I don't think it was one of my favorites, because I feel it could have been a little bolder.  But anyone that likes something that is on the mild side would enjoy it.  It has a nice warm body, and the finish could have been a little less acidic.
Rating:  7 out of 10 glasses

Rachel:  I feel for a Shiraz, this was very smooth and a nice red wine. It is bold in flavors, but great for someone that doesn't like really sour reds.  It is on the sweeter side, with a smoother finish so it makes for a rather nice drink.  Although, it does have a bit of a powerful aftertaste, the finish lingers - and in this one, the lingering isn't necessarily a good thing (though, I only really mark this down .5 because of that).
Rating:  6.5 out of 10 glasses


Where can I find it?
Whole Foods 

Cost:  $3.99 (estimated, we drank this while at dinner at Colin's brother's apartment)

Aconga

Malbec & Cabernet Sauvignon
Argentina
2010

80% Malbec and 20% Cabernet makes a rich purple and dark wine.  There's ample notes of plum, black fruit, and all the good flavors that you want out of a red wine.  It's soft and supple that goes with pasta or beef.  We had it with roasted garlic and rosemary potatoes and portobello stuffed mushrooms with almond meal and Italian dressing.  This was a completely vegan and gluten free meal -- and came out quite nicely.  Paired great with the wine - though we believe this could go with just about anything.  And under $10!

Colin:  Surprisingly good.  The price had me skeptical, but on the first sip, I was delightfully surprised at how smooth and fruity it was.  A little smoother than most Malbec - probably because of the amount of Cabernet in it.  The only thing that lowered the rating was the slightly poor finish - it was a little too citrus-y.  Great for $3.00
Rating:  7 out of 10 glasses

Rachel:  This is a very smooth red, rich and fruity.  I was amazed that, for such a cheap wine, it was as great as it is.  It smells very smooth.  I don't really know what to say, because I really enjoyed this wine.  It's fruity, easy to drink for non-red wine lovers, but also holds up on bold flavors for the wine drinker.  And for the price - this is unbeatable.
Rating: 8 out of 10 glasses

Jennie's Birthday Review:  Surprisingly even, in both color and notes throughout.  This wine gives a clean finish, but after a few sips, the fruitier notes become more clear.  A little acidic for my taste, but overall a beautiful find for a great price!  I think I may be a fan of Malbec!

Rating:  8 out of 10 glasses

Where can I find it?
We bought it at Ralph's - our local grocery store.
Aconga's website

Cost:  On sale for $2.99!  If you live in Los Angeles, get this bottle at Ralph's!  Originally 8.99.  For white lovers, Aconga also makes Chardonnay - we bought a bottle, but have yet to try it.  We think the Malbec is worth the non-sale price too, but saving is always great.

Blason de Bourgogue

Pinot Noir
France
2009

Medium-bodied, fruity, but full of flavor red wine.  It works well with simple dishes, like pasta, pizza, or with fresh bread and cheese (how we had it).  We recommend having it with food only, post-dinner/by itself, it loses some of the magic.  This bottle holds up well in the fridge for one-two days after opening.

Colin:  It's a good, light pinot noir.  The initial taste is a little alcoholy, but for the price, that can be easily overlooked.  The only problem I have is with the finish, where the alcohol taste resognates.  It is otherwise an okay body.
Rating:  5 out of 10 glasses

Rachel:  For under ten dollars, I say this is a good buy.  I like Noirs for their fruity, usually delicate flavor.  This one was a little more bold and sour, but still smooth.  Definitely has some cherry notes.  Worth the buy if you are looking for something a little cheaper and foreign.
Rating:  5.5 out of 10 glasses

Where can I find it?
Trader Joe's

Cost: $6.99

Our roommate's birthday is tomorrow - happy birthday!  We are going to have a special post next Friday with our review and her guest review to celebrate!  It's a great Malbec for under $10, so check back!

Barefoot

Pinot Grigio
California
year unknown

Barefoot doesn't ever place a year on their wines (we don't know why).  Though their story behind their name is cute.  They have a "beach clean-up" project, in which they make beaches throughout California safe to walk on in "bare feet."  If you like California beaches and like wine, this is always a good brand under $10.  But make sure you choose a wine that  you like to drink.  I like Grigio's, Colin hates them.  But he likes Barefoot's Pinot Noir (we will eventually review all of their wines).  Something to consider when purchasing (and reading our reviews).  This white is very crisp when chilled, a great summertime drink.

Colin:  On the second day, I'm giving it a two.  It had a little less of an edge and was a little more lemony.  I really just don't like grigios.
Rating: 2 out of 10 glasses

Rachel:  Pinot Grigio was the first one I drank when I turned 21.  I had have several wines at family gatherings before that, but I have a particularly fond memory of being at dinner with friends, drinking my first legal glass of wine in public.  It has since, stayed one of my favorite flavors of wine.  I love that it's dry and has a crisp, swift finish.  You get a burst of vanilla and citrus, and it has a bite to it.  I definitely think that if you are at a loss for an under $10 bottle of wine to buy, buy a Barefoot.
Rating:  6 out of 10

Where can I find it?
Supermarkets, across country.  Ralph's usually has sales on their Barefoot wines.

Cost: $5-7.00, depends on if you find a sale or not.

Firefly Ridge

Cabernet Sauvignon
Central Coast, California
2008

The winery is named after the firefly's that are present on the ridge.  This cabernet is a dark, super rich wine - with black cherry, currants, and (as the bottle says) violets.  Though - we didn't really taste anything floral in this wine.

Colin:  This is a very crass wine.  Smells okay, but without food, there's just something off about it.  It's very smokey, and the flavors that it boasts about are not accurate.  The finish was okay, which is why this isn't rated a one-glass wine.
Rating:  1 out of 10 glasses

Rachel:  After running this through our aerator (you can see the ones we use in our amazon store), it still wasn't all that great.  It's very sour initially, but has a smoother finish.  When paired with a mac and cheese, the flavors in the wine were downright awful.  When paired with tomato, garlic rich bruschetta, the notes were more delicate.  Still too sour for my taste.  Recommend only with the heartiest of Italian meals.
Rating:  2 out of 10 glasses

Where can I find it?
Vons, supermarkets -- Vons had it on sale for ten dollars off the original price, which makes Colin and I wonder if they left the bottles out in the sun.  We don't really want to bother trying another Firefly Ridge wine, but if you have a different experience, please post it (and if you think we should give it another shot - tell us why!)


Cost: $5.99, originally $15.99