Babble - Red Blend - 2011

From California

From the bottle:

"We won't bore you with the overwrought descriptions of Babble... We're too busy blending great Mendocino County wines. But if we had to pin down the flavors, we think Babble tastes like plum, bacon fat, and blackberry preserves-kinda creamy on the palate with hints of cocoa and tannins that round out nicely in the finish."

Colin: There's a vinegary, lasting taste that lingers long after the finish. This wine could have been great, but it ends up just being okay. 

Rating: 5 out of 10 glasses 

Rachel: This red blend has an acidic taste to it that really drags it down. I like the smoothness of the finish once the initial taste fades. Definitely can taste the cocoa. 

Rating: 6.5 out of 10 glasses

Where can I find it? We got this bottle at Trader Joe's for under $10.

Semler - Sauvignon Blanc - 2012

From Malibu, California

From the bottle:
"Our vineyards are positions 2,000 feet above sea level where our rocky terrain, soils, and weather create a microclimate of unparalleled complexity and depth."

Colin: I'm quite fond of this, since it is a bold Sauvignon Blanc. There's an apple cider bite with a smooth, oak-y finish. This is a white for someone who doesn't usually enjoy whites. 

Rating: 9 out of 10 glasses

Rachel: This wine was fantastic at the tasting we went to, and even better with food (we had risotto!). It has an apple tartness to it, but a sweet, almost buttery finish that rolls off your tongue. Fantastic wine. 

Rating: 10 out of 10 glasses. 

Where can I find it?  We got it directly at a wine tasting.  You can purchase it on the Malibu Family Wines' site for $24.00.

Fish Eye - Cabernet Sauvignon - 2012

This Cabernet is from South Eastern Australia

From the bottle: "Cherry and blackberry with a hint of pepper on the nose."

Colin: It's hard to find fault in this Cabernet - even with its screw top.  This wine is a perfect, fruity cab. There's a earthy tone in the finish, which is the only downside for me. Great glass to have with food; recommend having it breathe a little before drinking. 

Rating: 8.5 out of 10 glasses

Rachel: I was blown away by this wine. It has a bold, fruity flavor with a lasting finish. Lately, I feel like we've been striking out on cabs. This one definitely hit the spot, with overall nice tones. 

Rating: 9 out of 10 glasses

Where can I find it?  We got this at our local grocery store for under $10. You can find more information on Fish Eye's website.

Diseno - Malbec - 2011

An old vine Malbec from Mendoza Argentina

From the bottle:

"Diseño Malbec is a rich wine with an inviting bouquet of stone fruit. A hint of coffee complements the blueberry, spice, and chocolate flavors."

Colin: I recommend having this wine with food. Without food, I got a little too much of that sour, vinegar flavor. Otherwise, it has a nice rustic fruitiness. It does have a lasting finish. 

Rating: 7 out of 10 glasses 

Rachel: This is a really rich wine with a smooth finish. The chocolate notes make it an easy sipping wine with or without food. I love how long the finish is and how all the notes continue to linger long after the wine is gone. 

Rating: 8 out of 10 glasses

Where can I find this?  We got this bottle at our local grocery store.  You can find it online for a bunch of different prices, but getwineonline.com had the cheapest bottle.