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.

Double Decker - Red Blend - 2010

From California

From the bottle: 
"The adventure begins when you twist open the cap! This fruit-forward blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, and Barbera is doubly delicious and easy to sip - perfect for BBQs, dinners in, and you. Hop on the bus and let your senses take you a world away."

Colin: The three varieties blend well. There's nice fruity notes with a pleasant finish. My only complaint is the little sourness on the nose. 

Rating: 7.5 out of 10 glasses

Rachel: This deep purple wine has the fullness of a cab, but contains a nice fruity note that I like. It's an extremely harmonious blend. Recommend not resting it on your tongue, but quick sips for best taste - otherwise it can get really sour the longer it rests on your tongue. 

Rating: 7 out of 10 glasses

Where can I find it? We got this from Ralph's - the grocery chain near us. You can order it online from Double Decker's website for $11.99.

Mason - Sauvignon Blanc - 2010

From Napa Valley, California

After some online research, we discovered that the taste was so unique that employees in Mason's tasting room told reviewers on yelp that this Sauvignon Blanc would probably never have the same flavor profile again. Which makes us happy to review this 2010 wine!

Colin: I'm surprised by this wine, since it has a heavy-handed fruity bouquet. Yet, it has a very pleasant finish. If the fruit notes were dialed down, I would like this Sauvignon more. 

Rating: 6 out of 10 glasses

Rachel: This wine is crisp with a delicious, citrus finish. It's unlike any Sauvignon Blanc we've ever had. Definitely sweeter than the average, with a very earthy feel. I can only compare it to that flavor you get from cucumber water - very fresh and light. 

Rating: 8 out of 10 - highly recommended due to its unique flavor profile 

Where can I find it? We got our 325 mL bottle at Whole Foods for $4.99. 

Challis Lane - Merlot - 2011

From California 

From the bottle:

"Wine style: This soft and pretty Merlots shows expressive flavors of ripe plum and black cherries with a hint of vanilla and toasty notes to accent the finish."

Colin: This is a pretty good, all-purpose bottle of wine. It has a strong bouquet, which is typical of a merlot. It really shines in the long lasting finish. 

Rating: 7 out of 10 glasses

Rachel: This wine pairs fantastically well with pasta. Without, there is a sour smokiness to it that I'm not a big fan of - but the finish is wonderful. With food, you can taste all the soft, well-rounded flavors to this delicate wine. 

Rating: 8 out of 10 glasses

Where can I find it? We got this during the 5 cent wine sale at Bevmo - it's normally priced at $9.99.