CHEAP AND EASY (INSERT EX-GIRLFRIEND/BOYFRIEND JOKES HERE): MORE TALES FROM THE PURPLE BARREL

Our good friend and RNDC/Barkley rep Lou came by with a lineup of really solid values from California:

Twisted Pinot Grigio California 2008 (1.5 liter). Grade=Average. Yes, yes, yes, the bias is coming out again. This is a nice, simplistic, straightforward PG with some lemongrass and ripe pear notes. Light, nice acidity, and we’re out.

Twisted Chardonnay California 2008. Grade=Average. Decent light-bodied Chardonnay with a lot of tropical fruit splashing about in the glass. A hint of malolactic bounces around in there somewhere, ad it finishes with some nice acidity.

Twisted Zinfandel Old Vine Lodi 2008. Grade=Outstanding. The star of the show, this medium-bodied red has some nice spicy fruit qualities, red raspberry jam, and a hint of black pepper. Very good.

Twisted Merlot California 2007. Grade=Average. An okay Merlot with medium-bodied cherry and plum notes. Juicy in the middle, simple on the finish.

Twisted Cabernet Sauvignon California 2007. Grade=Average. Not much in body, it’s a solid, medium-bodied quaff that would be great for parties to throw back with reckless abandon.