BARGAIN HUNTING IN THE GRAPE SEA (GETTING BACK ON POINT)

Last week our good friend and RNDC-Kentucky rep came by with his usual bag o’ tricks:

La Marca Prosecco NV. Grade=Outstanding. I reviewed this a few weeks ago, at a time when my palate was certifiable roadkill. But fear not, homeboy David brought up another sample and this one is nice and vibrant, with fizzy green apple and hints of lime zest, ripe pears and undertones of mineral and thyme. Finishes up with just a note of lightly toasted brioche.

Shiloh Road Chardonnay California 2008. Grade=Average. Soft, supple notes of ripe golden apples, juicy peaches, nectarines, nutmeg and hints of caramel corn. A nice value.

Shiloh Road Merlot California 2007. Grade=Average. The fruit here is lean and tight, tasting something like sour cherry and pomegranate tea, with undercurrents of wet stones, sun-bleached oak, and slight herbs.

Shiloh Road Cabernet Sauvignon California 2007. Grade=Average. Again, this is much more austere, with dark cherry and plum tones, some black and red currants, a hint of cedar and hickory smoke, and some brown leafy characters.

Shiloh Road Syrah California 2007. Grade=Outstanding. The bright spot of this lineup comes in the form of a juicy, jammy Syrah that shows off loads of red and blue fruit aromas and flavors, a bit of baking spice, some earth and game, and just a touch of cinnamon stick at the finish. Very nice.

Caposaldo Moscato IGT NV. Grade=Outstanding. Seems like everyone has to come out with a Moscato these days, but this one is not over-the-top with sweetness, showing light apricot, honeysuckle and white peach notes, and a gratifying finish. I like this one a lot.