Very well balanced… a touch of cinnamon on the nose with mild blackberry and currant on the palate. Soft black pepper (with not much heat) and a touch of smoke on the finish. Light tannins make this a great choice at around $18. Alcohol is 14.3%

2000 B&G Cotes du Rhone Tradition

A nice light bodied color. (I’ll admit it is a deeper purple color than most French Grenache-based wines that I’ve tasted. but it is very light compared to an Australian Grenache.)

Raspberry aroma.

There is nothing special in the taste. There is a touch of pepper, which is nice, but the finish is a bit tart and hangs on too long. I would say that the balance is off on this wine. I was expecting to really taste the classic Rhone terroir.

1999 Boschendal Grande Cuvee Sauvignon Blanc $13

What can I say – I held on to this one too long. It’s my fault. It was over the top when I opened it.

I do remember that I had tasted it before buying it, and it had an almost smoky undertone in the flavor. I was looking for that this time.

Oh well, spilt milk and all – let’s move on.