The People's Zin, 2008. $13: it's getting chilly again so I'm on a zin, cab, syrah, kick and I'm in love with this one. Juicy, full of berries, almost no tannins, and generally a greatly drinkable bottle. I've had with smoked chili (of course), sausage and tomato pasta, and roasted chicken... Delicious every time. Though the best pairing was a Brooklyn Blackout Cupcake from Ladybird Bakery. Holy Crap that was good. Pick up this bottle if you see it in the shop, its affordable and tasty.

Crosby Merlot, 2008, $9

Is the movie Sideways the only reason I think Merlot is a shitty grape? I picked this up thinking it was their Cab, but I'm loving the Merlot. Lots of cassis/berry flavors happening... smooth, but it packs a surprising punch. This is a relatively big merlot. Very Californian. And for less than 10 bucks this one is a definite keeper.

Gaudou Cahors (Malbec), 2008, $13

Immediate berry/cassis aroma followed by a very smooth finish. The most mellow malbec I've had, though admittedly I've never had the French Cahors. Plenty of tannins, and a bit of that chalky sensation on a large gulp... But otherwise it's really mellow and pleasant while still commanding attention. Maybe even a bit of a Porto flavor at the end. Interestingly, the more you have, the more flavors come out of it which is generally the exact opposite of what happens! Pretty solid bottle, I'll try it again this winter.

I went through a phase of wine picture taking and note making a while back, and for no good reason I stopped. Today is the day I say screw that, and pick it back up. Here we go:

Wishing Tree Unoaked Chardonnay, 2008, $12

Almost no nose! Maybe just a hint of generic "white wine" or possibly something citrus, but generally a subtle aroma. Taste was sharp up front, and a tiny bit bubbly (which I loved). Somewhat heavy as most chardonnay's are to me, but still some brightness and minerals happening thanks to no oak. Not bad for 12 bucks, though I won't be running back to get another bottle.