This week we've got an evenly split six pack - three whites and three reds.
NV Rene Barbier Mediterranean White $6 (Received as a press sample)
Redemption! The first pass at this wine revealed industrial chemicals and soap. The PR firm representing this producer thought I might've had a bad bottle and sent a replacement. Good move. Fresh and lively, if simple, this thirst-quencher has a dash of zip and a finish that has a touch of dry Sherry-like character. Smoking deal.
2010 Sergio Mottura Orvieto White $16
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2nQRj2OU8VlqUCrvaBhzc9ZTQSfg_UfhOkahNb_elu3kVE70As9Mb8Kt3JyRns8Te5cSu4aMEbz0OutkTkivUx25rOiL48NMVxy3jQP5Q5XJ2nky4TGhHNXSoLc61y8yOJIuudEAK2h0/s200/blogger-image-2022644611.jpg)
2011 Mercer Canyons Chardonnay Columbia Valley $12
Flat and boring. A mere shadow of its Cabernet sibling.
2011 Assobio Esporao Duoro Red $15
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcBIYi3flHa-x_lFz4bBC3poNIzghXcqP0vda0HgNhasTaBMJYsDJ9LCMAJfTURKNazCh6W669UxxdI5SJ1asSceBTxT0e_i8GFPlXj9F-OVKIiXvnwzEqdORZRQ3hngZp8WxRKQpmlsr/s200/blogger-image--649103912.jpg)
2008 Santa Rita Carmenere "Medalla Real" $20 (Received as a press sample)
Very, very well made. Not a drop out of place in this poised, maturing Camenere. It's got grip, tannins to make a Napa Cab jealous, and blue-core fruit that conjures smiles and another pour. Pretty terrific.