Odd-ball bunch of wines this week, with the best at the top. Stay tuned for a some great news for value seekers and Zin lovers later this week. Cheers.
2011 Pendulum Red Columbia Valley $20
2012 Rodney Strong Pinot Noir Russian River Valley $23
Sort of a flash in the pan that starts out ordinary, evolves to something bordering brilliant, then fades after a while. In that sweet spot, though, is a wine that aspires toward greatness at half the price with a spice rack of flavors that is centerfold-worthy.
2012 Santa Barbara Winery Chardonnay $15
Full, fleshy, and loose. Comparisons between this wine and some women of a certain size and proclivity come to mind. Gregarious and fun.
2010 Sergio Mottur Red "Renfro" $26
Nice tezture, surely Italian, and some chalky tannins. But it doesn't hold a candle to what this wine was six years ago - or what the Orvieto white is today.
2010 Emina Tino Fino Ribero del Duero $18 (received as a press sample)
At first, just serviceable and much like a lot of $8 reds out there, except it's $18. Given time, though, it develops some structure and heft, but never materializes into anything noteworthy. Improves on day 2, but still lacks in distinction.

Soft, lush, graceful, eminently pleasing. What else could you want from a $20 red?
2012 Rodney Strong Pinot Noir Russian River Valley $23
Sort of a flash in the pan that starts out ordinary, evolves to something bordering brilliant, then fades after a while. In that sweet spot, though, is a wine that aspires toward greatness at half the price with a spice rack of flavors that is centerfold-worthy.
2012 Santa Barbara Winery Chardonnay $15

2010 Sergio Mottur Red "Renfro" $26
Nice tezture, surely Italian, and some chalky tannins. But it doesn't hold a candle to what this wine was six years ago - or what the Orvieto white is today.
2010 Emina Tino Fino Ribero del Duero $18 (received as a press sample)
At first, just serviceable and much like a lot of $8 reds out there, except it's $18. Given time, though, it develops some structure and heft, but never materializes into anything noteworthy. Improves on day 2, but still lacks in distinction.