Chilean Cab. and Chinese

2010 Casa Lapastolle Cabernet Sauvignon, Rapel Valley, Chile ($14)
Since we were sipping Grand Cru Champagne all day, it was hard to walk into a liquor store and find something worthwhile. But, we were headed to eat Chinese food in Chinatown, San Francisco and our expectations weren't too high. So, we bought this, put it in a brown paper bag and quaffed it on the way to our new favorite restaurant Sam Wo. We sipped it out of our of Dixie cups and they didn't charge us corkage. Fig, cassis and plum characteristics paired well with the experience.

White Trash

2009 Trader Joe's Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands, CA ($7 at TJ's)
This one was too crisp and lean. Normally the words crisp and lean are associated with fresh wines that cleanse the palate. However, this was austere, but not like that of a refreshing Chablis.

2009 Copa Del Rey Chardonnay, Rapel Valley, Chile ($10 at Trader Joe's)
With a strawberries and cream texture, the drink delivered. Initially, this wine was like a Starburst or Mamba candy. It might have been cheaper to get the candies--but then you wouldn't have been left with a buzz.

Why isn't everyone into orange wine?

2009 Simčič Ribolla, Slovenia ($30 at Passionfish) 12.5% alcohol
The Ribolla offers a waxy texture and almond aroma that entices the palate. Sexy? Yes. Worth the experiment? Sure. The price? Ok.

Clearly the Ribolla blew us away, but the Copa Del Rey Chardonnay seduced us--the price was good.

Maipo Valley

2006 Dona Isidora “Cousino Macul” Riesling, Maipo Valley $10 (9/21/07) – I’ve never tasted potatoes, parsnips and root-vegetables in my wine. There’s some lime and the dirt you might taste if you didn’t wash your produce. I like sweeter Rieslings with more viscosity and lower alcohol. Last tasted 2007 Drink now 