It doesn't get much better than this

I like Tobin James wines pretty much across the board but this one is a knockout. Of course, it isn't cheap at $ 55 , but if you join the wine club there is a really hefty discount on this and other flagship offerings from thei Paso Robles institution. The 'Fatboy' 2010 Zinfandel is crafted from 50+ year old vines and is a big bodied monster of a wine, registering  15.4 % alcohol. I think it really shined after dinner when the dessert had been served. There was another bottle open on the table but I didn't need or want to have more wine. I don't think anything can follow this act. Available at the winery. 9 1/2 swiggs.

Monterey Primitivo

Looking for a red for the hot summer afternoons ? This isn't bad for the money. The Mica 2009 Boar's skull vinyard Monterey county Primitivo is tasty and light , not like the big bold Zins from central California. The wine is light body and not high in alcohol at 13.9% so it won't overpower your food or make you feel a bit slow the next morning. Even though I was expecting something different I was still pretty happy with this $ 9.99 wine and will give it 6 1/2 swiggs, definitely above average at this price and a real deal for a 'vinyard designated' wine. -From Shoppers corner.

Cassone again !

Yes, it's another Cassone wine but this time it is a Malbec. The reserva 2007 Malbec is definitely a great wine for folks who really like the taste of a wine that has had a few years in the bottle. The flavor reminds me of Bordeaux wines I used to enjoy before the prices became too high. Yeah, I know it is a Malbec but honestly, the flavors speak to something a bit more than what you normally associate with a Malbec. This is available at Shoppers corner and is right now $ 14.99 putting it in the weekend category. That said, I would stock up. It is super good right now. The label states that it will be enjoyable until 2016 -I think it is perfect as of this week. 8 1/2 swiggs.

Sierra foothills zin deal

 Today I'm going to Trader Joe's to try to get more of this Boeger El Dorado county 2011 Zin. At $ 8.99 it is a really affordable way to have a taste of the high octane Sierra foothills Zin. There's a lot to like-tons of flavor and a pretty good level of alcohol to balance. I'm thinking that it would be a good pizza wine, maybe nice to have at a BBQ. Either way, the price is right and it will probably cellar for a few years. I give it 8 swiggs......nice score for something that is under $ 10.00  and hopefully not sold out !

Tobin James weekend

 Yes, I joined a wine club. No, it's not local but it is a place I stop by whenever I'm traveling south. These two wines are really great and don't break the bank, especially with the ample savings from being a member of the club. Without joining, the wine above-Primo Sangiovese will set you back $18.00, hardly a fortune for such a flavorful wine. This isn't like an Italian Sangiovese, more like a Sierra foothills explosion of fruit. I'll give it 8 1/2 swiggs. You might be ale to find this at better grocery stores but I got it at the winery just outside of Paso Robles, Calif. on Hwy. 46.

This is their everyday low cost wine, Chateau le Cacheflo. At $ 11.50 this Rhone blend is really affordable for such a good wine. I'll give it 8 swiggs. The winery has a 20% off per case if you are in the club.....they didn't pay me to write this ! I'm just a big fan and have been for many years. If you like super flavorful wines and aren't afraid of 14+ % alcohol , give Tobin James a try. They offer about 20 different bottles, some humble such as these two on up to fancy reserve stuff that can stay in the cellar for special occasions.

North Coast cab

I have been to this winery although it was a number of years ago. When I heard that the owner was virtually bankrupt I felt like I needed to drink a toast to him with one of his wines-after all, I did really enjoy his wines in the past. This version is the entry level version of his Cabernet, the 'Silver Label' north coast 2009. At about $ 15.00 it is not something I would buy all the time but it represents a really nice red for the money. It is easy to drink, not really tannic and could go with a variety of foods. I'll give it 8 swiggs. You'll find it at Trader Joes. I don't know what will happen with this brand in the future but I hope that it survives the ownership change. This winery is one we don't want to lose.

Nice $ 15.00 Zin

This winery is in San Benito county where the summers get really hot. There's some good Pinot, Syrah and Petit Syrah grown there as well as Sangiovese. For my taste, the Zin from that area is the star and this De Rose 2008 Cienega valley is a really tasty drink. At first it seems a bit thin and light but with time it starts really opening up-maybe decanting it and waiting an hour would help. By the time you are finishing the bottle you'll be wishing you had bought two. It is better to stop at one bottle as this wine is no joke at 16.2% alcohol ! I'll give it 8 1/2 swiggs and you can find it at New Leaf markets.