California Syrah delivers

I am becoming a big fan of Kohler wines. This one was purchased from Trader Joe's as the other Kohler red 'Quartette' has become a house favorite.This 2010 Santa Ynez valley Syrah is every bit as good, maybe even a bit better and is the same price-$ 9.95 , a little steep for the weekday but in there for a weekend treat. This is a pretty big red without being overwhelming-there's a bit of restraint in the wine making here , unusual for the region where blockbusting high-alcohol reds are the norm. I say get this one before it is all gone-it is a real great dinner wine. 8 swiggs.

Weekend French red

This wine from the south of France was really great. It is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre-not unlike a Chateauneuf du pape but from a region southwest of the Rhone. This was a gift so how much this wine costs and where it was purchased is not known to me but the Domaine d' Aupilhac 2011 Montpeyroux is a really nice red for California folks who are used to fresh, bold fruit. I'll give it an 8 1/2 swigg rating.

Pat Paulsen wines

If you ever get a chance to get one of the offerings from Pat Paulsen winery I highly recommend it. This 2009 Wirth Ranch cabernet is really fantastic and at $ 19.95 is still affordable for a weekend treat. The complex flavors rival what you would get from Napa wines costing twice as much. I also tried the Alexander valley merlot and was equally impressed. I'm excited to look for more varietals at the local market where I found this bottle. I'll give it 9 swiggs and hope that New Leaf markets does not run out of it soon.