Pique-Perlou

  The name sounded interesting to me but the wine didn't impressed me at all. At the opposite of many wines which need to take some air before being drunken, this one has been better after being opened than an hour later...may be it's not design to go with every food...just FYI it comes from Berkeley Bowl for less than $10 but don't just go there for this ;-)

Santa Duc

   Another excellent one from Santa Duc! Cote du Rhone 2001, very dense and rich flavors, perfect with red meats and cheeses. Available from the SF Wine House for around $15.

Heretiques!

   Sounds like an old good table wine, created with 70 years old vines, this nicely packaged wine is correct for the table but not exceptional. This 2004 harvest is certainly a little young to drink now but waiting 70 years would not make it better. It can be found at the Berkeley Bowl for aroung $9.

Level up!

This Montagne Saint-Emilion, Chateau Beausejour 2003 may not be in the "cheap wines" category but once in a while I like to mention some good wines which I have a chance to taste in the upper level category. This one is a good pick from Bordeaux area. I also had this week-end a wine which I presented a long time ago, the Cairanne, Coteau Brule 2001, and once again I was enchanted by it so I think that I will stock some of this one!

Hommage from Cevennes

This one is very good, one of the best I have been tasted so far this year. I was first doubtful about it because of its origins: Cevennes, which is more known for chestnuts than grappes...anyway since it's located next to the Cotes du Rhone area, there is no reason for them not to produce good wine! I had the 2003 from the Wine House dirty dozen last month in SF but found a good description here. The price is over $13 the bottle but worth it!

Corbieres again

Corbieres and Minervois are 2 wine appelations who I share the roots with. You'll understand then why I have this special affection for these wines. Very few are imported and the best ones are certainly not available outside France limits if not Languedoc area! Anyway this one from the Dirty Dozen at the Wine House, Sainte Eugenia 2003 was totally acceptable; I had it wit ha skirt steak with a caramelized shallots and it fits perfectly. Just over $10, it's still an acceptable ration quality/price.

KirraLaa

  This Australian Bushvine is a good wine and deal...unfortunately I should say 'was' since it's no longer available from the Trader Joes I first found it :-( at something like $3.99 it has a amazing quality and flavor. If you find it somewhere please let me know and I'll quickly go buy a case! Be sure to look for the Shiraz Bush Wine 2003 from KirraLaa because they have some other wines on the market not so good!

Fairjal, Fair deal

 From Berkeley Bowl, here is good Corbieres 2001...for its price under $9. Good enough to try but certainly not to stock by cases!