Domaine Grand Nicolet Rasteau Vieilles Vignes 2008 - $15

Old Vine Grenache.

David: Dark crimson in color. Nose of blackberry, pressed flowers, oak, that distinctive grenache smell. Full bodied. Luscious strawberry and cherry fruit. Weighty but silky texture. Soft tannins and a tasty finish. A pretty nice wine. Nothing jumps out at you but it is well made and enjoyable.
Score: 4.0/5

Tres Picos Garnacha 2008 - $14

David: Deep purple/red with tints of magenta. Lovely nose of soft red fruits, vanilla bean, perfume and spice box. Dense and silky on the palate with high glycerin. Medium acidity. Cherry and berry fruit is delicious and followed with sort tannins and nice finish. Overall, very nice and a great value.

Score: 4.2/5

Les Deux Rives Corbieres Rouge 2008 - $10

David: Medium purple color. Nose of fresh raspberry tart. Reminds me of a steely cab franc but this is mostly granache and syrah. Medium bodied and medium acidity. Zippy mouthfeel. Berry fruit has layers and good structure. Nice sleek tannins. Very long finish with waves of mixed berries. Overall, very nice and quite a bargain.
Score: 4.1/5

Bodegas Borsao Tres Picos 2008 - $12

David: Lovely, bright beet red. Nose offers up ripe red fruit, assorted berries. Exotic blend of spices, rose petal, cocoa and woody aromas. Full bodied with medium acidity. Nice berry fruit and soft but grippy tannins. More interesting aromatically but a pretty tasty wine.
Score: 4.0/5

La Granacha Cotes du Rhone Villages Vieilles Vignes - 2008 - $14

David: Granache. Garnet in color. Nose indicates dried herbs and red and black fruits. Vibrant ripe fruits, black cherry and raspberry with nice acidity, balanced perfectly with smooth tannins. Other earthy flavors are evident. Overall, very yummy. Still have my cold. Revisit this one later.
Score: 4.2/5

Jessica:
Mild nose. Tannins appropriate. Somewhat a syrupy cherry flavor. Overall this wine felt like it lacked sparkle. Fell flat for me.
3.5/5

Borsao Tinto 2008 - Grenache, Tempranillo Blend - $9

David: 80% Grenache and 20% Tempranillo. Color is purple/red. Nose of dried herbs, earthy tones and cherry. Pencil lead perhaps. Medium bodied. Cherry and berry notes with medium acidity, some tannins follow with some residual spiciness. Comes off a little flat but eemed to improve on further glasses. Nice with duck and wild rice.
Score: 3.7

Jessica: Simple, vanilla and fruit tastes sweet on the tongue.
Score: 4/5

Las Rocas 2007 - Garnacha - $13

David:
Ruby red in color, this medium bodied Spanish wine is made form Grenache grapes. Has low acidity and light mouthfeel which is typical of Grenache. Flavors are berries and cherry. Develops well in the mouth with a slight spiciness by the end. Went well with pizza and was fine on its own. A bit too light (or perhaps too subtle) for me.
Score 3.8/5

Jessica:
I really enjoyed this wine. It had a softer tone, the flavor with some sweetness which I found pleasant. It struck me as a simple tablewine that would do well with a variety of cheeses and pastas.
4/5