Clos Du Val 2007

Clos Du Val 2007
Cabernet Sauvignon $14.99 (375 mL)
Napa, CA (Stags Leap District)
3.0 Stars

Vibrant dark red, very little contrast.
Smells like a barrel room.  Overwhelming oak.  Dark fruits and hint of violet.
Tastes of dried fruits, a lot of oak.  Overly oak.  Concentrated flavors with a nice finish.

I bought this after reading so many excellent reviews of the 2007 California cabs. The Stags Leap District in particular felt this vintage was so exceptional that they are actually selling a package of all of the Stags Leap wines. http://www.stagsleapdistrict.com/purchase_collection.php

Foxglove 2008

Foxglove 2008
Cabernet Sauvignon $13.99
Paso Robles, CA
3.0 stars

Dark rich red color, low contrast
Smells like roses, dark fruits, possibly slight licorice.
Fruit forward. medium tannins, dry, with a dry finish.

Main Street 2007

Main Street 2007
Cabernet Sauvignon $13.99
Napa, CA
2.0 Stars

Dark Beautiful red color, low contrast

Smells sweet and flowery, violets.
Smooth but with a tart finish.

La Joya 2009

La Joya 2009
Syrah $10.99
Chile
Vina Bisquertt
3.5 stars

Very dark, luxurious color. Low contrast.

Smelled of blueberry, violets and black plum.
Notable tannins but not overpowering. Ripe and smooth.  Slight pepper and black raspberry as well.
Medium bodied. Big powerful flavors.

Calathus 2007

Calathus 2007
Pinot Noir $16.99
Argentina
2.5 stars

Light red in color with notable robe. Moderate contrast.
Smells... like a Pinot! Faint alcohol also on the nose.
Tastes of cherries, but lacked dimension and complexity. Overall disappointing.

Fire Block 2005

Fire Block 2005
Grenache $14.99
Australia
3.0 stars

Smells of vanilla, ripe fruits and plum.  Cherry on the palate with a nice finish.

Sola Fred 2008

Sola Fred 2008
90% Carigan, 10% Grenache $9.99
Celler El Mosroig
Spain
3.0 Stars

Medium red color, with low contrast.
I don't have any good notes on the aromas. Not unique is all that was written down.
Spicy after a burst of flavor. We liked this wine.