Tres Pinos - 2009 Cuvee ($5)

OK, in keeing with the summer theme another under $5 selection. This one a 2009 vintage from San Luis Obispo County. Sink blend of Cabernet, Merlot, Zin and Syrah. Plenty of cherry fruit at first accompanied by a little spice. Pretty smooth going down from there. Definitely on the jammy side with the Zin making its presence. Not too high on the acidity, nor the alcohol at only 13.5%. Fairly mellow tannins and I really like the finish with a bit of vanilla/chocolate finishing on the back of my tongue. I've read some others who got a bit of a tobacco taste but I really didn't get any of that. Nothing too complex here. Very drinkable and the 4 different varietals really come out in this wine to give it some character. And for $4.99 you can do a lot worse. I'm not going to say I'll be picking up another bottle as there is still a lot of summer ahead of me with many more wines to be consumed. But I won't hesitate to pick up a bottle of the 2010 next year. VERDICT: Get it!

NOTHING MORE THAN $5 THIS SUMMER!!!

Well, my wife and I have decided to put in a pool this summer. Everyone we've spoken to says the same thing - expect to spend way more than you planned. That being said, I can't go crazy on wine this summer. But that won't stop me from posting! I was at my TJs store today and saw a bunch of wines that looked interesting. And since I'll be in save mode, I said to myself - let's make it a value summer all around. No TJs selections more than $5. And hey, who doesn't like a good bargain that tastes good! Let the bargain hunting begin.

Velvet Moon - 2009 Cabernet ($5)

A Trader Joes Wine Label (Trader Moon) out of California. Have no ryhme or reason why I picked this one up. Velvet Moon is one of the many "Moon" varietals sold at Trader Joes, so I said why not go with a Cab and give it a try. Plenty of dark berry fruit on the palate with some vanilla as well. And that's about it folks. Easy drinking fruit forward is what you get here, end of story. Very little spice if any; no tannins to speak of; little acidity; and at 13.5% alcohol, very little heat. Not sure what else to say. This is a very drinkable wine that goes down way too easy. And while I'd prefer it over a 2 Buck Chuck - there simply isn't a whole lot to peak my interest. It would probably make a for a good Sangria. There are simply to many other wines I'd like to try in the near future. VERDICT: My first and last bottle!