Rosemount
1999 "Diamond" Shiraz
S.E. Australia -$10.

Very dark inky-purple; brambly-spicy, boysenberry fruit, touch of lavender, rose petal, cotton candy, eucalyptus, root-beer, vanilla; very deep and extracted blackberry-strawberry-cherry fruit flavors with floral hints; balanced, heavy tannins, slightly tart with an impression of residual sugar; very long, tannic, faintly coarse, drying finish. Very big style in this group of wines.

J. Lohr
1998 "Wildflower" Valdiguie
Monterey -$7.

Brilliant neon dark purple; explosive, yet simple, youthful fruit, full of berries, perfume, violets; young, delicious, yummy, grapey-plummy, blueberry, floral flavors; slightly tart with an impression of residual sugar (some thought artificial, "Kool-Aid"); long, yet soft tannins. Very easy to drink. Very good match with the Posolé.

Morgan
(nv) "Crow's Roost"
California -$10.

Medium ruby; attractive berry-cherry aroma with some richness; pleasant, bright, deep fruit flavors, blueberries, plums, slightly piney, caramel, vanilla, extracted, but with plenty of richness; slightly tart; short, smooth finish, soft tannins. [Blend of Pinot Noir, Syrah, Zinfandel, Carignan (% undisclosed)]

Clos du Bois
1998 Pinot Noir
Sonoma County -$12.

Medium bright red to light garnet; complex, soft, alluring aroma with hints of lavender, rose, vanilla, smoke, orange peel, cedar, caramel, cherries; nice entry, very nice flavors follow nose, slightly leathery, beef jerky-like; nice balance with lively acidity; warm, medium-long finish.

Viña Borgia
1998 "Campo de Borgia"
Borja (Spain) -$6.

Deep purple-ruby; initially stinky, leesy-cheesy aroma, overripe fruit, suggests berries, plums, black pepper; leesy, somewhat tarry, smoky, almost Malbec-like, unusual flavors with some cherry undertones; sticky-tart finish with somewhat harsh, dry tannins. [100% Grenache]

Lurton
1998 Syrah
Vin du Pays (France)- $6.

Bright ruby-purple; young, pleasant, bright cherry-strawberry, fruit with peppery, mineral hints and faint initial sulfur; weak cranberry-cherry flavors, hint of tar, slightly stemmy; balanced, soft tannins; short, faintly tart finish.

Bonny Doon
1997 "Big House Red"
"Ca' del Solo" California -$9.

Bright medium murky purple; very rich, Rhone-like Syrah, pepper and spice, cassis, violet and menthol aromas, low in fruit, slightly earthy, dusty, grassy; complex, underripe blackberry fruit flavors; lean, tart balance; dusty, slightly gritty tannins in short finish. [Blend of Sangiovese, Carignane, Zinfandel, Mourvedre, Valdiguie, Barbera, others (% und.)]

Pagor
1995 Temperanillo
California -$11.

Medium red-purple with garnet edge; somewhat fruity, spicy, faintly herbal-vegetal aroma, with some oak, cola, bubble gum, vanilla, cinnamon, carbonic maceration; touches of anise, cola, cocoa, smoke in flavors; smooth and balanced, lively acid; medium-long finish with slightly bitter tannins.

Tobin James
1997 "Chateau le Cacheflo"
Paso Robles -$9.

Medium light garnet; spicy, slightly funky, Grenache-like aroma with some cherry and cranberry, slightly raisiny, alcoholic; pleasant, spicy flavor is a little light on fruit, lean, with faint but noticeable v.a.; soft, rich, balanced; long, faintly tart finish. Ready to drink&emdash;do not age. (Blend of Mourvedre, Syrah, Grenache, Zinfandel [% undisclosed])

Gundlach-Bundschu
1991 "Bearitage"
Sonoma Valley -$9. (at release)

Medium-dark mature turbid garnet-brownish; old, very musty, earthy, faintly corky, sour, aromas with no fruit, slight v.a.; walnut,coffee, cigar, oxidation, v.a. dominate flavors; still somewhat tannic in finish. [Blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, & Zinfandel (% undisclosed)]

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This Panel included Regulars Mark, Deanna, Glenn, Diana, Roy, Marlene,
Jon, Jim, Greg, and James and Guests Mary, Darin, and Rosemary

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For more recommendations of affordable reds, Tablewine.com,
one of our Favorite Wine Sites, did a tasting this month of California Cabs for Under $10.