2007 Boudreaux Cellars Cabernet +++ $30

Vegas Bordeaux. 3/4 replica in style & taste. Perfunctory.

2011 Mendoza Vineyards Fairhills Malbec ++ $10

Telltale Malbec brambly fruit, nice balance, thin. Value.

2011 Almirez Toro Tinta De Toro ++++ $22

Goth darkness, teenager brooding, Sandpaper tannin, CdP goolies.

Francis says....2011 Andre Perret Saint-Joseph +++ $30

2011 Alto De La Hoya Olivares +++ $$11

Black hole darkness, dried cherries manageable pleasure.

Cadenheads Old Raj Gin ++++ $40

Powerful & smooth. Spice, anise & saffron. Huge, long finish

2008 Gulfi Nero Bufaleffj +++ $35

Surprisingly effervescent. Light yet sturdy. Intriguing, exotic style.

Oscar Blues Brewery Ten Fidy Imperial Stout ++++ $4

The Batman in a can. 10w40 viscosity. Delicous

2008 Ridge California Mazzoni Home Ranch +++ $29

More Carignane presence than Zinfandel. Pleasurably fruit forward.

2011 Sparkman Rainmaker ++++ $58

Beguiling rich nose.  Currants, spicebox, delicious. Real World.

2010 Guigal CdR +++ $12

Buster reliability, Panda length, Pagan cool, Manacozzi bargain.

Francis says....2007 Domaine Serene Evenstead Reserve ++++ $$$ trade

Red berries, strawberry, soil, savory funk, so good.

Francis says....2010 Ramey Sonoma Coast Chardonnay +++++ $35

Exceptionally lively, fresh, pure and rich. Really lovely.

Calicraft Brewing Cali Coast Kolsch Style Ale ++++ $6

Bright, floral nose. Rich and unctuous, lovely beer!

2011 Sans Liege Marsanne Sancha Derby Vineyard +++ $21

Beautiful spun gold, unctuous rich nose, oily & tasty

Francis says....2011 Monier Perréol Saint-Joseph ++++ $30

Bright mineral, vitamin, white pepper, ripe red fruit.

2009 Lytton Estate Syrah ++++ $32

Again Viognier delivers elegant viscous texture. Beautiful wine.

2010 Ridge Dusi Ranch Zinfandel +++ $30

Lovely brambly nose, chewy decadance, bronze medal balance.

2011 Casa Castillo Monastrell Jumilla +++ $10

1 day, dried cherries, Priorat girth, surprisingly sturdy.

2011 Casa Castillo Monastrell +++ $10

Juicy and chewy. A delicious $10 Spanish  bargain.

2009 Quilceda Creek Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon +++++ $150

Ink, pencil-lead, menthol. lengthy yet nubile. Omnipotent tannins

2009 Gulfi Nerojbleo ++++ $54 (restaurant)

Mt Etna ash, spleen sandwich girth, Sicilian memories 

CaliCraft Oak Town Brown Ale ++++ $6

Rich toffee and tobacco notes. Delicious malty gem.

Château Puech-Haut Coteaux du Languedoc Saint-Drézéry Le Prestige +++ $19

Wonderful spice-box & Current. Mimicking a left bank at Spanish euros.

2011 Borie La Vitarèle Les Terre Blanches +++ $17

Supreme balance and complexity at this tariff. Delicious.