Introduction

We got 17 people together to choose a red and white to serve at the neighborhood progressive dinner. 4 reds and 3 whites. I opened the reds 2 hours before tasting but did not decant. I tasted the wines immediately after opening and had my wife mix the bottles up and tasted them blind - all ratings and notes below are mine and not the groups. Price point for our event is $10-$13.00 per bottle.

The whites were all drinkable and I would be happy to serve all 3 at a dinner party. The reds were enjoyable as well but I did not like the Espelt Garnacha. My favorite white was the Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling and my favorite red was the Villa Des Anges Cabernet with a tie between the Syrah and the Cab Franc.

The groups favorite white was the Charles Smith, followed by the Chard & then 4 votes for the Picpoul (and as noted below this wine was much better with air). The group's Favorite reds where the villa Des Anges (10), the Oveja Negra Cab Franc / Carmenere (a really funky wine for $10 - excellent nose) with 4 votes and then 3 notes between the remaining two. In hindisght, the South American wines stood out for their herbal / green pepper flavors.

Flight 1 - Whites (3 notes)

Flight 2 - Reds (4 notes)