GV Cellars - Estate Merlot Rose

Overall Grade: B+
Price: $3.99
Purchased at: Grocery Outlet
Brand: GV Cellars
Variety: Merlot Rose (yes, Merlot Rose)
Origin: California (Almost Napa Valley)
Vintage: 2005
Serving Temp: Cold/Cool
Best Season: Anytime

This is a really intriguing rose wine! Finally a rose that isn't super sweet. I know it sounds like I don't enjoy sweet, fresh rose wines, but I really do, though it's nice to have something a little different once in a while. This has a gorgeous red color, very similar to my favorite red lexia; a beautiful strawberry tone. It's a good wine, I'd say best with a light pasta dish, maybe pork. It's slightly dry, and has a nice berry-ness to it. It's actually quite good warm or cold, and being warm, it actually brings out the berry flavour.

Pine & Post - Chardonnay

Overall Grade: B
Price: $5.99
Purchased at: Rite Aid
Brand: Pine & Post
Variety: Chardonnay
Origin: Washington State
Vintage: 2006
Serving Temp: Cold
Best Season: Anytime

Pine & Post chardonnay is a good, basic, introductory chardonnay. It is very simple, but not monotone. Lightly oaky, with a nice citrus tone and a hint of fruitiness. It would be a good wine during the summer for its light body and very clean and crisp ending, but is really enjoyable anytime. Great with seafood or chicken dishes, and sweet enough to put with slightly spicy dishes, this is a solid, well rounded chardonnay.