Tall Horse Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

wow! a new year is here and it seems like forever since i have written anything. i didn't drink very much wine over the holiday, choosing to have other adult beverages for the most part. but this cab was one that i had while dining with family. it comes from south africa and as you know i have written about some very nice wines from this part of the wine world recently. and this one is also a keeper, especially when you consider the price is under $10. the nose is full of black fruits and a little spice. i got a little bit of earth on the nose too. the palate is very fruit forward, with blackberry and black cherry, with spice and a little bit of red licorice. very easy drinking red that goes well with barbeque, pizza, burgers and cheese.

Funky Llama 2007 Malbec

i tried this cheap malbec over the weekend and i use "cheap" as the descriptor instead of inexpensive for a reason. i have tried several lower priced malbecs and only a few were really good, like alamos. this one sells for about $6 a bottle and is probably worth less than that. the nose was red berries. the taste was very fruity cherry and maybe a slight hint of licorice. slightly tannic but not very interesting otherwise. i would rather spend a dollar or two more to get something a little better (although the alamos malbec sells for about the same price and is way better). i don't think the funky llama will be making an appearance at the baldwinegeek home again any time soon.

Harmony Hill Chamber Suite 2007

another red from the folks at harmony hill. a semi-sweet wine that may appeal to some new wine drinkers who aren't quite ready to plunge into some real big wines. 60% chambourcin, 40% marechal foch. similar blend to the serenade i talked about earlier with one big difference. this is aged in stainless steel so there is nothing earthy or woody about this. the nose has some floral characteristics, along with cherry notes. the palate is all black cherry. especially in the finish. a big fruit bomb of a wine. reminds me of a black cherry pie. if you like a sweeter wine, this one is for you. for me, it is just a bit too sweet. it would go well with some bar-b-que, ribs, or other meats served with a sweeter sauce. sells for $10.95.