2005 The Yellow Cellar Pinotage 87 points

The Yellow Cellar Pinotage 2005; $15 Coastal Region



I like this pinotage, but the price is to high; The palate is fresh and lively with flavors of red plum, Bing cherries, spice and smoke to back it up. The tannins smooth out the pronounced acids, with white pepper and smokey oak to finish this red off, drink now thru 2010.

Kedar's K'orus NV Chardonnay 87 points

Kedar's K'orus NV Chardonnay (Vin de Pays d'Oc); $12


Vin de Pays area can be iffy when it comes to Chardonnay, but this one is pretty good; Pineapple, green apple and creamy vanilla are soft on the palate. Easy to drink and a good price with a soft, clean finish, drink now.

2006 Stephen Vincent Crimson Red Blend 87 points

Stephen Vincent 2006 Crimson Red Blend; $12 California

This is a red blend of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon that's easy to drink; Ripe black cherry, raspberry and earthy spice lushly fill the palate with flavor. This is a easy drinking red table wine suitable for everyday. The finish is light and uncomplicated but still pretty good, drink now.

2004 Maddalena Merlot 87 points

Merlot, Paso Robles, $15



With a profile that's soft and full of ripe dark fruit; Black cherry, black raspberry, oak and pepper are lush on the palate. Soft tannins and a balanced finish with notes of leather and cedar, drink now.

2006 Villa Vignamaggio Suhaili 87 points

Syrah, Salento, $11



Uncomplicated and easy to drink; black cherry, black raspberry, oak and spice on the palate. With a soft mouth-feel that's slightly tannic and a finish of oak and vanilla, drink now.

2007 Santa Julia Organica 87 points

Malbec, Mendoza, $10

Uncomplicated and easy to drink with a bit of an edge; Fresh blueberry jam, plum, fudge and some oak. This wine shows bulk around the edges but is leaner and more acidic in it's center. Still, for 10 bucks you can't beat this Malbec.

2007 The Yellow Cellar Chenin Blanc 87 points

The Yellow Cellar 2007 Cape White Chenin Blanc (Coastal Region); $10

This wide bodied white is clean and juicy, with undertones of spice. On the palate the floral elegance along with juicy melon, tangerines and sweet pear come through. The finish is clean with the typical honey and spice, drink now.

2006 Banrock Station Shiraz 87 points

Banrock Station 2006 Shiraz (South Eastern Australia); $5

Big production juice at a great price creates an excellent value. Aromas of plum and light spice waft out of the glass leading to a palate of black cherry, plum and spicy oak. This uncomplicated Shiraz is a great value at 5 bucks that can't be beat.

2004 Quinta Do Encontro 87 points

2004 Bairrada; Portugal $8

This red blend is so dense you could almost cut it with a knife. Savory dark berry's with chewy tannins, it is rich, and well balanced. Add some plum and chocolate to a rich, powerful finish, drink this nice red table wine thru 2010.

2007 Sebeka Sauvignon Blanc 87 points

Sebeka 2007 Sauvignon Blanc (Western Cape); $10

This is a big production wine for a great price, and perfect for the summer. Light, clean, and refreshing with big tropical fruit. Zesty lime and pink grapefruit with crisp, lively acids. Mineral notes with a zing finish off this great value Sauvignon Blanc, drink now.

2005 Diamond River Merlot 87 points

Diamond River 2005 Merlot (Lutzville Valley); $10

Uncomplicated and easy to drink at a great price, you can't beat that. Earth and spice on the nose lead to fresh raspberrys and more spice on the palate. Hints of vanilla lead to a well balanced soft finish.