One-liners

I’ve divided some of the wines I tasted this spring into easily understood categories.

Might or might not buy again:

Pillar Box Red, an Aussie Cab-Shiraz-Merlot blend touted as a best value: the 2005 is a bit sweet and uncompelling, but a decent drink at $10.

Yalumba Shiraz/Viognier blend: I can’t taste the 5 percent white wine in this Barossa offering, but it’s a good effort, if overrated at 90 points.

The Panilonco Carmenere 2005 from Trader Joe’s, WAY tastier than the price would indicate, and another reminder that I just flat out like this grape, even if it’s not from Casillero del Diablo.

Will definitely buy again:

Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc, 2006, as good as the 2005 and 2004 and chock-full of the distinctive gooseberry/lime/grapefruit notes that make all of the Kiwi SBs from Marlborough County WONDERFUL buys at $9 to $15.

Seghesio Barbera, Pinot Noir, Old Vine Zin, Sonoma County Zin: Never mind the vintages; they were all tasty (and not inexpensive, alas).

Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot: The 2001 was terrific; the 2003 and 2004 are good and well worth their $10 price tag.

Four Vines Cuvee Old Vine Zinfandel 2004: Not a big bold Zin in the style I love, but remarkably easy on the tastebuds, with or without food.

Will never buy again:

David Hill Estate Pinot Gris, which was just plain awful; whether corked or intentionally peach-colored, this loser gives a bad name to the pale Pinots, which is lamentable, as some of them are actually sophisticated and appealing.

Can’t remember:

Wines failing to register one way or another in my memory include the 2002 Solanera from Spain; the mass-produced mélange known as Big House White; and the Santa Ema Merlot 2004.

Wish to hell I could buy again:

The Nozzole Chianti Classico 1997: Lovely.