Hosted a dinner party last night where red was de rigueur.   The three bottles I selected varied from good to ugly.

The Ugly

2006 Rock River Cabernet Sauvignon

Used this as a cooking wine but had to sneak a sip also.  Dark ruby in color without the expected accompanying fruit flavor.  Somewhat flat, but acceptable to simmer beef in.

Around $7.99

The Okay

2007 Dingac Winery Plavac Peljesac Peninsula

Bought this somewhat obscure wine at the recommendation of an acquaintance and was a little disappointed.  A cousin grape of Zinfandel, Plavac Mali is light in alcohol at 12%.  This wine is light-bodied, soft on the nose and reminded me of a Beaujolais.  I tasted a tiny bit of pepper and some light cherry.  Can’t tag this wine as ‘the bad’, but wasn’t up to ‘the good’ either.

Around $14

The Good

2006 Ramey Claret Napa Valley

This is a well-balanced wine with herby, fruity aromas.  It’s dark purple in color, full-bodied and very food-friendly.  Good wine for the price.

Wine Spectator: 91 points.

Around $30