Fiat Vino

Holy ghost! There is such a minerality to this that you don't often find in pinots from California. It adds another dimension to the fruit; which in this case is more old-world than new-world. Prune, date, and fig dominate the nose rather than simple cherry and bubble gum. This wine is Blanch from the Golden Girls, it's been around the block a few times but still has it going on. http://papawow.com

Yet another from the Grocery Outlet in Oceanside. This was $6 and has a real distinct vegetal note, green bell peppers, that I like in a Sav Blanc. The label says it comes from "ancient soils," I wonder, aren't all soils ancient? I'm tempted to call them (805-686-9558) to ask what they mean by that. Izz good though and I'd buy more, maybe two next time. http://papawow.com

Another score from the Grocery Outlet. This was $5 marked down from $24-something and it shows. The screwcap notwithstanding, this could have been put down for a little while longer. It has good cherry and stonefruit notes. http://papawow.com

60% grenache, 25% tempranillo, 15% shiraz. $10 at the Grocery Outlet, marked down from $27, or something like that. This is a lighter red with a good balance of cherry (I think from the grenache) and spice (I think from the tempranillo). This would go well with a wide range of foods and is definitely worth the $10. http://papawow.com

From Trader Joes for about $6, hand wrapped with love or so the story goes. Not a bad little Spanish red for the price, I could see myself getting this again. http://papawow.com

Got this from the Grocery Outlet in Oceanside, CA. This is really nice; it's crisp, and has a refreshing acidity. Don't arrest me because at $5 it's a total steal! http://papawow.com

Um, in a word, AMAZING! I just got this at the Grocery Outlet in Oceanside for $10 and I'm going back to buy a case. http://papawow.com

Got this in a gift basket. Not bad for a screwtop, althought I'm just not a Merlot kind of guy. http://papawow.com

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