PARTY WINES (red): Clayhouse Adobe Red & Charles Smith House Wine

Both are blends of Everything and the Kitchen Sink.

HOWEVER.

If going to a party with food? Bring the Clayhouse Adobe Red.

Why? Because it's fruity and smooth, but still has tannin & acid  to cut the fat of BBQ or grilling meats. Plus, it's definitely party-priced.

Now, if you're going to a party where you're mainly going to drink or just eat light appetizers then go with the Charles Smith House Wine.

Why? Because it's super-fruity and lush, without being sweet or cloying. Perfect for just sipping or enjoying with cheese, sandwiches and appetizers.

Both retail for about $10-13. 

Becker Tempranillo

Smells: Nothing...? I mean...wine? Sour?

Tastes: Erm...sour? Especially after awhile there was a definite sour milk taste and smell.

Retail: $13.99

Buy again?: Ugh, no.

I'm not even going to bother with a picture. This was just gross.

Pedernales Cellars Tempranillo 2011

Smells: Eucalyptus, woody herbs (lavender, thyme), cedar, spice, leather & Coolwater cologne.  After an hour a cooked cherry, cooked berry jam note came through. Also a jerky/smoked meat smell.

Tastes: Baking/Christmas spice, jerky, tamarind, black cherry. Medium-heavy body, beautiful tannins.

Thoughts: Yum! We drank this with raspberries, proscuitto, cheese, and Marcona almonds and it was all delicious. Though, what I really wanted to eat with it was a steak.

Retail: $19.99

Worth it?:  YES. Such a delicious wine, and it evolves so well in the glass. This could hold up to any of the Spanish Tempranillos I've tasted in the same price range. Even better, honestly.

Image courtesy of pedernalescellars.com