Benziger Syrah 2007 (about $15)

About the Wine:  Benziger is a California winery on its way to a fully organic status.  I had the good fortune to meet the winemaker, whose name I promptly forgot.  What I do remember is that this winery is pushing a vision of wine making that includes an extremely deep connection to the land to the point of using MRI machines to determine the composition of individual plots of soil and decide what will best grow there.  They also keep livestock on the property to control pests and generate fertilizer.  2007 is a California vintage that needs no introduction, so this could be quite a gem at fifteen bucks.

About THIS Wine:  The center is blood red with a nearly clear rim.  The nose has an earthy, forest quality.  There is prominent fruit but it is of a wild berry variety rather than the jammy fruits one often associates with California reds.  The palate is a fairly simple one of red licorice and plum going into a finish that overdose it a little on the spice but is still pleasant.

Drinking This Wine:  I bought it to go with a burger and I think that is the right pairing.  I think this wine is at its peak.  Aging more will not benefit it, nor does it need to be decanted.

Overall Impression:  I like the wine, but not as much as I had hoped I would.  A wine with this much age is not common in this price range and the fact that it is made with organic methods does increase its worth.  At fifteen a bottle this wine is a good value.

Cono Sur Sauvignon Blanc 2011 (about $13)

About the Wine:  Cono Sur is a sort rising of star in the organic wine world.  The bicycle represents the preferred method of transport between different parts of the vineyard.

About THIS Wine:  It is clear in the glass, very light for a Sauvignon Blanc.  Orange and grapefruit make up a rather pleasant nose.  Sharp acidity defines the palate, though on the second sip a detected a variety of citrus flavors.  Those flavors really shine in the finish.

Drinking This Wine:  Too acidic for a sipping wine, this would go well with shellfish or a light chicken and rice dish.

Overall Impression:  Not a bad wine at all and the price is reasonable.  This one is good for the price.

by Ben Stiebel

Bonterra Sauvignon Blanc 2010 (about $13)

About the Wine:  Bonterra used to be the benchmark for organic wines.  Unfortunately, quality and pricing issues have weakened its standing in the market and it has disappeared from many stores.  Concha y Toro recently purchased the brand with the aim of revamping it.

About THIS Wine:  This wine is hay colored in the glass with a clear rim, a touch light for a Sauvignon Blanc but within an acceptable range.  Kiwi and mango make up a fairly pleasant nose.  The palate is acidic with a bitter finish.

Drinking This Wine:  It could work with a fruit platter, something sweet enough to counteract the bitter finish.

Overall Impression:  Taste is always subjective, but this wine just is not very good by any standard.  It is over priced.

Cooper Hill Pinot Noir 2010 (about $14)

About the Wine:  Oregon is basically the hot spot for Pinot Noir right now.  Producers there have developed a reputation for rich, full bodied Pinot Noirs that drink almost like Cabs.

About THIS Wine:  In the glass it very light, almost pink, with a pink rim.  Smoke dominates the nose though cherry is also present.  The palate is very light with dry cherry and raspberry and a mild finish.

Drinking This Wine:  This would go very well with turkey.  It might make a good sipping wine if you can past the taste.

Overall Impression:  This is a very unimpressive wine.  At ten dollars a bottle it would be fair.  At fourteen it is overpriced.