We had a little lighter-than-usual crowd this sunny and beautiful Saturday.  No one was able to pin down the mystery wine, with a guess of “South American” being the closest. The identity of the Mystery Wine is:

Pueblo del Sol Tannat 2009 (reg. $8.99) $8.09/7.64
Surprise!  It's Tannat from Uruguay!  Tannat is one of the most tannic varietals out there, but this version is a bit atypical, being quite smooth.  It has a lot of fresh red fruit and black cherry on the nose, and good fruit on the front palate.  A nice hint of minerality runs through, but it is quite simple on the finish.

Other wines in the tasting included:                                                                

Leo Hillinger Welschriesling 2009 (reg. $14.99) $13.49/12.74 
Welschriesling is an ancient variety of white wine grape that is unrelated to your well-known German Rieslings.  It is a light summer wine with delicate aromas of apple and citrus.  Refreshing and crisp, this is a great alternative to Sauvignon Blancs and other zesty styles.

Pellegrini Olivet Lane Russian River Chardonnay 2008 (reg. $17.99) $16.19/15.29
This Chard from California’s Russian River Valley sees a fair amount of oak and you can certainly taste it. The mouth is rich and full-bodied with firm acidity, and the lingering finish is long and reminiscent of toasted bread.  This is a great wine for a rich meal. 

La Valentina Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo Rose 2010 (reg. $13.99) $12.59/11.89
This Montepulciano Rose from Abruzzo, Italy, has bright cherry hues. The nose has hints of raspberry, while the palate is dry and rich with black and red cherry notes.  A hint of almond on the finish makes this an interesting and tasty rose.

Jigsaw Pinot Noir 2008 (reg. $19.99) $17.99/16.99
This Pinot Noir from McMinnville, Oregon, has aromas of raspberry and red currant followed with flavors of violet and anise.  The palate is finely structured with velvety tannins. This is our best value in Oregon Pinots!  

Girly Girl Merlot 2007 (reg. $15.99) $14.39/13.59
Despite the cutesy name and packaging, this Columbia Valley, Washington, Merlot is herbal and a bit rough-hewn.  Notes of rhubarb and cranberry are followed by a nice herby finish.  A portion of the proceeds from each bottle sold is contributed to combating breast cancer.  Drink and feel good about it!

Pedroncelli Three Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (reg. $16.99) $15.29/14.44
The grapes used in this California Cab are sourced from three Pedroncelli vineyards.  Flavors of ripe berries and spice are supported by a nice backbone of tannin.