2012 Beaulieu Vineyards Coastal Estates Pinot Noir, California

Still on my quest to find Pinot Noir that tastes like Pinot and is value priced under $10.  This Coastal Estates comes pretty close.  It's widely available and $8.99 at Trader Joe's.  Hint of cherries and chalk on the nose, light bodied, plummy berries and just a touch of elegance.

We had it with grilled tuna with sriracha mayo, mushroom risotto, & steam broccoli with blue cheese dressing.   The sriracha mayo was a hit:  Put 3 T. mayo in a bowl, then stir in 1 t. EACH of sriracha, ketchup, toasted sesame oil, & lime juice.  Some heat, but didn't overpower the tuna.

2013 Sauvignon Republic Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough (NZ)

 

2013 sounds like it's very fresh, doesn't it?  But remember that NZ harvests its grapes six months ahead of our Northern Hemisphere grapes.  This is 7.99 at Trader Joe's. and a good representation of Marlborough fruit.  Some acidity, refreshing tropical fruit, lovely nose.  Not so focused on grapefruit as some.

 

We had a light supper of steamed asparagus wrapped in proscuitto, topped with a poached egg, then some peppery bearnaise.  Asparagus is often a tough match for wine, and Sauvignon Blanc should be your first pick.

2012 Mollydooker "The Boxer" Shiraz, South Australia

I chose this big Shiraz from Mollydooker ($68 on restaurant list) on my son's recommendation.  Having steak at Ruth's Chris, we wanted something fun and bold.  This certainly did it, with chocolate, plum & spice, and loads of ripe blue and blackberries.

2011 Trader Joe's Petit Reserve Mourvedre, Paso Robles (California)

 I keep finding interesting wine at Trader Joe's.  Mourvedre is rarely bottled by itself, it's more at home with the big three of the Rhone & Australia, GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre).  Paso Robles is hot and sunny, with cool nights - sometimes you see a 50 degree difference between night and day - and the grapes love it.  This 2011 ($7.99) is a deep inky purple, big mouthful of juice, and just enough tannins to bring out the best in the beef.

We had it with grilled trip-tip, scalloped potatoes, steamed broccoli & a multigrain baguette.