Cheap finds for April 2008

The Concha Y Toro 2006 Carmenere Casillero del Diablo $7 has notes of big dark cocoa with vanilla and some toasted grain over the slightly sweet dark berry. A big rich bruiser that's not perfectly balanced (hey it's $7) with mineral sneaking into the finish sometimes. Drink instead of a big Zin. And this is your chance to try the Carmenere varietal. At BevMo, Trader Joes and probably many places, with 130,000 cases made. My score: 89.

R Wines 2007 Riesling Roogle $8. Quite nice. Nose: pineapple, white
peach. Med big texture at first, with mineral, some sweetness and peach.
Some acidity in the long finish. Not sure of the availability, as I got this at the Wine Club. My score: 89.