Not often you find a really good CA pinot for $20. Ok, $20.99. Paraiso 2007 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot. Cherry, raspberry and a hint of vanilla, with a shockingly nice acidic backbone for a 20 buck wine. Reminds me of some of the single vineyard Melville’s. 14.3% ETOH which at this point is pretty tame. I will buy more. 92 points
Emilio Moro 2005 Ribera I’d say even better (same price). Cedar, tar and leather in what in a weird sorta way reminded me of a nice BDX with a few years on it. The oak is just perfect and just like the Paraiso the acidic structure is perfectly tuned to the wine. I think both of these are terrific food wines. This was slightly less good on day 2 so maybe not an ager but for today 93 points