The 2009 Alamos Malbec has a dark, blackish purple color. The nose shows ripe black fruits, black pepper spice and floral notes. The mouthfeel is full yet soft and supple, with black raspberry and currant flavors mingled with notes of sweet spice and a touch of leather. The finish is long and persistent with soft, sweet tannins.

Unfortunately, this wine is only available to ship to the following states: Alaska, Nebraska, Missouri, DC, Nevada, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Wyoming.

Cabernet is called the “king” of the noble grape varieties of France. This bottle deserves a title, too, as a princely wine for a pauper’s price. The Wine Spectator had nice things to say about it, and we agree it’s a bargain.

You’ll get the classic Cabernet flavors of berries and clove, with a little oak and a velvet finish.

This is a wine you can explore for a second while it’s on your palate. Notice the balance in the tannins. We get dark berries and ripe cherries, warm mocha, white pepper and other spices typical of a great Zinfandel. If this isn’t the perfect barbecue wine, we’ll turn in our “Kiss the Chef” aprons.

Maybe the next popular wine movie will feature a couple of guys on a search for the perfect Merlot. If they start with this one, it’ll be a short movie. A round, luscious, satisfying wine.

Look for the hint of anise under boysenberry and milk chocolate flavors. You might even try putting a little chill on it to get an entertaining evolution in the glass.

The Barefoot Pinot Noir is a silky blend of dark cherry and hints of raspberry which complement the aromas of brown spices found in this wine.

It is perfect alone or pairs with food such as poultry and pork dishes, creamy soups and dry cheeses.

We like straight talk about wine. One writer called this bottle “…a really, really good Shiraz.” Is that straight enough? The Syrah grape can yield lean, intellectual wines in France’s Rhone Valley. This is not one of those wines. This is like the Aussie version: round, full and ripe, with jammy blackberry flavors.

We can’t think of a wine that is easier to like.