Tonight, we are tasting three wines. Two will be around $10, and a third wine will be over $20. Can we taste the difference?

Tonight, we are tasting:

1. 2022 Epicuro Aglianico from Puglia, Italy. Purchased from Trader Joe’s for $5.99. Blackberry and cherry with light spicy notes. Smooth and velvety. 13% alcohol. Single varietal wine, fermented in stainless steel tanks followed by maturation on the lees for several months before bottling. Does have some residual sugar.
2. 2023 Tribunal Red Wine from the North Coast of California. Purchased at Trader Joe’s for $12.00. Bold and full-bodied. Jammy fruit forward wine with lots of spice. People say it can be a little hot, but pairs well with burgers, pizza, and tacos.
3. 2017 Skylark las aves from the North Coast of California. This was purchased from Wine Styles for around $25. Mendocino County California. A Spanish inspired blend of 33% Carignane, 27% Syrah, 26% Grenache, and 14% Cabernet Sauvignon. Received a 92 rating from Wilfred Wong. Aromas of red cherry and raspberry, floral violet, and forest floor.

Denise liked the $12 wine, the Tribunal. I preferred the $25 Skylark. However, if you like fruity, jammy, oaky red wines, and are looking for a bargain. You might want to try the Tribunal. I can really indorse the Skylark. I found this to be very smooth with good acidity and very well balanced.

Next week, we are having our first Austrian wine, a Zweigelt.