The Mayo Family Winery The Libertine (Sonoma County) 2003

At about $15 (if memory serves), this is a very attractive mid-week wine. A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Zinfandel, the flavor associations remind this drinker mainly of the latter two. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, the wine is a little bitter, with notes of pepper, camphor, menthol, and red and black berry fruits. Agreeable and quaffable, if not especiall distinguished or sophisticated. Grade: B+