2006 Trader Joe's Reserve Rutherford Meritage - I don't buy much wine at TJ's, but I do sometimes take a chance on some their special buys. While most are at least drinkable, not many are good enough for me to buy more. At $10, this one is good enough to buy again. It presents some red and black fruit aromas. In the mouth, the fruit is dominated by dusty cherries that remind me more of Carmenere than Bordeaux, but it's good dusty cherries. Tannins are smooth and there's enough acidity to wash down the grilled burgers. It held up after opening to be just as good the next night.
2006 Martin Ray Cabernet Sauvignon - I had tasted this at Total Wine and though it was worth buying a bottle to get a better taste. I needn't have bothered. Sourced from Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino grapes this wine had very little varietal character from the start. Tart fruit that tastes vaguely of plums and berrys with a sour/bitter finish. It went downhill from there and on the morrow the rest of the bottle became drain cleanser. Not even worth $10, let alone the $21 TW is charging.