prime rib

[Bucko]

"Give me something $10-$20 range, easy to find and good....."

Send me some of that stuff that you are smoking.

I can name a few, but none you'll find except:

1999 Kendall-Jackson, Cabernet Sauvignon, Vintner's Reserve, California, $16. Dark ruby in color, the Cab gives off aromas of tea, herbs, black cherries and currants. Well-balanced with flavors mirroring the nose, this wine offers good value. 86/89.

2000 Geyser Peak, Merlot, Sonoma County, California, $17, 53,000 cases. Dark ruby, with aromas of cherries, raspberries, tobacco and cedar. Medium-bodied with rounded tannins, the wine is quite crisp and fruity on the palate, with nice complexity for the price class. 87/89.

2000 Hogue, Merlot, Genesis, Columbia Valley, Washington, $15, 28,000 cases. This dark ruby Merlot offers up cassis, berries and herbs on the nose. Gobs of black cherries and berries fill the palate. Medium-full bodied, the chewy tannins need bottle time. 86/87.