Douglass Hill $2 2009 Syrah California Stater Bros.

Most Douglass Hill wines are quite drinkable, but nothing to write home about, so I my expectations weren't incredibly high when opening this bottle. The color was really pretty, a bright ruby tone and it smelled of cranberries and cherries. The sip was mild, lacking complexity and lightly fruity. It has a medium finish with notes of dark chocolate. Nothing spectacular, but very consistent from the first glass to the third.

I give this wine a 31/2 stars out of 5

$2 Douglass Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2008 California Stater Bros.

For the price of Strawberry Hill, you can get a fine bottle of Douglass Hill, an actual real wine! However, unless you're 2-buck chuck, can you really have a decent bottle for that price? Let's find out.

The nose on the Sauvignon Blanc is somewhat non-existent. Very light notes of pears and grapes but it pretty much falls flat. But the nose does not always tell all, so I held out hope.

The first sip was pretty nice, very fruity with pears and citrus. Upon the second and third sip some melon and tropical fruits came through. Overall this wine is not bad. I think it would be fantastic with some shrimp ceviche or some chips and salsa. While it was a nice, gentle, well-rounded wine it did not pack a bright, flavorful punch that I like in a good Sauvignon Blanc.

I give this wine a 4 out of 5 stars.