$3 Crane Lake 2009 Pinot Grigio California Henry's Market

I'm just gonna lay it out for you- avoid this one at all costs. I usually enjoy Crane Lake, so I was stoked to try this one. It smelled kind of "off" but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. The first sip went from good to bad in about two seconds. For a moment, there was a nice fruitiness but then it was quickly followed by a strong, rancid honey flavor. I tried a few more sips to see if it would iron itself out, but no luck. I let it chill overnight and the next evening, I poured it through a wine aerator... still no luck. That horrible rancid honey taste was overbearing and it was just way to sweet for a Pinot Grigio. As a last ditch effort I chopped up some strawberries and let them soak in the glass for a while which made the wine taste like a bottle of Frutezia.

I give this wine 1 out of 5 stars.

$3 Crane Lake 2009 Pinot Grigio California Henry's Market

Boy, have I been on a serious Pinot Grigio kick lately, or what? It's such great cheap, summer wine though. Crane Lake has been pretty consistent with decent wines, so let's see if this one holds up.

It has a fun, beachy smell aroma to it at first and then I start to pick up the fruit. Light citrus and papaya come through as well as the usual pinot friend, pears. First sip is buttery. Yes, buttery... a bit unusual for a Pinot Grigio wouldn't you say? This is a lightly sweet wine full of fresh, summery fruits. A fruit salad if you will- minus the berries. It's pretty good, a nice light finish and a typical Pinot Grigio flavor. Anyone making the transition from Gewurstraminer and Reislings to a drier white would find this one a nice baby step up.

While white wine has been de-lish, I have to turn back down red road for a bit. I miss the complexity of red.

I give this wine a 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.

$2 Crane Lake 2008 Sangiovese California Henry's Market

I love a good Sangiovese, so it takes a good one to impress me. Upon pouring I took note of the rich, red, burgundy color. The first sip is bold and fruity. Cherry, blackberry and black currant flavors with a long, expansive finish. This wine is rich, substantial and satisfying. There are undertones of a super dark chocolate (as in 80% cocoa, dark) it really opens up when swished around a bit. The second pour really mellowed out but it never lost it's bold fruit and generous finish. This one's a keeper folks!

I give this wine a 5 out of 5 stars

$3 Crane Lake Pinot Noir 2009 California Henry's Market

Oh my, does this one smell good! Super-berry aromas with plenty of cherry notes, yum. Smells like something I might taste at a fancy-schmancy winery. But did it deliver? Why yes, it did. This Pinot Noir is very nice, I am impressed. It is full of cherries, strawberries and plums with a lingering finish of dark chocolate and coffee. For a mere $3 a bottle, this one is right on the money. Drink this now, its at it's peak! Henry's better watch out, I'm going to be stocking up on this bad boy.

I give this one a 5 out of 5 stars!