Main Street Winery

There seems to be no shortage of good wine at the $10 price point (see my blog on Tempra Tantrum wines from Spain), but most of it is forgettable. With the introduction of the Main Street Winery label, sourced from premium growing areas around the state, the Trinchero family (Sutter Home, etc.) has set out to produce wines at $10 that offer a bit more than the usual over-ripe, low acid fruit bombs that are standard fare today. Here is the current lineup:

2008 Monterey County Sauvignon Blanc:
This is one terrific SB, full bodied yet tart, with citrus and gooseberry flavors, a bit of classic “cat piss” (if you have to ask, ignore the descriptor), subtle dried herbs and a long lemony finish with a mineral edge. Fine aromatics and balance. 92 points.

2008, Santa Barbara County (82%) / Monterey County (18%) Chardonnay:
Buttery, with appley fruit and a hint of caramel, velvety texture, full bodied, yet with pleasant acidity and a hint of mineral character. I’m astonished at the price of this wine, which delivers so much more than you’d expect at the price. Best served slightly chilled. 89 points.

2006, 54% Lake County, 24% Monterey County, 22% Santa Barbara County, Cabernet Sauvignon:
The dominant flavor of this light to medium-bodied Cab is black cherry, the oak is subtle, the tannins moderate, and there is a mineral edge to the finish. Pleasant enough, though the least varietally distinct of the Main Street line; it might be mistaken for a Merlot. 83 points

2006, 80% Monterey County, 8% Santa Barbara County, 7% Napa County, 5% Lake County, Merlot:
A lovely Merlot with aromatic black cherry fruit, faint notes of black pepper and vanilla, soft tannins, and classic structure. Dry, with some delicacy, this is a fine antidote to the port-like fruit bombs currently passed off as Merlot. 87 points.

2008, 97% Napa Valley, 3% Monterey County, Pinot Noir:
Dry, with forward scents of sandalwood and cherry. Lean and dry on the palate, with slight astringency and strawberry-cherry flavors. 84 points.