Now that we’re a couple of months into 2010, I took a look back at the wines I tried in 2009 and present to you my list of Favorite Red Wines of 2009! Fave 2009 Whites coming soon!

• Pine & Post Cab Sauv – $9
• Simonnet-Febvre Pinot Noir – ~ $10
• Finca el Origen Malbec – $11
• Lucky Star Pinot Noir - $9
• Mark West Sonoma County Pinot Noir – $12
• Memo Montepulciano – $11
• Morande Pionero Pinot Noir – $10
• Spellbound Petite Syrah – $13
• Alexander Valley Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir – $?
• Angeline Russian River Valley Pinot Noir – $14
• Oyster Bay Pinot Noir – $15
• G5 Puerta Bonita Garnacha – $15
• Eos Estate Zinfandel and Petite Syrah – $15ish? and $16
• Bliss Cab Sauv – $15
• Chateau Fantin Bordeaux Superioeur – $16
• Big Fire Pinot Noir – $18
• Poppy Pinot Noir – $16
• Rivola Sardon de Duero Cab Sauv – $17
• Vina Robles Cav Sauv – ~ $18
• Le Signal Domaine Ligneres Carignan – $19
• Murphy-Goode Cab Sauv – $20
• Wirra Wirra Church Block Cab Sauv – $20
• Chateau Robin Cotes De Castillion – $22
• Louis M. Martini Cab Sauv – $15-$20
• L’Oustal Blanc Minervois – $21
• Twenty Rows Cab Sauv – $23
• Oberon Cab Sauv – $24
• Molnar Family Pinot Noir – $26
• Douglas Green Shiraz Reserve – $20ish?
• Obsidian Ridge Cab Sauv – $29
• Patricia Green Pinot Noir – $30
• Hartford Zinfandel – $30
• Chateau Rollan de By Medoc – $30
• Louis Latour Domaine de Valmoissine Pinot Noir – $??
• Anne Amie Pinot Noir – $??

As you might know, I really really like Morande’s Pinot Noir. LOVE IT as a staple everyday wine. $10 bucks, great flavor, it’s convenient and a great buy. And then there’s this Reserve Merlot. What a let-down. Granted, I’m not a huge Merlot fan to begin with (they seem to only rely on tannins for their flavor, in my opinion… not actual flavors). This one proved to be no different. The taste was very tanniny and not a lot of fruit to back it up. The flavor behind the tannins was watery and wimpy. I wasn’t a fan. I think they have a cab, so I’ll give that one a try next. Otherwise, it’s back to their delicious Pinot for me!

On the other hand, W liked this wine. He generally likes tannins and Merlots though. Each to his own!

Origin: Maipo Valley, Chile

Where: Shell Gas Station, DeFoors Ferry Rd.

Price: If only I could find the receipt… will try to remember to look next time I’m there. Under $20.

Next time: I’ll pass.

This Spanish red was very intense – really powerful flavor, a bit too much bite for my taste. The tannins weren’t too heavy; just too concentrated and with some spice. When poured, it’s extremely dark-colored. However, I love the fact that the La Huella de Adaras‘ vineyard uses sustainable farming techniques!

Varieties: 60% Garnacha Tintorera, 30% Monastrell, 10% Syrah
Farming: Sustainable
Age of Vines: 10-50 years old
Aging: 12 months in stainless steel

Origin: Spain

Where: Shell Oil, $10.99

Next time: I’ll pass

Ever since I switched jobs about a year ago, I’ve been going to a Shell station to fill up my car every week. I’ve always ignored… and probably laughed at their sign outside that touts their huge wine selection. Until last week… I called a distributor about where to find the Morande Pionero Pinot Noir, a favorite that used to be found at Muss & Turner’s, but I didn’t know where to get it retail. Low and behold… the Shell station not a quarter mile from where I work! I was really surprised – and excited – to learn that the sign outside is true! They actually do have an excellent wine selection. Even the presentation is pretty impressive with their wooden shelving. In addition to two bottles of the Morande Pinoero, I picked up this new bottle, Pinossimo Pinot Noir, as well.

The Pinossimo was very enjoyable. Sitting on the deck with a slice of pizza in Atlanta’s 97-degree heat, the Pinossimo was tasty with lots of medium-bodied fruit. This easy-to-drink selection reminded me a lot of Hangtime and Jargon‘s Pinot Noir, two other very affordable favorites.

Origin: France

Where: Shell Gas Station on Defoors Ferry

Price: around $10-$12

Next time: Get a glass!