Tart and juicy, this Cabernet/Merlot/Syrah blend matches cranberry and plum fruit flavors to milk chocolate and nougat highlights. Well-crafted, with a pleasing florality (to coin a word) in the finish. An outstanding value.——P.G.(2/1/2012)—— 89

Hogue also makes a Cabernet-Merlot, but this wine includes both those grapes, 20% Syrah, and a pinch of Malbec. It’s firm, tart and supple, with iron filings and black olive, black cherry and moist earth. You don’t often find this much muscle and grip in a $10 wine.——P.G.(5/1/2010)—— 88