Carpazo Sangiovese '15 (13.5%)

Italy, Tuscany
Sangiovese (85% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 5% Aligante)
$12ish

Poundability: 2/5
Value: 3/5
Overall: 3/5

Dark ruby color thinning at edge.  Medium bodied with nose of bright red fruits.

Big biting red berry flavors off jump, with mild pleasant spices.  Light vegetal, in a good way; with hints of tomatoes, black cherries and leather.  Didn't get much oak influence at all.

Strong acidity like most Italian wines but not so much that it demands food.  Light to mild tannins, much lighter then I was expecting for this style of wine.  Nice medium long finish with mild complexity.  Soft, easy drinking red that despite strong acid backbone can easily be drank by itself. Great for the price, not blowing anyone away but a solid bottle, would repeat.

Cave de Tain Syrah '15

France, Rhone
Syrah
$14ish

Poundability: 2.5/5
Value: 2.5/5
Overall: 2/5

Dark purple color fading at rim of glass.  Medium body with nose of dark berries.

For a Rhone it was surprisingly light in spice and pepper.  Mild candied fruit with some spicy berries and pepper, just not over the top.  Floral with mild over ripe fruit.  Had a funky, bizarre bitter aftertaste - not enjoyable.  Other then that it was decent, but the finish really ruined the drinking experience.

Light tannins and acid.  Not overly complex, pretty basic wine.  Lacked character.  Slight harsh alcohol burn at finish.  Tasted like a watered down northern Rhone Syrah.  Wouldn't repeat.

Substance Cabernet Sauvignon '14

USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon
$16ish

Poundability: 4/5
Value: 4/5
Overall: 4/5

Dark red color, medium body with nose of red fruit - black currant.

Bright ripe fruit flavors, blackberries, cherries and currant.  Strong oak influence - vanilla.  Got light cedar and eucalyptus.

Soft but with great complexity and a long finish - easily 60 seconds or longer.  Not the Cali fruit bomb that is becoming more and more common.  Much more restrained then most new world cab's.  Mild acidity and tannins.  No harsh alcohol finish, leading to high poundability.  Lighter then expected as well.  Would definitely recommend and repeat.