Back home with some Californians

Another vivid, bright sunny day in Portugal. We walked along the beach and found a seafront restaurant, where we dined well in the sun. I had a half bottle of the 2007 vintage of the Vinho Verde Tinto I'd drunk the previous nights, which was even more vibrant and primary. It was fantastic, and just E4.20. Fiona had another half bottle of Aveleda.

Then we headed to the airport, and a rather painless journey home. As soon as we got back, it was off to St Margarets to pick up RTL. She was overjoyed to see us again, but there was an element of school report time as we asked how she'd got on with the dogsitter, who has an impeccably behaved poodle. Apparently, she was mostly good - just a little possessive.

So, tonight, a couple of Californians from the Co-op. They're not expensive, but they are a lot better than most Californian branded wines at a similar price. First, a wine from Cline - a winery I visited way back in 1997, which has a reputation for really reliable, flavourful, affordable reds. Then a good value example from Washington State.

Cline Syrah 2005 California
A distinctive wine, showing ripe plummy, berry fruit along with some meatiness, a touch of olive character and a hint of herbal greenness. It's ripe, sweet and accessible, but there's a savoury meatiness that reminds me a bit of some South African Syrahs (although this isn't meant to be taken negatively). My only criticism is that it's tending towards the medicinal end of the spectrum. 86/100 (£7.99 Co-op)

The Magnificent Wine Co. 'Steak House' Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Columbia Valley, Washington State
Nicely packaged, and billed as a steak wine, this is a bright, quite refined Cabernet that is light in style. There's some bright red fruit here, but also a complex, earthy, spicy, slightly phenolic quality that makes me suspect a bit of brettanomyces. Fresh and quite European in style, this is attractive and food friendly. 87/100 (£7.99 Co-op)