I think I'll be launching a wine blog shortly, so I'm trying an inaugural post here in the obscurosphere.

A lot of my posts will take on the real life flavor of a semi-educated wine drinker who has consumed a mid-priced wine (usually one that's been recommended somewhere or featured in the liquor store), who is reflecting on his own real-life take on it, from his living room.

So first we have TerraMater Zinfandel Shiraz 2003, a Chilean. (If you're expecting me to post about fully aged wines you may be disappointed, unless the wine folks start sending me bottles, which would be great. I'm pretty much going to drink whatever I bring home.)

This claims to combine the "spicy, smoky oak of Shiraz with the ripe, sweet fruit of Zinfandel.... wonderfully well-balanced with a long rich finish." I stumbled on it as it was featured in my store of choice, the Kingsway LCBO.

Can't say as I disagree. The smokiness and overall dryness and heavy body is in line with what I like. There are some unusual elements (an interesting pruniness) that go with the generally balanced feel, so on my poor-man's scale, it rates a 9.

The label says "Contains Sulphites." More research clearly required.

I've found the Chileans to offer great value for the semi-expert cheapskate like me.

14% alcohol. I think it was around $13 Canadian.