This is the first in a Saturday series that will attempt to review the Friday night wine tastings at our favorite Richmond/Midlothian Virginia Wine Shop. The tastings are held every Friday from 5-8 at the The Wine Cellar on Midlothian Turnpike, they usually feature 5 wines mixed with reds and whites. Last nights (1.20.06) they featured 5 reds.

• Block #45 Petite Syrah 2004 - $9.95
• My wife and I are not syrah/sirah/shiraz fans. We keep trying them hoping to find one that we truly like but haven't yet. This was a typical petite syrah by our standards but I won't rate it because I wouldn't do it justice. (?)
  
• Peachy Canyon Jester 2003 - $16.95
• Very nice blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Syrah, 6% Cabernet Franc. Typcial Cab. Sauv. on the front end of this wine with nice cherry and blackberry notes but the syrah kicks in at the end with a slightly tannic finish. (more tannic that your typical Cab, but very nice) We bought this one! (8.5)
• Graham Beck Pinotage 2001- 17.95$
• I was very excited to try this wine as I love Graham Beck Cabernet's. This one was nothing what I expected.  The aroma and flavor tasted like a cherry soaked band-aid. Two Thumbs down on this one! (5)
  
• Woodward Canyon Cabernet 2003 - $20.95
• Very nice Cabernet with lovely black cherry and currant aromas with a slight chocolate and tobacco flavors, with a smooth rich finish! (8.5)
  
• Hess Collection Mountain Cuvee 2002 - $33.45
• A great blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon 10% Syrah 12% Merlot 5% Malbec 4% Cabernet Franc that presents you with a nice black cherry and cinnamon nose with a nice silky "semi-long" finish. This was a really good wine but wasn't sure that it was worth the price. Almost bought this one! (8.75)