Phew. I think I did it. I think, with this post I have finally caught up on cans, at least those that were sent to me. As I just typed that sentence, here on the couch, I looked up at my wine rack where I keep some of the wine that comes in and I think I see a few more.

Crud.

Those will just have to wait a bit longer.

2018 Archer Roose Sauvignon Blanc, Casablanca Valley, Chile: Retail $16 (4x250ml cans). 100% Sauvignon Blanc. I have to admit: I was a little confused when I glanced at the label, there is a rather large moose on the label, but it is called Archer Roose. It was my first drink of the day, but I studied that capital “R” very closely to make sure it was not an “M.” The wine? pretty darned good. I think I have had this for a while, but it is holding up nicely: light color (greenish tint) with green apple, citrus, plenty tart on the palate, decent finish. I only have two gripes: 1. the can is small: 250ml seems to be hardly worth it, and 2. they refer to it as “Sauvy B” on their website. Um, no. Very Good. 87-89 Points.

Archer Roose Red Spritz (“Low ALC Sparkling Red Wine”): Retail $11 (4x250ml cans). “Carbonated Water, Red Wine, Grape Juice Concentrate (Grape Sugar), Citric Acid.” I basically have two rules by which I try to live my life: “What is your goal?” and “Keep an Even Keel.” As such, I try to not get overly excited (or down) and I try to act purposefully. There are rare occasions, however, when I let those “rules” go as if they were losing lottery tickets. This is one such occasion. I was sent this “sparkling wine” by somebody at some point in time (I need to track the cans I am sent much better) and I decided to let loose. I write this before even popping the can, but have they bothered to read my blog? I will freely admit that I am a complete champagne snob that will taste the occasional sparkling wine just to verify that sparkling wine producers outside of Champagne are fighting a steep uphill battle. To add insult to injury, I could find no information on this beverage (notice I did not say “wine”) other than what is written on the bottle. Phew Ok. Time to taste. Dark in the glass with a decided fizz, notes of blackberry jam dominate. The palate is, well, palatable. I was not among the (legally) drinking public during the heyday of Bartles and Jaymes, but I place this in that category: worthy of the price? Good to Very Good. 84-86 Points.

2018 Archer Roose Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina: Retail $16 (4x250ml cans). 100% Malbec. Up to this pint, we had mixed reviews, the “Sauvy Blanc” was solid (despite the name), but the Red Spritz was, well, regrettable. This Malbec? Oddly sweet on the nose with crème de cassis, a bit of heat  (13.5% ABV) and Aretha on Amazon Music) the latter being random selection (Pink Cadillac if you are scoring at home–or even if you are alone). By no means horrible, this is, well, good (I guess). This certainly follows my dictum: if drink by the can you must, pop a white or a rosé (no, it doesn’t rhyme, but give me a break). Good? Sure. Mind-blowing? Um… Good to Very Good. 86-88 Points.

Butternut Sparkling Rosé, Central Coast: $6/375 can. 100% Tempranillo. I tried to get some information about this wine on the interwebs and there was not a whole lot. No indication of where the vineyards might be on the Central Coast, but perhaps more concerning, there is no information on how the bubbles get into the wine. Based on the relatively small bubbles and light fizz, I am guessing the cuvée close method (similar to what is used in Prosecco), but no way of knowing for sure. The wine is a bit funky on the nose, but pretty good fruit and acidity. Sure, I know very little about the wine, Good for by the pool (assuming we’re ever allowed to go to one again) when you really don’t want to think about it. Good to Very Good. 85-87 Points.

2017 Farmstrong Field White, Suisun Valley, CA: Retail $38 (four 375 cans). 41% Grenache Blanc, 35% Albariño, 24% Verdelho. I have written about Faith before and she is one of my favorite winemakers. She makes some incredible wines from either some rather obscure grapes (at least by American standards) or under-rated regions (can you find Suisun Valley on a map?). I got this can a while ago, but it is honestly gangbusters. Great fruit, fantastic tartness, incredible balance, and a lengthy finish. This might be a bit on the expensive side of canned wines ($9.50/can or $19 for a “bottle”) but it is oh, so worth it. Sure, take it to the beach, but hide it–this is not one to share. Excellent. 90-92 Points.

2017 Farmstrong Field Rosé, Redwood Valley, CA: Retail $38 (four 375 cans). True Rosé. 50% Carignane, 50% Zinfandel while the former vines are 80 years old and the latter 50. Fairly light in the glass with a color that appears more orange than pink with a bit of funk, rose petals, and watermelon. The palate is quite tart and delicious with good fruit, nice tartness, and a “fun” vibe.” While this might not be as gangbusters as the Field White, this is still a wine that you want to horde like that last package of toilet paper at the Cosco. Yes, it is in a can, but it is also a serious wine–the same wine that Faith uses for the bottled version, just like the white. Very Good to Excellent. 88-90 Points.

Mancan Red Wine, California: Retail $30 (four 375 cans). “A California Red wine blend of Merlot and Zinfandel,” OK, here we go. I elected to leave a slight chill on this wine for no other reason than it seems as though a can should be chilly. Inky dark with cassis, black raspberry, and a bit of tar on the nose with some pepper and spice. The palate is fruity and, yes, fun, but this is not a life-altering wine. No, this is a “when was the last time I changed the filter on the pool” kinda-wine. Relax, the pool (likely) will not kill anyone. And neither will this wine. Good to Very Good. 86-88 Points.