It is time for another edition of “Random Samples”–I occasionally get samples from marketing agencies and/or producers. These can often be grouped together into some sort of over-arching theme: Drink Them and It Will Come, Summer is Here, So That Means (More) Rosé, If It Doesn’t Sparkle, It Doesn’t Matter.

Other times, I get just a bottle or two that do not have any apparent connection or link. Instead of holding on to those bottles until the “right” combination comes along, I decided to link all these “random” bottles together, making their own category (and, being the math geek that I am, “random sample” has a bit of a double entendre).

2022 Domaine Bousquet Malbec, Tupungato, Argentina: Retail $13. Extremely Responsible (Bravo!) Bottle (394g; 13.9oz). Under screwcap. 100% Malbec. I have been sampling Domaine Bousquet for years now and in just about every tasting note I have extolled the incredible value of the wines. Year in and out, Bousquet produces fantastic wines, all sold at a price that is a fraction of their relative “worth”. And this Malbec is not an exception. Quite dark in the glass with oodles of black fruit on the nose: think blackberry, plum, and cassis. Add in a hint of spice (black pepper, cardamom) and a floral aspect (violet) and we are on our way. The palate is simply joyous with a boatload of fruit and just enough acid to keep it in check. Like I said, at twelve bucks? This over-delivers. Very Good. 89 Points.

2023 Domaine Bousquet Sauvignon Blanc, Tupungato, Argentina: Retail $14. Extremely Responsible Bottle (404g; 14.2oz). Under screw cap. Yet another wine in the Bousquet lineup that over-delivers. I am not a huge fan of the variety, but if more Sauv Blancs were like this? I would be more engaged, for sure. Great aromatics with plenty of citrus on the nose with that characteristic cat-pee element that normally is a turn-off but, again, it really works here. A touch of creaminess on the mid-palate is fantastic, but the finish is a tad short. Excellent. 90 Points. Excellent. 91 Points.

2022 Domaine Bousquet Cabernet Sauvignon, Tupungato, Argentina: Retail $16. Extremely Responsible Bottle (395g; 13.9oz). Screw cap. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. When it comes to great values and responsible practices, there is perhaps no greater producer in the world than Domaine Bousquet. For years the winery has shown its commitment to the planet by producing organic fruit and sustainable packaging while creating wonderful wines at affordable prices. Bravo. And another Bravo. Here is another example. Dark in color with dark, brambly fruit, dashes of spice, and earthy notes in the glass, the wonder continues on the palate with oodles of dark fruit, the aforementioned spice, and a gritty, tannic finish. Yeah. There is a lot packed in here and for around (or under) fifteen bucks? Find me a more compelling wine, I dare you. Excellent. 91 Points.

2021 Chalmers Nero d’Avola, Heathcote, Victoria, Australia: Retail $30. Very Heavy Bottle (700g; 24.6oz). This is another wine from the push by the folks of Victoria, Australia. Opaque, but still light in color with predominantly bright red fruit on the nose: Bing cherry, a bit of spice, and even some red licorice. The palate is on the light side when it comes to Nero, particularly when compared to most Nero from Sicily, but there is brilliant fruit and a zingy acidity that really defines this wine. While perhaps short of a “Yowza”, it is certainly close. Excellent. 90 Points.

2015 Meyye Wines Zinfandel Palachchak, Shenandoah Valley, CA: Retail $70. Stupidly Heavy Bottle (957g; 2lbs 1.7oz). 65% Picnic Hill Vineyard Zinfandel, 25% Alitia Vineyard Zinfandel, 10% Winddance Farms Syrah. The first bottle I received was corked, even badly so. Oh well, it happens. When I notified the winery, they sent out another bottle, and that is a plus. For sure. But the bottle is still extremely heavy. And that is a minus. For sure. They hold this wine back for a number of years before releasing it, which is again, a plus. Dark. Even really dark in the glass with tons of uber-dark fruit (blackberry, plum) and even more dark markers: pencil shavings, cedar, black pepper, cardamom, and an herbal, mostly minty aspect. The palate, surprisingly, is not as dark as the nose portended, but the minty note is front and center with some fruit and touches of spice. Excellent. But please, please, lighten up the bottles. 91 Points.

2020 Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, CA: Retail $35. (Under $20 at my H-E-B). Heavy Bottle (667g; 23.5oz). 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. As I have written before, and will certainly assert in future notes, Rodney Strong is perhaps the singular best value in Sonoma County. Well, here we go again. Medium to dark color in the glass with plenty of red and brambly fruit on the nose. Fantastic. The palate is equally enticing with loads of fruit, tons of acidity, an earthy floor, and a lengthy finish with some silky, but noticeable tannins. What else does one want in a Cab (or any wine, for that matter)? Excellent. 91 Points.