Friday Monkey Wines-$8.99 a bottle (regular price: $10.99) $95.88 a case (may be assorted)-Cab, Cab/Merlot, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Merlot

As I've written before, we are always on the alert for "value" wines, especially those that sell for under $10.00 a bottle. So when asked to try an inexpensive Australian wine with a funny name and a funky label I said, "Sure." While these wines, admittedly, aren't going to give Penfold's or Torbrek competition, they play havoc with most other $10.00 wines or higher in their category. All who tried them, one balmy Saturday not long ago, staff and customers alike, were surprised at their quality at such an extremely fair price ($7.99 a bottle by the case).

Friday Monkey's direct competitor price-wise at $10.00 a bottle with similar grape varieties is Grateful Palate's Evil Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. As I had recently blown through 45-50 cases of Evil, we had a staff member bag a cab and a chard of each, number them for ID purposes, and we tasted them blind. While we think that Evil offers terrific value, we were surprised by Friday Monkey's positive showing. Their wines were preferred by everyone who tried them as they offer more varietal typicity and flavor intensity. At under $10.00 a bottle, actually $7.99 a bottle by the case, this is another candidate for multiple case purchase.

They write, "Friday Monkey wines reflect the climate and soil from which they were grown, in their pure form, conveying a unique flavor that cannot be replicated. Our Vineyards offer top-quality wine that comes from excellent fruit. Our wines are made in the well-known Riverina region, located in the south-east of Australia. We look for color and flavor in the fruit, keeping a balance so that the wine has a rich, concentrated and smooth palate. The Riverina wine region, situated in New South Wales, has been producing consistent high quality wines over the years.

Wines from Friday Monkey Wines

Friday Monkey Chardonnay
White Wine : Chardonnay
Tasting Notes Fresh citrus/melon and white peach fruit aromas in harmony with nutty, vanillin French oak overtones. Concentrated melon, citrus and stonefruit fruit flavours complemented by soft, creamy yeast autolysis and delicate nutty oak nuances.
Price: $8.99 net per bottle

Friday Monkey Merlot
Red Wine : Merlot
Tasting Notes This wine has elegant herbal and berry aroma, complimented with vanillin oak. The palate has a rich, balanced mouthfeel and a warm finish. Cellaring Potential An easy drinking wine designed for immediate enjoyment and will.
Price: $8.99 net per bottle

Friday Monkey Shiraz
Red Wine : Shiraz
Tasting Notes All our grapes are grown in riverina region where rich soils and dry summer climate ensure the growth of premium wine grapes. This is a well balanced dry red shiraz with berry fruit and pepper spice aromas.
Price: $8.99 net per bottle

Friday Monkey Cabernet Sauvignon
Red Wine : Shiraz
Tasting Notes All our grapes are grown in riverina region where rich soils and dry summer climate ensure the growth of premium wine grapes. This is a well balanced dry cabernet with blackberry fruit and currant aromas.
Price: $8.99 net per bottle