Emeril Lagasse is now lending his name and palate to TastingRoom.com, which offers sets of six 1.7-ounce micro-bottles of mixed wines, selected by the chef. Two samplers, each mixed selections of mostly-California wines, are available. Thoughts on both of them follow.

Emeril’s Everyday Sampler ($33)

2011 Dry Creek Sauvignon Blanc Dry Creek Valley – Musty, cardboard overtones and a cat-pee finish. D+

2010 Dr. Konstantin Frank Semi-Dry Riesling Finger Lakes – Takes some liberties with the term “semi-dry.” Very syrupy, with herbal counterparts. C+

2010 Francis Ford Coppola Director’s Cut Pinot Noir – Ample earth, licorice notes, deep herbal and jam overtones. B-

2010 Il Cuore The Heart Barbera Mendocino – Very light body, some mushroom character, tart, slightly candied raspberry finish. Easy and ready to go. B+

2010 Decoy Merlot Sonoma County – Jammy, especially on the nose. Some tobacco on the finish gives this a bit of character. B

2010 Fess Parker Syrah Santa Barbara – Classic Syrah on the nose, cooked plums in the body, a bit pruny. B-

Emeril’s Holiday Party Sampler ($40) – clearly the better option

2010 Schug Chardonnay Carneros – Lemon notes, moderate acid, light finish. B+

2010 Patz & Hall Chardonnay Sonoma Coast – Buttery but lively, with decent acid to it. B+

2010 Patz & Hall Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast – Brilliant, bright fruit. Uncomplicated, but full of red berry notes that make it really easy drinking. A-

2007 Jake-Ryan Zinfandel Bald Mountain Vineyard Napa Valley – Definitively Cabernet-like on the nose, but more peppery on the tongue. Tasty and complex. A-

2009 Gundlach Bundschu Merlot Estate Sonoma Valley – Big fruit here, particularly on the nose. Enjoyable. A-

2009 Clayhouse Show Pony Petite Sirah Red Cedar Vineyard Paso Robles – Blackberry jam is huge on the nose, with some pepper and bramble character in the body. Not a shy wine, by any stretch. B+

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