Drifting into one of his favorite wine stores after an appointment with his beach city dentist, Dr. F. Eel Gooder, the Wineslacker was slightly dazed already. Opening the door to this luscious selection of wines from all over the world was like a whif of laughing gas and the slacker held that he could not be held responsible for his purchases. Wine Country in Long Beach has a wide selection from all over the world of wine, including one of the strongest selections of Burgundy in the area. The owner, Randy Kemner, http://thewinecountry.com , puts out a comprehensive monthly newsletter with a complete catalogue. Fortunately for the Slacker, the place is full of knowledgeable staff with plenty of recommendations. One great recommendation was a Slacker No-Brainer.

Ten Mile Field Blend Red 2004 is the product of one of the Slacker's favorite producers, the fabulous Nine North Group. Nine North also produces a great Syrah, Seven Sinners, which we humbly recommend.

Ten Mile Red is a blend of Petite Syrah, Zinfandel, Barbera, Malbec and Carignane (don't ask me how you say it!) and it's just damn delicious (not tasted under the influence of laughing gas). Not only that, Randy had it for $10.99. Right in the Wineslacker's favorite price range. Cheep.

2004 Ten Mile "The Broken Road" Four Stars from the Slacker, for quality and value.