Dry Creek Valley has become a Mecca of sorts for those seeking world class zinfandel. Then there's Quivira Vineyards , a family run Demeter certified estate whose 2002 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel ** was chunky and polished at the same time, not overripe, and not too dense, with good texture and Zzzzing! on the finish. Caveat emptor. MORE >>

In contrast to the 2005 or 2002, it is not an exuberant wine, even after 3 days open. This is a wine of class and grace. 2007 Domaine Hu e t Vouvray Sec Clos du Bourg , $28, Robert Chadderdon Selections. I'm putting together a case of birth-year wine for my older daughter, who was born in 2007. We loved this wine. MORE >>

Owner and chef Chris, who just that morning had been a total teddy bear serving his delicious apple-cinnamon pancakes, became an utter tyrant while pouring a fabulous 2002 Peconic Bay Cabernet Sauvignon and an equally impressive 2005 Reisling. Dee and P were happily surprised at how much they liked the wines. suspect it was the latter. MORE >>

Most are from 2005, a wonderful vintage. White: 2005 Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet Sevre et Maine , $10 (so far, my case is the same as Lyle's). 2005 Thomas-Labaille Sancerre les Monts Damnees , $21 (Our cases diverge here). 2005 Chidaine Montlouis sur Loire Clos Habert , $26. 2002 Clos Rougeard Les Poyeaux , $55. MORE >>

Anyway, here are a few interesting wines from the past month or so that did not get their own post: BrooklynLady and I learned our lesson, and went to dinner last weekend on our date (no more cooking classes for now). 2002 Olga Raffault Chinon Les Picasses (about $17, readily available). We went to Rosewater , a neighborhood favorite. MORE >>