Of course my choice would be Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley or Russian River Valley, the home of some of the best wines in the world. Recently, the wife and I have been discussing a possible trip to California next year. few of the issues are for how long and where. Most notably, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. Suggested retail is $15.

In the spring of 2008 I learned that the winemaking prodigy behind Pax Wine Cellars, monsieur Pax Mahle, was leaving the eponymously named venture and striking out on his own, once again. Tags: Cellar Selection 2004 3 stars Russian River Valley Sonoma Rumor had it that disagreements with co-owner(?)

2004 Mouton Cadet Bordeaux. 2004 Cantina Zuccagnini Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva * (Previously reviewed) Nice bright fruit this tasting, with good acidity and a lightly silty texture. 2006 Walter Hansell Russian River Valley Chardonnay ** Another big wine, this one from the RRV, with golden fruits. drink beer.  2006 M.

Audrey, reading Wine Spectator in Lake Tahoe, Spring 2008) So it was with glee and trepidation that I ordered one ticket for the California Wine Experience at the Marriot in NYC - but mostly glee. Bond "Pluribus" Napa Valley 2004 ** did not display the depth and concentration I hoped for from a 2004 Bond. love their events.

The 2006 of Dumol's "Lia," a Russian River Valley Viognier was super: rich and ripe fruit, tight body, good length. We also cracked another bottle of 2004 Far Niente Napa Valley Chardonnay The 1997 Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello is a sometimes gorgeous wine. And before that, I had been less than wowed.

Raspberry liquor color. Pungent red berry aroma that is hot and tart on the palate. Long warm finish

Impetuous color, whatever that means. Kistler's RRV chardonnays routinely elude description, and this one does just that: Honey, amber notes, with rich minerality and steely grip. This was very subdued at first and livened up as it breather.

Blackberry and purple color with blackberry and rich, round peppercorns on the nose. Nicely fleshy and robust in the mouth, with pepper and licorice notes. Silky and mildly sweet on the finish

ended up in Healdsburg in the Russian River and started at a winery called Sausal winery. Zinfandel is a very common varietal in Sonoma county and I tried 2 Zins at Sausal; the 2004 Family Zinfandel & the 2005 Private reserve Zin. It was actually the 2004 "old vine" Estate Alexander Valley Zin that I liked most.

His 2004 Neiman Cellars Napa Valley Red is a blend of 1/3 Cab Sauvignon, 1/3 Merlot, & 1/3 Cab Franc. Sadly Pam was not there, but her 2005 Cab Franc & 2004 Cab Sauv were. The 2004 C & S "Stone Place" Cabernet Sauvignon also had a very nice round & velvety mouth feel. don't know. great wine. Onto the reds.