When the time came, I found myself still buying a couple bottles of one of my favorite Pax Cellars Wine, the Kobler Family Vineyard Russian River Valley Syrah, thinking it would be the last time. Wind Gap is the culmination of all we have learned from working so diligently with Syrah." Rumor had it that disagreements with co-owner(?) MORE >>

For about $22 you can buy the 2004 Binner Reisling Katzenthal , which is a big step up for your 5 bucks. Syrah, and Grenache. For $14 you can get the 2007 Domaine Rimbert Travers de Marceau , a less intense and complex, but also very delicious wine that omits the Grenache and includes Cinsault and a little bit of Mourvedre. MORE >>

The reds were mostly blends, with Garnacha (grenache) the most popular varietal used. Also used in the wines/blends was Tempranillo, Carignan, Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah and Tinta del Pais (which I learned is really just another name for Tempranillo). But I found out today. It is in Spain. The tasting itself was very nice. The "8.0.1 MORE >>

Interestingly enough, they make a 100% grenache wine called the (2005) St. 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. Syrahs & 2 Cab's were tried at the tasting. don't know. MORE >>

Merlot, Cab, Syrah - been there done that. lighter wine than a Cab, merlot or Syrah, Barbera is said to be the most (or second most) planter varietal in Italy. Rather it was a 2004 (I think) Recanati Reserve Cabernet Franc. It is used in blends (often with Rhone varietals such as grenache & Syrah) to add color to red wines. MORE >>