From 95% cabernet sauvignon, with 3% merlot and 2% petit verdot.makes me think they should add 2% petit verdot to the final blend of the 2008, in an attempt to recreate the longevity of the sweetness here. Tags: 2004 Central California 2006 1988 3 stars Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello Napa Valley 4 stars underneath. MORE >>

Castiglion Del Bosco Dainero 2004 IGT?? From the Tuscan region of Montalcino comes this mouthwatering blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Sangiovese grapes.?? From Arezzo, Italy this blend is a balancing act of 50% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah, and 5% Petit Verdot and aged in French barriques for 12 months. ??Nuances MORE >>

recently checked out some of their unique single varietal appellation wines (Carignan & Petite Sirah) and was so (surprisingly) impressed by their quality that I included them in a blog post  with some recommendations.  Prior to visiting the winery today I tried their LOW LEVEL supermarket 2007 "Private Collection" Cab/Merlot blend.  MORE >>

No Merlots (OK, maybe 1) and no Cab's (OK, maybe 1 or 2).  The 2003 is drinking great, the 2004 is delicious and the just released 2005 is gorgeous.  And two wines in their appellation series that are of interest are the Carmel "old vine" Carignan & the Carmel Petit Sirah.  I'm sorry for the delay in writing this post.  MORE >>

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. There was also a Merlot, Cab, and then 4 zinfandels. It was actually the 2004 "old vine" Estate Alexander Valley Zin that I liked most. Maybe he simply lacked personality. Great stuff! MORE >>