This Merlot from Washington's Columbia Valley is made from grapes sourced from Cold Creek, Canoe Ridge and Wahluke Slope, and aged 15 months in American and French oak. Complex and fruit forward, this workhorse of a Merlot exhibits a bouquet of cola, plums and ripe blueberries along with plump flavors of black cherries, spices and leather. MORE >>

2005 Jacques Puffeney Arbois Poulsard "M," $26, Neal Rosenthal Selections. Puffeney's Poulsard is great too, regardless of how the 2005 showed on this night. Jura wines are kind of obscure, outside of the wine-geek world. Finding them requires seeking them out, your local shoppe is unlikely to carry them. Change, change, change. MORE >>

Every year from 2000 – 2008 (2009 data are not yet in but look to continue the trend), per capita wine consumption rose. Domestically, the boutique wine industry got a shot in the arm from the 2005 Supreme Court decision that paved the way to opening up shipping from wineries to consumers. Everyone’s looking back! MORE >>

When I got home I found that UPS had delivered just what I was looking for, a Terrazas de los Andes Malbec Reserva 2009. Last week I came home from work at the usual time (10:15pm) just wanting a nice red wine to sip on, with maybe a few bites of cheese or chocolate. Suggested retail of $14 , but easily found on line for as low as $10. MORE >>

Arretxea, Irouleguy 2005 about $20. The weather is rapidly changing: one day, fall; the next day, snow! Here are two natural wines from France that have you covered. This hearty red pairs well with rich foods and cold weather. Although not big and boozy (only 12.5% Importer: Kermit Lynch. tried a bottle and loved it and went back for more. MORE >>