2006 Domaine Stéphane et Mireille Tissot Arbois Poulsard Vieilles Vignes , $18, Imported by Frederick Wildman & Sons. 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. Obscure or not, lots of people seem to be talking about the Jura lately. MORE >>

Another entry from Snooth's Cabernet blind tasting last week. We were given 4 flights of 3 for a total of 12 California Cabernet Sauvignons. On the nose Salumi, leather, earth, vanilla, and tobacco with flavors of cinnamon and other spices, and bursts of ripe cherries, white pepper and twizzlers, high acidity, 13.5% alcohol and $13.99. MORE >>

From Washington state initial aromas of smoke, followed by raw meats and a palate of rich ripe cherries, blueberries and nice solid tannins. Paired beautifully with appetizer of gorgonzola stuffed figs with arugula, honey toasted walnuts and balsamic and a main course of Steak au Poivre at Alberto's Restaurant on Metropolitain and Forest Hills, NY MORE >>

This Chianti Riserva from the 11th century Frescobaldi vineyards of Rufina is sexy and layered with dark deep, cool ruby colors, fruity aromas of pomegranate and black currant, with exotic notes of leather, vanilla, and a barnyard hint. Fine tannins are expressed with a long clean finish. MORE >>

More from last weekend's Shades of Red dinner and wine pairing, this Gigondas (100% Grenache) was paired with the first course of Pumpkin Risotto. From the Southern Rhone and looking in the glass like it was poured from an inkwell. Then onto the palate with big, contrasting flavors of gamey meats, black pepper, tea and black cherries. 50 retail. MORE >>