The first one I opened was the Martellotto 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon. The second bottle was an Agent for Change 2006 Zinfandel. ** Disclaimer: I received these wines from Martellotto Wine s One of the benefits of writing a wine blog is the occasional UPS delivery of wine to taste and review on the blog. Now Cabs I have no problem with. MORE >>

Now this is a relatively new region producing quality wines, among them Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and "Yarden Rom" which is a blend of Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot (percentages depending on the vintage), aged in French oak barrels for roughly 21 months and bottled without filtration. MORE >>

Instead, I uncorked an Arboleda Carmenère 2006 from the Colchagua Valley of Chile. The Arboleda Carmenère 2006 was purchased locally for $19 Vintage: 2006 Appellation: Chile Wine pH: 3.61 Wish I had a nice Canadian wine tonight so I could toast the Canadian Olympic Hockey Team on their winning of the Gold medal. Wine Acidity: 5.31 MORE >>

A blend from Verona of Cabernet Sauvignon with a bit of Cabernet Franc, this is loaded with intense aromas of black raspberries, vanilla, stewed prunes, and even hints of bacon with an even smaller hint of varnish. Ovaltine. Seems like a perfect match for a cold snowy February night MORE >>

Tonight I opened up the second bottle and had maybe the best white wine find of this summer, a 2006 Michael Shaps Viognier from the King Family Vineyards. While in Virginia on vacation, I picked up four bottles of Virginia wines, figuring I would try all four and choose one to review. The wines are produced with a traditional old-world style. MORE >>