disclaimer: I received this wine as a sample from Patricia Schneider Associates for review. Recently, the wife and I have been discussing a possible trip to California next year. few of the issues are for how long and where. Oh, I'm sorry, did I leave out Paso Robles, Lodi, Central Coast or Livermore Valley. Suggested retail is $15. must buy! MORE >>

While there I let the girls buy up all the fruit and veggies along with some free range meat and eggs they wanted while I hunted around for some wine samples. I don't often go with Shirley and Pam to the Saturday morning Central New York Regional Farmer's Market, but I made an exception today. did stop at one and tasted their 2007 Meritage. MORE >>

And with the exception of wines that are literally 4 or 5 times the price, Gonon's white is the best white Rhône wine I've had (relatively small sample size, but work with me, people). Joseph rouge (2006, 2007) and the thing that always strikes me when I drink these wines is the absolute clarity of their expression. Joseph. alcohol. MORE >>

and with dessert we sampled two delicious Vin Santo: Badia Di Morrona VinSanto Del Chianti 2006 DOC 70% Trebbiano, 15% Malvasia Bianca, 15% Colombana, after the harvest, grapes are selected and hung from the ceiling until January, then aged in caratelli (small kegs) for 3 years, beautiful golden colors with apricot and almond bouquet. MORE >>

Antoine Arena The Corsican magician 2007 Carco This is a barrel sample, who knows what will happen but glug glug, I say. Bianco Gentile VdT 2006 Almond, nut and a delightful bitterness in the finish. Carco Rouge 2006: Floral and tannic with refreshing acidity. Dard Ribo Crozes-Hermitage Blanc 2006 A stormy wine filled with edge. MORE >>