2008 Hanzell Estate Sonoma Pinot Noir Briny, musky, with notes of damp earth and mild but fresh spice aromas with bright fresh and sweet grape notes on top. Crosby Roamann USA 3 stars Sonoma Napa Valley 2008Harvest is progressing nicely, if slowly, here in Napa Valley. Our 2011 St. We'll be picking the Oak Knoll District Merlot next. MORE >>

The first I tried was the 2008 Pinot Noir which was light bodied with light cherry colors, and aromas of cherry, a tarry vanilla, red berries and smoked meats. After visiting the Oregon Food and Beverage Show in NYC a few weeks ago, I was impressed with the wines I tasted from The Erath Winery. MORE >>

Tonight was one of them nights when Shirley did not feel like cooking, I was not hungry and the NCAA Basketball National Championship was being played. game I have not missed in 38 years. So, an early dinner of shredded wheat with soy milk and a 1/2 cantelope was paired with a tall glass of OJ. This one was another blend called Mercury Rising. MORE >>

From the French AOP of Languedoc, here is a blend of Carignan, Grenache Noir, Syrah, and Cinsault. Full bodied red, deep garnet colors, with aromas of dark fruit, blackberry, raspberry and spices, and some barnyard, dry on the tongue with medium plus tannins, more spice hints and a decent finish. SRP $10 and 12% alcohol. MORE >>

And the winner was: a Hosmer Winery Cabernet Franc 2008( $18 ). Got home from work on this very humid night and just wanted a nicely chilled white wine to sip on while playing on the PC. For some reason, the door on the wine fridge was open and both levels where reading 64F, so I was forced into pulling out one of my reds. MORE >>