Here are my favorites right now (prices are with the 10% mixed case discount): Whites 2008 Benaza Monterrei Gode llo , $11.70, Jose Pastor Selections, Vinos & Gourmet Imports. 2008 Knebel Mosel Riesling Trocken , $12.60, Mosel Wine Merchant, USA Imports. 2008 Clos la Coutale Cahors , $13.50, Kermit Lynch Imports. or $13.50 MORE >>

The vines are an assortment of varieties, co-planted in the vineyard here and there, and include mostly zinfandel but also carignane, petite sirah, and matarao (mourvedre). The 2008 Geyserville, translucent in the glass, exudes come-hither aromas of dark fruit, herbs, spice and cedar. The lay of the land. But back to the tasting table. MORE >>

The cheese course, featuring Roncal with compressed fennel and apricot membrillo, was paired with three more reds, and all three were favorites: La Forge, Corbieres-Boutenac AOP 2008, Le Viala, Minevois La Liviniere 2007, and L'Hospitalaitas, Coteaux du Languedoc La Clape AOP 2008. almost dainty. All three fabulous wines. MORE >>

Only a floor sommelier can tell you which is easier, yet one of the things I like best about Aldo Sohm, head sommelier at Le Bernardin who was named Best Sommelier in the World 2008 , is that he is very good at both. It was a young wine with elegant flavors and a good pairing for braised meats. hope to visit them in the Languedoc this summer! MORE >>

Christian Seely led a very interesting test, in which we tasted two groups of base wine: Group 1 was 2008 Merlot, and Group 2 was Cabernet Franc. Grapes planted include Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Carignan. “A French insurance company owns a Chateau?” the woman’s voice says, incredulous. Sunday: Dinner in a Chateau. The Cellar. MORE >>