Now the 2006 is composed of 60% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and that small but essential 5% Merlot, the color (or ‘robe’ as they say in French) was dark purple and intense, with a small violet/fushia meniscus. For me, the nose had the usual blackcurrant associated with Cabernet Sauvignon, plus some cherry and fresh red fruit. MORE >>

Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon round it all out, along with Petit Sirah and Merlot. The Cabernet Sauvignon fruit comes from an alluvial fan on Ritchie Creek in Calistoga, and the 8% Merlot and 8% Malbac comes from a vienyard along the Napa River. Though diverse as a group, what unites them is their distinctive terroir. 21.99. MORE >>

If you can find any, try Alain Chabanons Les Boissieres or the Petit Merle (mostly merlot). home : wine recommendations : wine girl for hire : bio : articles : contact « Fortune Small Business recommendation | Main | Q & A With Alice F. Now, what could make the fellow happier? Commentary to follow. Feel free not to wait. Comments ".weird MORE >>

The leaders of the civic association did not arbitrarily divide the Chateaux into classes on a whim or personal taste — instead they looked at the record books of negotiants and divided the Chateaux based on the prices their wines fetched in the marketplace. Celine Villars-Foubet. "So what vintage do you think this is?" MORE >>

Instead of drinking crisp sauvignon blanc and dry Mosel in poorly air conditioned rented apartments I’ve been opening cabernets and merlots which I briefly cool off in the fridge. Just last night we opened a Robert Sinskey 2005 Los Carneros Merlot ** that was nicely textured and tart. Flights are delayed. Could this be right?" MORE >>