Here are a few of my favorites: Channing Daughters 2007 Sculpture Garden 88% Merlot from the Sculpture Garden vineyard (the oldest on the South Fork, planted in 1982) and 12% Blaufrankisch from Sylvanus vineyard, aged in French and Slovenian oak barrels for twenty-two months. million per year. Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.5% MORE >>

Conceived as a marriage between the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot grapes, this Italian "SuperTuscan" has evolved over the years from a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon to more Merlot, which yields more plush, supple, luxurious wines. Isn't this art incredibly gorgeous? MORE >>

He had originally bought a case to commemorate the birth of his 2nd son, and I thought it was very generous of him to show up with this wonderful Bordeaux blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. The world of wine has been good to me. Ray O., Julien 2003. Thank you, Ray! MORE >>

Monte Bello, the estate’s top wine, is a blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and some Merlot, but also, in some vintages, some petit verdot. Estephe-like in its tannins; turns out it was 76% cabernet sauvignon and 24% merlot. It had extraordinary length; I would like to try against top Bordeaux of the same vintage. MORE >>

Christian Moueix, an owner of Chateau Petrus and a leading negociant house in Bordeaux, purchased a share of property in the 1983 with a goal of making “French-style wine in a Napa terroir with a Bordeaux spirit,&# according to my guide. I’ve wanted to visit the Dominus Estate in Napa since it was built in 1997. MORE >>