Recently, the wife and I have been discussing a possible trip to California next year. The past few months I have been tasting, or should I say consuming, some really fantastic California wines from many different AVA's. Tags: California Petite Sirah red wine few of the issues are for how long and where. Suggested retail is $15. MORE >>

I'm leaving Chile(till later) and heading over to California to try a few more Zin's. Tags: California red wine Sonoma County Zinfandel I'm starting to surprise myself with what I am finding with Zinfandel and also a bit disappointed that I wasted so many years with such a limited selection or narrow palate. Not that I am old?? MORE >>

An Atwater Estate Vineyards , Cabernet-Merlot 2007. blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Merlot. Winemakers notes: This dynamic duo combines the brawn of Cabernet Sauvignon and the suppleness of Merlot. Tags: Cabernet-Merlot New York Seneca Wine Trail red wine Finger Lakes Can't do much better than that. MORE >>

And, on a related note, what Michelle Obama has done with the organic garden at the White House is terrific. 2009 Peter Michael Chardonnay Ma Belle-Fille ( about $80 ) USA, California, Sonoma County, Knights Valley. 2007 Iron Horse Vineyards Russian Cuvée ( about $30 ) USA, California, Sonoma County, Green Valley. Find it. MORE >>

The second, I enjoyed with my daughter's roasted organic free range chicken and some fabulous roasted potato fingerlings. This has been one fantastic year of enlightenment for me when it comes to all things wine. Believe I may do a year end article on the subject. Dornfelder is a cross between Helfensteiner and Heroldrebe grapes. MORE >>