But that is a part of the character and charm of Monte Bello, which distinguishes it from so many other wines from California, even those -- if not especially those -- from Napa Valley. Tags: Cellar Selection 3 stars 2005 2003 Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello Napa Valley deep plum color, with a certain vibrancy, like polished wax. MORE >>

This red from California is from the second flight at Snooth's Cabernet Blind Tasting last week. Actually this is a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Syrah and 4% Merlot and made from grapes from Mendocino, Lake County and Napa County (45%, 30%, 25%). alcohol and $12.99. MORE >>

From 95% cabernet sauvignon, with 3% merlot and 2% petit verdot.makes me think they should add 2% petit verdot to the final blend of the 2008, in an attempt to recreate the longevity of the sweetness here. Tags: 2004 Central California 2006 1988 3 stars Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello Napa Valley 4 stars Still delicious. underneath. MORE >>

We tasted these wines blind over the past five nights, with a 2004 Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon thrown in to mix things up. The 2004 Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ** by contrast was mote black and abundantly oaky on the nose at first glance. But the predominant note on day 1 was the vanilla. MORE >>

Welcome Napa Valley Vintners! And you’re probably remembering just how nice it is to live in California. As you can see from my tasting card, I didn’t get to taste all of the wines at last night’s A Taste of Napa Valley with Morrell & Co. Tags: 2 stars USA 2006 3 stars 1 star 2005 Napa Valley didn’t even try. MORE >>