Here is a fine Napa blend of 46% Zinfandel, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah, 10% Petite Sirah, 2% Charbono, and 1% Grenache. Deep violet colors in the glass, spreading to a garnet outer ring, with aromas of red berry and ripe black cherry and wafts of smoke. Robert Parker: 90 pts Wine Spectator: 92 pts Retails: $35 MORE >>

More tasting notes from the Snooth California Cabernet Sauvignon Blind Tasting earlier this month. The grower group responsible for this wine has consistently scored in the mid 90s and with 2007 being one of the best years that Napa has seen, making this wine truly exceptional Made from 90% Cabernet, 6% Tempranillo, 4% Syrah. MORE >>

Recently, the wife and I have been discussing a possible trip to California next year. Of course my choice would be Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley or Russian River Valley, the home of some of the best wines in the world. Tags: California Petite Sirah red wine few of the issues are for how long and where. Suggested retail is $15. MORE >>

By contrast, cut to the Auction Napa Valley this past weekend and people were breaking out the umbrellas rather than the sunscreen. Rhys Vineyards has vineyards in more of the marginal weather areas of California and therefore is rightfully weather-obsessed, so their Twitter feed is an excellent source of weather info. MORE >>

It is a kosher Cabernet Sauvigon from California.  Not Napa Valley, but Alexander Valley fruit.  I’ve had the wine before.  Having tasted previous vintages of it, I was not surprised to hear that it was awarded 90 points from Wine Enthusiast. MORE >>