Hard to tell which phrase would strike more fear in the heart of Napa: finances that are “very weak&# or “on life support.&# But probably the scariest phrase is this: “High-rollers are discovering that there are lots of drinkable $20 to $40 bottles of wine.&# ["Vineyard Defaults Surge as Bargain Wines Hurt Napa" Bloomberg ]. 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 >>

From organic vineyards in Carneros, Napa, California, light ruby colors with red fruit, jammy and gamey aromas while the palate holds spicy cinnamon, black cherry, raspberry and hints of toasty oak with smooth texture and nice finish. Here are the numbers: $35, 14.2% alcohol and 91 points from Wine Enthusiast. 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 >>