Lot 135 Central Coast Syrah 2007 $12 Animal, bright fruits, dark berries, strawberries, red licorice. Lot 169 Napa Valley Merlot 2007: new release Blue fruits, candy cane, some heat, blueberries, oak, structured. Cameron Hughes is a Negociant in the wine world, delivering small "Lots" of high-end wines at very affordable prices. MORE >>

From Monterey, California, a Meritage is a Bordeaux style blend using Cabernet and Merlot. this one also has Petit Verdot and Malbec in the mix. On the nose a thick and intense syrupy aroma of ripe cherries, with juicy flavors showing herbal influence, swathed in violet powder and a mild vegetal edge. MORE >>

With all this talk of the merlot and pinot noir it was now time to enjoy the latter. If you haven't already, try some of these California Central Coast wines. Last night my wife and I were celebrating for celebration's sake. dipped into the "cellar" and found yet another Cali wine from our trip. Good stuff. Cheers MORE >>

The red varietals that define this region, syrah, carignan, grenache, mouvedre and to some extent merlot and cabernet sauvignon are always blended together is some way shape or form depending on the appellation or sub-appellation. It is 90% sangiovese, which is the main grape in this area with the rest being made up of canaiolo and merlot. MORE >>

And with that being said we decided not to jump the gun with whites, roses, and Beaujolais saving these for April and focusing on the western Coast of the United States for March's Wine Starter Kit. Good starter at a get together) • 2005 Belle Isle Chardonnay (truly un-oaked chardonnay from Cali's central Coast. Cheers MORE >>