You can attend the Napa Valley Wine Auction the week of June 2 - 5 (Lot 19) and purchase the wine for charity (and a lot of fun extras) in person. or if you can't get to Napa, starting May 29 2011 you can bid online ( just click here ). The vines planted are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. Helena. MORE >>

Washington State, is known to produce some exceptional reds, in particular Merlot, Syrah and yes, of course, Cabernet Sauvignon (and blends including all or some of the aforementioned varietals). They are also often (but certainly not always) more affordable than their southernly neighbors from Napa. MORE >>

Do you like Merlot? Price was of course a concern. My Napa contacts might kill me for saying this, but I think I preferred this wine to some of the high scoring California Pinot's I have had. It's late, I have a nice buzz, so I'll keep this (first) one brief. went on a (blind) date with a nice young woman tonight. NEVER AGAIN! MORE >>

I only have myself to blame, of course, because (in many respects) I am a retailer's dream client: I buy steadily, all across the price spectrum, from vintage to vintage, and I encourage others to buy and drink more wine, too. But more on that, later. Some are Good Values , others are Cellar Selections , all are American. don't really know. MORE >>

There is certainly plenty of exposure and sunlight - even more per day on average than in the Napa Valley. Are they an extension of the bad aspects of Napa, or are they making wines that reflect something about their own place? 2004 Pepper Bridge Colombia Valley Merlot - at last, some brett - a breath of fresh air, so to speak. MORE >>