tasting them day in and out, blending samples, distinguishing between the barrels that will be blended into other main lots and those that may stand out on their own to be designated some sort of "reserve" is a tough process. Merlot from Oak Knoll and 1.7% might not understand them yet; they might not show themselves. alcohol. alcohol. MORE >>

It is made from mostly Sangiovese with small amounts of Malvasia Nera, Colorino, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and is aged 24 months in barrel. Full disclosure: This bottle was a complimentary sample for Vigna Uva Vino from Marchesi de Frescobaldi Fine tannins are expressed with a long clean finish. MORE >>

From the Columbia and Walla Walla Valley in Oregon comes this tasty blend made from 35% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 14% Syrah. Select Cuvees of Cabernet, Merlot, and Syrah from top sites in the Walla Walla Valley were blended with choice lots from the Columbia Valley to produce this unique wine. MORE >>

Greg Dal Piaz from Snooth organized a tasting last week to sample nine Bordeaux wines from the 2004, 2005 and 2006 vintages, and below are some of my tasting notes. 2004 Chateau Sociando Mallet Haut-Medo c Full bodied, animal, barnyard, chocolate covered cherries, cherry liquore, dry leaves, $50. Chateau Dassault St. MORE >>

Throughout the evening we sampled a broad spectrum of 5 wonderful wines, 1 Italian white, 3 Italian reds and 1 California Cab. Pride Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 70% form Napa, 30% from Sonoma with a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. Well, here they are. MORE >>