CALIFORNIA

Alexander Valley

Alexander Valley Vineyards
2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Wetzel Family Estate; $35
14/20 — Displaying a nose of blackcurrant berries, the wine is complemented by an addition of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, eliciting concentrated fruit flavors, a friendly mouth feel and moderate tannins.

Edna Valley

Martin & Weyrich
2006 Pinot Noir—Jack Ranch, Edna Valley; $25
14/20 — This vino, displaying cherry and raspberry flavors balanced by oak and supple tannins, pairs well with white meats, wild mushrooms and scented herbs.

Napa Valley

Casa Nuestra Winery & Vineyards
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena Estate; $55
14.5/20 — This fragrant, silky wine features well-masked tannins and complex flavors of black cherries, chocolate and sweet tobacco, revealing a creamy finish. The vino pairs well with steak and lamb.

Century Cellars
2005 Century Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon; $6
13.5/20 — Displaying aromas and flavors of candy cherry, cola and cocoa, along with a medium body of approachable tannins, this cab pairs well with grilled steak sandwiches, pasta and pizza.

Dynamite Vineyards
2004 Dynamite Vineyards Red Hills Cabernet Sauvignon; $15
13.5/20 — With a full palate of sweet, fine-grained tannins, this vino divulges flavors of blackberries and plums complemented by notes of chocolate, and pairs well with grilled lamb and roast beef.

Summers Estate Wines
2006 Napa Valley Estate Charbono—Villa Andriana Vineyard; $28
14/20 — This dark red vino, made from the rare Charbono varietal, features bright fruit flavors and soft, round tannins. Enjoy the wine with rabbit, pasta, or sausage pizza.

Taylor Family Vineyards
2002 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District; $80
14.5/20 — Along with soft tannins endowing this juicy wine with a round and balanced mouth feel, hints of vanilla give way to a long finish with a soft cocoa mouth and notes of violets.

North Coast

Benziger Family Winery
2006 Sauvignon Blanc, North Coast; $13
13.5/20 — With floral aromas betraying citrus flavors, this wine provides an acidic structure and harmonious mouth feel, and pairs well with white fish or fruits.

Paso Robles

Martin & Weyrich
2003 Paso Robles Insieme; $15
14/20 — A blend of Petite Sirah, Barbera, Nebbiolo, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese and Zinfandel, this red reveals a full-body that pairs well with tomato-based pasta dishes, roasted fowl and red meat.

Santa Barbara County

Sea Smoke Cellars
2005 Sea Smoke 'Ten' Pinot Noir; $70
15/20 — Named for the cool maritime fog that rolls through the Santa Ynez River canyon, this red features aromas of plum and black cherry, and is best when aged and paired with game.

Sonoma County

Korbin Kameron Vineyards
2004 Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon; $46
16/20 — Strawberry preserves, dried orange peels and violets perfume this classic cabernet. Rich fruit flavors, which balance toast and spice from the oak, linger through the finish.

MISSOURI

Hermann

Stone Hill Winery
2006 St. Vincent Rosé; $12
13/20 — This dry rosé, made from St. Vincent grapes, offers fruity flavors and aromas of strawberry and watermelon. Pairs well with grilled chicken and spicy Mediterranean dishes.

Burgundy

Les Vins Georges Debœuf
2006 Pouilly-Fuissé Domaine Béranger; $19
13.5/20 — Exuding scents of white flowers, fruits and notes of vanilla, the vino has an oily texture with an excellent finish and pairs well with red snapper.

Champagne

Champagne Charles de Cazanove
Le Rosé; $59
14.5/20 — Consisting of fifteen percent Bouzy Rouge, this salmon pink-colored drink has a strong, concentrated bouquet of flavors with varied red fruit aromas.

Champagne Henriot
Champagne Souverain Pur Chardonnay; $42
15/20 — Made completely from Chardonnay, this cuvée exhibits flowery and subtle flavors of white fruit, and the terroirs of Mesnil sur Oger, Vertus, Chouilly and Trépail.

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