Orin Swift The Prisoner Napa Valley, 2006:

This is a lovely blend of Zin, Cabernet Sauvignon, Charbono, Grenache, Petite Sirah and Syrah.  Not a big wine; well balanced with deep fruits of plum and berry, rustic notes of herbs, tobacco and a peppery spice.  Pricing runs in the mid $30’s and can be enjoyed over the next year or two.

Ken Wright Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills Carter Vineyard, 2006:

Wright’s Pinot’s are always consistently very good and this one is no different, offering up currant, sweet cherry and blackberry flavors intermingled with a light spice.  Very delightful and has a good few years to go……..priced in the low to mid $50’s which is typical of his wines.

Bodega Catena Zapata Malbec Mendoza, 2007:

A classic, heavy hitting Catena Malbec with aromas and flavors of dark plum and raspberry, a rich almost sweet spiciness and nice minerality.  The wine is priced affordably in the low $20’s and has another year or so to go.

Domaine des Baumard Savennieres Clos du Papillon Chenin Blanc, 2005:

This was a nice find at the Pantano Beverage House last week.  This Loire vineyard is a top flight producer of Chenin Blancs and this is another.  The wine reveals lovely, rich but not too sweet aromas and flavors of pear and melon with a zippy spine of minerality and refreshing lime.  This wine is made for spicy Asian cuisine, barbecued or creamy sauced chicken, fish with lemon, fried foods and shellfish.  Priced around $35.

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Tags: Catena, Chenin Blanc, Domaine des Baumard, Ken Wright, Malbec, Pinot Noir, Savennieres