McLaren Vale Pink Knot Rose Wine 2005 (Australia) —
Fresh and floral aromas mingle juicy strawberries and the heady scents of summer garden flowers. Juicy and fresh on the palate, it offers light strawberry flavors; its gentle sweetness is well balanced by crisp acidity. A little sweeter than a classic Provence rosé.

J. Lohr 2008 Wildflower Monterey Valdiguié (California) —
Traditionally called "Napa Gamay", vibrant purple-red in color with Beaujolais-like youthful hues, this Valdiguié has intense varietal aromas of boysenberry, bing cherry, cranberry and banana. The fruit complexion on the palate is slightly darker, favoring blackberry and black cherry fruits.

Albert Bichot Pinot Noir Bourgogne Vieilles Vignes 2006 (France) —
Juicy, honest, people pleasing Pinot, from Burgundy. From 35+ year old vines located mostly in the 'high country' above the Cotes d'Or, this comes from parcels situated primarily in limestone soils. It's fleshy and lifted with strawberry, cherry and plum notes to the fruit, sufficient sweetness to the mid-palate, tender edges for its youth and a pleasing streak that tells you of its Burgundy origins.

Waterbrook Columbia Valley Mélange Noir 2006 (Washington) —
89 Points — Wine Spectator 'Top Value, Smart Buy'
28% Cabernet Franc, 21% Syrah, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Sangiovese, 14% Merlot, and 1% Tempranillo. Aromas of cedar, spice and dark stone fruit are a warm welcome. Black cherry and plum notes marry with delicious flavors of dark chocolate and toasted oak. Balanced tannins and lingering fruit round out the finish.

Duck Pond Merlot 2004 (Wahluke Slope, Washington) —
Silver San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2008
Desert Wind Vineyard is the producer of this Duck Pond Merlot which is located in Eastern Washington on the Wahluke Slope. Barrel aging in both French and American oak barrels added notable structure. The wine is rich with dark fruits such as plum and blackberry integrating beautifully with the oak. Hints of leather and velvety texture with a bit of chocolate linger on the smooth finish.

Alexander Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (California) —
In the glass, the 2007 Estate Cabernet displays big aromas of black cherry, cassis, cocoa powder and plum and flavors of cassis, black cherry and plum along with soft, integrated tannins. This is certainly a great wine to serve with beef, whether braised short ribs or a Tuscan steak rubbed with olive oil and rosemary.

Tobin James Ballistic Paso Robles Zinfandel 2007 (California) —
Aromas of dried cherry, raisin, framboise, caramelized oak and cola spice. Medium-bodied, at first you might think it's sweet around the edges, but the sensation quickly turns dry. The over-the-top jammy blackberry and raspberry liqueur flavors join up with chocolatey oak and a bit of pepper spice as the fruit fades into the warm finish.

O. Fournier B Crux Red Blend 2004 (Argentina) —
91 Points, The Wine Advocate
The 2004 B Crux is a blend of 50% Tempranillo, 40% Malbec, and 10% Merlot aged for 12 months in 50% new French and American oak. Dark ruby-colored, it reveals a fragrant bouquet of cedar, violets, blackberry, black raspberry and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, on the palate it has layers of savory fruit, cinnamon, and chocolate, good balance, excellent concentration, and a lengthy, fruit-filled finish. It will evolve for 2-3 years and drink well through 2018.