2008 Wine between $10 and $25 ()

Harkening back to the elegant style of the 2001, 2004, and 2006 vintages, the 2008 Banda Azul opens with a rich perfume of dark cherries and vanilla; on the palate, the authoritative Tempranillo fruit is well-seasoned by notes of spicy vanilla oak from aging in new barrels. Although fully ready to  enjoy now, this wine offers a significant aging potential of 3 to 9 years.

Brilliant red cherry with violet hues. Elegant ageing aromas with hints of fruit. Serving suggestions: Cold starters, pasta, poultry.

Introducing the latest installment in the immensely popular CWS Cabernet Sauvignon series, the 2008 CWS Reserve Lot 31 Napa Valley. A worthy successor to last year's highly successful Sonoma County release, which sold out almost immediately, this release offers deep Cabernet Sauvignon notes of fresh cedar, mint and blackberry, layered over a classic Napa Valley structure.

The 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva is a very pretty, centered wine. Dark cherries, plums, spices, menthol, cedar, game and tobacco are some of the notes that emerge from the glass. The 2008 is an understated Riserva that impresses for its length, focus and balance. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023.

Clearly of classified growth quality, Lalande-Borie is produced by the winemaking team of "super second" Château Ducru Beaucaillou. Initially purchased to be incorporated into Ducru, its supple, graceful style was just too good to not warrant its own voice. The 2008 Lalande-Borie is deliciously perfumed with notes of wild violets, rose, red berry and a hint of Provençal herbs; on the palate, though not immense or intense, the flavors are nevertheless strikingly lush, deep, and refined. 14 months of aging in French oak barrels (1/3 new) provides a finishing polish of toasty vanilla oak.

Appearance: Deep garnet. Aromas: Inviting aromas of cherry, wild strawberry, and ripe plum are interwovenwith notes of sage and blueberry. Hints of anise and clove give added complexity. Flavors: Rich, elegant and well structured, the palate shows a velvet texturewith smooth mouthfeel and good balance. Layered with full flavors of ripeplums, cherries, tobacco, and sweet notes of vanilla, the finish lingers with rich, dark fruit flavors.