Sonoma Red Wine ()

This wine typically starts life out as a young, tannic puppy, and although it has ripe flavors and a suppleness that can handle rich meats and cheeses, it's best to cellar it. This vintage is quite undeveloped, wrapped in tannic astringency, but with a hopeful core of fruit that should age well from 2008 on.

Sonoma County is a diverse growing region with a complex terrain of small valleys, benchlands and hillsides. A coastal appellation, it is favored with fog in the morning and sunny afternoons cooled by maritime breezes. From the cool Carneros area in the south to the more moderate Russian River and Alexander Valleys further north, a wide variety of grapes can enjoy the optimum climate to achieve rich varietal flavor.

Deep purple in color with a ruby red hue, this exceptionally well-balanced Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits ripe blackberry, cassis and plum fl avors, colored with a touch of mocha and coffee. The sweet, fruity entry is enhanced with a juicy mouthfeel, notes of savory herbs and velvety tannins, followed by a long, smooth finish.

Soft and smooth in tannins, this Cabernet is made in a drier, earthier style than many others. It displays classic blackberry and cedar flavors, and will benefit from a brief decant.

This is a Bordeaux-inspired blend based on Cabernet Sauvignon. It's frankly delicious, with tiers of blackberry and cherry pie, milk chocolate and sweet, buttery, toasted oak flavors. Doesn't have the structure for aging, so drink up with a great steak.

Spicy, lush black fruit of Alexander Valley. Briary and raspberry flavors, along with structure, of cooler Dry Creek Valley. Balanced and elegantly structured. Pair with red sauces, pizza, barbecue, spicy cuisine and a variety of meats

Pretty dry and tannic, but redeemed by good, ripe blackberry, black cherry and smoky cedar flavors. Shows some real flair and richness. Drink now.