Red Blend Wine between $25 and $50

The 2007 Quimera is a multi-regional blend of 38% Malbec, 24% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 14% Cabernet Franc aged for 12 months in 40% new French oak before bottling without fining or filtration (as were all of these wines). Purple-colored, it displays an expressive perfume of cedar, scorched earth, violets, black cherry, and black raspberry. Medium- to full-bodied, this mouth-filling blend is sweetly fruited, complex, layered, and rich. It will continue to blossom for another 2-3 years and drink well through 2022.

The 2009 Quimera is a blend of 40% Malbec, 22% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot with yields averaging a minuscule 1.3 tons per acre. The wine was aged in 40% new French oak. Pain grille, pencil lead, Asian spices, incense, violets, and assorted black fruits inform the nose of a complex, intense, layered, spicy, succulent wine with impeccable balance and length. Although it can be approached now, it will benefit from another 2-3 years of cellaring.

The 2008 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano shows lovely intensity in its dark fruit, grilled herbs, licorice and earthiness. This, too, is another feminine, graceful wine with gorgeous length and a polished, harmonious personality. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2015.

Dark cherry red color. Intense nose of ripe fruits (cassis) and confit fruit mixed with sensations of toasted coffee and licorice which bring finesse and elegance. Strength, flesh, savory and opulence combine in the palate of this wine that little by little develops in the bottle.

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.